While the US economy is creating plenty of jobs, it isn’t growing much.  In the first half of 2016, gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an anemic annualized rate of just 1%, compared to about 2% since the end of the recession, and 2.5% from 2000 through 2007.  Usually, weak economic growth has been associated with weak employment growth. But not now! 

INSIDE THE SEPTEMBER HOT SHEET

“As the existing housing market remains tight, families are realizing they can build the home of their dreams in the community they love. Our industry's builders, carpenters and tradespeople all work to build the safest neighborhoods at a price that families can afford.” said Meg Jaeger, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities 2016 President.

The State Fair Poll Results

The annual State Fair poll has been completed and provides some interesting feedback from State-Fair goers.  Conducted by the nonpartisan House Public Information Services Office, the poll is an informal, unscientific survey of issues discussed in prior legislative sessions and that may be topics of discussion in 2017. So while this doesn’t reflect a scientifically valid sample of Minnesotans, it’s an interesting look at some key issues that could crop up when the 2017 legislature convenes. 

BATC Related Headlines

Modular Homes Offer Quicker, Cheaper Path To Owning A New House
Twin Cities construction company has put its first modular home for sale in North Minneapolis. Read more >>

What's Holding Back the Housing Market? Not Enough Construction Workers
Eight years after the housing bust drove an estimated 30% of construction workers into new fields, homebuilders across the country are struggling to find workers at all levels of experience. Read more >>

Please join our next Roundtable:

MNOSHA Regulations and Overview for builders and remodelers. How to make your work place and job sites safer and avoid those stiff penalties!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
12:00 noon to 1:30 pm (lunch will be served)

Speaker: Lee Craig, OSHA Principal Safety Investigator

Bring your questions!

Please RSVP by Oct. 14 to Wendy Danks or register below.

Join the Force! 

We are looking for members to serve on the BATC Buck Auction Task Force. This would be a great spot for anyone who wants to get involved, but can only give a few hours. Contact Nicole (651)697-7571 for more information.  

Don't Miss the Energy Efficiency Conference

Builders • Remodelers • Building Officials • Suppliers

Tuesday, October 25 • 7:30 am-Noon • $39 per person 

Green Building, High Performance and Building Science
Presented by Peter Yost 
How Green Building, High Performance and Building Science relate—and how to use them in a different ways with your crews and trades.

Peter Yost is a principal and VP of Technical Services with BuildingGreen, Inc. in Brattleboro, VT. He has been building, researching, teaching, writing, and consulting on high performance buildings for more than 25 years. His expertise includes advanced framing, energy efficiency and building durability. In 2014, Peter was awarded NAHB Educator of the Year Award.

The morning also includes breakfast and a forum on changes in energy programs by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint. 

3 Hours of Continuing Education Credit: MN Contractor (including energy), WI Contractor, MN Real Estate, MN Building Official

September 10 - Oct. 2
Parade of Homes
September 20
BATC Foundation Golf Tournament 
September 30 - Oct. 2
Remodelers Showcase
October 4
Clay Shoot [Register]
October 19
Small Volume Builders & Remodelers Roundtable [Register]
October 20
The BIG Night [Register]
October 25
Green Path Energy Efficiency Conference [Register]

For a complete list of events, visit our website at www.batc.org