Valley Views

September 2010 President's Message

2010-09-01T21:03:00.001-05:00

I’m sure everyone has already heard that we are losing our one and only Jill Larson. The old saying that, good things never last, is apparently true. Jill has contributed so much to our association over the past 6 years, it’s impossible to think that she is leaving. She will be missed immensely but we all wish her the best of luck in her new job.

A hiring committee was formed and they are as quickly as possible trying to interview and hire Jill’s replacement. The job will begin as a part-time position and increase as our association grows. It will not be easy to fill Jill’s shoes but with new faces comes new ideas.

During the transition period there will be some bumps in the road, so hopefully everyone will be patient and consider helping out in anyway they can to make the transition easier.

Just to you all know that we will continue to use Jill’s phone, email and mailing address until the new replacement is hired, so please do not change any of your records just yet. She will continue to help out the association until someone is hired to take her place as well as train this individual.

Thanks to all that attended the boat cruise and hope to see all of you at the September General Membership Meeting. Thank you.

August 2010 President's Message

2010-08-04T09:19:00.003-05:00

Where has the summer gone? August is here already and we are gearing up for the 2010Fall Tour of Homes Event that will begin on September 11, 2010. How times flies!

We had a great turnout for the annual Golf Outing on July 19, 2010 at the New Richmond Golf Course with over 100 players. We had wonderful sponsors that make this event possible, like the Royal Credit Union team pictured here, who was our Gold Sponsor. Without their support, our event would not be as successful as they are and will continue to be.

Make sure you check out the pictures of the golf outing in this edition of the Valley Voice as well as our entire collection of photos from all events on our Face Book page.

I also want to encourage all of you to register for our Boat Cruise before August 4, 2010. We need at least 40 people registered before we can commit to this 2-hour cruise down the St. Croix River beginning at Taylors Falls in Minnesota. The cruise will be from 7-9pm with boarding beginning 15 minutes before we launch. We deliberately scheduled it later in the evening so everyone can still work during the day and have enough time to drive north to Taylors Falls - so please sign up ASAP.

Keep watching for more exciting events, meetings and information in the next issues of the Valley Voice. Thank you for your continued support.

July 2010 President's Message

2010-07-07T12:34:00.001-05:00

The year is almost half over and hopefully most of us are still hanging on. By all accounts and by many of the forecaster’s we should be experiencing much better times than we are. They seem to be no better than the weather forecasters. It is just another reason why each of us has to take control of our own business and plan for our own future.

I haven’t see the results from the fishing tournament but the weather was great and I’m sure the fish stories were equally as good.

The golf outing is coming up on July 19, and hopefully everyone will be able to join us for a fun day with lots of socializing and great networking opportunities. (see invitation inside this edition for more information)

One of our Helping Hammers project is almost complete thanks to Tim Tryba, Arrow Building Center-River Falls, and his endless efforts to get a shed built for Turning Point. See more pictures of this project inside this edition of the newsletter as well as on our Face Book page.

The political campaigning is heating up with some very good candidates that could help change the business climate in our state in a very positive way. Take the time to learn more about them and get involved in anyway you can to ensure that the building industry is protected in the future. I know that some of you may think that the association is too political, but we all must be aware of what is going on at the state capitol in regards to our industry...please do your part by getting involved. Thank you.

June 2010 President's Message

2010-06-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Summer officially begins in June and we are already on our way with the heat and busy schedules. This is a great time to remind all of you that even though our General Membership Meetings will not be continued for the next couple of months, we do still have several events that provide the same great networking opportunities for all members.

The Fishing Tournament is in June and is sponsored by Culligan Water Systems. This is a wonderful event that many people attend, fish and have a great time outdoors.

The Golf Outing is on July 19, 2010 at the New Richmond Golf Course and even if you don’t golf, you can still attend the dinner and network with all the golfers that played that day.

At our May General Membership Meeting, Bill Rubin, Executive Director of the St. Croix Valley Economic Development Corporation, spoke to the attendees on current developments and trends in the St. Croix area. It was extremely beneficial information and if anyone is interested in pertaining his talking points, please call the HBA office.

We also welcomed one of our newest members, Brian McQuade, Wireless World/Verizon Wireless into the membership. Brian has already became active and has established a Member Benefit program for members of our association by providing a 25% discount on most accessories and $10 off Bluetooth product as well as give back to the association for every member that either renews or activates a new line of service through him. WAY TO GO...more information will be on the website. Thank you.

May 2010 President's Message

2010-05-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

WOW - what a month! We held our annual Silent Auction to support WBA’s Building a Better Wisconsin on April 27, 2010 and it was another huge success.

Members donated over $10,000 worth of product and/or services and we raised over $8,000 to support our efforts. Now, that is teamwork. Please see the enclosed report that is included in this newsletter for more information on who donated what, which once again secured our association’s #1 status at state with our fund raising efforts.

We also welcomed in two of our newest members at the meeting in April. Beau & Sarah Bune, Level Rite Concrete Lifting and Rob Vrieze, Menards-Hudson. Thank you both for attending and receiving your “welcome packets”.

At this months General Membership Meeting, we are honored to have Bill Rubin, Executive Director from the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, speaking during our program on the current economic development activities and trends we can expect to see in 2010. Make sure that you register before the deadline of May 18 so you can hear that is on the horizon. Thank you.

April 2010 President's Message

2010-04-01T08:27:00.001-05:00

There are positive signs around us that indicate people are tired of waiting for things to happen. They are starting to go ahead with their plans, or it seems by the response we have been getting during the Tour of Homes event and the Home Show. Participates in the Tour and the Home Show have gotten may leads and positive feedback from visitors.

The Home Show was a big success and all of it was due to the enormous work that they committee puts in. Chair Cheryl Ross and her committee members log in many hours of work prior to the show and during those 2-days of the show...they basically live there to make sure everything goes without a hitch. We desperately need more volunteers to help this committee next year, so if you have some time to volunteer, please contact Jill or Cheryl. Again, thanks to the Home Show committee for their endless hard work.

We have some of our fun membership meetings coming up: Silent Auction that supports the Building A Better Wisconsin efforts from the state; Builder Buck Night, where you can buy items using your “fake” bucks that you accumulate throughout the year; Golf Outing in July and many more.

It would be great if you brought a new potential member to any of these meetings/events in 2010, so look through your database of contacts and invite anyone that you think would benefit from being part of this organization.

Remember to also get involved...be part of a committee, sponsor an event, advertise in our publications. There is something for everyone!

Found a new member yet?

March 2010 President's Message

2010-03-04T08:24:00.001-06:00

We are now into the 3rd month of 2010 and spring is right around the corner. Everyone says that we will be coming out of the big recession this year or maybe they think so. No one really knows for sure do they? We keep listening to the professional economists and our politicians on what they are doing for us and we see no improvements.

No one can control what they are doing, all we can do is follow and that is leading us nowhere. It’s time to put them out of our minds and work on what we can control. Get your business in order, financially and organizationally, expand your networking group, be pro-active, find a niche market, advertise what you do, and don’t give away the farm.

Let’s change directions a bit because that was getting way to heavy! Membership is always good to talk about and we need more. It’s the only way we can stay a viable organization. There are many companies out there that we need and they need us. Everyone knows a subcontractor or a company that they work with that is not a member. Ask them to join and tell them we need them.

Many things are coming up in the area these next couple of weeks, Tour of Homes, Home & Remodeling Show, membership meetings, planning for the annual golf outing, community projects and much more. Get involved in these events - you would surprised what you will get out of them.

Get Involved - Stay Involved - Be Successful!!! Thank you.

February 2010 President's Message

2010-02-02T15:37:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe we are in the year 2010 already. A very tough year for everybody is behind us and hopefully a new year is here that will shine a little brighter for all of us.

As an organization that is tied in 100% to the housing market, we have the same struggles everyone else does. With that in mind, we rely heavily on our membership and without you we have no membership. In my last Valley Voice article I asked that everyone try to recruit one new member into our association, this is a reminder for all members to keep asking people to join this fine organization and get more involved.

To offer the many events we do it takes participation by as many members as possible. The Tour of Homes is starting on March 6 and if you didn’t enter a model into the event, you can still market your company by placing an advertisement in the guidebook that will reach over 1 million readership. Don’t forget about our Annual Home & Remodeling Show either, that begins on March 13 and will offer another great opportunity to increase your exposure to the general public by exhibiting, placing literature or volunteering to work the show. (see all details in both reports inside this edition of the Valley Voice)

Another option is to offer a gift, discount coupon or gift certificate for the drawing at the end of the Tour of Homes or during the 2-day Home Show, for more details, please see the flyer included later in this newsletter.

The association sponsored 2 sales training classes in January for builder credits and is also scheduling informational sessions during our monthly meetings, so please take advantage of these in the future if you haven’t done so already.

January 2010 President's Message

2010-01-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

First I would like to thank everyone for attending the Christmas party and installation banquet in December. Its great to see the involvement and concern by so many loyal members. The number of gifts for Toys for Tots and members stepping up to sponsor the evenings offerings is special to see. So thanks to everyone who gave to make the event happen.

The new year brings many challenges to all of us. Your local HBA is not immune to them either. Our membership has fallen because of the economy so we need to do what ever we can to bolster our numbers. I would like everyone to think hard on one new member they can bring into the association this year. If each one of was able to do this, it would be tremendous.

The committees have been working constantly to bring events to our members this coming year. These events help fund our organization so they are very important that they be successful. You can help your business and your association if you participate in these. The Home Show is coming up in March and has been very well attended in Hudson. The Tour of Homes is also coming up in March. This year changes have been made to allow more homes and remodels in the Tour. All registration and information can be obtained on our website or you can call Jill.

We have a couple projects being planned already for the helping hammer program that was started last year. It is a very strong statement that the association wants to give back to the community. Please help out with labor or material whenever you can.

December 2009 President's Message

2009-12-02T11:04:00.000-06:00

It is truly amazing that a year has gone by for our association. This is a tribute to all our members who have made this past year an honor for me to serve as your president.

As a State and National director, I have the privilege of talking with building industry leaders around the country. It is amazing how our members measure–up with industry partners throughout Wisconsin and all over the United States.

It’s important that you know that. Know that each and every day as you head to the office or to meet with a customer, you are among the best. It is no accident that everyone knows about the SCVHBA. And, so it is with great pride that I have represented you in 2009.

It has truly been an honor for me to serve this past year. The trust you placed in me to be the voice and face of our association is appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Your association is in good hands as we enter the New Year. I encourage you to support our new leadership as you have me. We have more opportunity for involvement than ever before. Use the beginning of the New Year for a fresh start. Promise yourself you’ll step up your involvement and take full advantage of the opportunities Jill and our committees work so hard to offer our members.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with this for the holidays: Give everyone in your family an extra thanks or hug this holiday season. Also remember our soldiers. When you send out your Christmas cards, include one to the following address: A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20307-5001.

And, finally, stay involved or get involved politically, your family and your fellow Americans need you.

Wishing wellness to you and yours! God Bless and Merry Christmas!

November 2009 President's Report

2009-11-02T11:27:00.000-06:00

HELP WANTED: at our local professional home builders association we are counting on each of our members even more than before.

As many of you may know, the SCVHBA office will offer reduced hours in the 2010 budget cycle that began November 1st, 2009. Reduced hours don’t necessarily mean reduced work.

Our committees will attempt to accomplish more with less. Leadership will continue accountability with-in committee, delegating tasks in-house and with new educational programs and exciting membership concepts being developed, your help is needed and would be greatly appreciated.

Little, simple tasks added together become big undertakings at some of our association events.

If you have found yourself less involved these days as in the past, think about helping in some small way. Lend a few minutes at the registration table; help distribute tickets for our general membership drawing, volunteer on any of our committees.

Pulling together as a team, we can continue the many great events and services that have been so successful in the past. We can share some of the burden associated with putting on an event or membership meeting. It has been said that volunteering can make you feel better (healthier). I invite you to give it a try.

As always, share your story of what being a member of the SCVHBA has done for you or your business. Take the message with you out in the community. Strong membership numbers are the best way to ensure our voices are heard. Demand for our goods and services depends on a vibrant, sustainable business climate in the areas in which we live and work.

Sponsoring new members is another way we can all play a small part. An easy way to start might be by keeping the association on your mind. Develop a few talking points about the good that comes from being part of a professional organization. The advantage they might have over their competition as our economy gains traction again.

I look forward to networking with each of you at our next event. Be well!

October 2009 President's Message

2009-10-01T09:08:00.001-05:00

Often times as our business cycle enters the fourth quarter of the calendar year, we begin to take a mental inventory of how our business year has gone to date. How accurately it has followed our forecast.

We begin to anticipate what the “books” will look like at year end. Will we meet our sales goals, our profit goal? Are we expanding or just status quo?

The fourth quarter is also a time of many distractions. The beginning of a new school year, the change in our seasons to autumn, harvest time, fall outdoor hobbies and sports.

It’s easy for the fourth quarter to become a time of coasting to the finish line. To become satisfied with the results of the year and how the year should end if all goes well.

What is great about the fourth quarter is that only 75% of the information is “in”. We still have 25% of the year ahead of us. 25% of our opportunities are still out there. The fourth quarter can be (should be) a time to “race” to the finish line.

In many companies, little if any money is made until the final weeks of the year. Overhead and other fixed costs are not recovered until very late in the year.

This race to the finish line is where profit is made. The fourth quarter can be a flurry of activity. The entire year of any business can be impacted by the effectiveness of the fourth quarter.

Your SCVHBA gives you the opportunity to make new business relationships, new leads and new friends. This is a great tool to implement for the fourth quarter.

Don’t let the Minnesota Vikings beat you with their new fourth quarter strategy. They have upped their game and will use Brett Favre to guide them as they race through the fourth quarter.

Hope everyone had a great summer and look forward to seeing everyone at our events this fall.

September 2009 President's Message

2009-08-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

Wow! It’s hard to believe it has been 30 years since the St. Croix Valley HBA opened its doors. It would be great to have been a mouse in the corner these last 30 years. I can only imagine the memories that must exist.

I remember one of the first meetings that I attended, it was a skit performed by Ron Schumacher, Jon Coty and maybe even Al Lingen. They had lost a contest or bet of some kind and had to perform the skit dressed as women. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

The holiday celebrations are always a great way to end the year. There is always a large crowd, longtime friends are reunited and fun is had by all.

Many contributions to our communities have been made possible through the efforts of many longtime loyal volunteers of SCVHBA. This speaks volumes about the kind of people that make up our fine association.

Special credit goes to Cemstone Ready-Mix, Peterson Construction, AnchorBank (formerly S & C Bank) and William Derrick Construction Co., our charter members that saw the vision and need for a professional home builders association in our area.

To continue our traditions and networking opportunities years from now we all need to remember the good times. The friends you have made, the business relationships you have developed over the years, and just talk to people about it. Invite them to join us.

We all gain from the collective knowledge and wisdom of others. We grow as a person putting ourselves out there and being involved in something. A membership in a professional association adds to a companies image and purpose. Spread the word, each of us invite someone to join in the memories that will take place over the next 30 years.

Remember, the SCVHBA Provides The Opportunity…You Make It Happen!!!

August 2009 President's Report

2009-08-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

What is Grassroots? The encyclopedia defines it as a movement that is often driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it is natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures. Often, grassroots movements are at the local level, as many volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party. For instance, a grassroots movement can lead to significant voter registration for a political party, which in turn helps the state and national parties.

How does this affect our industry? Grassroots involvement in your political process is the best way to secure your business future. At the time of this publication, the decision on the new health care program was not decided, but I sincerely hope that each and everyone of you voiced your opinions to your local legislator on your views on how this new plan will affect not only your businesses future but your personal life as well.

It may sound like I am taking a political stand here, I am not. It is not necessary. If you do your homework, you can develop your own opinions on this new program that will hinder the way you do business today.

I also wanted to talk about our recent decline in membership, which you will see on the next page for the July cancellations. This was a real shock to most of us when it appeared that most of the new members that we received last year during our drive were not renewing due to they did not get involved enough to understand the value of their membership and how to support the industry that supports them.

If any of you are doing business with these cancelled members, please talk to them about how important it is to stand together at this time of need and get them to renew and get active within an organization that can only provide them the opportunity to succeed...we all must do our part.

Thank you for all of your continued support, it is greatly appreciated.

July 2009 President's Message

2009-07-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

Elections have consequences. Never has that been more evident than this last election cycle.

Whether you are a business owner, an employee or a consumer, the way you live your daily life or operate your business has changed dramatically!

Anti-construction or anti-small business policies or mandates affect us all. Only with a high level of political involvement does it become clear the many ways government is eroding the very fabric of our constitution and the freedoms we were born in to.

We, as a group, have to pull our heads out of the sand. Now is not the time to say “it doesn’t affect me, why should I care, someone else will do it, I don’t want to know or I didn’t know that.”

Follow our WBA staff on the hill for a day. It used to be we had a few issues at a time to argue our point of view. In many cases, we were able to make a positive impact for our members. The issues are now overwhelming. And on many serious issues we are now not able to make a difference. On the less serious issues we are not even able to have debate. Issues against business and, in some cases specifically against the construction industry, are being added during emergency rule or the rule making process by-passing normal legislative channels

As your president and a Build a Better Wisconsin trustee, I invite all of you to play some small part in a grassroots effort to take back our government. We need to identify and support potential candidates early and help mentor them and qualify them as leaders. We need a feeder system for election cycles as we move forward. This, I believe, will be much more cost-effective in the long run. Building an army of willing soldiers to take pro-business or pro-construction principles to the hill will greatly reduce the amount of time and money now being wasted just holding on.

Never again let our anti-business opponents out work us.

Let’s roll !

June 2009 President's Report

2009-06-01T13:16:00.001-05:00

WE PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY….you might hear me say this more than once during my message, that is because it is extremely important that every member understand the role that this association has when it come to you and your business.

The St. Croix Valley HBA provides you the opportunity to succeed, not to guarantee new business. What do I mean? The biggest misconception about belonging to any association is that it will automatically bring in new business just by becoming a member. Although it would be great if it worked that way, but typically you need to do something first before you see the benefits, correct?
That is why getting involved is so crucial to your success and making your membership work for you. We can provide the opportunities like networking, sponsorship and advertisements as well as other items, but unless you get involved and take advantage of these opportunities, then you are not getting the full benefit of your membership. Make sense?

Even in this edition of the Valley Voice, we are providing the opportunities for you to network and build relationships by attending the fishing tournament or golf outing this coming June and July. We are also providing you necessary information from our committees and from the Department of Commerce so that you know what your membership is doing for you on your behalf and what is expected of you moving forward with certain certification obligations. We also provide the opportunity for you to advertise/market your company like several of our existing members are already doing. We are providing information for upcoming events that you can be part of to increase exposure and business with the Home Show and Tour of Homes events. And this is just one example of how to use your membership to gain exposure to other members as well as the general public...just in the Valley Voice newsletter.

I encourage each of you to see how you are going to get more involved in the next couple of months and remember WE CAN ONLY PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY….YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

May 2009 President's Message

2009-05-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

This I think is the time of year for the greatest opportunity in our association. We are in the middle of our annual membership drive. Our thanks to each of you who have helped in some way. Remember we can be active in recruiting new members even after the official membership drive is complete. Our membership is the life blood of our federation. The larger our group, the louder our voice on issues that effect small business.

Our annual BBW auction is also this time of year. This great and important event has always been a favorite of our association. We have a long streak of exceeding our fundraising goals. Our members continue to come through with great donations for those in attendance to bid on. Thank you to all who provided a donation again this year.

A new event this month will be a clay shoot. This should be a great networking event. Look for details in this month’s newsletter or emails from Jill. Any potential members should also be invited. If we haven’t been able to recruit someone as a member, this could be the perfect event to expose them and their business to others. Remember to invite members and non-members. Let’s make this a great success. Thanks to J & A Custom Homes as our major sponsor for this event.

Also time to begin thinking about your teams or group for the annual fishing contest and golf outing.

Your membership in SCVHBA is a valuable tool. The opportunities for networking and involvement are plentiful. From the events mentioned above, I think you will find something for everyone. I hope to see you at one of these fine events soon.

Wisdom builds her house but folly tears her down with her own hands.

Thank you.

April President's Report

2009-04-01T15:36:00.002-05:00

As we get closer to the official construction season, we find ourselves looking back at the first quarter of 2009. By now we should have some indication of how the year will accommodate your specific trace, company or individual job.

There is still time to make sue of some tools available, allowing working professionals and business owners a leg up on the competition. Your NAHB affiliation allows access to a great resource - The NAHB Book Store. A great read for everyone is “The Five Laws That Determine All of Life’s Outcomes”. Other recommendations I have, but have not read are, “Who Moved My Cheese”, and “Bowling Alone”. It’s hard to argue against any form of self improvement, new sales secrets and methods or time management.

I hope everyone had a chance to visit or participate in our Home & Remodeling Show event that was held at the Hudson Sports & Civic Center on March 14-15, 2009. Your Home Show Committee deserves a special “thank you” for all of their hard work and dedication. It was very impressive to witness the organization and efficiency shown by this group of volunteers as vendors started moving in on setup day.

Please take time to personally thank each of these fine volunteers:
Committee Chair: Cheryl Ross, Amazing Space, Inc.
Meme Fehr, Sandeen Insurance
Bill Gautsche, Pella Windows & Doors
Tommy Helmer, Helmer Printing, Inc.
Gaylen & Vicky Livingston, Lucas Electric, LLC
Tim Nelson, Bank Mutual

SHINE IN 2009!!!

Keep Taxes and Fees Low

2009-02-26T16:34:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-26T16:33:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-02T07:48:00.001-06:00

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.

January 2009 President's Message

2009-01-05T09:18:00.002-06:00

Happy 2009 to all. Each of us met 2008 head-on, made adjustments to our businesses under constantly changing conditions. The year of 2008 will be one that makes history for many reasons. Let’s take what we can from 2008 and learn from it. All of us will be stronger for having been a part of such a drastically changing economy.

But that was then, this is now. Welcome to 2009. A new set of opportunities awaits each of us. Only we can decide what changes personally and professionally we will make to better position ourselves for the future.

I for one will take advantage of designations offered by NAHB. The CGA (Certified Graduate Associate) and CGP (Certified Green Professional) designations. The series of mandated courses required will allow me to better understand the building process from site selection, environmental impact to finished product. Continuing education is an excellent way to add value to your company or employer as well as personal growth individually. This opportunity is available to each of us through the University of Housing from NAHB.

Our association has a new strategic plan we will implement over the next three years. This is a great opportunity for each of our members to participate and help shape our association for the future. This is the best way to network with follow members, build relationships and gain their trust. Now is the time to act. Please accept this invitation to join our committees. We need your help and look forward to working with you.

I am excited for our association in 2009. Together I know we will make it great. We are blessed with a great group of leaders in our committees and experience on our newly expanded Board of Directors.

Let’s join hands as a federation. It has never been more important to support each other. As President I promise loyal service to each of you. I know together we can make a difference regardless of any challenges we may face in 2009.

Jim Mikla

Aljay Landscape Design

December 2008 President's Message

2008-12-01T09:33:00.000-06:00

It seems incredible to me that a year has come and gone so quickly (this is the call of the old fart club), but never the less, 2008 is coming to a close…fast. And in this my last note from this seat I would like to turn from the doom and gloom and instead point out a few things (but not all) that I am thankful for:

* I am thankful for my best friend and “favorite” wife Nancy. I hope that I can keep her fooled into staying with me for another 25 years!
* I am thankful for a wonderful, caring and healthy family on both sides of the isle.
* I am thankful for a great group of talented, passionate, artistic and committed trade partners that together help to create the Mark Anthony Homes products and services.
* I am thankful for this great country and for the dedicated men and women of our military and their families.
* I am grateful to the dedicated and wonderful leadership of the SCVHBA. I have greatly enjoyed working with all of you this past year! Your passionate dedication is invigorating and infectious. We are all in good hands with these people at the helm!
* I am grateful to the wonderful members of this association for their sacrifice and dedication to their craft and industry through a very difficult downturn. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and noted!

And now I am out of time and room; but, one last wish for all of you this Christmas season. I wish for all of you that you would take time to reflect on what truly matters and take a few minutes to tell those you love how much they mean to you. I have with you; so one down, a few thousand more to go…

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Always!

November 2008 President's Message

2008-10-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

Change is coming! Only it is not the change that you have been hearing over the last year and half…thank goodness! This change is in the form of fall turning to winter and with that we all start to hunker down for the onslaught of holidays: Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and eventually New Years (if I left your favorite out it is not intentional).

With all that business closing in, I want to take a moment to thank a team of people that have worked extremely hard to help make our association one of the most successful in the state. In short, I would like to get a jump on Thanksgiving this year and focus in on the following “Champions Chairs” of our association who work tirelessly to help serve you, our trade partners. They deserve a great big “Thank You” from all of us for giving of their time and talents to help all of us succeed in a great industry:

* Build Wisconsin: Ron Derrick, Derrick Homes, LLC
* Golf: Grant Dockendorf, Cameron Homes, Inc. and Eric Pederson, AnchorBank
* Home Show: Cheryl Ross, Amazing Space, Inc.
* Member Services: Josh Keeney, Lindus Construction, Inc. & Tera Snyder, Pahl’s Premier Lighting
* Public Policy: Scott Counter, Home Tec Designers & Builders and Bill Berndt, Consultant
* Sales/Marketing/PR: Angie Bendt, Wize Dezigns
* Tour of Homes: Mike Dockendorf, Cameron Homes
* And last, but certainly not least, is our EO, Jill Larson. Jill is at the heart of our association and works tirelessly to support the success of our industry our builders and associates. But if you notice, for all that responsibility her name is not mentioned once in our newsletter. So Jill, a great big thank you too!

You read this list of names every month in this newsletter, but that list does not call these individuals out for the great work and sacrificial service they provide to our association and its members. This year more than others, we owe these individuals great debts of gratitude and “Thanks” for helping our association thrive in tough economic times. I am truly thankful for having the great privilege of working along side them all this past year.

2008-10-03T09:15:00.002-05:00

One of the things we hope to provide on this blog is links to books that are available to you through our national affiliation. Please consider purchasing these books if they interest you as we do benefit from your purchase.

2008 IBS Best-Seller!
Home Builder Contracts & Construction Management Forms contains 95 of the most useful business forms and contracts for builders including:
Sales and marketing forms Contracts and agreements, Trade contractor specifications and checklists, Orientation and quality control documents and much more.

Click here to purchase:

http://store.builderbooks.com/cgi-bin/builderbooks/736?;;STCROIXV

Remember to Vote!

2008-10-02T11:29:00.002-05:00

This month you will be seeing more commercials about the upcoming election than in the past months and they will all be trying to help you make an informed decision when voting on November 4, 2008.

The information that I want to give you can be found in my report on Page 4 of this issue of the Valley Voice. It will give certain issues that each candidate either supports or opposes and should provide you with the necessary details to make an informed decision for the next President of the United States.

The resources that I used to receive this information is a long list, but if you want that provided to you, please call Jill at the office and she will be gladly to send it to you. Remember to VOTE!!!

Tony Nasvik - SCVHBA President

Welcome

2008-10-02T11:18:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the first posting of Valley Views. SCVHBA will be using this blog to keep you informed and hopefully entertained throughout the year. We will be posting all sorts of information such as updates from the Board, EO & Committees, Industry Information, Literature Reviews and more. Blogs are also meant to connect with people on a personal basis so don't be surprised if we throw in a few fun things too.

That said...
Two blonde builders were working on a house. One blonde was on a ladder nailing. She'd reach into her nail pouch, pull out a nail, look at it, and either toss it over her shoulder or proceed to nail it into the wood. The other blonde couldn't stand it any longer and yelled up, "Why are you throwing some of the nails away?" The first blonde explained, "When I pull it out of my nail pouch, if it's pointed toward me I throw it away. If it's pointed toward the house, then I can use it!" The second blonde got real excited and called her all kinds of names, explaining, "Don't throw away those nails that are pointed toward you! They're for the other side of the house!!"

Always Enjoy Your day!
Angie B. - webmaster http://www.scvhba.com/