• Our BATC President has a message for you! Watch video below.
   
• The 2015 legislative session wrapped up week two! 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!
   
• Doing some early spring cleaning? The BATC Foundation Builders WareHouse wants your stuff! for their spring sale! Contact Perri to donate.
   
• Need workers? Reserve a booth at this year's 3rd Annual BATC Job and Career Fair at MOA!

Today BATC requested that the MN Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) delay implementation and enforcement of the residential sprinkler mandate and Energy Code.

Here’s what BATC members need to know:

- The request to stay the sprinkler mandate is made by BATC on behalf of its membership. BATC is arguing that the mandate is unnecessary and burdensome. BATC is also requesting that the Energy Code be delayed and reworked.

- As of today, the effective dates for the code remain January 24, 2015 for the building code and February 14, 2015 for the energy code. We’ve asked DLI to respond to our request by this Thursday, January 22.

- If BATC’s request is denied, we intend to seek relief from the Court of Appeals to temporarily block enforcement of these rules pending a final decision on the merits of arguments regarding the sprinkler mandate and Energy Code.

BATC will keep you updated as we continue to seek ways to limit the unnecessary and costly impacts of the building and energy code changes.

If you have any questions, call or email James Vagle at 651-697-7578.

Last Friday leaders from BATC and BAM met to begin negotiations on the restructuring of the working and financial relationship between BATC and BAM. BATC’s objective in initiating this negotiation with BAM is to maximize our ability to advocate effectively on behalf of you, our members, as you expect and demand.

The meeting provided a good starting point for future discussions, which will now turn to a more substantive look at BATC’s relationship with BAM. Please contact BATC President Chris Contreras directly if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Our 2015 President Chris Contreras wants to personally invite you to Builder Day at the Capitol. Watch the video above and then register to join us on February 18th, for a fun day engaging with our state's leaders in St. Paul. 

BATC is busy up at the Capitol! Here are the highlights of week two and what you need to know! 

1. A Bill Blocking Sprinkler Mandate Introduced in Senate
SF 118 was introduced on Thursday, a measure that would prohibit mandatory sprinkler installation in residential homes. 

2. Bills Would Allow for Homeowner Recovery of Attorney Fees in Home Warranty Disputes
SF 104 was introduced on Thursday, which would allow for recovery of attorney fees by homeowners in warranty disputes.  BATC has long opposed these measures as they serve as a disincentive to solve warranty issues at the earliest and most cost-effective way.

3. Tax Conformity Passes MN House
The Minnesota House passed its first bill of the 2015 session Thursday, a measure that would align state tax law with recent federal changes, providing an estimated $20 million in tax relief.  The bill could positively affect as many as 1 million Minnesota taxpayers filing their 2014 tax returns. 

Read more >>

Don't miss your chance to attend this year's Builders and Remodelers Show! Check out the newest products and services from more than 200 vendors.  Discover new trends, build new relationships, and gain the tools you need to succeed. Register here >>

Final proofs were due last week! If you haven't responded, please contact Casey ASAP. We're up to 429 Parade of Homes entries (228 on the Green Path Energy Tour) and 61 Remodeled Homes on the Remodelers Showcase.

New 2015 BATC President Chris Contreras makes headlines
Several media outlets covered the induction of our new president and board!

Star Tribune >>
Twin Cities Business >>
Eden Prairie News >>

Twin Cities home builders see signs of life in high-end housing
MPR took a look at the housing maket for 2015. BATC member, Carole Griffith gives her take on how the industry is doing.

Read article >>

Public Policy Committee Chair John Rask (Hans Hagen Homes) and Rick Packer (Mattamy Homes) will participate in the Metropolitan Council’s Housing Policy Plan Sub-Group on Comprehensive Planning.

The first meeting was held today, where the group will begin to study the housing element requirements of the upcoming comprehensive plans to be completed by all cities in the 7-county region. Affordable housing advocates are pushing to create a larger housing element in the comprehensive plans than it has been in the past. Look for a meeting update next week.

Adam Duininck will take over leadership of the Met Council.

Duininck is replacing Susan Haigh, who announced in November that she would be stepping down. 

Duininck’s appointment comes as the board is finishing long-term plans for housing, parks, transportation and water in the metro area. These plans will have a large impact on our industry.

Read more >>

 

When it comes to the state of the union, Politco says Minnesota is number one! The ranking is based on education, health, wealth, crime, unemployment and death. With improvements in employment, infant mortality and the obesity rate—Minnesota nudged its way into a tie for the top spot. Read more >>

Sign up for our weekly Blog update! Didn't get a chance to stop by our BATC Daily Blog this week? No worries, we'll send it to you! Sign up for the weekly recap on the right hand side of our BATC Daily blog.

Third Annual Job & Career Fair at the Mall of America Rotunda! 
Join us Thursday, February 19, 2015 • Noon-4:00 PM

Find your next great hire >> 

New Building/Energy Code Course
Due to popular demand, we've added one more class 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!

January 21
IBS Hospitality Suite in Las Vegas
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.