• Two days until BRS! This is the one BATC event you really can't miss. Online registration is closed, but walk-ins are welcome!  Save time by downloading the registration form here.
   
• Catch our new between tour TV spots promoting new and newly remodeled homes starting Friday on KARE-11. Watch them here.
   
• Week twelve is a wrap at the state Capitol. Check out what you need to know below. 
   
• We want your stuff! Contact Perri to donate your gently used construction materials, appliances, model furniture and accessories, or other building products to the Builders WareHouse by April 3rd.
   
• The Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase early surveys are looking good! Thanks to our builders, remodelers and advertisers for playing.
   
• Want to stay up to date on all the industry's news? Sign up for our weekly blog updates today. 

Legislators are now racing against the clock! During week 12 the House GOP released its transportation plan and both the House GOP and Senate DFL released their budget targets, which will build the state’s two-year budget and carry several policy items. Read more >>

State lawmakers will have a little time to think these plans over. The legislature will be on its Easter/Passover break from Monday, March 30, 2015 until Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

Look for a mid-session update from BATC on industry-related issues in the coming days.

Our Parade of Homes Style Editor made her TV Debut!
Katy Baar stopped by KARE 11 to talk Spring Parade kitchen style. Watch here >>

Lennar, Ryland Led Homebuilding in Metro Area Last Year
Star Tribune covered BATC's list of Top 25 Builders for 2014. Read more >>

The numbers are in! Single-family permits were down seven percent compared to March 2014, while multifamily permits spiked by more than 92 percent from this time last year. Read more >>

Good news for our industry! Fourth quarter estimates show that housing's share of GDP was up to 15.25 percent. Read more >>

The year looks to be full of potential and pitfalls — besides the lingering effects of the 2008 recession, there are state increases in construction contractor bonds, adding to regulatory complexity, and technology security to think about. That is, when companies can even find enough workers to complete projects. Read the 5 biggest concerns for construction contractors >>

You are invited to attend the Housing First Hospitality Suite at BRS! 2016 will be a critical year for Housing First as we attempt to impact the November elections by supporting Housing Champions in the races for Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives. Join us to talk about industry issues and the upcoming elections.

EVENT DETAILS:
What: Housing First Hospitality Suite at BRS
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
When: Thursday, April 2nd - Open show hours from 2-8pm
RSVP: mary@batc.org

You can still kick off BRS the right way! Join us for Choosing and Targeting the Right Customers and Project Types for Your Business from our keynote speaker Shawn McCadden, a nationally known columnist, speaker, business trainer, business coach and award-winning remodeler.

Runs from 8:30 am-11:30 am and includes a box lunch.

Then pick two topics for Fast Forward Education.
• Building Your Dream Team – Working with an Architect, Interior Designer and Landscaper
• Financial Planning & Controls: What’s Your Bottom Line?
• Know What You're Selling Before You Sell It
• Quick Overview of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code and Energy Code (approved for contractor and real estate CE credit)

Runs from 12-1 pm and 1-2 pm.

Online registration is closed, but walk-ins are welcome! More details at www.BATCBRS.com

Help us fund some fantastic projects! Be sure to stop by the Foundation's booth #609 and check out their "Wall of Wine". Twenty dollars to play, all bottles are valued at a minimum of $15, many much higher. All proceeds benefit the BATC Foundation.

It's that time of the year again! Our Spring Builders WareHouse sale is April 11th. If you have any new or gently used construction materials, appliances, model furniture and accessories or other building products please contact Perri to donate by April 3rd.

We are excited to be partnering with the American Craft Council for our 2015 Artisan Home Tour. Check out their show next weekend.

Show Dates and Hours:
Friday, April 10: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 11: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 12: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd.

It’s a craft show like no other! It’s a three-day celebration of all things handmade, where more than 225 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from across the country gather under one roof. It’s your chance to touch, feel, and explore high-quality American craft and meet the makers behind the fabulous work.

One day pass: On-site admission: $12 • Advance online ticket price: $11
Save 50% off online tickets by using discount code:  MSP2015GUEST

More information >>

April 11
Builders WareHouse Sale [Donate]
April 16
Remodelers Round Table [RSVP]
May 5
Member Orientation
June 5 - 21
Artisan Home Tour 
July 9
Eggs and Economics Breakfast [Register]

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