December2011Volume 19 Number XII

Government Affairs Working Stronger and Leaner pg. 6 / Remodelors™ Council Thanks its Sponsors pg. 9 / A Great Year for Membership and Spikes pg. 11

Tell Someone Thank You pg. 2 /2012 Shaping Up Well pg.4

MBA Gives Back To the CommunityMembers support Pierce County Construction Career Day and Festival of Trees

More than 50 volunteers from the MBA Remodelors Council

and the Clover Park Technical College’s residential Construction Class gathered at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center for the Festival of Trees Designer Day on Tuesday, November 29th. Every year Remodelors™ Council members volunteer their time throughout the day to help tree designers finish all their projects that go along with the trees will be auctioned and help get the trees ready for display. With carts in hand, they unloaded trucks and cars, assembled bikes, gazebos, platform bases and baker’s racks. The sea of yellow shirts was evident from start to finish. The

Festival of Trees continues to thank the many volunteers from the MBA that come out each year to help. “Thank You” was heard hundreds of times by all, and if you didn’t hear it – THANK YOU! We look forward to next year! This year the MBA was also recognized as the 2011 Mary Bridge Hero Award for Service Organization. Each year since 2007, Mary Bridge has honored people/groups in the community. The MBA was nominated because of its long-standing tradition of service for Mary Bridge patients and families via the Tour of Remodeled Homes and the numerous hours they spend helping make Festival of Trees happen each year.

The MBA was represented by a handful of members at this

years’ 4th Annual Pierce County Construction Career Day put on by new MBA members, Pierce County Construction Partnership, at the Puyallup fairgrounds. On November 16, more than 1,500 high school students had an opportunity to have hands on exposure to construction jobs, speak with industry professionals, and learn more about schools providing construction related education in the area. This year MBA member’s staffing the MBA booth talked with the students about owning a small business. If you are interested in participating with the MBA at next year’s event, contact Laura Haworth at the MBA office at 253.272.2112 ext. 102.

Rick Hjelm, Phase II General Contractor, Inc.

Tell Someone Thank You

A Century of Performance + Integrity 253.752.7000 fax 253.759.7567

graylumber.com

2 - MBA DIMENSIONS

FRO

M T

HE

PRES

IDEN

T

Thank You, two words we don’t say enough to those who

deserve it the most. Gratitude, an expression that we don’t show

enough of, especially to those who need it the most. As we come to the close of 2011, I personally want to pause to say thank you to all of you who make the MBA of Pierce County a successful organization. Naming names is bad because someone is always missed, but I’m going to venture it anyway. First of all, thank you Mike Crowley for all you have done for this association. Your leadership has helped lay the foundation from which we will continue to build upon for many years to come. Thank you to the awesome MBA staff, for the dedicated service and passion you put into your daily responsibilities. Thank you to all of the

committed Council and Committee chairs, for the time and effort you put into making our Association strong at the ground level. Thank you to the Board of Directors, for giving of your time to deal with tough issues and providing direction and guidance. Thank You to all of the Associate members who are always there with enthusiasm and insight. Your support does not go unnoticed. Now to get personal: I would be amiss if I didn’t say a big thank you to my wife, for allowing me spend the time being involved and doing what I love. Growing up, my Mom used to tell me that regardless of how bad things got for me, all I had to do was just look around and I’d find someone else out there who had it harder than I did. She was right. She also taught me that instead of worrying about my problems, if I’d look around and give meaningful service to those in need, then my problems would probably disappear, or at least become manageable. She was right again. It’s been heartbreaking to see our friends in this industry lose their jobs and businesses. Sometimes it seems like hope is fleeting. Yet somehow, many of us are still making it, and if we pause for a moment and look around us, we need to celebrate the fact that hope still abounds. We need to be thankful for the small things that give us purpose and energy to keep grinding away day after day. To be grateful for the knowledge that we can make it, and that we can do hard things. We represent the best in the building industry. I for one, wouldn’t want to do anything else, with anyone else. Annie said it best, “The sun ‘ll come out tomorrow…” It always has, it always will. Here’s looking to a great future. Now it’s your turn. Go tell someone -Thanks!

Growing up, my Mom used to tell me that regardless of how bad things got for me, all I had to do was just look around and I’d find someone else out there who had it harder than I did.

December 2011 | www.mbapierce.com - 3

MBA Staff

Executive CommitteeRick Hjelm, CGR/CR

President

Local DirectorsSean Comfort, Carolin

Fast, Ron Hendrickson, Joe Maxwell, Cathi Mahan, Bob McClellan, Gary Patterson, Steve Shattuck CGR/CAPS,

Kurt Wilson, Tim Yokes, Duke York CGR/CAPS, Joe

Zehnder

State DirectorsKent Arola, Josh Dunn, Mike

Fast CGR, Dan Garber, Steve Garitone, Dave Graff, Rick Hjelm CGR/CR, Carrie Litowitz, Susie Nelson, Matt Rock, Laureen Skrivan, Rick

Yorkk

National DirectorsBob Camp, Mike Fast CGR,

Lyle Fox, Carrie Litowitz, Tom O’Connor

Board of Directors

MBA Mission StatementThe Master Builders Association of Pierce County is an organization consisting of home building professionals and related service providers. We promote the interests of the home building industry through membership involvement, legislative action, networking and education while striving to maintain the highest ethical standards.

Volume 19, Number 12, Dimensions is published 12 times per year: monthly in Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. by the Master Builders

Association of Pierce County, 1120 Pacific Ave, Suite 301, Tacoma, Washington 98402. Copyright 2010 by Master Builders Association of Pierce County. Opinions expressed are

those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of the MBA. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Duke YorkVice President Treasurer

Sue Zimmerman2nd Vice President

Joe MaxwellVice President Secretary

Gary PedersenImmediate Past President

Lifetime DirectorsDan Abercrombie, Al Berger, Terry Brink, Rick Brunaugh,

Robert Camp, Bud Crest, Sean Comfort, Bob Coyne, Ray Dally,

Bob Denomy, Jeff Edwards, Mike Fast, CGR, Lyle Fox, Steve Garitone, Dave Graff, Buzz

Grant, Glen Graham, Harold Hansen, Dave Hendrickson, Clem Johnson, Rebecca Jones, David Kelly, David Litowitz, Todd Lord, Bob Lund, Ann McLaren, Bob

Mickey, John Miller, Merrit Nelson, Susie Nelson, Les Rhea, William

Schuur, Jr., John Slott, Pat Steffan, William Triquart, Doug

Vieselmeyer, Dick Wegner, Rick Yorkk, Jim Yurina, Joe Zelazny

Lifetime State DirectorsRobert Camp, Don Cash, Lyle

Fox, Steve Garitone, John Slott

Official Publication of: Master Builders Association of Pierce County1120 Pacific Ave., Ste. 301, Tacoma, WA 98402

Phone: (253) 272-2112 Fax: (253) 383-1047www.mbapierce.com info@mbapierce.com

Tiffany Speir- ext. 104 Executive Officer

Kawehi Marshall, CGA, CGP- ext. 105Events & Education Director

Shawn Hoey- ext. 101 Government Affairs Manager

Kim Taylor- ext. 103Member Benefits DirectorLaura Haworth- ext. 102

Communications/Marketing Manager

Lifetime National DirectorsRobert Camp, Ray Dally,

Mike Fast, CGR, Lyle Fox, Jim Yurina

Our Employee Benefits Toolbox is the only one that includes: • A20-Year history of savings •Benefits-rich plans to keep employees smiling • Simplified,single source billing,tomakelifeeasier

Learn more about the MBA Health Insurance Program,by calling 1-800-545-7011, ext. 6 or visit us online at www.epkbenefits.com

The Right ToolsFor Your Health Insurance Benefits

Does Your Current Health Plan Fail to Measure Up? Call Us Today!

CBS_MBA_Pierce_Cty_Ad_Measure_CLR_Half.indd 1 11/9/07 9:57:02 AM

Save The Date – Saturday, January 21

Yes, Spikes, there IS a Spikes Only Celebration!

Join your fellow Spikes for the latest in the sinfully

funny series – Late Nite Catechism: Till Death Do Us Part at Theatre on the Square in Tacoma’s Broadway Center.

Tickets for Spike Club members will be only $15 each for the show AND a private pre-show cocktail party. Go to www.broadwaycenter.org/season to get more info.

Watch your mailbox For your invitation!

Tiffany Speir, Esq.2012 Shaping Up Well

4 - MBA DIMENSIONS

FRO

M T

HE

EXEC

UTI

VE O

FFIC

ER

The end of 2011 has proved

to be an exciting time at MBA, and it’s evidence that

2012 is going to be an exciting year as well. Your association’s committees and staff are running on all cylinders on your behalf! Here is a brief summary of activities that members and staff accomplished during this past year:

program to MBA members• Staffed Design Professionals Council• Staffed Membership Committee and Spike Club, coordinating monthly meetings and the annual Spike Club party• Cultivated relationships with MBA Member Benefit Partners to maximize member benefits• Worked with member companies to support Twisted Tuesday events at member sites• Featured speaker at 2011 NAHB Leadership Summit• Finalized and began marketing Associated Petroleum’s MBA Fuel Program. • Continued marketing Health Insurance to member companies, increasing participation to nearly 30%

Government Affairs • Legislative Strategy Committee Met monthly and dealt with State, County and City issues affecting homebuilding• Held monthly meeting with County Executive, key County staff people • Held three Forum Meetings with City and County government staff members• MBA President, LSC Chair, staff met with all 7 County Council Members, Mayors of Tacoma, University Place, Sumner, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and Puyallup• Welcomed new Government

Affairs staff person Shawn Hoey• Held a Legislative Hill Day in Olympia during session and met with the Pierce County Legislative Delegation• Participated in development and implementation of “Best Permitting Agency in the State” Report and Program re Pierce County PALS/Public Works • Coordinated with NAHB staff to develop NAHB Economic Impact Study of Housing in Pierce County, Bonney Lake, and Tacoma; began planning Economic Impact of Housing Event with NAHB Economist Elliot Eisenberg• Participated on Housing Expert Panel, Land Use Expert Panel of Joint Base Lewis McChord Growth Planning Group• Coordinated Implementation of PC Impact

Government Affairs-Coordinated with NAHB staff to develop NAHB

Economic Impact Study of Housing in Pierce

County, Bonney Lake, and Tacoma; began planning

Economic Impact of Housing Event with

NAHB Economist Elliot Eisenberg

Executive Officer (since October 1)• Appeared on 10/23/11 South Sound Business report to explain state of local housing industry.• Compiled 2012 Board ballot and accompanying candidate statements; mailed out 10/31 to membership• Completed current improvements to 3rd floor office • Negotiated trade for floor cleaning on 3rd floor with Rainbow International Restoration(Thank you!)• Discussed MBA Building Assessment Appeal with County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office• Coordinated (along with staff) with Builder Fusion regarding MBA website & database updates

Membership/Spike/GRIP/DPC• Recruited 104 New Members and processed 613 Renewals through October• Marketed GRIP retro

Executive Officer Appeared on 10/23/11 South Sound Business

report to explain state of local housing industry

December 2011 | www.mbapierce.com - 5

Fee & Sewer Connection Charge Deferral Program with County Staff• Participated on PC Flood Plain Management Group, PC Open Space Task Force • Participated on Tacoma’s Critical Areas Ordinance Work Group, BLUS Technical Advisory Committee, Urban Forestry Regulation Advisory Group• Participated on Tacoma-Pierce Co. Clean Air Non-Attainment Task Force• Tracked legislative & regulatory issues in 23 cities in Pierce Co. (e.g., Comprehensive Plan amendments, UGA amendments, development regulations, flood control regulations, fire sprinklers etc.)• Circulated letter to cities across Pierce County opposing fee increases in 2012 budgets & responded to city replies received• Participated on TRAFAC (County Transportation Planning Technical Advisory Group)• Coordinated annual MBA Elected Officials Reception

• Completed creation of Salishan Phase VII case study video; began distribution to TV, websites, governments• Updated the TPC Built Green Multi-Family Checklist & Handbook• Completed Development, Advertisement of Built Green WA Real Estate Professional Designation Exam and Training Course• Updated Energy RetroFit Checklist • Scheduled fall 2011 TPCBG education series• Helped coordinate BGWA Board meeting and conference calls

Events • Coordinated MBA and member participation at Tacoma Home & Garden Show • Coordinated MBA’s annual Golf Tournament (with 156 players and 38 sponsors!)• Staffed Remodelors™ Council which held monthly meetings, participated in Rebuilding Together South Sound, and volunteered hundreds of man hours to Festival of Trees’ Designer Day• Coordinated Annual RC Crab Feed• Coordinated MBA’s Remodeling Excellence Awards ceremony• Coordinated the hosting of 21 educations classes for members at MBA office• Coordinated MBA’s annual education scholarship program and MBA awarded 3 scholarships to college bound students• Coordinated (along with other MBA Committees) the First Annual MBA Chili Cook Off• Staffed RC’s Tour of Remodeled Homes

Communications/Public Relations

• Produced monthly Dimensions newsletter, circulated to MBA members, County and state elected officials, and HBAs across Washington.• Started MBA Blog, LinkedIn Group; maintained MBA’s facebook page• Sent out weekly e-mails to membership • Staffed MBA’s Public Relations Committee, which met monthly and presented the October General Membership Meeting• Coordinated MBA’s Builders in Schools 6-week program• Coordinated MBA participation in the Pierce County Construction Partnership Career Day• Organized nearly 25 members and MBA staff to participate in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, raised $2,000 for the Sexual Assault Center of Peirce County. • Coordinated development of 2011 and 2012 Membership Directory/Buyer’s Guide

The MBA is all about YOU – the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Please feel free to attend MBA committee meetings, events, and just stop by the office to find out more about how you can get more out of your membership. Happy New Year!

Built Green-Completed creation

of Salishan Phase VII case study video; began

distribution to TV, websites, governments

Built Green® Program• Secured $5,000 Grant from Tacoma Public Utilities for Built Green®• Hosted booth at 2011 Tacoma Home & Garden Show and 2011 South Sound Sustainability Expo• Certified Salishan Phase VII, Habitat Development/Housing Project with 91 housing units

Communications/Public Relations

Organized nearly 25 members and MBA staff to participate in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, raised

$2,000 for the Sexual Assault Center of P.C.

FRO

M T

HE

GO

VERN

MEN

T A

FFA

IRS

DIR

ECTO

R

6 - MBA DIMENSIONS

FRO

M T

HE

LEG

ISLA

TIVE

STR

ATE

GY

COM

MIT

TEE

CHA

IR Government Affairs: Working Stronger and Leaner

Call today for your free estimate.

• Surveillance Cameras • Security Systems • Home Audio/Theater Systems • Affordable Home Automation

253-770-5570 www.asinw.com

ALL SYSTEMS INTEGRATEDHome Theater

Custom Audio/VideoSecurity SystemsLighting Control

Computer NetworkAutomation

Telephone/IntercomCamera Systems

2011 may have not seen a huge uptick in building activity for our

members, but it was a busy one nonetheless on the government affairs front. MBA’s Legislative Strategy Committee was busy from January through December working on:

• reduced and deferred impact fees, • improvements to the Pierce County and Tacoma permitting departments’ structures and fee programs• reduction in the amount of and deferred payment for system development charges,• extension of the life of plats and other permits, • reasonableness in the ongoing shoreline master program updates and flood control regulations, • preventing residential fire sprinkler mandates, • reducing delays in plat approval processes and permit reviews,• positive outcomes for industry on many more city and county issues!

This was my second year serving at the LSC Chair, and I feel the committee kept its focus on issues affecting a wide range of members while regularly seeking out member opinions about what new issues should be taken up. Throughout the year, MBA members and staff participated on stakeholder and work groups for the County and a number of cities, providing input on a wide range of issues that would be regulating home building. I am proud to have worked with a very dedicated group of peers on these important issues this past year – a special thank you to Rick Brunaugh, Tres Kirkebo, Tom O’Connor, Gary Pedersen, Kurt Wilson, Dale Yeager and Jim Yurina for your efforts. During 2011, we welcomed Shawn Hoey to MBA’s Government Affairs team. Shawn started in February and has served as the primary contact for city issues throughout the County ever since. Long time Government Affairs Director Tiffany Speir was promoted to MBA Executive Officer in October, but continues to staff County government affairs issues and oversee the program overall. Regardless of staff, however, members are needed too! Your expertise and perspective are vital to a successful Legislative Strategy Committee. This year we have seen new faces around the table at committee

meetings, and we want to see more! Looking ahead to 2012, the MBA’s Government Affairs Program is seeking input from membership to find out how we can better represent your interests, whether you work in unincorporated Pierce County and/or any of the 23 cities within the county. We are hoping that you consider joining our efforts on behalf of the homebuilding industry in 2012 and beyond – there are lots of ways you can contribute! In rough economic times, the MBA’s Government Affairs efforts are more important than ever for keeping all of us in business. Please take a few moments to review the questions below and send in your responses to Shawn Hoey or Tiffany Speir at MBA – thank you in advance for your time and helping us work most effectively for you!

• Do you have a personal or professional relationship with any Pierce County or City Council elected official(s)? If so, who?

• Where do you do business specifically? What actions have the city or county where you work taken that have helped or hurt your business?

I am proud to have worked with a very dedicated group of peers on these important issues this past year – a special thank you to Rick Brunaugh, Tres Kirkebo, Tom O’Connor, Gary Pedersen, Kurt Wilson, Dale Yeager and Jim Yurina for your efforts.

Sean Comfort, ABHL, Inc.

December 2011 | www.mbapierce.com - 7

BUILD

ING

PERMIT A

CTIVITY

New, Pre-Owned, Business and Personal

“See Me First”Tunya Johnson253.620.8954

fleettexec@tituswill.comwww.tituswillford.com

Looking forward to handling all your automotive needs.

Over 200 New and pre-owned Vehicles to choose from...

• Would you consider attending a monthly legislative issues committee to provide your input into the positions MBA takes? If not, why not?

• Would you consider attending special meetings, held as needed, to deal with specific actions that a local government (County or city) is considering that would affect your company’s ability to do business there? If not, why not?

• If you are not interested in participating in MBA’s Government Affairs committee work yourself, would you consider helping to raise funds that would support the Government Affairs Program from industry members and others?

• If you are not interested in participating in MBA’s Government Affairs committee work yourself, would you consider helping to recruit other industry members who would participate?

Thank you once again and happy holidays. See you next year!

Detached: Oct. ‘11 Av. New Hm. Price = $251,079/ Median New Hm. Price = $238,495 Av. New Hm. Cost per Sq. Ft. = $101.41 (down 23% from 10/10) Attached (new & existing): Oct. ‘11 Av. Hm. Price = $158,275 / Median Hm. Price = $145,500 / New Av. Cost Per Sq. Ft. = $167.21 (down 15% from 10/10)

Oct. ‘11 Average Lot Price = $43,418 / Median Lot Price = $39,000 / Av. Lot = %17.3 of Av. Home Price Med. Lot = 16.4% of Med. Home Price Av. Foreclosed SF Home Price: $175,618 (46.1% of existing homes / 40% of all homes for sale) Source: RealEstats (360-693-6525)

OCT. ‘11 YTD ‘11 OCT. ‘10 YTD ‘10 PIERCE COUNTY

Lots Created 123 353 2 321 SF Base / Custom 34 / 25 553 / 268 46 / 35 583 / 387 Addition / Remodel 30 / 5 328 / 70 35 / 6 258 / 44

Duplex / Man. / TownHouse 0 / 6 / 0 26 / 92 / 0 6 / 13 / 0 12 / 90 / 0 BONNEY LAKE

SF / Add-Remodel 2 / 0 62 / 18 7 / 0 69 / 18 MF / Manufactured 0 / 0 0 / 1 0 / 0 0 / 1

DUPONT SF / Add-Remodel 0 / 1 29 / 12 8 / 2 89 / N/A MF / Manufactured 2 / NA 5 / NA 0 / N/A 1 / N/A

FIFE SF / Add-Remodel 0 / NA 4 / NA 2 / N/A 19 / N/A MF / Manufactured NA / NA NA / NA N/A / N/A N/A / N/A

GIG HARBOR SF / Add / Remodel 7 / 0 58 / 11 0 / 1 24 / 8 MF / Manufactured 14 / 0 14 / 0 0 / 0 11 / 0

LAKEWOOD SF / Add-Remodel 0 / 52 28 / 222 0 / 0 16 / 144 MF / Manufactured 0 / NA 6 / NA 0 / N/A 6 / N/A

TACOMA SF / Add-Remodel 8 / 60 148 / 555 9 / 48 127 / 475 MF / Manufactured 9 / 0 10 / 0 0 / 0 1 / 0

UNIVERSITY PLACE SF / Duplex / Add-Remodel 0 / 0 / 2 14 / 0 / 45 1 / 0 / 2 10 / 9 / 83

MF / Manufactured 0 / NA 0 / NA 0 / NA 0 / N/A

8 - MBA DIMENSIONS

©2011 Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand. Coverage type and benefits vary by state and may not be available in all states.

The Master Builders Association of Pierce County has partnered with Colonial Life to offer our member firms special underwriting options and rates on Colonial Life’s products and services.

It’s simple. Being on “disability” means your employees don’t get a “paycheck.”

Colonial Life’s Short-Term Disability Insurance replaces a portion of the income your employees may lose when they’re sick or hurt and can’t work. So you can offer more complete benefits – and they can make ends meet until they get better. Now that’s making benefits count. coloniallife.com

Ask Randy Kruse about a FREE benefits assessment!

Randy Kruse 206.498.3982 Randy.Kruse@coloniallife.com

Endorsed by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County.

Accident • Disability • Life • Cancer and Critical Illness • Hospital Confinement Indemnity

FROM YOUR MBA STAFF

It’s been a pleasure to be your chairman of the Remodelors™ Council

this past year. This year we tried to focus on

education and had education segment at each meeting. Presentations were made on many topics from appliances to woodworking to marketing, to name a few. Thank you to all our presenters. If you have a topic you think would be interesting to our council members, please let us know. As our Remodelors™ Council has grown the past few years, meeting attendance is about 100, some of us felt we were missing the times when we all knew everyone else. So this year we started a new item at our meeting called ‘RC Get to know ME’. We asked a couple of our council members to get up at each meeting and tell us a little about their background, their company, their products and services and what they see coming up in the future in their part of the industry. The more we know about our members, the better chance we have to use and refer to their products and services. Contact Kawehi Marshall if you would like to participate in this. I want to also take time to thank our monthly dinner sponsors. In February, Tim Reding (Reding Construction, Inc.) and John Reding (J R Reding Company) hosted us with a wonderful stew dinner and guest speaker. Mac Gray and the Gray Lumber Company team hosted our March dinner and we were able to visit Reeb Millwork Corp-Northwest in Kent as they showed us some of their very select products. Dave Blankenship (Weir’s Appliance & Video) and Melanie Kirschner (American Cabinet Company LLC)

December 2011 | www.mbapierce.com - 9

FRO

M TH

E REM

OD

ELOR

S™ C

OU

NC

IL CH

AIR

Remodelors™ Council Thanks Its Sponsors Matt Rock, M.R. Construction

hosted Bob Angeline from the Dept. of Commerce. May was our annual REX Awards and our sponsors were Contract Furnishings Mart, Crescent Lighting Supply, Inc., Puget Sound Energy, Hill Custom Homes, Clearwater Kitchen and Bath, Kichler Lighting, Quick Step, South Sound Magazine, Blue Dolfin Interiors and Getting Personal Imprinting. Dave Sizemore (Founder’s Choice Cabinetry) put on a Fiesta spread for us in June. Mac Gray (Gray Lumber) and team along with Trex and Cascade Capital, Mike Smith (Access Windows), Billie Jo Hyland (Hyland Cabinetworks, Inc.) and Kate Simpson (RAS Granite and Marble) out did themselves again with the Annual Crabfeed in July. Our yearly steak / chili dinner in August was stupendous as ever at Contract Furnishings Mart. Lynne Hill and Steve Frazier provided additional knowledge on great products they have to offer. Devin Rosen hosted us at Water Concepts in September and brought in a special speaker from Kohler. Kelly McMeekin at Albert Lee Appliance Co. invited us to their new Tacoma location in October, their vendors put on a great spread. Finally, Karen Bills and Carole Velez (Milgard Windows & Doors) took us on a tour of their manufacturing location in Fife and presented us with a wonderful lasagna dinner. Thank you so much to all of our sponsors; we appreciate all you do to support the RC and the MBA. Thanks to all the MBA staff, especially Kawehi, for their support and attendance at our council meetings. As the Vice-Chair this year, Duke York, had to ‘Pinch-Hit’ for me a couple times when I was out of town. Thanks Duke!

MBA

201

2 CA

LEN

DA

R General Events

January 17General Membership

Meeting- Sponsor Appreciation/TRC Kick Off

Location: MBA Office

February 21Twisted TuesdayLocation: TBD

February 27-29BIAW Winter Board MeetingLocation: Red Lion Hotel

(Olympia)

Design Professionals Council5:30 p.m. - 2nd Thursday

January 13Expanding your Marketing

with Professionally Produced Photography, Roger Turk, North

Light Photography Location: The Hub Event Space

Februrary 9Design Concepts Open House

York Enterprises, Karen Hirschman Design, Parker Drafting

Service, Athena Milan Interiors, Marcia Keil Interior Design

Location: 1215 S Union, Tacoma

Remodelors™ Council6 p.m. - 4th Tuesday

January 24O’Loughlin Trade ShowsLocation: Tacoma Dome

February 28AAA Kartak Glass and Closet Corp.

Location: 3060 96th St S, Lakewood

MarchAlbert Lee Appliances

Tacoma Location

FRO

M T

HE

MEM

BERS

HIP

CH

AIR A Great Year For Membership and Spikes

10 - MBA DIMENSIONS

Kent Arola, Wind River Homes

It’s been a great year for the Membership Committee. Despite

the hard economic times we were able to recruit 104 NEW members to the MBA. That is largely part to the dedication all of you have for your Association. Thank you to

everyone who has made an effort to recruit this year, and a special thank you the Membership Committee for their undivided attention towards the Association meetings, events and recruiting. You are all great ambassadors of our Association! I have three people I want to thank for helping me so much this year. Vice Chair Ernie Dittmann has been great help to me by being there whenever I needed him to fill in and I am forever grateful. Joe Zehnder has also been instrumental in the success of this year’s committee. Finally, we couldn’t do anything without the strong support of our Member Benefits Director, Kim Taylor. I cannot express how hard she works for this organization. This year has been highlighted by members thinking outside of the box on how to recruit new members. We’ve hosted a few successful new member meet and greets, happy hours and we’ve been to members’ open houses and golf tournaments to spread the word about the MBA. If you are having an event for your company and willing to let the MBA to have a table, please let us know by contacting Kim Taylor at 253.272.2112 ext. 103. As I move into the Spike Chair position I would love to see more of you get involved in the membership committee. Recruiting can be intimidating at first, but is very rewarding and fun. If you are interested in the Committee please contact myself, 2012 Membership Chair Ernie Dittmann or Kim Taylor. Let’s start out 2012 strong!

As I end my term as your 2011 Spike Chair, I am excited

to announce I will continue with MBA leadership in 2012 as Vice President-Secretary on the Executive Committee. Going through the Membership Chairs over the past

three years has given me a lot of background on the Association and insight to prepare for this important role. I know membership will be in great hands as Membership Chair, Kent Arola, transitions into your incoming Spike Chair and Ernie Dittmann begins his term as Membership Chair. One thing I hope I have emphasized during my time in membership and as Spike Chair is taking advantage of the many benefits that the MBA has to offer. Every month we recognize at least one of the MBA Member Benefit Partners and I hope you all take the opportunity to learn more about what’s available for your company. I would also like to recognize the ongoing recruitment efforts by our members. During our latest membership drive in November, 16 new members were recruited with 6 of them taking advantage of the “quick pick” deal to join Built Green®, Remodelors™ Council or the Design Professionals Council for one full year for free. Thank you again to everyone who recruits to the MBA as your efforts are essential in maintaining and continuing to improve the association.

Finally, Spikes, be sure to save the date – Saturday, January 21 for our Spikes Only Celebration. Join your fellow Spikes for the latest in the sinfully funny series – Late Nite Catechism: Till Death Do Us Part at Theatre on the Square in Tacoma’s Broadway Center. Tickets for Spike Club members will be only $15 each (normally $39 each) for the show AND a private pre-show cocktail party. Go to www.broadwaycenter.org/season to get more info about the show. Be watching your mailbox as your invitation should arrive soon!

Joe Zehnder, McGavick Graves, P.S.

Thank you to everyone who has made an effort to recruit this year, and a special thank you the Membership Committee for their undivided attention towards the Association meetings, events and recruiting.

Finally, Spikes, be sure to save the date – Saturday, January 21 for our Spikes Only Celebration. Join your fellow Spikes for the latest in the sinfully funny series – Late Nite Catechism: Till Death Do Us Part at Theatre on the Square in Tacoma’s Broadway Center.

Put your membership to work now.Money-saving discounts that benefit your business, your employees, and your family

www.nahb.org/MA

National Association of Home Builders

MA_8.5X5.5Ads_2011 1/6/11 3:50 PM Page 1

TOP 25 SPIKES

* P

er N

AH

B A

ctiv

e S

pike

s as

of 1

0/31

/11

Dave GraffSteve GaritoneDavid LitowitzPat SteffanCarri LitowitzSusie NelsonRick HjelmRandy KruseSteve ShattuckRobert CampDave HendricksonMichael R. FastCathi MahanLyle FoxGordon NeuSue ZimmermanRebecca JonesFred BrownWayne ManganDuke YorkGary HoweGary PattersonTom O’ConnorRick BrunaughMatt RockDan Garber

586.75512.25323.5286271.5260.5244232.5226.5205.5170.5155152.75145.5144.75134.5124.5119112100.588.58887.586.581.7581.75

November Recruiter Rewards WinnerDrumroll Please ….

The November Recruiter Reward goes to Karen Hirschman of Karen Hirschman Designs Inc.

Congratulations Karen, you won FOUR tickets to the MBA Black Tie, Blue Jeans Celebration and Installation of Officers. That is a $180 value! Karen recruited new member Athena Milan of Athena Milan Interiors in November and won a prize- have

you recruited anyone lately?

December’s Recruiter Rewards Prize is a Snack, Spa & Suntan! For each new member you recruit in December, you will get one entry into a drawing for a $25 Varsity Grill Gift Card, a $25 Savi Day Spa Gift Card and a $100 gift card to Seattle Sun Tan. Beat those winter blues and treat yourself for a change!

Stimulus AuctionCelebration

Stimulus AuctionCelebration

Installation of OfficersThursday, December 17, 2009

Landmark Convention Center/Temple Theatre47 St. Helens Avenue, Tacoma, Washington

Master Builders Association of Pierce County’s

Celebration

Joe Zehnder, McGavick Graves, P.S.

THANKS FOR RENEWING*

*As of 10/31/11

Members 65 Plus Years!Honey Bucket Portable Restrooms (NW Cascade)

Members 30 to 34 YearsSamdal Construction Interior & MillworkWestern Builders Supply

Members 25 to 29 YearsSchuur Brothers, Inc.

Members 20 to 24 YearsAHBL, Inc.Bjorn G. Olson Building, Inc.Hendrickson Construction Company-Affiliate Dave HendricksonProBuild - Spanaway-Affiliate Steve TaylorSound Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Members 15 to 19 YearsCalifornia Closets

Members 10 to 14 YearsBob’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.C & C Concrete Construction, Inc.GeoResourcesKirby Electric Inc.Northwest Abatement ServicesReding Construction, Inc.Shattuck & Associates, Inc.SRCTrue Light Electric Inc.Viking Cabinets

Members 5 to 9 YearsABC Sun Control, IncFireside of Washington, Inc.Founder’s Choice CabinetryMcGladrey & Pullen, LLPNicholson & Associates, LLCProBuild - FifeProvident ElectricTri State Distributors

Members 2 to 4 YearsCoverall InteriorsDrain-Pro Inc.East Bay Homes, LLCG & G Cabinets, LLCIsland Rock & Water, LLCJ R Reding CompanyMcGavick Graves, P.S.Newton Plumbing, Inc.York Enterprises-Affiliate Stacy McCracken

Members First YearBeyler ConsultingGreat West Property Management