2010 Jan.Feb

Foundation EducationConference

2010 WBA

Bringing Jobs to a Jobless Recovery

Builder ProfileDon Belman Builders Inc.

January/February 2010www.wisbuild.org

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org2

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Wisconsin Badger Builder, (ISSN 004-232) is a bi-monthly publication of the Wisconsin shelter industry. It is the official publication of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) and is published by WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI 53701 and additional mailing offices.

All advertising is subject to acceptance by the Wisconsin Badger Builder editorial review committee. The publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. The contents of all material available in this

publication are copyrighted by WBA unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved by WBA, and content may not be reproduced, disseminated, published or transferred in any form or by any means except with the prior written permission of the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Badger Builder, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions available through membership in the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

January/February 2010 Volume 27 • Issue 1features

Capitol Corner ..................................................................... 6Representative Mary Williams (R-87th District) proposes a way to bring jobs to this jobless recovery.

2010 WBA Foundation Education Conference ................. 8Upcoming conference, to be held Feb.11-12 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, is a one-stop shop for all your education needs.

Builder Profile ................................................................... 12David Belman of Don Belman Builders Inc.

departmentsPresident’s Perspective ................................................................................ 4How to Have a Great 2010.

Executive Viewpoint ..................................................................................... 5Look to your Association for Quality Education.

Local Happenings ......................................................................................... 7Photos and details of WBA local association events around the state.

Government Affairs .................................................................................... 14Working as One Succeeds in Promoting Housing.

News & Events ............................................................................................. 15

Mission StatementA professional trade association, WBA

advances the housing industry for members and consumers through government involvement,

education and promotion.

Vision StatementAffordable, innovative and environmentally

conscious homes accessible to all.

Motto“Dedicated to preserving and promoting

the American Dream”

www.wisbuild.org

Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org4 Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

Senior Officers 2009President: Doug Scott, Janesville

(South Central WI)

President Elect: Jim Kubasta,

Oshkosh (Winnebago)

Treasurer: Don Esposito, Madison

(Madison Area)

Secretary: Gary Roehrig, New Holstein

(Mid-Shores)

Immediate Past President: Jason Steen,

Osseo (Chippewa Valley)

Associate Vice President: Julie Meyer,

Racine (Racine-Kenosha)

Associate Advisor to the Senior Officers: John Anderson,

Appleton (Winnebago)

Area Vice-Presidents 2009Southeast Area

Mark Benkowski (Metropolitan)

Darryl Spang (Racine – Kenosha)

Northwest AreaClint Doege (Heart of the North)

Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis

(Chippewa Valley)

Southwest AreaTom Thompson (La Crosse Area)

Steve Treu (La Crosse Area)

Northeast AreaMark Bootz (Brown Co.)

Scott Browne (Brown Co.)

South AreaBrian McKee (Madison Area)

Greg Schaffer (Madison Area)

East Central AreaEd Schmidt (Valley)

Stan Martenson (Valley)

North AreaPam Jewell (Golden Sands)

Mike Richie (Wausau Area)

East Shore AreaSean Kelly (Mid-Shores)

Gary Roehrig (Mid-Shores)

State Representative to NAHBWayne Foster (Metropolitan)

How to Have a Great 2010

by Doug Scott, WBA President

Wouldn’t you like to have a great year in your business next year? Many builders

and associate members would be very happy to have a fair year in their busi-ness in 2010, but I am confident you can do more! Perhaps you’ve given this some thought or even have a current written business plan. Careful planning is fundamental to success. I have found a business plan to be the best tool in my toolbox to review where I’ve been and look forward to where I want my busi-ness to be and how I plan to get there.

Where do you start? Of course you could start by reviewing last year’s plan or a plan developed in the past, but many of us don’t have an annual plan in writing. Perhaps, then, that is a good place to start, and we should commit to establishing a written plan. A good online source for information on how to do just that can be found at www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner.

What should you put in the plan? That is where our association and your local comes in, because our associa-tion is all about our businesses and how we can make our business better. Your local provides terrific opportunities to promote your business, and a lot of time they bring the customers right to you. A great example is the opportunity to have an exhibit space at your local home show or better yet, showcase your work as a home in the Parade of Homes. If you haven’t done this before, next year could be the year to start. Figure out how you can make this happen. Your local executive officers have a lot of experi-ence with these events and can give you a lot of ideas to help you be successful. You should also take advantage of one of the key benefits of membership by networking with your peers and even your competitors.

This is not only a great time of the year to do this planning, but also an ideal time in the business cycle to

talk with and learn from others. Most people have some time now and are eager to share and get new ideas to springboard them into future planning. Our membership runs the gamut from seasoned businesspeople to those new in business that have fresh ideas. I guarantee you, if you tap into the whole spectrum, you will benefit. I have found peers and competitors appreciate the exchange and are generally forthright and helpful. Going to a local general membership meeting is a perfect oppor-tunity to gain information and ideas for your business plan. Just contact your local HBA to get their schedule. You’ll find morning, afternoon and evening meetings and some even combined opportunities for continuing education credit.

While I do not have the magic answer for you, I do know how you can be sure that growth in your business will not happen. It won’t happen if you stay home or in your office and wait for someone to call you to build their new home or buy your products or services that you offer. Business doesn’t come to you — you have to find it and create demand for your unique products, talents, experience and service.

This is my final article for you, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve our association and you this year. We are part of a great industry that is undergoing the most challenging period in modern history. I am confident our great senior officer and WBA staff team will continue to serve you with excel-lence in the future and our industry will be better and stronger when this difficult period is over. While all of us have the goal of being in business when our industry starts this recovery period, starting with a written plan now and being active in the opportunities our association offers is a great start. X

President’s

perspective


WBA Staff4868 High Crossing Blvd.,

Madison, WI 53704 • (608) 242-5151

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Deschane, CAE, ext. 11

[email protected]

Director of Political & Government AffairsBrad Boycks, ext. 16

[email protected]

Director of Development & Regulatory Affairs

Patrick Stevens, ext. [email protected]

Director of Membership ServicesJane Witt, ext. 17

[email protected]

Director of CommunicationsAnnie Rubens, ext. [email protected]

Director of Accounting ServicesKathy Johnsen, ext. [email protected]

Accounting & Political Affairs Assistant

Mark Nelson, ext. [email protected]

Administrative AssistantKimberly Fay, ext. 10

[email protected]

WBA Insurance ServicesChief Operating Officer

Karl Johnson, ext. [email protected]

Sales Associate & WBA Foundation Manager

Megan Taylor, ext. [email protected]

Published by

Publisher ........................... Kevin Naughton

Supervising Editor ........... Jennifer McDermitt

Graphic Designer ..................... Jason Gabel

Advertising Sales Manager ....... Brenda Poe

Advertising Sales .......................Jeff Pinwar(800) 935-1592, ext. 118

[email protected]

Look to your Association for

Quality Education

by Jerry Deschane, WBA Executive Vice President

One of the benefits of having “been around” is that I get to see if things we worried about

“way back then” actually happened. “Back then,” in this case, was a few years ago when the debate over contractor continuing education started. WBA was the driving force behind the law, which took effect in 2007. It required contrac-tors to get a minimum amount of educa-tion in building techniques and business management before being allowed to pull building permits. The law also required builders to keep their knowledge current by taking continuing education classes.

WBA members had a long and vigor-ous debate over whether mandatory continuing education was a good idea. Depending upon your point of view, it was either going to transform the industry or it would do nothing more than waste builders’ time and money. In the end, the consensus was to support the law. The Legislature and governor agreed, and Contractor Continuing Education was born.

One of the leading “anti- arguments” at the time was that the quality of education would be suspect. Opponents pointed to examples of other trade licensure classes that were poor quality, and they feared builder education would suffer the same fate. Builders would gravitate to the cheapest, poorest quality education just to fulfill their minimum requirement and the goal of bringing up the overall expertise of the industry would fail.

Were they correct? There are certainly a number of bad examples out there. A couple weeks ago, South Central Wisconsin HBA member (and industry professionalism zealot) Joe Panico told me about a class he was researching. The provider of this particular class told him that if he dragged his computer’s cursor over the test form in just a certain way, all of the test answers would appear. I’m sure that class is very helpful to

Executive

viewpoint

builders. I’m also sure that it’s not the only example of a “shortcut” class that you can find. (No, Joe didn’t sign up.)

At the same time, I’ve spent the last few weeks traveling to local associations and everywhere I look, I see examples of well-done, innovative and enlightening continuing education programs. A great example is this month’s feature story on the 2010 WBA Foundation Education Conference, taking place in conjunction with the WBA Convention in Appleton in February. There will be two solid days of classes taught by some of the best instructors, covering everything from marketing to green building. It will be an awesome event! The great thing is, when you’re done, you can relax and enjoy the WBA Convention! This year’s theme is “Builderstock,” and I’m still trying to figure out how to tie-dye a suit.

In addition to the WBA Foundation, WBA’s 25 local associations provide or team up with education providers to bring a wide variety of classes to you. Local association professionals have their ears close to the ground, and you can bet that there’s a local program out there that is a perfect fit for a gap in your own knowledge. If you want to see some of your options, many of the statewide classes are listed on the calendar of events on www.wisbuild.org.

Now is the time of year when both the WBA Foundation and local associations are preparing their education calendar for

two years is not enough time to decide whether

the contractor continuing education requirement was a good idea or a bad idea.

Continued on page 6


by Rep. Mary Williams (R-87th District)

A new catchphrase is popping up everywhere in the media recently. It seems everyone is eager to say we’re out of this recession and on our way to recovery. But with

unemployment still hovering around 8 percent statewide and near 10 percent nationwide, the only way you can call it a recov-ery is if you call it a “jobless recovery.”

I’ve been working in small business for over 40 years. I started doing bids, billing and accounting work for my father-in-law’s construction business. My husband and I later branched off to form our own construction business, and now we own and oper-ate restaurants. One thing I’ve learned from being in business so long is that the economy has its ups and downs, and while you can sugarcoat anything, a recession is what it is. A jobless recovery is not a recovery.

When my husband and I were starting our construction busi-ness and our restaurants, the economic climate was challeng-ing. Unemployment was high, interest rates were high, and we wondered how we’d ever pay back some of our business loans. Though it took awhile, hard working Americans eventually turned the economy around.

Recently, I’ve been appointed as the Republican member of a state bipartisan committee tasked with traveling the state look-ing for input on how to best get our economy back on track. As

Let’s Bring Jobs to this Jobless Recovery

Capitol Corner is a regular feature for Badger Builder. In this space, a Wisconsin legislator will provide perspective on an issue. Each guest columnist is offered the opportunity to select their primary issue of concern and present their views independent from any guidelines imposed by the Wisconsin Builders Association®. The views expressed by the columnist are solely their opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WBA, NAHB, the locals, or the members. The Badger Builder editorial department welcomes reader feedback to the issues featured in this section in the spirit of promoting continued discussion on the important issues affecting our daily lives. To submit comments, please send them to Badger Builder Editor Annie Rubens, [email protected]. Only comments in writing will be considered for reprint.

Capitol

cornersomeone who got her start in the construction industry, I know the impact builders have on moving the economy. If homes or businesses aren’t being built, added onto, or remodeled, jobs aren’t being added.

When I participated on the WI Jobs Now Task Force headed up by my colleague Rich Zipperer earlier this year, busi-nesses were loud and clear: Lowering taxes on them frees up more money for building, expanding and creating more jobs. Repealing the tax increase on capital gains, reducing the tax burden on expansion and retooling, and expediting the permit-ting process would reduce other government created barriers that discourage building.

With that in mind, it’s my hope the new jobs committee I am on (called the Partnership for a Stronger Economy) hears from people in the building industry. How can we create a better atmosphere for builders? What are the current barriers in the market to a thriving building industry? And what can legislators do to break down those barriers?

Legislators don’t create jobs. The market creates jobs. Builders create jobs. But hopefully, legislators can work to make it easier for you to create jobs. I hope we hear from you so we can do just that.

Representative Mary Williams represents all of Price, Rusk, and Taylor Counties (excluding the township of Taft) and parts of Sawyer and Marathon Counties X

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2010. Check out any one of their Web sites, or, if you’re not sure what the Web address is, go to www.wisbuild.org; our Web page has links to the Foundation and to each of the locals.

Two years is not enough time to decide whether the contractor continuing education requirement was a good idea or a bad idea. Your local builders association, the WBA Foundation and other education providers are still in the “let’s try this and see how it works” stage. But one thing is already clear — if you want to find a provider that is as committed to the industry as you are, look to the people you know best: your state and local builders association. X

executive viewpointContinued from page 5

Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

Local HappeningsChippewa Valley HBACVHBA Past President Roy Rico, Rico Quality Homes, & WBA President Doug Scott, Advantage Homes, swore in new President Rick Parmeter, Clear Creek Log Homes & Trading Co.

Brown County HBANAHB Senior Economist Elliot Eisenberg presented the findings of a Brown County economic impact study to BCHBA Members on Oct. 22, 2009, at Pella Windows & Doors — VerHalen.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org 7

Madison Area BA Denise Matyka, Project Home, AnneMarie Dresen, AnneMarie Design LLC, MABA President-Elect Abe Degnan, Degnan Design Builders Inc., and MABA President Mike Vilstrup, TimberLane Builders LLC, kick off the 3rd annual Green Built Home Makeover™ for the Moss family in late September.

Winnebago HBACarly Miller, Berlin Building Supply, and Dave Downs, Dream Homes by David Downs, get in the Builderstock groove for the 2010 WBA Convention.

Heart of North BA Volunteer Community Project was constructing a picnic pavilion at the Town of Canton softball field. (L to R): Scott Brueggen, Tyler Viltz, Clint Doege, Bob Brueggen and Don Katterhagen.

HBA of Fond du Lac & Dodge CountiesOutgoing President Darryl Reetz, D.B. Reetz Inc., presents a gavel to Incoming President Paul Schaefer, Paul Schaefer Construction LLC, on Sept. 17, 2009.


Continuing education is the foundation of every success-ful business, which is why the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) Foundation has decided to offer

a two-day education event, where members can earn all the necessary credits to meet their continuing education needs or get started on a NAHB University of Housing designation. The conference is a remarkable value as well, as attendees can receive 10 hours of quality builder education for less than $20 per credit hour.

“Time is one of our members’ most valuable resources, so we set out to create a meaningful educational opportunity that could provide a variety of needed classes within a short time span,”

said Christine Shaefer, CAE, WBA Foundation secretary. “The decision to hold it prior to the WBA Convention was also tied primarily to the time factor; we are confident the conference will be well worth the additional day out of the office.”

Leon Church, WBA Foundation board president, agrees. “All members have a difficult time staying abreast of the changing codes and new ideas,” he said. “At this conference, they will have a menu of items each day to choose from that includes codes, systems and new information on techniques all at one location. By spending one more day in Appleton, they will be able to take back with them information that will help them stay aware of new codes as well as operate more profitably.”

Thursday, Feb.11, 2010, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel Appleton, Wis.

Foundation EducationConference

2010 WBA

A One-Stop Shop for All Your Education Needs


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CWG agents throughout Wisconsin can offer WBA members industry specific coverage.

Independent agents not representing CWG can access this program through Reynolds & Reynolds.

Contact your local Continental Western Agent or Reynolds & Reynolds at (800) 767-1724.

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Four Education Tracks All Lead to SuccessThe WBA Foundation divided the Education Conference into

four tracks — Construction, Green Building, Marketing and Operations — to meet the needs of every member and to cover all the codes and trends that are most important to today’s build-ers and remodelers.

“Attendees can choose to attend classes in one or more tracks depending on what best fits their needs,” said Shaefer. “State of WI continuing education credit will be applied for (for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier and other credentials as appropriate), and the presenters are all top-notch. Attendees will certainly walk away with valuable information and insights.”

Construction TrackA builder needs advanced skills to be able to layout a build-

ing site. Considerations include elevations of a site excavation, concrete footing and wall forms, frame and sheath floors, walls and roofs and that is only the beginning. The Construction track consists of classes educating the builder on the latest and greatest

building techniques as well as the updated rules and regulations of building and remodeling.

Green Building Track“Going Green,” “Being Green,” and “Building Green” are just

some of the buzz phrases around the new “green movement” in the United States. What does all of this mean? How do you build green, go green and be green? The Green Building track consists of classes educating the builder on what it means to be green and how to build green.

Marketing TrackHow do you market your business efficiently and cost

effectively in today’s economy? What is Twitter and Facebook? How do you use technology to effectively market your business? The Marketing track consists of classes educating business owners on how to effectively and effi-ciently use the various tools for marketing while making sure to meet the needs of their customers.

Continued on page 10


Operations TrackEver wonder what kind of contracts you need to have in place?

Ever wonder what should be in those contracts? Ever wonder if your contract has all the mandated requirements? The Operations track consists of educating the business owner on the importance of lien laws, employment law, DATCP 110, builder-subcontrac-tor, remodeling and new home contracts.

NAHB DesignationsAre you ready to join the elite ranks of the nation’s top build-

ing industry professionals or remodeling industry professionals? Another great opportunity at this conference is the ability to get started on obtaining a NAHB designation.

The BAR assessment is your first step to obtaining your Certified Graduate Builder designation and the PREP assess-ment is your first step to obtaining your Certified Graduate

Remodeler designation. Take one of these assessments on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010.

“For members looking to start on the path toward an NAHB designation (such as Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)), the conference includes the initial exams, PREP and BAR, needed before coursework toward these designations can be started,” said Shaefer.

These NAHB designations identify individuals who exem-plify professionalism in the building and remodeling industry. By obtaining an NAHB designation you become a member of an exclusive national program, gain recognition as an industry leader and call attention to yourself in a crowded marketplace.

The WBA Foundation will also be offering an eight-hour NAHB University of Housing course on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran ready to advance your career to the next level, the NAHB University of Housing courses can assist you in your educational pursuits.

“In the past, it has been difficult for members to get these classes without traveling a significant distance, so we’re proud to bring the University of Housing to Wisconsin,” noted Shaefer.

Brought to You by the WBA FoundationThe 2010 Education Conference is being put on by the

WBA Foundation. Nearly a decade ago, the WBA Foundation was established by its first benefactor, Bryce Styza, owner of Harmony Homes in Waukesha, Wis. Created as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, the WBA Foundation compliments the 501(c)(6) trade organization roots utilized by WBA and local home builders associations across Wisconsin. The WBA Foundation focuses the efforts of member companies, individual members and local associations to maximize financial aid to fund education, research and charitable aid efforts.

To date, the WBA Foundation has provided scholarships, tool grants, charitable grants, funded service projects, assisted mili-tary troops with housing needs, sent relief to disaster victims and more. The WBA Foundation Education Fund targets its giving to assist members and local associations for professional education endeavors. In addition, the foundation’s many donor funds focus their contributions to benefit specific local needs. The Education Conference is just one of many ways the WBA Foundation works to bring valuable educational opportunities to members.

Don’t Wait — Register Now!Church hopes that members will take advantage of this extraor-

dinary opportunity. “The small fee associated with the Education Conference, the camaraderie, and the networking at the meeting will all provide an enjoyable time and a painless way to pick up the required continuing education courses,” he said.

Shaefer reminds members to register soon, as space is limited. “The maximum number of attendees in any one session is 60 (with some rooms accommodating 40), so it will be important to register early to get to the sessions you want to attend during the conference.” Go to www.wisbuild.org to register for the classes you wish to attend.

She also encourages members to take advantage of the convention that follows the conference. “There will be a lot of education packed into one and a half days, so be sure to stay afterwards for the WBA Convention to relax and enjoy a great weekend of networking and business opportunities. X

education conFerenceContinued from page 9

Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org12 Wisconsin Badger Builder • January/February 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

BuIlder proFile

by Stacey Tetloff

When David Belman was six years old, his father would ask him if he wanted to take a ride in the truck. Belman would eagerly accept — excited about where

they were going. According to Belman, “We always ended up at a jobsite!”

Belman’s entry into the industry involved making deliv-eries for his father’s company, Don Belman Homes Inc., while still in high school. Eventually, he started selling homes while attending Carroll College after passing his Realtors’ exam at the young age of 17. It was during this time that Belman was awarded Salesperson of the Year by the Metropolitan Builders Association.

Today, Belman enjoys taking a blueprint and a piece of land and transforming them into a beautiful home and piece of landscaping. Belman also enjoys providing work for contractors and subcon-tractors. “They’re so happy to have work right now,” he said.

Economic hardship isn’t new to the building industry. During 1980s recession, Belman’s company made a choice to be conservative in business decisions and to stick to building homes the old-fashioned way, which helped it come strongly out of that downturn. Still today, the company takes pride in sticking to the basics.

Giving and Getting a Little Help“Building homes is the easy part,” Belman said. The increase

of DNR involvement, increased municipal codes, and having to

pay more attention to cost cutting and operations management are some of the difficult parts. That’s where the local, state and national home builders associations help.

Belman stays active in the builders’ association because of everything the association does for the industry. Belman said, “The WBA, NAHB and MBA, along with all of Wisconsin’s other local associations, are instrumental in helping to shift legis-lation.” Belman credits association involvement with helping to

Business Quick Facts• YearsinBusiness:38• LocalAssociation:Metropolitan Builders Association• AssociationInvolvement:MBA Board of Directors,

Chair of the Green Building Council, Don Belman, Past President of the MBA

• RecentAwards– Metropolitan Builders Association Salesperson

of the Year 1997 – MBA Builder of the Year 1996 – Best Subdivision Entrance Woodland Hills

Development 2008 – Best overall Advertisng Campain 1996 – NAHB Million Dollar Circle Platinum

Lifetime achievement• WebSite: http://www.donbelmanhomes.com

David Belman of don Belman Homes Inc.

Family Business Builds a reputation for old-Fashioned Quality work


extend the tax credit to homebuyers, a move that he hopes will help the building industry in today’s economy.

Old-fashioned ValuesOld-fashioned quality and craftsmanship set Don Belman

Builders Inc. apart from the competition. On top of that, the company is dedicated to giving customers more for their money.

Don Belman Builders Inc. is truly a full-service builder. The company offers building, land development, landscaping services and realtor services, all combined with an in-house architect and interior designer. The Design Room houses a variety of samples for customers to choose what they want in their home.

Belman is really proud of the reputation the company has built, which is due, in part, to the high quality of product they deliver. ”We do everything by hand; right down to the cabinets. It takes a little longer to build a house, but the quality is better. Taking that extra time and effort helps distinguish our homes from other homes,” he said.

Sound Business DecisionsIn an effort to help the company emerge from this second

recession stronger than before, Belman has developed 20 new features to add to their housing line, as well as changes to the housing lineup itself. Each home they build is always unique, but Don Belman Homes has decided to offer customers two differ-ent home series: the premier and the select series. Belman said, “We’re really excited for the implementation of these changes and the improvements to our business.”

Making smart business decisions based on the market has also helped the company remain successful during economic down-turns and ensures the company’s future in the building industry. Belman said, “You have to go into work every day and work hard to get better all the time, and at the end of the day, you can’t forget who you are or what you’re about.” X

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Working as One Succeeds in Promoting Housing

Government

aFFairsby Brad BoycksDirector of Government & Political Affairs

For the past few months, WBA, your local HBA and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have put the full-court press on our representatives in Washington

D.C. to expand and extend the homebuyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30, 2009 expiration. The value of your three-in-one membership in your local, WBA and NAHB was readily appar-ent with this issue, as all three legs put in unique effort to speak with one voice and successfully get the tax credit extension signed into law on Nov. 6, 2010!

On the national level, NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe testified before the Senate Banking Committee in October warning that builders were reporting that business generated by entry-level buyers was already declining because it was too late to complete a new home sale in time to take advantage of the tax credit. He also challenged the difficult climate caused by strict mortgage underwriting and low appraisals, as well as the tight terms and credit availability for builder acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) loans.

In the week running up to the crucial vote, NAHB sent out numerous press releases, bought major media ad space and sent calls to action with links to www.capitolconnect.com/builder-link, which is an extremely efficient way to send prewritten, issue-specific e-mails to your representatives. I know from expe-rience when you send e-mails through this porthole, it is very

easy, and you do indeed get a response back so you know it was received. NAHB also set up an informative consumer-orientated Web site, www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, that received over 5 million hits as well as a consumer-focused Web site, www.ReviveHousingNow.com, to urge potential buyers to contact their lawmakers and ask them to extend the home buyer tax credit. These sites will continue to be great tools you can guide your customers to for the most accurate and up-to-date facts.

Closer to home, WBA and the local associations worked jointly to facilitate meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and their staff members while they were home during the summer recesses. WBA sent out a call to action and worked with local executive officers to set the meetings up. At least 11 separate meetings were held during that time with the offices of Senators Kohl (D) and Feingold (D) in addition to meetings with Representatives Sensenbrenner (R), Kind (D), Ryan (R), Kagen (D), Baldwin (D) and Petri (R).

During those meetings, members were able to voice their real-world stories of the effect of the about-to-expire tax credit, low appraisals and the difficult credit environment. These face-to-face meetings proved to be an extremely powerful tool that went a long way toward promoting sound public policy in D.C. and the key role housing plays in the economic recovery. In general, members reported they felt their ideas were greeted positively by legislators and staff and that it was time well spent. Thank you to all who made the effort to attend!

In addition to the many meetings that took place this summer, many association members followed up with personal e-mails, letters and calls to members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation to again hammer the point home that something had to be done to further promote housing before the end of the year.

The third leg of support for this united effort came from WBA. As mentioned, we worked with the locals to set up the summer recess meetings. In addition, we sent out at least three mass e-mail calls to action to provide members with easy links to submit their comments to congressional representatives as well as constant updates on the WBA Web site, www.wisbuild.org. These e-mails were also supported by messages sent through our Twitter account www.Twitter.com/WiscBuilders. This is a great way to keep informed about all of our GA team activities, so sign up to follow us and get notices right to your phone!

The coordinated efforts carried out between WBA, NAHB and local builders associations across Wisconsin proved to be a successful formula to mobilize our members and utilize the power of our collective voice. We will continue to replicate these tight partnerships in the future to promote ideas and legisla-tion that support your businesses and the housing industry as a whole. This is our passion, this is our mission, and this is why membership matters. X


LocaL assocIatIon PaRaDe of Homes/Home sHow GoLf outInG/ BBw otHeR events eDucatIon

Brown County March 6-7 & 11-14, 2010 Spring Showcase of Homes • HS: Jan. 28-31, 2010

BBW: March 9, 2010 Swan Club at Legends, DePere

Monthly “Associate Angle” seminars, 8-9:30 am, BCHBA office, March 9, 2010 Sealed Attic System 1.5 CEU

Central Wisconsin Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

Chippewa Valley See calendar at www.cvhomebuilders.com

Door County May 7-8, & 14-16, 2010 Show Case of Homes • HS: March 26-27, 2010 Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

HBA of Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties Monthly

Golden Sands HS: Feb. 20-21, 2010 BBW: April 20, 2010

Headwaters Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s see www.headwatersbuilders.com

Heart of the North HS: Jan. 23-24, 2010 Cameron High School Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

La Crosse Area HS: March 12-14, 2010

Lakeland July 31-Aug 1, & Aug 7-8, 2010 • HS: March 27-28, 2010 Grand Geneva Resort June 3, 2010 See calendar at www.lakelandba.com

Madison AreaApril 24-May 2, 2010 Parade of Condos, June 12-27, 2010 Parade of Homes • HS: March 5-7, 2010 Home Products Show, Alliant Energy Center Madison

See calendar at www.maba.org

Manitowoc County June 24-27, 2010 • HS: April 16-18, 2010 Manitowoc County Ice Center

MetropolitanApril 18-May 3, 2010 Spring Tour of Homes & Condos Aug 21-Sept. 12, 2010 Parade of Ho-mes • HS: Jan 7-10, 2010 Home Builders Expo

June 14, 2010 Ironwood Golf Course, Sussex

Dec. 9, 2009 Installation Dinner, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center March 18, 2010 Building Science & Design Conference County Springs Hotel, Pewaukee

Commerce Approved 12-Hour Course DVD available. $130 for HBA members, $225 for non-members at MBAonline.org.

Mid-Shores

Mid-Wisconsin HS: Feb. 19-21, 2010 Glacier Canyon at the Wilderness

Northland Area

Racine-Kenosha Monthly

Sheboygan County HS: March 26-28, 2010 Home Expo Monthly

South Central Wisconsin

South Western Wisconsin

St. Croix Valley HS: March 13-14, 2010 Hudson Sports & Civic Center

July 19, 2010 New Richmond Golf Course • BBW: Silent Auction TBD, 2010

Education classes posted on www.scvhba.com

Valley Various -- visit vhba.com for schedule

Wausau Area June 1-6, 2010 • HS: Feb. 5-7, 2010 Patriot Center

Winnebago April 17-19 & April 23-26, 2010 • HS: March 12-14, 2010 Jan. 8, 2010 Holiday Party, Becket’s See calendar at whba.net

Wolf River HS: April 9-11, 2010, Home & Cottage Show, Shawano

rev. 10/28/09

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