2016 does not present large windows of opportunity for movement on controversial policy initiatives. It will, however, provide opportunities to defend against opposition issues and also to elevate discussions on housing affordability as we approach the 2016 elections.

St. Paul Paid Sick Time
Earlier this month the Saint Paul City Council unanimously passed a resolution convening a task force to discuss the possibility of extending earned sick and safe time to all employees in Saint Paul. There are three main ways for individuals to participate and comment: Apply to serve on the Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force; attend a community conversation around earned sick and safe time; or provide online comments on Open Saint Paul. Learn more >>

Special Election Today
Some voters in Bloomington will head to the polls today in a Special Election to fill a vacancy in Legislative District 50B caused by the resignation of Representative Ann Lenczewski. 

According to estimates published by the Commerce Department, the homeownership rate ticked up slightly in the fourth quarter, lifting economists’ hopes that it may finally be hitting bottom. The homeownership rate, not seasonally adjusted, ticked up slightly to 63.8% from 63.7% in the third quarter. It is also up from a 48-year low of 63.4% in the second quarter

Inside the February Hot Sheet
Residential construction activity closed out the year on a flat note. Even with an eight percent boost in the number of permits pulled in December (over December 2014), overall permit numbers were down one-half-of-one percent compared to 2014.

This Week's BATC Related Headlines

Homebuilding in Twin Cities Jolts Upward in January
The Star Tribunes coverage of the January permit numbers. Read more >>

The Spring Tour is Almost Here

The Spring Guidebooks are ready to be picked up at Holiday Station Stores across the Twin Cities. You can also page through our guidebooks online. Read our E-Magazines here >>

Get social with us! Don't forget to follow our Parade of Homes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram pages for more spring tour fun. #LetInspirationBloom

Small Volume Builders Committee Roundtable
February 17th, 12:00 noon, lunch served (open to builders only) at BATC
Inbound Marketing
Learn how to effectively leverage today’s technology to attract targeted prospects to your website. Get your free website review/score too. Presented by Jenna Engel, Inbound Marketing Specialist at Jul Creative.

Free! RSVP to save your space and learn how to get your free company website review.

Remodelers Roundtable
February 18th, 2:00 pm at BATC
Houzz Workshop
Bring your laptop and be prepared to build your own Houzz profile, or learn best practices to make your current page better. Learn about Ideabooks and more so you’ll be able to attract new clients and promote your brand with Houzz.

Free! RSVP to save your spot.

Spread the Word!

The fourth annual BATC Job & Career Fair will be at the Mall of America Rotunda on February 18, from Noon to 4 PM featuring 35 businesses (up from 20 in 2015) with more than 200 jobs openings! Booth spaces are filled. 
Details: www.TCBuilderJobs.org

The BATC Foundation's Latest Project is a Wrap

Celebrate the finished remodel of the Bluebird House, which provides services to four medically fragile individuals. Take a tour of the home and join the the BATC Foundation along with Homeward bound and build partner Vujovich Design in celebrating this amazing project.

When: Tuesday, February 16, 3:00 pm.
Where: 6452 Bluebird Circle, Maple Grove, MN 55369

You Are a Member. Now What?

Our new KickStart Membership Events will boost your BATC ROI. Members old and new are welcome to join us tomorrow.

You Will Discover:
- How to best use BATC’s consumer marketing
- How we communicate
- What’s happening in the industry
- Getting your CE credits
- Best way to connect and network
- How members serve the community
- Feb. 10, 2016  from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at BATC.
- Free to all members.

Fun, Funky, Classy, Stylish Little Library Designs Wanted by February 19th! 

Get out your drawing pencil and show us your design chops! The BATC Young Professionals and SPAAR Community Engagement Committee are ready to build three Free Little Libraries from your designs. Winning designers will be named on the libraries and included in our press releases/events. And to add even more incentive, we’ll be awarding prizes worth up to $100 including; Cities 97 Studio C Passes, Mall of America ride wristbands, Spirit Mountain lifts tickets and more.

Building for High Performance with Mark LaLiberte

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 |  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |  $98 Includes Lunch

In this full-day session, Mark LaLiberte shows how complex changes in home design, building materials, mechanical systems, appliances, code compliance and consumer lifestyles and expectations make every builder, supplier, and trade contractor’s job more demanding. Mark is an internationally recognized industry consultant, educator, and much sought after presenter. Mark has a unique talent for taking building science issues that he observes in the field, and present them in an easily understood, practical real-world manner.

Plus additional CE courses on February 25, March 1, 8, 22, 24, 29, and 30.
 

Feb. 10
Member KickStart [Register]
Feb. 11
Contractor University: Mold Remediation course [Register]
Feb 17.
Small Volume Builders Roundtable: Inbound Marketing [RSVP]
Feb. 18
Remodelers Roundtable: Houzz Workshop [RSVP]
Feb. 18
BATC Job & Career Fair [Register]
Feb. 20
Parade of Homes Opens
Feb. 23
Contractor University: Building for High Performance [Register]
Feb. 25
Contractor University: New Home Construction from Permit Application to Final Inspection [Register]
Mar. 1
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 8
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 22
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 24
Contractor University: EPA Lead Renovator Refresher Certification Course [Register]
Mar. 29 & 30
Contractor University: Universal Design/Build NAHB [Register]

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