Keep Taxes and Fees Low

KEEP TAXES AND FEES LOW to get our housing economy moving.

We were part of 160 WBA members to attend the 2009 Business Day in Madison and the consensus was it was time very well spent.

As you may know, we have a strong relationship with our local legislators, and they were very open to hearing our industry’s agenda. This year, perhaps more then any other in the last generation, it is impossible to deny the connection between a healthy housing market and the state’s overall economic strength. Legislators from both sides of the aisle acknowledged the need to get Wisconsin building again.

Our SCVHBA group was pleased to hear commitments from Rep. Murtha and Rhoades and Sen. Harsdorf to fight against tax increases and especially strongly oppose any transfer tax increase like the one we successfully defeated last year in the Assembly. Gov. Doyle’s recently released 2009-10 budget also does not increase this tax on housing.

We were also pleased to hear Rep. Hraychuck talk about using her influence to advance the Stillwater Bridge project. Rep. Hraychuck is now part of the new Democratic majority in the Assembly and, along with the majority Democrats in the Senate will have more clout on this and other issues.

Before we all went to our Capitol visits we heard an inspiring lesson by noted economist Barry Asmus. Dr. Asmus drove home the fact that this capitalist system of ours, based on the freedom and drive of individuals (like Home Builders!), has produced the highest good for the most people in the history of mankind. Low taxes and liberty results in prosperity. A country ignores that fact at its peril.

Finally, I occasionally get questions about the effectiveness of Business Day. Sometimes members wonder if these meetings actually result in positive action.

The answer is an absolute yes.

Take a look at this note from Pat Stevens at the WBA Development Council.

"Development Council Meets with Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary on Working Lands Initiative...

Your involvement in Business Day helps us move an agenda for you! Less than 24 hours after WBA members stormed the Capitol as part of Business Day, Development Council staff was asked to meet, and met with DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen and Deputy Secretary Randy Romanski on the Working Lands Initiative recommendations, which were part of the WBA focus for Business Day. We asked DATCP to build into its farmland preservation proposals a condition requiring local governments to implement a plan to increase density at least 20%. We also had an extended discussion about the proposed state grant program for the purchase of development rights, and the need to prohibit the purchase of these rights in future likely growth areas. These issues had been discussed with DATCP previously, and submitted to the Governor.

We agreed to continue discussions once the State Budget was out and we have a chance to see what portions of these proposals turn up in the budget. Stay tuned for further developments."

Good news and a tangible result from the good work of our trip. Of course there is lots more to do, on this and many other issues, but a big thank you to all who took the time to support your industry!

Submitted by Bill Berndt, Riverwood Consulting

March 2008 President's Report

This is the time of year many suffer from Cabin Fever. Tired of snow, cold, shivering wind chills and cold cars or trucks. We are also teased with a day or two of warmer weather just to help us remember what spring will feel like when it finally arrives.

Your membership is an excellent outlet for those winter blues. Much has been happening and we welcome your involvement. WBA convention, Business Day in Madison and the latest WII FM (What’s In It For Me) meeting are behind us. Those who participated learned of SCVHBA’s great presence at your state convention, where we were presented with many awards for achievement. Having chairs of various committees, we also presented several awards at the awards ceremony. Everyone around the state knows about the SCVHBA and this is a tribute to the people that make up our fine association & something we can all be proud of.

Business Day in Madison is at great chance to get to know your legislators. A chance to meet them one on one in their office, talk to there staff and help them understand the issues that impact each of our businesses and daily lives. They hear the same topics in the national news as each of us, but adding a personal story or real life experience to the headlines helps them understand how close to home some issues become. They need to hear from us, and we had a great group again this year attend the event.

Another great WIIFM meeting last month. A great mix of members and potential members listened to a quick overview of membership benefits. Everyone in attendance left with a renewed understanding of what’s in it for them and why being part of a professional association needs to be part of their successful business plan.

By now each of you have received an email or call from Tera Snyder or Chris Mikla announcing our 2009 membership drive. They have worked very hard to pull the teams together & ask for your support in any way possible. Reward their efforts with your assistance. We all win with new members, more diverse membership and the opportunity for more leads and business for your company.

February 2009 President's Message

LET’S SERVE... Each of us will experience immeasurable personal gain through serving. Now more than ever, we need to take a step back to reflect on what elements of our world need to be priorities.

In 2009 let’s renew our commitment to our families, our communities, our fellow business partners within our association, and to each other. Put yourself “out there” in 2009. Take up a new activity, volunteer, join something, help someone, turn off the TV, get involved. Break old habits. Whatever you can do in 2009, make a difference for someone. The day will come when you will need help. And, then, someone will make a difference for you. This has never been more true than right now. For things to change, we must change. Let’s not wait for someone else to fix our personal or business situations. Let’s not wait for a bail-out to better ourselves or the world around us. Make a small difference in some way every day. This will make it a great year no matter what happens.

This is the “all for one” culture of teamwork we will move forward with as a federation. The first one-third of 2009 will concentrate on our new membership drive. Each of you can help in some small way. If you know someone with a business who is not a member, recruit them. I am willing to personally sit down with them and explain why membership in a professional association is a very positive business decision. If you, yourself, are not confident in recruiting them, refer them to your team leader. If you don’t know which of our 4 teams you are on, we’ll help you find out. With 320 members, we will have 4 teams of 80 teammates. Look for all the details as they unfold. This is going to be fun and we’re very excited. Hey, already here’s an opportunity to do something different, meet new people, help others and get involved. Congratulations, on the new you! Only good can come from your decision to join in the fun.

Our committees are busy laying the ground work. Check the newsletter for meeting dates. We have saved a seat for each of you. Yes, you, on a committee of a professional association. Congratulations!

I look forward to working with you, side by side.