1. Northstar MLS launches new builder-friendly options, read more below. 
    
2. BATC members have recieved over $37,000 in member rebates! Register online to receive your check in the mail.
    
3. The BATC Foundation's WareHouse was cleaned out this spring! Help us restock it for our Fall sale. Contact Perri to donate your new or gently used construction materials, appliances, or other building  products.

BATC had a date with the Minnesota Court of Appeals last Wednesday to argue the appropriateness of the sprinkler mandate. We're happy to report that all went well. Now we wait, it will take 90 days to hear the judges' decision. We'll keep you posted as soon as we receive our answer.

Get the details here >> 

NorthstarMLS is adding several new data fields and additional options for some existing fields. Many of these enhancements result from a joint effort between agents and homebuilders to encourage more new construction inventory to be entered into the MLS.

Read more about the changes here >>

During his stop here for our Eggs and Economics Mid-Year Update, NAHB Economist Dr. Robert Dietz gave us a quick take on the status of the Twin Cities housing market. Watch the video above to hear what he had to say. 

It's a busy week at the BATC office! Final proofs were due yesterday and now our Parade of Homes team is busy putting together the guidebook.

Get a behind the scenes look here >>

Construction Industry Strapped Despite Adding 2,600 Jobs in June - BATC Executive Director David Siegel was interviewed by Finance and Commerce to talk about constuction job numbers and the need for skilled workers. Read more >>

Are you up to date on the "minimum wage" changes? To help employers understand the requirements, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has updated its minimum-wage fact sheets; both are available here. 

Have you read the July - August - September BATC Digest yet? Here's what you missed.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
SPECIAL 2015 Legislative Session Review
Be a Leader of Consequence: President's Letter
Top 5 Remodelers
BRS Recap
SEO Tricks
Remodel: How and Why you do your Marketing
The BIG Night
Members in the News
Photo Gallery

Read the latest or any past issues here >> 

Over fifteen thousand dollars was raised for the BATC Foundation at this year's Pulte Golf Tournament. More than 100 BATC members came out for the event, which included golf, lunch, raffle prizes, and awards. View the photo gallery from the event here >>

We’re breaking ground again, this time at Bluebird House!  Please join us as we celebrate the start of another BATC Foundation project.

Who: Home to four severely disabled young men, Bluebird House is one of several facilities operated by Twin Cities Homeward Bound.  
What: Bluebird House will receive a new family room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry and storage area – all made possible by our Build Partner Vujovich Design.
Where:  6452 Bluebird Circle, Maple Grove.
When:  Thursday July, 30th at 10 am.

BATC is looking for great instructors who can provide top-quality courses for our upcoming BATC Contractor University continuing education series. Here's your chance to submit course proposals that we'll offer for MN and WI builder and REALTOR® continuing education credits. For more information click here >>  
Application deadline is August 7!

We're excited to announce that BATC will be providing $300 scholarships to all students enrolling in BATC’s Leadership Institute to celebrate our new program kickoff. This unique learning experience will prepare your employee to take a stronger and even more confident leadership role in your company. Our registration deadline is July 30. Space is limited!  Register here >>

Aug. 5
BATC Golf Open [Register]
Sept. 12 - Oct. 4
Fall Parade of Homes 
Sept. 15
BATC Bash [Register]
Sept. 22
BATC Foundation Golf Tournament [Register]
Oct. 2 - 4
Fall Remodelers Showcase
Oct. 6
BATC Clay Shoot [Register]

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