• Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase final proofs are due Wednesday the 14th! Be sure to include final cost.
   
• The 2015 legislative session wrapped up week one! Check out what you need to know below.
   
• Honor our Foundation volunteers! Register for the February 24th Recognition Luncheon at the Golden Valley Country Club today. KARE 11's Belinda Jensen will be our guest speaker!
   
• How does Genoa Salami, Rare Roast Beef, Peppered Pastrami, and Tomato and Basil Bruschetta sound? These are just a few of the treats you'll enjoy in our Hospitality Suite at IBS! RSVP today!
   
• Scholarships! BATC Foundation scholarship applications are due Friday. Applications can be found online.
   
• Need workers? Reserve a booth at this years 3rd Annual BATC Job and Career Fair at MOA!

Ready to serve! BATC's 2015 board was inducted last Thursday at the International Market Square during The Eisenberg Report dinner meeting. 

2015 Executive Board:

President: Chris Contreras – Ryland Homes Minnesota, Eden Prairie
Builder Vice President: Meg Jaeger – Mega Homes, Dayton
Associate Vice President: Todd Polifka – Brush Masters, Maple Grove
Treasurer: Bob Michels – Bob Michels Construction, North Oaks
Secretary: Jason McCarty – Westwood Professional Services, Eden Prairie
Past President: Shawn Nelson – New Spaces, Burnsville
Past Associate Vice President: Daryl Dohr – Marvin Windows and Doors, Eagan
Past President’s Advisory Council: Lowell Pratt – Pratt Homes, Vadnais Heights

Board of Directors:

Bill Burgess – Lennar Homes, Plymouth
Charlie Bradburn – ABC Millwork Division, Chanhassen
Tamara Erickson – Country Joe Homes, Lakeville
Jim Kuiken – Accent Homes, Inc., Ham Lake
Andy Michels – Bob Michels Construction, North Oaks
Craig Plekkenpol – Plekkenpol Builders, Bloomington
John Rask – Hans Hagen Homes, Inc., Fridley
Brian Robbins – Pella Windows & Doors, Plymouth

New President Chris Contreras is focused on getting every member more engaged and involved this year. Read more >>

1. Session Priorities Dinner Session kicked off last week with the MN Chamber Session Kick-Off serving as the un-official beginning of legislative activity. BATC leadership and staff were there.

2. Building and Energy Code BATC’s first-week conversations included several with legislators looking to amend and delay the building and energy code. There is also interest in addressing the litigation challenges in Common Interest Community developments. Expect conversations to continue and bill introductions as soon as this week.

3. Street Improvement Districts appeared in the Senate Transportation Bill. BATC-negotiated language to shelter new development pre-construction and for at least three years following development was also included, improving the proposal considerably. Expect strong opposition from business groups who see these districts as another transportation tax. 

4. Transportaion funding may be the first battlefield of the session. The Governor is proposing a wholesale gas tax, the Senate also supports it, while the House wants MnDOT to find funds in their current budget to be applied to roads and bridges. For more info check out MPR's or KSTP's coverage of the issue.

New Building/Energy Code Course
Due to popular demand, we've added one more class just added on Friday, January 23, 8 am-Noon @ BATC.
More than 500 people have attended this course! Be prepared for the new code changes and sign-up now!

Earn Your CE Credits
Builders, remodelers and realtors! Make a better choice. Earn your continuing education credits at BATC. More than 40 courses start on January 27th. Register today! 

Complete your NAHB CAPS Designation at BATC-U
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. Register for individual days OR all three, March 17, 18 & 19. Remember, CAPS courses have limited space so please sign up quickly!

Third Annual Job & Career Fair at the Mall of America Rotunda! 
Join us Thursday, February 19, 2015 • Noon-4:00 PM
Early Bird discount for exhibiting ends on Wednesday.

Find your next great hire >> 

Have you liked our Facebook page or followed us on Twitter yet? If not, do so now! We promise you won't regret it. Stay up to date with industry news and events. Plus, you'll be able to follow our every move here at BATC HQ.

The Foundation has selected their Spring Dreams Homes:

New Homes: 
- Hartman Homes, Inc. (pictured above)
- Renaissance Builders, Inc.
- Ridge Creek Custom Homes

Remodeled Dream Homes:
​- Vujovich Design
- Xpand, Inc.

We're thrilled to open these gorgeous homes to the public this Spring and hope to raise $50,000 for the Foundation.

Is your subcontractor registered? The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) reminds contractors that in addition to their own registration or licensing requirements, they also need to comply with the subcontractor requirements. Contractors must also ensure their subcontractors' business filings are active with the Secretary of State and must have written contracts with their subcontractors in order to be able to treat them as independent contractors rather than employees.

Registration is free online here >>

"This makes it possible for more people to step up to a bigger house,” said Herb Tousley, director of the real estate center in the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas

Just 7.3 percent of Twin Citians with a mortgage owed more than their house was worth during the third quarter last year. That’s down from nearly 10 percent a year ago and less than half the rate two years ago. Read more >>

January 21
IBS Hospitality Suite in Las Vegas [Register]
January 27
BATC University Starts [Register]
January 23
New Building and Energy Code Course [Register]
January 27
BATC-U Begins - Earn your CE Credits [Get Info]
February 3
BATC-U: Lead Refresher Course [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 [Register]
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.