BBIA Shout OutMembership Minute BBIA Chili Cook OffGRIP Safety MemoNews From NAHB News From the StateCalendar of Events

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Mission Statement

Bitterroot Building Industry Association

“Serving to unify and enhance the building

industry in the Bitterroot Valley through education, community involvement and quality construction

practices.”

BitterrootBuilding News

NewsletterNovember 2012

Inside This Issue

Voting, Do It ProudlyBy Tom Vanorio, 2012 BBIA President

In a few short days, the polls will open, and you ought to be there casting your vote. Voting in your local, state and national elections is not only your right, it’s your obligation.

In the last presidential election, 63 percent of eligible voters actually cast their ballots. In last year’s mid-term election, the voter turnout was less than 40 percent. Certainly we can do better.

Elections across the country this year may well decide the future of the housing industry. Ask yourself which candidates at the national, state and local levels best represent your views on homeownership, the economy, taxes, growth, and the environment.

As building industry professionals we are held to a higher standard in many regards. And so, too, we should set the example for all citizens by casting our ballots whenever we are given the opportunity to do so.

No matter if you are voting by mail, absentee, or in person, do it proudly.

This election year, the BBIA encourages all members to vote, not once but twice. Join us election night as we gather together to vote on what our members present as the best darn chili cook off sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Enjoy election night coverage, door prizes, discussion and networking with your peers and most importantly vote for your favorite chili! Make plans now to attend November 6th 6pm at Vann’s in Hamilton.

“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” ~ Larry J. Sabato, American Political Scientist

I’m glad I got involved or I would have missed a world of opportunities. Being an ACTIVE member of my local Association gives me an edge over my competition and a forum to meet builders from my area. Each meeting held by the association is an opportunity to spend quality time with the builders, and being present at those events is one of the greatest benefits of membership.

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2012 Board of Directors PresidentTom Vanorio, T Bar V Builders

1st Vice President Flora Buoy, Alpine Granite Accents

2nd Vice President Caleb Tipton, Big Sky Builders of Montana, Inc.TresurerGeorge Bingham, Bingham & Associates, CPAs

Immediate Past PresidentDale Hanson, Western States Insurance

DirectorsTom Stringham, Schrock Construction, Inc.

2 vacant seats

State DirectorsState Life Director . . . . . . Tom Vanorio

State Life Director . . . . . . Chip Pigman

State Direcotr . . . . . . . . Archie Thomas

State Director . . . . . . . George Bingham

State Director . . . . . . . . Flora Buoy

NAHB DirectorsNational Life Director. . . . Tom Vanorio

National Rep . . . . . . . . . . Chip Pigman

BBIA CommitteesHome & Ranch Expo . . Archie Thomas

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Tipton

Membership . . . . . . . . . . Justine Morris

Tour of Homes . . . . . . . . Flora Buoy

Government Affairs . . . . . Tom Stringham

Golf Tournament . . . . . . Jamie Schrock

BBIA Poker Tournament. . . Tom Stringham

BBIA Shout Out

Be on the BBIA Board of Directors

The BBIA is soliciting and evaluating candidates to stand for election to our Board of Directors. Severing as a member of the governing Board of one’s trade association is a great honor and a high privilege. It is a great honor because it reflects recognition by your peers of your past achievements and your leadership potential. It is a high privilege because you will be involved in addressing issues that will help determine the very future of our association and our industry.

Nominations are due by Monday, November 12th! Nominate yourself or a peer. If you nominate a peer, be sure they understand the duties and are willing to serve. Elections will be held at the December Membership Meeting and new officers will be inducted in January during the BBIA Annual Banquet.

To be a board member you must be a member in good standing, able and willing to attend 12 monthly 1½ to 2 hour meetings, actively participate and/or chair a committee, be an advocate for the builders association, help recruit new members, review documents prior to meetings and other duties as may be assigned by the President. Terms are for three years.

Complete the information below and fax to the BBIA office at 375-0248 or email to info@BitterrootBIA.com. Call 375-9411 if you have any questions or would likemore information about being on the board.

Remember to encourage members to vote! Ballots will be included in the December newsletter.

I ______________________ (your printed name) nominate the following for the BBIA Board of Directors:Name: _______________________________________

Company: ____________________________________

Telephone #: ___________________________________

Circle Member Type: Builder Associate

Bitterroot Building News 3

Another year is drawing to a close and time seems to go faster with each passing year. I hear it everyday from members that there is just not enough time in the day and yet somehow many of you still seem to find time to devote to our Association. This is a great way to honor and thank those builder and associate members who have helped make our Association successful.

Please take a moment to make your suggestions for nominees for this award so we can be sure to include all deserving members when the nominating committee deliberates to choose the winners for this year. Winners will be announced at our Annual Banquet on Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 and will receive an award honoring them and thanking them for all they have done.

Don’t miss this opportunity to help select a deserving member for this prestigious award. At your request, your nomination may be kept anonymous and will only be seen by the nominating committee.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 12th, 2012.

Eligibility

All Builder & Associate Members of the BBIA are eligible to nominate or be nominated. You may nominate more than one member for each category.

Nominating Committee can make nominations outside of those persons nominated.

The Nominating committee will review all nomination forms and score cards and will make the final selection for each award category based on the number of nominations and their scores.

Criteria Considered for Awards

Member Spirit - Faithfulness to principles, code of ethics, efforts to encourage good professional standards among members, time spent promoting the Association and industry.

Activity in Local Association - A willingness to participate in Association activities and committee work, special assignments or task forces.

Leadership Skills - Ability to lead others in a positive way. Promotes member to member service and leads by example.

These are general criteria you can use when nominating someone for these prestigious awards. Remember, a nominee doesn’t have to be someone who has only done spectacular things this year. If you feel a member deserves special recognition for past accomplishments and contributions, please feel free to nominate that person.

I _______________________________________________ (your printed name) nominate the following for the Builder /Associate of the Year Award: (Please circle one) Nominee: _____________________________________

Company: ___________________________________ I feel they are deserving of this award because:

BBIA Shout Out

Please Help Us Recognize those Members who go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

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Membership Minute

Membership Committee ChairpersonJustine Morris, Ravalli Republic

Royal Spikes (150-249)

Chip Pigman 211

Red Spikes (100-149)

Tom Vanorio 127.5

Jim VanSickle 107.5

Green Spikes (50-99)

Ray Tipton 60

Angela Previte 60

Life Spikes (25-49)

Willie Schrock 48

Blue Spikes (6-24)

George Bingham 22.5

Flora Buoy 18

Joanne Hamlin 10.5

Dale Hanson 7

Spike Candidates (1-5)

Tom Allsop 1

Glen Barnhouse 4.5

Todd Bauer 2

Paul Beck 5

Loren Collins 4.5

Chuck Garber 4

Gary Grossman 4

Brian Mendenhall 2

Jason Rice 2

Jim Rousselle 3.5

Archie Thomas 3.5

Tom Stringham 1

Spike roster per NAHB’s Spike Report Effective thru 9/2012

Thank You to Our New and

Renewing MembersRich Shelley,

Columbia Paint

Matt Bryant,Riverdell Construction

Yancey Manhan, Sherwin Williams

Joe Gablehausen, Wells Fargo Home

Mortgage

Glen Barnhouse, Dig It Excavating, Inc.

Kent Curtiss Construction, Inc.

Patrick Klier,Summit Housing

Group

Jason Rice,Territorial Landworks

If you are a new member, what better way to jump start your networking than to write your own company bio for the newsletter.

Spotlight your company in a 200 word introduction to other BBIA members. Include your logo and a business card ad. We will also feature your business on our Facebook Page!

The Spotlight is free!

Please submit your bio by the 25th of the monthto: info@bitterrootbia.com

New Member Spotlights

Members Save Money

As an NAHB benefit, members have access to discounts and savings opportunities offered by many top companies.Visit http://www.nahb.org/ma

Bitterroot Building News 5

Making Election Night Fun One Bowl of Chili at a Time.When: Tuesday, November 6th 6pmWhere: Vann’s of HamiltonSponsored by Wells Fargo Home MortgageDeadline to RSVP: Monday, November 5th

FREE to BBIA Members $5 for Non-Members

Watch election night highlights, taste good chili, and have a little fun with your friends at the BBIA! We will be highlighting the evening with some informal election discussions - “How will XX as President affect your business in 2013?” “Do you see the Governor’s race affecting your business in the same way?” Throw in some door prizes and a competitive chili cook off and this election night is to be an evening of fun! Reserve your seat at the

General Membership Meeting by faxing the completed form to the BBIA office, drop us an email, or simply give us a call! Forget to RSVP no worries walk ins welcome :)

Fax: 375-0248 Phone 375-9411 Email: info@bitterrootbia.com

Company Name: _____________________________________________________

Contact Name: ______________________________________________________

Number of Attendees: _________________Method of Payment:

N/C I’m a BBIA Member Pay at Event

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITY!

Speak to the Builders, Remodelers and Associate Members Directly at one of our Monthly Membership Dinners

Is your company interested in sponsoring one of our monthly membership dinners? For only $150 you can have the opportunity to be a sponsor and educational speaker or simply sponsor and make a 10-minute presentation, to about 25+ members at one of our monthly membership events. Your sponsorship includes:

• Your company name and brief description of your presentation included on all flyers and emails for the dinner event.

• 1/4 page ad to appear in the monthly newsletter the month of the event• Featured in our Member Spotlight on Facebook the week of the event• Opportunity to host the dinner at your place of business.• The availability to set up 1/2 hour prior to the dinner and introduce yourself to the members as they arrive

allowing for one on one interaction and tours of your facility when and where applicable.• A Table top area to display your products and services if dinner is not hosted at your business.• A 10-minute brief presentation of your company and the products and services you have available.• List of attendees from dinner with their names and contact information

If you would like to sponsor a dinner please select the month you are interested in sponsoring:

December 2012 Co-Host a Christmas Party with the BBIA January 15th, 2013 Sponsor the Annual BBIA Builder & Associate of the Year Banquet Febuary 2013 March 2013

Company Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Company Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: _________________________________ Phone #____________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Please return completed form with your payment to:

Bitterroot Building Industry AssociationPO Box 1299

Hamilton, MT 59840Fax 406-375-0248

Sponsorship will be available on a first come first serve basis. Payment is needed to reserve the requested month. If you have any questions please call the office at 406-375-9411.

Bitterroot Building News 7

QuickBooks Basics A complete overview for setting up a business - chart of accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, memorizing reports/transactions. Will be taught on QB 2008, but content applies to earlier versions; instructor can speak on any version. First class will be a primer on essential accounting concepts and terminology. Includes pre-loaded flash drive. Prerequisite: basic computer knowledge. (Note: to learn accounting consider taking Accounting Procedures I available this Fall at BCP)

Monday Oct 22, Wednesday Oct 24, Monday Oct 29 (3 class meetings total) 6pm - 9pm

QuickBooks Payroll Basics Learn to properly set up a payroll system in QuickBooks - create paychecks, pay tax liabilities, and generate payroll forms and reports. Find out how to track employee time, create job cost data, and troubleshoot common problems and mistakes. Includes pre-loaded flash drive. Basic computer and QuickBooks knowledge required.

Monday, Nov 5 & Wednesday, Nov 7 (2 class meetings total) 6pm - 9pm

Prices QuickBooks Basics: $70.00 QuickBooks Payroll Basics: $50.00Both Classes Package Deal: $110.00 Save $10! HOW TO REGISTER FOR COURSESFor personal assistance contact Bitterroot College Program of the University of Montana at 375-0100, Patty Skinner, patricia.skinner@mso.umt.edu. You can also download this registration FORM. All Classes are prepaid. Course Fees due 3 days prior to start date. Late registration may be accepted. Refund Policy: Call 375-0100 for a refund. 100% refund if class is canceled, 100% refund if requested before the 1st class, and 75% after 1st class but before 2nd. Classes will be held atRavalli Entrepreneurship Center (REC) (across the street from the back of Massa Home Center) 274 Old Corvallis RdHamilton, MT 59840(406) 375-9416 These Classes are Sponsored by

Building Bitterroot Business QuickBooks Basics Series

Upcoming Education

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GRIP Safety Memo

Driving is an extremely complex task that requires cognitive and physical responses. However we have been driven to distraction with phone calls, text messages, music, grooming, food, following GPS, children, friends, and pet’s all potentially leading to a deadly distraction.

Distracted Driving -Department of Transportation statistics show that “distracted driving accidents” are on the rise. In 2005 7% of accidents were deemed “distracted driving”, in 2009 – 11%, in 2011 – 18%, and estimates are showing 2012 data in excess of 20%. Statistics show that the average text message takes your eyes off the road for 4.5 seconds. Traveling at average motorway speeds means you will cover over a football field blind while reading a message!

Roadway Fatalities - More fatalities occur every year on America’s highways and city streets than anywhere else. In 2010 the United States experienced 33,963 auto related fatalities; almost 18 per 100,000 drivers or 93 people a day.In Montana we had 209 road deaths in 2011; Almost 28 per 100,000 drivers (that’s nearly twice the national average!). So far in 2012 we’ve had 157 fatalities (MT

DOT 9/8/2012). If we examine Montana auto crashes speed has been listed as a contributing factor in Montana crashes over 12,000 times from 2006 to 2010. Additionally statistics show the old adage “speed kills” is still prevalent today. The chance of fatal injuries doubles for every 10 MPH over 50 MPH you travel at; and your four times more likely to die if not wearing your seat belt.

Impaired Driving – Montana has one of the highest alcohol related fatality rates in the nation per vehicle mile traveled. Do you recognize how many drinks you can have in an hour before you become impaired? When we consider how far our vehicles travel per second the importance of sober driving/paying attention becomes clear. Did you know that you travel approximately 110 feet per second when driving 75 miles per hour? How far does it take to stop? How does snow, ice, or impaired reaction times due to alcohol and drugs affect the stopping distance?

Novembers GRIP Safety Class will take a look at aspects of defensive driving discussing topics such as bad driving habits, distracted driving, vehicle stopping distances, and impaired driving (complete with breathalyzer demonstration). Please call the Montana Building Industry Association (406)442-4479 to RSVP so we can ensure adequate concessions and seating. This class is free to everyone so bring a friend, associate, or anyone you care about behind the wheel.

GRIP Safety SpecialistMike Rocchio

Defensive Driving

Bitterroot Building News 9

News from NAHB

What has NAHB done for you lately? You can read all about it in our association’s excellent newsletters – and you should! Let me review what is available.

The Monday Morning Briefing goes to every member for whom NAHB has an email address and highlights NAHB’s activities for the week as well as a brief look at the current state of our association’s legislative and regulatory priorities. If you don’t receive it, please send an email to editor@nahb.org to make sure you’re on the mailing list.

Eye on the Economy is the very popular every-other-week compilation of entries from NAHB’s Eye on Housing blog, topped by a summary of the current state of the economy and the factors that affect it. All members may elect to receive it – and I hope you subscribe as well.

Washington Update arrives in subscribers’ inboxes on Friday afternoons and provides a “deeper dive” into top legislative, regulatory and housing finance issues. Get on the email list here.

I hope you encourage all members of the federation to subscribe to and read these newsletters. The news reinforces to the membership why we belong to NAHB, access to our legislative, regulatory and

financial advocacy as well as our economic forecasts.

If you have trouble receiving them, send an email to editor@nahb.org or call Calli Schmidt at 800-266-8366 x8132.

In addition, NAHB publishes a number of specialty newsletters that cater to our councils, committees and educational designations. These publications are among the benefits of being a council member or holding the educational designation.

It’s important for all our leaders to understand what this association is doing to support our members businesses – and spread the word about these essential member benefits and how to take advantage of them.

What has NAHB done for you lately?Get Connected and Read all about it!

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The Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund (HBIDRF) was established to assist areas affected by disaster in order to facilitate the rebuilding of communities. The HBIDRF is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The HBIDRF makes funds available for direct contribution to other recognized charities aiming to meet similar needs as the HBIDRF, primarily for shelter needs.

The HBIDRF does not make assistance available directly to individuals.

If your charity wants to apply for funding, you are encouraged to contact your local home builders association to determine if any partnering opportunities are available at this time. Charities must partner with an NAHB-affiliated home builders' association to apply for grants.

Donate Now: Find out how to make a tax deductible gift to the

HBIDRF online or by mail.Grant Awards: Learn more about the charities the HBIDRF has supported and how to apply for funds.Apply for Funds: Download and submit the HBIDRF Application Form and submit to Jessica Lynch (jlynch@nahb.org) or Melissa Voorhees (mvoorhees@nahb.org).

Home Building Industry Disaster Relief FundNews from NAHB

Breezy Point, NY

Bitterroot Building News 11

MontanaHomeExperts.com is a public service of the Montana Building Industry Association(MBIA). This site is offered as an educational tool to provide consumers a greater understanding of the building process. Additionally, we hope to present

consumers with the opportunity to become acquainted with an array of building professionals before choosing a contractor or supplier.

CLAIM YOUR LISTING TODAY! WWW.MONTANAHOMEEXPERTS.COMLike us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @MTHomeExpertsThis is one of the fastest and most cost effective

ways to attract more people.

Montana Unemployment Rate 6.1%News from the State

(HELENA) --- Montana’s unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 points to 6.1% in September. The national rate decreased by 0.3% to 7.8%.

“Montana’s unemployment rate continued its downward trend this month with strong job gains of 1,100 jobs,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. “Over the last year, the number of unemployed people has dropped by 11% with many more Montanans back at work.”

Both Montana and the U.S. unemployment rates made significant movements downward in September, echoing the declines at this time last year. Montana’s employment growth rate over the last year remains at 1.7%, above its long-term average of 1.2% since the series started in 1976. At the U.S. level, employment has grown by 2% in the last year, compared to a 1.3% average annual growth rate using the same time period.

Montana’s total employment increased by 1,130 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis. Total employment includes both payroll workers, plus agricultural and self-employed workers. Payroll employment estimates indicated an increase of 600 jobs, with a gain of 1,200 jobs in the private sector and a decline of 600 government jobs. Job gains were greatest in the Professional and Business Services industry and in Construction. Preliminary

estimates indicate that Construction has been adding jobs since the 4th quarter of 2011.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.6% in September, marking the second straight month where spiking gasoline prices have caused notable price increases in the CPI-U. Gasoline prices rose 7% in September following a 9% rise last month. The food index increased marginally by 0.1%. The increase in the all items less food and energy index, referred to as core inflation, remained relatively steady at 0.1% for the third straight month.

** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make nonseasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 0.8 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 1-800-541-3904.

The October 2012 Labor Situation Report will be released on Tuesday, November 20.

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News from the State

No one likes to leave money on the table. So, what would you think if you could get a rebate for your loyalty to many of the nation's leading housing industry product suppliers? Well, now you can! We're happy to introduce the MBIA Member Rebate Program, aimed at increasing your bottom line. For the minimal effort of informing us about the home construction products you use and when you complete a home or project, you'll be putting money back in your pocket. Both Builder and Remodeler companies, no matter how large or small, qualify for the program. When you participate in the program, you can count on receiving checks every quarter! Please note: Program is only available to current BBIA Members.

You can claim for all homes, remodeling projects or multi-family units completed from April - September, 2012. No receipts are necessary (except for Progress Lighting) to process the rebates as we utilize Manufacturer salespersons to verify the information through their distribution. This makes the paperwork simple and requires minimal time.

The deadline to submit is November 23rdRegistered BBIA Builders have averaged $350

in returns each in 2012 to date!!

Other important Links on the Member Rebate Program:Direct Link to a Calendar that describes all relevant dates:www.HBArebates.com/calendar.html

Direct Link on How to Claim:www.HBArebates.com/claim.html

Direct Link to the current Manufacturers: www.HBArebates.com/manufacturers.html

Direct Link to the Claims Process:www.HBArebates.com/claimsprocess.html

Direct Link to how the rebates are computed:www.HBArebates.com/rebateamounts.html

Over 70% of the Builders & Remodelers who participate receive more than their yearly dues every year. Are you getting yours? Questions:Rich RobinsonProgram AdministratorDirect: 866-849-8400info@HBArebates.com

www.HBArebates.com

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NOVEMBER 2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

JANUARY 2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NOVEMBER

Make to sure to cast your vote November 6th!! Nominations for Builder and Associate of the Year are due this month please

contact the office with your nominations.November 6th GRIP Safety Meeting 7:30am Bitterroot River

Inn

November 6th BBIA Election Day Chili Cook Off

November 13th BBIA Board Meeting 3:30pm at the BBIA Office

November 17th Griz/Cat Game - Missoula

November 19-21 Office Closed; Angela will be working from

home and available via cell and email due to an ankle surgery.

November 22-23 Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER

December 11th BBIA Board Meeting 3:30pm at the BBIA Office

December 11th BBIA Membership Christmas Party TBA

December 24-28 Christmas Break/Vacation

December 31st Happy New Year

JANUARYJanury 1st New Years Day

January 15th BBIA Board Meeting 3:30pm at the BBIA Office

January 15th BBIA Annual Banquet

January 21-25th NAHB International Builders Show Las Vegas

Bitterroot Building Industry EventsGRIP Safety MeetingsEvents of other HBAsHolidaysOffice Closure/Vacation

Upcoming Events

PO Box 1299Hamilton, MT 59840

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