• Happy New Year! We all have so much to celebrate. Check out BATC's 2014 accomplishments below!
   
• Social Media Explosion! The Parade of Homes Facebook likes hit over 10,000! Have you liked us yet?
   
• Have you reviewed your first Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase proof yet? We can still take entries with a late fee that is a tax deductible donation to our Foundation.
   
• Do you know any young individuals looking to get into the industry. The deadline is approaching for BATC Foundation scholarship applications due January 16! Applications may be found online.
   
• Don't miss our next Lead Refresher course. Sign up here. Also, earn your CE credits! Register now for BATC-U courses. 
   
• Elliot has a special message for you! Watch video below. 

Here's to a great 2014! We had an amazing year here at BATC! Thank you all for being a part of it. Looking back we narrowed down our Top 14 Highlights of 2014 >>

1. Membership - 1,089 members strong!

2. Housing First Success - Housing First reached all it's major election goals.

3. Artisan Home Tour Success - Great first year!

4. Parade of Homes Hits High Note - Heading into 2015 with most entries since 2009.

5. The BIG Night ROCKED!! - 700 attendees, classic venue, and awesome award winning projects!

6. Stopped Minneapolis Moratorium - BATC helped quickly end moratorium.

7. First Green Path Community Approved - Homestead Partners gained approval for Eden Prairie Gardens.

8. BATC University was Leading Code Educator - BATC-U sprung into action to help educate on new code implications.

9. BATC Got Social - New press secretary, new blog and more active on social media! BATC is working hard to inform and be heard.

10. BATC Foundation Made a Difference - With tremendous support from BATC members and volunteers, the Foundation completed several life changing projects.

11. KARE 11 Backyard - BATC embarked on a partnership with KARE 11 TV, a Twin Cities icon.

12. Met Council Population Forecast - The Met Council adjusted their population forecasts substantially after BATC turned up the pressure.

13. Job Fair - BATC is doing its part to elevate career opportunities.

14. Builder Day at the Capitol - We took it up a notch with a Builder Day at the Capitol that will continue to boost our advocacy program.

For more on why these 14 top our list for the year, click here >>

Elliot would like to personally invite you! Join us January 8th for The Eisenberg Report and the 2015 Board Induction. Register here >>

Look for the BATC-U catalog coming in the mail! Be sure to share it with your trade partners. You can help them be successful in 2015.

School is back in session January 27th! Earn your required Minnesota and Wisconsin contractor and Minnesota real estate credits at BATC University!  Check out our digital 2015 course booklet >>

BATC UNIVERSITY JANUARY SCHEDULE

January 7 – EPA Lead Renovator Refresher Course

January 9 – New Building & Energy Code Course – Final Class

January 27 – BATC University – 7 Hours of CE Courses

January 29 – BATC University – 7 Hours of CE Courses

For details on the above plus additional continuing education courses in February and March, click here >> 

Confused about when the code actually takes effect? You're not alone. BATC has spoken with DLI representatives who provided the following guidance on the effective date of the new code:

MN Rules Chapter 1300.0130 (7) states: “the code in effect at the time of application shall be applicable.”

It’s key that application be accepted by the LGU as complete, but the interpretation by DLI is that the code at the time of completed application is the applicable code for the project (not at approval by the city). 

BATC President Shawn Nelson was recently quoted in the Star Tribune on a story about Twin Cities suburbs building homes on smaller lots. Read the story here >>

Calculating your potential mortgage payment is easy, but how do you measure the cost of living for your home? NorthstarMLS will be the first MLS in the country to use a new tool which will help homebuyers calculate the "True Lifestyle Cost" of a home. Read more >>

Don't miss your chance to donate! Make your 2014 tax-deductible gift to the Foundation and help us complete several great projects, including a home for Marco Solt and new space for the "Blue Bird House". Donate here.

January 6
Code Class [Register]
January 7
Lead Refresher Course [Register]
January 8
Eisenberg Report and Dinner Meeting [Register]
January 9
Code Class [Register]
January 21
IBS Hospitality Suite in Las Vegas [Register]
January 27
BATC University Starts [Register]
February 18
Builder Day at the Capitol [Register]
February 19
Job and Career Fair at Mall of America [Get a Booth]
February 24
Foundation Annual Recognition Lunch with Belinda Jensen

Save the Date!

April 2
Builders and Remodelers Show [Register]
July 9
Mid-Year Residential Outlook Breakfast [Register]

For a complete list of events, visit our website at WWW.BATC.ORG.