THE INSIDER
Dec. 27, 2011

Inside this issue:
• CALENDAR 
• FROM THE EO’S CORNER 
• 2011 AWARD WINNERS
• 2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY – help!! 
• BUILT GREEN "after hours” FUNDRAISER – Jan. 19 
• EDUCATION THAT COUNTS – amazing and affordable! 
• CERTIFICATION  & CLAIMS MANAGEMENT 
• COURSES IN SKAGIT COUNTY 
• BUILT GREEN MEMBERSHIP TIP 
• FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT COURSES 

CALENDAR
Monday, Jan. 2 – BIAWC OFFICES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
Wednesday Jan. 4 – Noon, Master Remodelers Council
Thursday, Jan. 12 – 11:30 a.m. GAC
Thursday, Jan. 19 – 11:30 a.m. Board of Directors
Thursday, Jan. 19 – 5:30-7 p.m. Built Green "after hours” fundraiser to support
       BIAWC Home Show presentations – at 20/20 Engineering, 814 Dupont St. 
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FROM THE EO’S CORNER
This has been a year of great challenge for the BIAWC. The 2011Leadership team deserves a lot of credit for getting us here today. Membership has fallen tremendously. We have had some financial challenges. We lost some staff.  We let some staff go…we’ve got all new staff.  And now…it’s a new day at BIA!

This is the team that works here every day on your behalf:
Mark Lagasse - Recorder of all activities financial – 15 months
Linda Twitchell – Public Affairs Director – handles GA, Built Green® and education – since March of this year.
Yours truly was lucky enough to be hired in August .
Sharon Kingston – Membership, Marketing and Events Director – on board since September.  In charge of Home Show, the Directory, dinner meetings, the website, membership and more.
Thank-you for the opportunity. We’re having fun serving you – the membership!

We have new leadership at BIAWC:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (boldface are new members)
President:  Don Robinson, Whatcom Construction Company
First Vice President: Monty Smith, MC Smith Construction
Second Vice President: Steve Moore, Moore and Company
Secretary: David Verret, Urban Design Group
Treasurer: Stephanie Artino, Metcalf Hodges
Past President: Charlie Hudson
Member-at-large: David Simpson
BUILDER BOARD
David Edelstein, Greenbriar  Construction
Jim Hassi, Cascade Joinery
Tony Moceri, Moceri Construction
Mark Schramer, Schramer Construction
Rob Staveland, Aiki Homes
Doug Van Beek, Van Beek Drywall
ASSOCIATE BOARD
Doug Campbell, Associated Project Consultants
Phil Dyer, Sterling Real Estate Group
Josh Griese, Premier Coatings
Darcy Jones, Jones Engineering
Pat Rose,  Rose Construction,  MRC Chair
Dannon Traxler, Langabeer & Tull
Jamie Vos, Security Solutions

Thank you all for stepping up!

We have new leadership in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Congratulations, Mayor Linville and County Executive Louws!  I propose we be optimistic, put our best foot forward and try to help these two improve the climate surrounding home-ownership in Whatcom County.  Our mission is to advance home-ownership.
Let’s work with these two to achieve that end for more of our neighbors.

I am hoping to help lead this organization into becoming the most respected, highly regarded advocate for housing in the county.  Our mission is to advance home-ownership and we are going to focus on that task like never before.
We need to expand our membership by appealing to the entire building community.
We need to rebuild our public image as a trade association and not as a political entity. We will continue to advance free market enterprise and work on housing affordability issues on behalf of our members and future home owners.

Thank you again for being a member of BIAWC and believing in the American Dream of Home Ownership.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.  2012 beckons…
Brian A. Evans
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2011 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS:
Congratulations to all involved!

Most Valuable Political Player – Steve Moore, Moore and Co.
This year’s recipient was chosen for many reasons. He is a very familiar face in this building and around Bellingham. He has been an officer for years. He has co-chaired the Gov’t Affairs committee for two years. He offered his professional services for no charge earlier this year to help value our building. He guided us in our political debate and endorsement process this fall. He actually won this award last year. But he did one thing this year that was over the top. He ran for mayor. And he made one heck of a splash for a guy who had never run for political office before. For all of his efforts, the 2011 Most Valuable Political player is: Steve Moore – Moore and Company.
Built Green Builder of the Year – Rob Staveland, Aiki Homes
This builder was green before Built Green was conceived. He’s been committed
to energy efficient, resource efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy homes his
entire career.  His company has been on the forefront of green building for over 15 years. In 2010 they completed a LEED platinum certification on a home in Bellingham and went on to win the Built Green Washington Custom Home of the Year. His company and a key employee won this same award in 2008, the first time it was given. They have certified more homes in our Built Green program than any other builder-26 in total. Six of them this year alone. Please welcome the big daddy of green building in Whatcom County: Mr. Rob Staveland,  Aiki Homes.
Associate MRC Member of the Year – Jacqueline Scott, Legacy Kitchen and Bath
The Associate Master Remodeler’s Council Member of the year was chosen for her tireless involvement with MRC, volunteering in the home show booth, attending MRC meetings and Built Green meetings and most recently helping out with the MRC website update. But the coolest thing she has done this year was bring a State Excellence in Remodeling award home to Whatcom County. Her Kitchen remodel on H Street road in Lynden took the top prize this year in the under $150,000 category. For all she has done for MRC and BIAWC in 2011 we would like to honor: Jacqueline Scott – Legacy Kitchen and Bath with the Associate MRC Member of the Year Award.
Remodeler of the Year- Pat Rose, Rose Construction
Our 2011 Remodeler of the Year award is going to a longtime MRC member. This person has been an active member of MRC, volunteered time working in the home show booth, regularly participates in the Tour of Remodeled Homes, helped with Make a Difference Day this fall and won three local Remodeling in Excellence awards. She is always willing to help out when she can and recently stepped up to chair the Master Remodeler’s Council and join the Board of Directors. We are very lucky to have, and to honor, Pat Rose of Rose Construction with the 2011 Remodeler of the year award.
Associate of the Year - Stephanie Artino, Metcalf Hodges P.S.
This member has been treasurer for 3 years, she chaired the golf committee this past year and has stepped up again for 2012. She guided us through some challenging bookkeeping earlier this year and keeps us on the straight and narrow financially. Early in 2012 she is conducting eight educational "lunch and learn” lectures for our members – at no charge to the Association. We could go on but these reasons are more than adequate. We would like to honor Stephanie Artino, of Metcalf Hodges, with BIAWC Associate of the Year. Lucky us!
Builder of the Year – Charlie Hudson, Hudson Remodeling
Our 2011 builder of the year has been in residential construction for over 30 years and has been a member of this association since 1997.  He has served on the board of directors for (a long time) years, the executive committee for (almost as long) years, he’s been GA chairman and was MRC chairman for several years. He’s been Remodeler of the year 4 times and was Most Valuable Political Player in 2009. He’s been your President for the past two years and this summer he was also Executive Officer! It’s been my good fortune to get to work with this guy for the past few months.  Ladies and gentlemen, the man that has been the glue that kept your association in one piece this year, our 2012 Builder of the year, Mr. Charlie Hudson.
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2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY – help!!
All members should be getting an e-mail asking you to confirm your listing for the 2012 Membership Directory.  PLEASE respond as soon as possible – we’re trying to update this, which is a huge project, in time for various upcoming Home Show deadlines.  The quicker we get your information back, with the appropriate label in the subject line, the faster and more efficiently we can get a new Directory put together.  Thanks very much!
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BUILT GREEN "after hours” FUNDRAISER
Jan. 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at 20/20 Engineering
Show up after work for some good company and free beer and wine – we will be taking donations to support the BIAWC Home Show presentations.
Who:  BIAWC Members, BuiltGreen Members, Colleagues, and Other Interested Parties
Where: 2020 ENGINEERING, Inc., The Wellspring Building, 814 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Why:  To help raise funds for the Built Green program, and upcoming events.
Event Sponsors:  2020 ENGINEERING, ASTAL Construction, Ecotech Energy Systems, Heating Green
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EDUCATION THAT COUNTS!
Check out what the BIAWC has in store for you, and enroll NOW online.
We have a great line-up of classes for 2012 at BIAWC – on timely topics and many at very low rates. Stephanie Artino of Metcalf Hodges has volunteered to teach eight of these – thank you, Stephanie!  And we now have a shopping cart set up online where you can register. Reserve your spot NOW since space will be limited! (Go to www.biawc.com and click on the Education tab, or click here.) These cost only $20 for members – which will include lunch.  Stephanie’s courses, all 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.:

Jan. 11 – Managing Through the Economic Crisis
Is managing your business in this economy more of a challenge than ever? Is cash flow tightening up? Are you worried that it's going to get harder in the year ahead? You're not alone.  No question that the recession has re-focused our attention. Small business owners like you are looking hard at their business practices and wondering what to do next.  With smart business management practices, you can continue to survive and profit in this economy.   This session will discuss the 3 principal areas you must focus on to survive and succeed and how to modify your operations to quickly adapt to a changing environment.
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

Jan. 25 – Tax & Accounting Issues for the Construction Industry
Are you ever asked to provide your profit & loss information to a 3rd party such as the bank, lenders or insurance agents? Do you know how much revenue to record on a contract in progress at the end of the month or year? Do you understand the differences and reasons for cash vs. accrual reporting for accounting and tax purposes?  This session will focus on the common tax and accounting issues that confuse contractors, including new proposed rules on how revenue should be recognized during a contract.
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

Feb. 8 – Employee vs Independent Contractor
One of the hottest employment tax topics!  Do you know the criteria used by the IRS and State of Washington to determine independent contractor status?  This session will help you understand the rules and correct reporting to help avoid costly penalties and back taxes.  We'll also cover the new IRS amnesty program to correct for improper classification of contractors. 
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

Feb. 22 – How to Effectively Grow Your Business
There are a number of strategies to grow your business, but which ones are most effective?  This session will show you there are only 4 ways to truly grow in the direction you want and how you can incorporate networking effectively into your strategy to achieve the results you desire.  
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

March 7 – Bonding: Current Trends and Issues Contractors Should Be Aware of
Do you receive bonding each year or are you looking to bid on jobs that require a bond?  The bonding environment has tightened substantially.  Your odds of receiving bonding can be increased if you understand what the sureties are looking for from your company.  This session will discuss what you can do to make your company more attractive for bonding purposes, including the important financial reporting and ratios that can make or break the bonding capacity of your business. 
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

March 21 – Keeping Our Local Businesses Strong, an Overview of Effective Financial Management
It's now more than ever that local businesses need to change their focus to stay alive.   In this session, we will look at a short case study of a business that nearly went broke by looking at the wrong measures of performance.  This session will give you an overview of what you can do in your business to increase profitability and value as well as measure what matters.   For a three-minute overview of this class, click here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNC-ajNCg68
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

April 4 – How to Make Your Business More Bankable (and Appealing for a Loan)
Are you considering changing banks?  Ever wonder what the banks are really looking for when they analyze your business?  Wondering if you would qualify for a new loan?  This session will talk about the steps you can take to make your business more attractive to banks and lenders.  We'll also talk about key financial ratios that are important to banks and lenders.
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 

April 25 – Fraud in the Workplace
Statistics show that fraud is widespread and affects EVERY organization, regardless of size, location or industry.  The average company will lose 6% of its annual revenue to fraud.  That's a costly expense going out the door. This session will help you understand what fraud is and the many forms it can take. Learn how to identify, prevent and fix fraud without getting stung, including the 3 conditions that will lead to fraud.
Cost: BIAWC members, $20.  Non-members, $35. 
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CERTIFICATION & CLAIMS MANAGEMENT:
BIAWC also will offer some very practical classes to help with ROII claims management, and professional certifications. Reserve your spot now for:

Feb. 15 –EPA Certified Lead-Safety/Renovation/Repair/Paint
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – minimum 6 participants
8 Real Estate Continuing Education, 4 Plumber Clock Hours
Does your business involve the renovation, repair or painting of structures built before 1978? If so, there are new federal regulations that took effect, April 22, 2010, which may prevent you from performing your work. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agencies Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program. Construction firms must apply for and receive EPA Certification to disturb paint as part of their work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. In addition, all of these jobs must be supervised by Certified Renovators; specifically, individuals who have completed an EPA-accredited, full-day training course. The training course is required for any contractor that is involved in any activity that will - or has the potential to - disturb six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or 20 square feet on the exterior. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities; however window replacement is not considered minor maintenance or repair.
Instructor: Kris Alberti, CGP. Contact her to register at 509-246-9080 or kris@nicatraining.com.

March 14-15 – Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training
Cost: $250
March 16 – CESCL Recertification
Cost: $175
CESCL training is a two-day session. Retraining is one.  If your project disturbs more than an acre of land or is in a subdivision, you probably need a Construction Stormwater General Permit from the Department of Ecology. All such sites now require a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) on-call or on-site to inspect, install and manage stormwater controls. This course is designed for residential builders. It offers16 Appraiser classroom continuing ed hours. Re-certification credit: Certified Graduate Associate (CGA), Builder (CGB), Remodeler (CGR) and Graduate Master Builder (GMB). 
For details or to register, see www.biaw.com (under Programs, Education).
---These classes will be offered again in October---

April 5 – HELP US HELP YOU!  THE ABC's OF CLAIM MANAGEMENT
11 to 2 p.m 
Cost: only $15 – which includes lunch!
Open to for ROII/CAP members only. 
THE BEST CLAIM IS NO CLAIM! This BIAW member-only workshop will talk about related injuries that impact the premium rates that employers pay to L&I. An effective claims management and return to work mean lower workers' comp rates and greater returns from the BIAW R.O.I.I. Select Program. This workshop will provide an overview of basic claim management principles and loss control strategies that will help employers reduce the frequency & severity of injuries. Come and meet your BIAW Claims Manager. Instructors: Our BIAW Amazing Claim Management Team.
For details or to register, see www.biaw.com (under Programs, Education).

May 4 – Forklift Safety Training & Certification
1-5 p.m.
$80 members / $125 nonmembers – minimum 8 people.
For details or to register, see www.biaw.com (under Programs, Education).
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COURSES IN SKAGIT COUNTY:
May 8, 15, 22 -- Built Green Professional Training in 6 sessions
$25 per session – 2 sessions per day, 8:30 am-11:30 am and 1-4 pm in Mount Vernon
Sponsored by SICBA, North Puget Sound Association of Realtors and others.
This Built Green® Professional Training series is designed to provide community-building professionals with local, accessible, and relevant information to be positioned in the new marketplace. Six sessions provide detailed information to help you navigate green building certifications, understand and communicate basic building science, market to savvy consumers, and build your client base. 
Explore green real estate in this engaging series that serves to help you define the many shades of green building and to distinguish green building programs, topics, and terminology that will enhance your marketability.  Navigating this expanding market is made easy by 20-year veteran of green building and winner of the 2010 Built Green Pioneer award.  Learn about the features and benefits of green homes that sell and enhance value.  Green homes are selling for more and in less time in King County and the market transformation is beginning in Skagit County. Be on the forefront of this emerging market by distinguishing yourself as a Built Green® Professional. 
This 18-clock hour series is certified by Built Green®.  Each session priced at $25, including certified Real Estate and Appraiser Clock Hours. Contact Mary or Laura at NPSAR, 1-360-416-4902 or Mary@NPSAR.com to register for all six sessions, 2 each on Tuesdays, May 8th, 15th, and 22nd 2012 in Mount Vernon. 
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BUILT GREEN MEMBERSHIP TIP
Built Green members, if you work with certain subcontractors on a regular basis – invite them to join!  Built Green projects earn points by using member subcontractors, and we need to let interested parties know there’s a business advantage to joining.  Associate dues for BIAWC members are only $50; for nonmembers associate dues are $150. See Linda Twitchell, lindat@biawc.com, for details.
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FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT COURSES – extended through October 2012
If you own or work for a business that uses Microsoft software, here's a deal that you can't beat. The Washington State Employment Security Department has extended its contract with Microsoft to make the company's entire suite of online courses, available for free to Washington residents through October 2012. The offer is open to anyone of working age - both the employed and unemployed. The free online courses are a great way to improve the computer skills of one employee - or hundreds of employees. The Microsoft e-learning library includes hundreds of courses covering every software program produced by the company since 2002. Registration is handled online. To sign up, go to the website Go2WorkSource.com and click on the "Wow Microsoft” icon at the right, then follow registration directions.  For questions, contact at Fiona the Bellingham center, 676-1521.
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