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Visit Us at Our IBS Hospitality Suite, Tomorrow
If you're at the International Builders' Show this week, be sure to join other BATC members and Minnesota peers at our cocktail reception tomorrow, January 23rd, from 6 - 8 PM at Bally's Skyview lounge (26th floor).
Contact our front desk at 651-697-1954 with questions or for details.
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Slow Start to Session -
Budget Unveiling Will Pick up the Pace
The Gov’s Budget Proposal
The feel of an extended orientation crept through the Capitol and into week two, but the pace is about to quicken. Eyes have turned to Governor Dayton and his budget proposal. Due today, this will mark the beginning of the premier legislative issue for the 2013 session. As we’ve stated in our lead-up to the session, we expect a robust debate on tax fairness and a deeper philosophical discussion about the state’s priorities, who should benefit and, of course, who ought to pay. Some of the budget discussion will touch our industry directly, but much of it won’t. Still, the budget debate will influence the flow of legislative traffic, so you can count on BATC being there.
Health Care Exchange
The one item moving through the process thus far is the bill which would establish Minnesota’s Health Care Exchange. Putting us in compliance with Obamacare will not be without challenges as the early overtures of a bipartisan bill appear to be fraying already. Early concerns are focusing on the authority granted to the seven-member oversight board. Legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns about conflicts of interest, and whether or not the oversight board will actually restrict options by attempting to drive a bargain to insurance plans on behalf of Minnesotans. The bill still has a dozen stops before its March deadline. If legislation is not approved by the end of March, the federal government could impose its own health exchange model on Minnesota.
Special Elections Heating Up
Special Elections to fill vacancies in MN House districts 14A (St. Cloud) and 19A (St. Peter/Mankato) are in full swing as campaigns work within a compressed campaign timeline ahead of the February 12th elections.
In the 14A race, former CMBA (St. Cloud) President Tama Theis has received the GOP endorsement. Theis and her husband Greg own a remodeling company and are long-time NAHB federation members. Former St. Cloud school board member Joanne Dorsher will be the DFL candidate on the ticket.
In district 19A race, Former Republican state Rep. Allen Quist received the GOP endorsement. The DFL side is unsettled, with four candidates facing each other on Jan. 29 in a primary BATC and Housing First are reviewing the races closely- more to come.
BAM Announces New EVP
The Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) announced the appointment of Remi Stone as BAM’s executive vice president. Stone brings more than 20 years of extensive experience with the Minnesota state government and the construction industry to her new role, including time as a staff member with BATC. Best of luck to Remi and BAM!
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Get All 14 of Your Contractor Credits Next Week
Fulfill all 14 of your contractor credits during next week's two-day line-up. BATC-U is offering a full day of classes on January 29th and January 31st. Enjoy free parking, lunch and get all of your Continuing Education credits taken care of in two days.
View the 2013 BATC-U Schedule >>
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Prices Increasing for New Homes in MSP
In the Twin Cities, New Home prices are increasing as the housing industry continues to rebound. Read the article.
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BRS Demo Stage Line-Up
Enhance your experience at the Builders & Remodelers Show on February 21st. The BRS Demo Stage will feature six fun and informative 15-minute presentations. Check out the line-up:
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3:00 - 3:15 PM James Hardie Building Products
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3:30 - 3:45 PM Bluelinx
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4:00 - 4:15 PM Hedberg Masonry & Landscape Supplies
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4:30 - 4:45 PM MediaMAX Events & Expos, Inc.
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5:00 - 5:15 PM Referral Buzz
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5:30 - 5:45 PM Oakcrest Building Products
For more details on each presentation, visit WWW.BATCBRS.COM
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More Good News
Housing Getting a Big Boost: See Who's Moving Out
Reuters - "Americans are feeling increasingly confident in the future and more and more are striking out to set up their own homes, a move that is helping propel the housing recovery." [keep reading]
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Farmers Looking to Buy & Lease Land
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking land for Twin Cities farmers. Please read this letter from David Frederickson, Commissioner, to learn more about this opportunity. Read more.
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Members in the News
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Jeff Schoenwetter, JMS Custom Homes, K.C. Chermak, Pillar Homes and Shawn Nelson, New Spaces; Finance & Commerce: Builders See Rising Material Costs [read article].
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Events & Announcements
January 22-24, 2013
International Builder's Show [register]
January 23, 2013
IBS Hospitality Suite [get more information]
January 30, 2013
Homebuilder Day on the Hill
February 6, 2013
Job & Career Fair [get more information]
February 6, 2013
YP's 3rd Annual Feed My Starving Children Event [register]
February 12
Remodelers Roundtable at Designer Marketplace [register]
February 12
Showroom Mixer at Designer Marketplace
February 21, 2013
Builders & Remodelers Show [buy a booth]
February 21, 2013
Foundation Recognition Luncheon [get more information]
March 2-24, 2013
Spring Parade of Homes
March 22-24, 2013
Spring Remodelers Showcase
March 5
Re-Build Happy Hour hosted by YP’s [register]
March 12
Showroom Mixer at Brock White
April 11
Member Mixer [get more information]
See Complete Calendar >>
Become an event sponsor: Take your membership to the next level by partnering with BATC. Contact Kori for sponsorship openings.
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