INSIDE: Tune in to KARE 11 News at 5pm Web version

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A quick overview of BATC's news and major issues from the past week
  • Tune in to KARE 11 today, Wednesday, July 23rd, for the grand reveal of the KARE 11 Backyard! Watch live during the 5pm broadcast.
     
  • Eighteen members saved over $24,000 with the HBA Rebate Program. Learn about our endorsed programs and start saving >>
     
  • The BATC Foundation received $13,000 at the Pulte Charity Golf Tournament last week. A huge thank you to all of the participating golfers and companies that were involved.
     
  • Energy code and residential construction code to be released this week. Stay tuned.

BATC Completes Meetings with GOP Governor Hopefuls; Primary on August 12th

BATC leadership has now met with all four Republican Gubernatorial candidates who are running in the August 12th primary election for the opportunity to take on Governor Dayton in November. Each of the discussions provided an opportunity to elevate key industry issues including the housing market, Met Council growth policies, and the growing regulatory footprint with issues such as the sprinkler mandate. These early meetings are crucial steps towards establishing industry connections with candidates for key elective offices in Minnesota.

The four GOP candidates, along with other localized political races, will stand for a primary election on Tuesday, August 12th. Get voting information, including polling place and a sample ballot, for the August 12th primary here >>

Codes & Housing Plan Coming Soon
The updates to the Minnesota’s building code, energy code, and the Metropolitan Council’s Housing Policy Plan are all expected to be released later this week. We expect to see a sprinkler mandate on new homes 4500 sq ft and above, required energy testing, and a regional emphasis on affordable housing in a denser, more transit-oriented growth pattern for our region. These on-going policy matters have garnered the attention of the Gubernatorial and House of Representative candidates whom BATC has interviewed in the past few months, which underscores the importance of elevating our regulatory challenges and helping to elect housing champions that support our core platform of affordability and home ownership for all who seek it.


BATC-U is looking for 2015 CE Instructors. More info >>


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Housing Starts Down in June

Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., GraphsandLaughs, LLC

Today's housing numbers stank! Starts for Jan-June 2014 are up 6% compared to 2013, single-family starts up 1%! Multifamily is up 18%. With these numbers a premature rate hike will kill single-family construction. Yes, weather was bad, prices are up, financing is hard, incomes are down, student loans hurt and there's no labor, but in 2013Q4 and 2014Q1 housing reduced GDP, the first time since mid-2009. Improvement will come slowly!

Builder Online agrees. But, despite slow starts, they explain why the housing forecast remains positive. Read the full article >>


Our Foundation Raised $13,000 in One Day

The weather was beautiful and spirits were high as more than 140 golfers came together to show their support for the BATC Foundation at the 4th Annual Pulte Charity Golf Tournament.

We’d like to thank Pulte for their help and support. The Tournament raised more than $13,000 for the work of the Foundation – our best year ever!


From Ground Breaking to the Grand Reveal...

The KARE 11 Backyard is ready for its big debut. The iconic space has been underconstruction since May as our member Southview Design and many others worked hard to transform the space into a Northwoods themed wonderland.

Tune in to KARE 11 during their news broadcasts starting at 5pm on July 23rd (today), and again on the morning of the 24th. Learn more >>


Choosing to Rent Over Buy?

The share of renters ages 25-34 who can afford to own a home is 52% in Minnesota, but homeownership rates among that same age group is less as millennials choose to rent longer. See how we compare to the rest of the country here >>


Trend Report: Buyers and Sellers by Age


Foreclosures No Longer Pose a Major Threat in MN

The foreclosure crisis is fading fast, according to a recent article by the Star Tribune. Home prices are going up in the Twin Cities as reposessions are going down.

"Foreclosures and short sales made up just 12 percent of all home sales in June, down from 60 percent three years ago. And less than 1 percent of housing units in Minnesota had entered the foreclosure process. That’s a 41 percent drop from last year and half the national average." Read the full article here >>


Bipartisan Energy Codes Bill

Bipartisan legislation introduced this week by Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) would help promote savings in commercial buildings and residential homes through the use of more cost-effective energy codes, which set energy efficiency baselines for buildings.

The bill would ensure that all Department of Energy code change proposals are:

  • Made available to the public, including calculations on costs and savings;
  • Subject to the official rulemaking process, allowing for public comment; and
  • Taking into account small business concerns.

Learn moreabout the Energy Codes Bill >>


The Happiest People in America!

The top five happiest cities in America are ALL in Louisiana (Louisiana also happens to be the happiest state in America too). Maybe it's the shrimp gumbo? Or perhaps Mardi Gras plays a role? 

Either way, if you can't be happy in Louisiana, the next best place is Rochester, Minnesota! Our favorite city in the south ranks #6 according to Market Watch


Members in the News

Help Wanted: Addressing the Worker Shortage in Construction

Finance & Commerce - "Minnesota shed tens of thousands of construction jobs during the recession, now contractors, unions and trade associations are trying to deal with a shortage of workers.

“It’s become challenging to find not just skilled labor, but also just people to fill entry-level positions in residential home construction,” said Tom Gavaras, marketing and education manager for the Builders Association of the Twin Cities." Read Full Article >>


Upcoming Calendar of Events

July 30-31
Stormwater Practices Maintenance and Certification Course [more info]
August 5
BATC Open Golf Tournament [register]
August 14
Member Orientation [Contact Deb]
September 9
Sponsorship Luncheon [register]
September 23
BATC Foundation Golf Open [Contact Perri]
October 2014-June 2015
BATC-U Lead Recertification [register]
October 7
BATC Clay Shoot [Register]
October 11
Builders' Warehouse Sale [Contact Perri]
October 23
BIG Night [more info]
November 4
Election Day - VOTE
November 13
Member Orientation
November 13
Give to the Max Day
November 18
BATC BE Fast Forward Showroom Mixer [register]
December 4
BATC Buck Auction & Holiday Food Drive [more info]

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


Thank You to Our 2014 Elite Partners