Your BATC Board of Directors took action today (Tuesday) to reduce member dues by $200 annually, reflecting our disaffiliation with NAHB. This will drop BATC’s base dues by nearly 30% to $490 in 2017. If you want to remain an NAHB member, you can join a second local association in order to receive NAHB benefits.  One inexpensive membership comes from the Building Industry Association of SE Michigan at $299. See www.builders.org/join to take advantage. This will provide the HBA Rebate Program and the Vehicle Discount Program to our members. And, of course, if IBS was your only connection to NAHB, your dues reduction will more than cover the non-member IBS rate.

The BATC Board earlier acted to retain the portion of members' dues that were formerly used for payments to BAM. These funds will be allocated to expand and enhance our advocacy program, consistent with our unsuccessful requests of BAM to modernize and expand our industry’s advocacy efforts.

As a reminder, if you renewed prior to July 1, 2016 you will remain a member at large of BAM and NAHB for the remaining term of your 12-month membership.

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, legislative leaders and the Governor appear to have found a pathway to call a special session of the legislature to deal with taxes, some transportation, and capital improvement projects. This is welcome news to Majority Leader Bakk and Speaker Daudt as both leaders attempt to keep their party’s control over their respective chambers. BATC has engaged leadership regarding the prospect for policy, such as moratoria notice or the twin-home sprinkler clarification, and we’ve been told it is highly unlikely that any controversial policy will be considered. Stay tuned for updates.

This Week's BATC Related Headlines

Twin Cities Metro Home Sellers are Feeling a Heat Wave of Their Own
Last month, the median sale price for residential properties reached a new all-time high for June, hitting $242,000. Read more >>

Home Construction Sees Solid Increase in June
The Commerce Department said Tuesday that housing starts rose 4.8 percent in June. Read more >>

BATC YP's Bring Books to the Block!

Our YP's celebrated their first finished Free Little Library last week in Oakdale. Members and neighbors came out to enjoy root beer floats and learn more about their new mini library. 

Save the date! The BATC YP's are set to reveal their Apple Valley Free Little Library on August 9th. Stay tuned for details.

Enter the 2016 Reggies!

You could win our coveted Reggie statue when you enter the 2016 Reggie Awards by July 29th. This prestigious award honors the best homes in our Parade of Homes® tour by recognizing excellence in design, construction and value. Keep reading for details on how to enter.

July 29
Reggie entry due [Register]
Bennie entry due [Register]
August 3
BATC Golf Open
August 5
Trillium entry opens [Register]
August 23
Membership Kickstart [RSVP]
September 10 - Oct. 2
Parade of Homes
September 20
BATC Foundation Golf Tournament 
September 30 - Oct. 2
Remodelers Showcase
October 4
Clay Shoot [Register]

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