Download the December 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

Download the November 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

Download the October 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

SEPTEMBER 2009 issue of A Cut Above

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: It’s hard to believe summer is almost over. I hope everyone was able to get some time off to enjoy the few nice days we had this summer. I was able to take a few days off earlier in August to help out with an "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" house in South Range, Wisconsin. This is about 20 miles South of Superior. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Is everyone gearing up for a busy fall? I heard there were a lot of estimates being done, but not everyone was jumping on the band wagon to build a house. I sent an email to Collin Petersons’ office, since he was too busy for a lunch meeting, to request an extension of the $8000.00 and to make it open for all home buyers. That would make 2010 a better year for everyone. Read more...

BAM NEWS BAM Launches New Program: Up On Green The Builders Association of Minnesota is participating in a new environmental, economic, and public-awareness solution called UPonGREEN. BAM joins other industry leaders that are meeting the UPonGREEN Criteria and publicly presenting their Eco-Profiles for all companies and consumers to see. Read more...

BAM Pheasant Hunt September 18th
Mark your calendars! The 2009 BAM Pheasant Hunt and BAMPAC fundraising event is happening Friday, September 18th at Traxler's in Le Center, MN. Click here for event details.
Sponsorship opportunities are available:
http://www.bamn.org/Documents/PheasantHuntSponsorship2009.pdf.
AND we’re going to be holding a silent auction! Please donate an item to the silent auction - it doesn't have to be worth tons of money but a little goes a long way - and the proceeds help to raise funds for BAM PAC. Do you have extra tickets to a sporting event, a great bottle of wine or service you can provide? The more outdoorsy the item the better!
Please contact Lisa Frenette at lisaf@bamn.org to sponsor the event, register or donate a silent auction item. We look forward to seeing you September 18th!

Download the September 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

AUGUST 2009 issue of A Cut Above

125th Anniversary Party Coordinators
These are the two crazy ladies that are in charge of the 125th Anniversary party set for January 22. Linda Jutz and Ellie Francis have taken on the task of providing a great evening. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: Is it really August already? It doesn't feel like we've had much of a summer. I survived my trip to Oklahoma City. The highs were only in the upper 90's which is cool for them. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
I am beginning to think that this is the summer that wasn’t. A lot of people like the cooler temperatures, but then there are a lot that like it a smidge warmer. Another month and the meetings will start again, with the first one being held at Floor to Ceiling Carpet One on September 8th, 6:30 Social and 7:00 meeting. Read more...

BAM NEWS BAM Leader Appointed To State Construction Codes Advisory Task Force BAM Past President Kathe Ostrom, of C.N. Ostrom & Son, was appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty to sit on the state’s Construction Codes Advisory Council. The Council is a formal advisory board for the Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Read more...

BAM Pheasant Hunt September 18th
Mark your calendars! The 2009 BAM Pheasant Hunt and BAMPAC fundraising event is happening Friday, September 18th at Traxler's in Le Center, MN. Click here for event details.
Sponsorship opportunities are available:
http://www.bamn.org/Documents/
PheasantHuntSponsorship2009.pdf.

Download the June 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

JULY 2009 issue of A Cut Above

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
I hope you are all enjoying your summer and finding some time to relax. It’s taken a long time to warm up, but hopefully now the sun and warmth will stick around for awhile. As a reminder: The new Minnesota Energy Code with Radon Reduction features went in effect on June 1st. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Well the weather is warmer and things are really green from all the rain. We have a lot of events that will be going on starting this August – some pending and some definite. We will try to do another membership drive this fall. Possibly a fall Tour of Homes, start gearing up for Electrical Expo... Read more...

BAM NEWS Defense: A BAM Legislative Session Overview For the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) this year’s session was spent defending a host of warranty bills introduced against the industry. This session marked the eighth year these bills have been introduced at the Capitol, and with an increased democrat majority in both the house and the senate the odds were against us. Debates saw consumer protection emerge as the predominant concern over the battle-bruised residential construction industry. Read more...

BAM REV-N-RIDE
The 2009 BAM RevNRide is happening August 22-23 with an overnight in New Ulm. The deadline for sponsorship is July 10th so make sure you get your company signed up!
Click here for sponsorship details

Download the June 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

JUNE 2009 issue of A Cut Above

Meeting Night
Tera Guetter, from the Pelican River Watershed, was the guest speaker at the general meeting on May 12th. She presented a wealth of information on the new requirements and she also provided information from Patty Swenson at the Becker County Zoning office. This was our last meeting until fall. We had with a full house! Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: Our last general meeting was at the Speak Easy restaurant on May 12th and we had a great turnout. It was great to see the room packed with members. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Spring is here????? Summer is coming????? Whichever, I would venture to say everyone is running behind with our crazy weather. I have to tell you, I was really impressed with the attendance from our meeting on May 12th. Read more...

BAM NEWS Are You Ready For The New Energy Code? BAM Has Free Resources For You! June 1, 2009 a new Residential Energy Code will go into effect and the Builders Association of Minnesota Read more...

Download the June 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

MAY 2009 issue of A Cut Above

Meeting Night
Mike Noah, Noah’s Home Furnishings – Detroit Lakes, was the host sponsor of our general meeting, April 14th. Mohawk carpet representative, Brian Young, who is an expert in his field, gave us information that will benefit us all.
The Lake Region Builders Association thanks you and your staff Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: A special thanks to Noah’s Home Furnishings for hosting our last meeting at their Show Room on Hwy. 59 South. Brian Young from Mohawk gave a great talk on all the different kinds of flooring that is available. Mike and all of his staff were great hosts for the evening. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Wow, things just never slow down. Our Tour of Homes on April 4th and 5th went well, though I believe attendance could have been better. The flooding in Fargo may have had an impact on attendance. It has been discussed to have the Tour of Homes in the fall as a separate event Read more...

BAM NEWS Legislature: We Are All Consumed With Work At The Capitol
Oh where do I begin? First, THANK YOU! You all did an excellent job lobbying the State Senate on the bills. The House is next. You sent over 500 messages to the Minnesota State Senate. Lets try to repeat that at the House. Read more...

Download the May 2009 issue of "A Cut Above

APRIL 2009 issue of A Cut Above

23rd Annual Home & Garden Show
Our 23rd annual Home and Garden Show was a success, for the most part. We had an attendance of 937 people and were down about 220 people from last year, but considering the circumstances not too bad. There were some awesome booths this year and our judges had a very difficult time deciding on the awards. Each award is for $25.00 off of next years’ booth. Read more...

BOOTH CONTEST WINNERS
Each winner received a $25.00 certificate.
Best Overall Booth: Floor to Ceiling Carpet One
Most Sales Effective: Elsner Well Drilling
Tied for Best Design: I'll Tile and Stone and Luxury Lawn & Landscaping
View Photos

LRBA DRAWING WINNERS
$250.00 CHAMBER BUCKS from LRBA
FRANK HANSON of FRAZEE
CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATER PACKAGE from KRCQ
JAY ESTENSON of FRAZEE
4 TWINS TICKETS from KDLM
RHONDA GEDDES of WAUBUN

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: My first thoughts this month go out to all of our flood victims. We want you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers the last few weeks as you fight back the flooding rivers. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Don’t know about the rest of you, but I still haven’t recovered from the Home Show last weekend. There is a lot of work that goes into organizing, and the actual set-up and tear – down. A big Thank You to Mike Eidenschink for all of his work and the volunteers. The Silent Auction was also top notch again this year. Thank you to Brenda Eidenschink and her helpers for all their work. Read more...

BAM NEWS PROMPT PAYEMENT FOR SUBCONTRACTORS: That’s The Topic Of This Week At BAM This morning, the BAM Government Relations Committee met to discuss a prompt pay bill moving through the legislature. There has been some controversy around the issue so I wanted to share with you BAM’s position, our actions to date and an overview of the issue. Read more...

Download the April 2009 issue of "A Cut Above"

MARCH 2009 issue of A Cut Above

Builders Expo
February 10th was our first BUILDER EXPO. We had 40 builders attend the classes and 20 vendors showing their products. Everyone was very happy with this type of education day. They especially enjoyed lunch!! Many door prizes were given out at the end of the Expo before afternoon classes started again. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates: I’d like to thank all of the builders that attended our continuing education course in February. We had a good turn-out for the class and the Table Top event. Thank you to all the vendors that participated in the Table Top and a special thank you to Modern Heating & Plumbing for sponsoring the event. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
I must be really having a good time as time goes by so fast. Lots of emails from a lot of different people. I have been forwarding only what I think may be of interest to you. I know you get emails from BAM and NAHB as I get them too, but I also get a lot as an EO and some of that I think you should know about too. Read more...

BAM NEWS THE GOOD NEWS BRIEFING Yup, this whole weekly update will talk about all the GOOD news that we have to share with you.  I am tired of the whining by all the politicians and the media so let’s get it started. Read more...

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issue of "A Cut Above"

FEBRUARY 2009 issue of A Cut Above

The passing of the Gavel
It was a very nice evening at the DLCCC for our ANNUAL MEETING/CHRISTMAS PARTY. About 65 people attended the evening. Food was great – Linda Jutz did a great job of taking care of the meal plans and she and Ed decorated the tables. Thanks to both of you. Very nice door prizes were given out – B & M donated another awesome basket and Pro Build and Stenerson’s co-oped the other door prizes. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Al Clark, President
Greetings Builders and Associates! I’d like to begin, this month’s newsletter, by introducing myself. I am Al Clark and I am the new President of the LRBA. I am the owner of Al Clark Construction, Inc. which I started in July of 2004. Even though I’ve only been on my own for 5 years, I have 30 years of experience in the construction industry. I am married to Christy Clark who works full time for MMCDC and part time with me. We are the proud parents of 5 children ages 2, 4, 6, 10 and 15. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Another year ended – can’t believe I have been EO for a year and a half. I must have been having fun since it went by so fast. Our Annual Meeting/Christmas Party was well attended, and I hope everyone there had a good time. Read more...

BAM NEWS BAM: Working Hard For You In 2009 This past month BAM has been busy providing you with information about the economy and state of the industry, engaging in discussions about fire sprinklers, planning your 2009 legislative agenda, and wrapping up the final details for the 2nd Minnesota Builders Convention happening in February. Read more...

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issue of "A Cut Above"

JANUARY 2009 issue of A Cut Above

A GOODIN TIME HAD BY ALL!
A very interesting, fun, informative and fulfilling evening was had by all that attended the December 9th meeting at GOODIN COMPANY.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings Builders and Associates The November Meeting and bus trip to Fergussion in Fargo was well attended. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Happy Holidays! Hope everyone’s gifts from Santa were just what you asked for. I wanted a new body, but that didn’t happen.
December brought us another excellent meeting night.
Read more...

BAM NEWS Fire Sprinklers: The Straight Story You have probably heard something about fire sprinklers and the building code at this point. We’re here to set the record straight.
Read more...

Download the January 2009
issue of "A Cut Above"

DECEMBER 2008 issue of A Cut Above

A fun November evening
Once again Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery out did themselves in hosting the November meeting. There was a very good turnout for the bus trip and several more met us in Fargo.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings Builders and Associates The November Meeting and bus trip to Fergussion in Fargo was well attended. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Hi Everyone. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and didn’t eat toooo much. We had a great meeting at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Galley and our December meeting at Goodin Company should be a great night too.
Read more...

BAM NEWS Request for your opinion on wetland replacement The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has been going through rulemaking changes for the Wetland Conservation Act the past two years, and they’re now in the home stretch for final rules..
Read more...

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issue of "A Cut Above"

NOVEMBER 2008 issue of A Cut Above

Many hands make light work
Several members of the Lake Region Builders Association came together on Saturday October 11th to build a temporary ramp for Mike Smith’s return home.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings Builders & Associates we had a great crew on hand to build the access ramp at the Mike Smith residence on Saturday Oct 11. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Hi everyone. Lots going on again in October. A community project was completed for Mike Smith, a meeting on insurance from Noridian by Chris Kulesa, on October 14. We need to see some of those faces that used to come to meetings show up.
Read more...

BAM NEWS Politics: Joe the Plumber and Other Facts About the Election… You all know what a political hack I am. There is so much information flying around it’s hard to keep track of it all. It is especially hard if you are undecided and watch the two Presidential candidates avoid answering critical questions about the economy. It is disturbing.
Read more...

Download the November 2008
issue of "A Cut Above"

OCTOBER 2008 issue of A Cut Above

FIRST MEETING WAS A BIG SUCCESS!!
We had a good turn out of people to meet at UBC for some very good food, (like to have the recipe for the Budweiser chicken), GREAT HOSTS...Read more...

Member Corner What’s to know?
CONGRATULATIONS TO MODERN HEATING & PLUMBING! Read more...

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Stephen and Judy Patrick of Maplewood Construction, Inc.
& Kara Schurman, Sales Manager/Designer at Noah’s Home Furnishing’s
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings Builders & Associates fall is here! The trees are turning color and we are back to our regular meeting schedule, October 14th at the Speak Easy, I hope everyone can make it. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Seems to me I was just talking about having quieter days. Don’t know what happened to them. Struggling with speakers for two days of continuing ed, the Annual Banquet/Christmas party (that’s almost a wrap), Sponsorship opportunities,
Read more...

BAM NEWS Ensuring Safe Homes, the Legislature Votes to Enact Building Code Across the State The Republicans are coming to town and in a big way!  BAM has August 1, 2008 — In a victory for homeowners and quality contractors, this year’s legislature worked with the Builders Association of Minnesota and the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to enact a law requiring the Minnesota State Building Code 
Read more...

Download the October 2008
issue of "A Cut Above"

SEPTEMBER 2008 issue of A Cut Above

Welcome Back!
First Fall meeting will be held September 9th!
SEPTEMBER 9TH MEETING To be held at UBC – United Building Center with a tour of the Timber Creek millwork facility. The meeting will start at 6:30 with a social and short general meeting and then Curtis Thom, the manager of UBC will be our host. There will be appetizers provided by UBC. Call Sharon to let her know if you are coming.

New Member Corner: What’s to know?
Highlighting the benefits of our association and how your business can grow from membership.. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings everyone, Wow! Quick summer. Please remember, with school starting, there will be lots of kids & busses added to the road construction mess in town so be careful. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
I do not know where the summer went. School has started and everyone is busier than ever trying to get things done for winter. Take the time to attend our monthly meetings. There are some very informative speakers lined up. Read more...

BAM NEWS POLITICS: THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION COMES TO TOWN! The Republicans are coming to town and in a big way!  BAM has been very involved in assisting the National Association of Home Builders to plan events, provide materials for suites for the Republican Governors Association and help to provide visibility for homebuilders and the housing industry.  Read more...

Download the September 2008
issue of "A Cut Above"

AUGUST 2008 issue of A Cut Above


GETTING INVOLVED IS KEY!!
You Will Get Out Of Your Membership
What You Put In!
* Join An Event Committee
* Attend Monthly Meetings
* Attend All Of Our Events

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings, I hope all of you that were wishing for warm weather are happy! It’s about 85 degree’s outside while I’m writing this column. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
One more month and a half and I will get to see all of your cheery faces at our first meeting of the fall (I have kind of missed that, but imagine everyone is happy not coming to a meeting). Read more...

The New Independent Contractor
Exemption Certificate: The Judge Rules
By Pam Perri Weaver
Executive Vice President
Builders Association of Minnesota
In 2007, the legislature passed a law to create an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. This law will require certification for all independent contractors who are sole proprietors. Read more...

First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit
After months of intensive lobbying by the entire NAHB federation, the president today signed the housing stimulus package into law. This milestone legislation will help provide an enormous boost to the housing industry... Read more..

BAM NEWS Well it’s back and I know this because vacation season and mosquitoes have arrived! I hope that all of our members and their families were able to enjoy some well deserved R&R and sunshine over the 4th of July weekend. Read more...

Download the August 2008 issue
of "A Cut Above"

JULY 2008 issue of A Cut Above

The Lake Region Builders Association presented Pat Peterman, Manager of the Boys & Girls Club with a check for $150. Presenting the check was Sharon Westerholm, Executive Officer of the association.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Hello Builders & Associates, I hope everyone is busy working & also finding time to enjoy summer in Minnesota. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
’t an event going on. Don’t hesitate to call if you need something, or want to know about a committee that needs members. If I’m not available, please leave a message or call me on my cell phone. The number is on the message. Read more...

A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
A special thanks to all those that donated items - Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Modern Heating & Plumbing, Jutz Excavating, North Country Kitchens, Nodsle Construction, Francis Construction, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, DL Window & Door, and anyone that put things in the storage that I am not aware of. I have sent out deduction slips to those that I know of, so if you did not receive a slip, please call the LRBA office 218-847-0699. Also thanks to Perry Nodsle, Gene & Sharon Hill and Ellie Francis for all their help.

BAM NEWS May a builder sell a new home “AS IS”? The answer is no or, more accurately, almost always no. A builder who is selling at a significant discount, or at a loss, may want to sell “AS IS” to avoid being responsible for warranties. However, under Minnesota law, a true “AS IS” sale of a new home by a builder to a homeowner is not permitted. Read more...

Download the July 2008 issue of "A Cut Above"

JUNE 2008 issue of A Cut Above

The May 13th membership meeting was held in Hawley at Olson Pool and Spas. Steve Olson cooked up some very tasty meat on the Primo Grill and there was more food and beverages. There was a great turnout of members for the evening.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings, well summer looks like it’s finally here (by looking at the calendar). The May membership meeting was held at Olson Pools & Spas in Hawley. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Hopefully Spring is here, following the longest winter that was. Everyone is busy with building and all that goes with it. Our meeting at Olson Pool and Spas was the last one until fall, and we are booking sponsorships for next year. Read more...

BAM NEWS Take a minute and think about why you joined the builders association. You may be thinking about the many services provided to you or the promotional opportunities available, or perhaps you’re considering the support from your local, state and national associations and the ability to create change on behalf of the building industry. Read more...

Download the complete issue of "A Cut Above"

MAY 2008 issue of A Cut Above

The April 8th meeting with Curt Hoffman from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency brought us up to date with new regulations for demolition. We also reviewed some of the old regulations.
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings, The LRBA garage sale was cancelled by the 3rd snowstorm in April this past weekend. It will be rescheduled during our May meeting at Olson Pools & Spa’s. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
With the wonderful weather we have had in April, not all worked out as planned. First, the Tour of Homes had to be canceled on Sunday for a storm, then the Builders Garage Sale had to be canceled because of another storm. Read more...

PLAN AHEAD May 13th meeting to be held at Olson Pool & Spas. Olson Pool and Spas is sponsoring the meeting with appetizers on the grill, soda, wine and beer. Read more...

BAM NEWS As you know, BAM is working to develop comments on the proposed rules for an independent contractor certificate. Again, I always appreciate your input, e-mails and comments. Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity THE BIG DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT OLSON POOL & SPAS AT OUR LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THERE BUT IT WILL BE A FUN NIGHT ANYWAY, SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL COME, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR NAME IS NOT IN THE BOX. Read more...

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APRIL 2008 issue of A Cut Above

Perry Nodsle, LRBA President (far right) and Sharon Westerholm, LRBA Executive Officer (far left) present a check in the amount of $1,157 to Becker County Food Pantry representative, Jack Berenz (Center). LRBA donated one dollar from each admission to the 23rd Annual Home & Garden Show. This year 1,157 people were in attendance!
Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Hello Builders and Associates. The 23rd Annual Home and Garden Show is now over and it was a great show, thanks to show Chairman Mike Eidenschink and all who volunteered their time to make this show possible! Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
Every month seems to bring new and exciting things. No doubt the Home & Garden Show, that was this last weekend was probably the biggest and busiest event we have. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. Read more...

PLAN AHEAD APRIL 8TH Speaker – Curt Hoffman from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Curt will be letting us know about old and new requirements of the MPCA. Invite an excavator to the meeting. Also, Erika Johnson will give a short talk on greenscaping and last but not least, Habitat for Humanity will have 2 representatives for a ten minute talk. Read more...

BAM NEWS Political News: Attack on MN Home Warranty and Home Building Industry at the State Capitol Continues. SIX New Bills Introduced and Heard This Week. Last week we saw the builder pay legal fees bill sent directly to the house floor. Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity The Lake Region Builders Association, along with sponsoring businesses, is starting an attendance drawing for great trips and prizes. Read more...

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MARCH 2008 issue of A Cut Above

February 12th marked the return of the annual TABLE TOP night. For a first time in a long time, we decided to do a Table Top night that Builders could come and see the wares of many wholesale and retail companies. It was well attended by over 30 vendors. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Greetings Builders & Associates, Tabletop night on February 12 went very well with a great group of vendors on hand, a few more builders would have been nice. We asked a lot of questions & had some good feedback from those in attendance. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
As I am writing this February is almost gone and another busy month is on the way. We held our first TABLE TOP NIGHT, over 30 venders had displays and 22 builders attended the event. Read more...

PLAN AHEADAPRIL 8TH is the Board and General meeting at the Speak Easy. Our speaker is Curt Hoffman with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Erika Johnson for a short talk on greenscaping. If you know of a any demolition people, or excavators invite them to the meeting. Read more...

BAM NEWS Political News: Attack on MN Home Warranty and Home Building Industry at the State Capitol Continues. SIX New Bills Introduced and Heard This Week. Last week we saw the builder pay legal fees bill sent directly to the house floor. Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity The Lake Region Builders Association, along with sponsoring businesses, is starting an attendance drawing for great trips and prizes. Read more...

Download the complete issue of "A Cut Above"

FEBRUARY 2008 issue of A Cut Above

Annual Meeting Christmas Party was held at the Voyageur Lanes with a good dinner, great entertainment and bowling fun. Other than a bit nippy for temperature I think everyone had a good time.
Our new President, Perry Nodsle, Nodsle Construction received the gavel from outgoing President Mike Eidenschink, B & M Electric. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Perry Nodsle, President
Hello Builders & Associates. I’m Perry Nodsle your new President of the LRBA for 2008. I’ve been in the construction business most of my life and know a lot of our members but not all of you, so please introduce yourself to me.. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
For everyone that attended the Annual Banquet/Christmas Party, A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!! Perry Nodsle, of Nodsle Construction who is our newly installed President, sponsored this evening by providing entertainment by Tim Eggebraaten (he was great) and appetizers. Read more...

PLAN AHEAD BUILDERS – REMODELERS – CONTRACTORS TABLE TOP NIGHT February 12th will be our Table Top Night for all the area builders to come and see the wares and services of our vendors. We have invited close to 400 builders in the area, so we should have a very good turn out.. Read more...

BAM NEWS POLITICAL: MN Climate Control Committee Takes Some Twists and Turns In the final stages of the development of the Residential, Commercial and Industrial Technical Working Group meetings, Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity The Lake Region Builders Association, along with sponsoring businesses, is starting an attendance drawing for great trips and prizes. Read more...

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JANUARY 2008 issue of A Cut Above

Our meeting on December 11th, 2007 was a first and one of the best General Meetings that the Lake Region Builders Association has had. Terry Lipp from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery organized a bus trip with refreshments on the way to Fargo to their showroom, provided more great things to eat while we were there and then Steve Rakieten of Rakieten Sales, Inc. distributor for Grohe America Faucet line and Jacuzzi gave a very informative talk on the products that are available. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Mike Eidenschink, President
Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays! I'm writing my final letter as your president. Perry Nodsle will be taking over in 2008. I would like to thank all of my board members and all members that helped me this past year. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
There has been so many things going on and a lot more coming up. The days just disappear. Our meeting for December held at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery was fantastic. The meeting had one of the largest attendance in years. There were about 40 people there, some of which I was able to meet for the first time. Read more...

PLAN AHEAD ANNUAL MEETING & CHRISTMAS PARTY January 19th is the big night of the year when new board members come on and some of the members go off. The outgoing and incoming will be recognized at the meeting as well as ushering in the new President and V P. There will be some awards too. Read more...

BAM NEWS Lobbying Tax deduction for the 2008 BAM dues In 1993, the US Congress enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act that contained provisions affecting trade associations. The act provided that taxpayers will no longer be able to deduct from their federal income taxes any portion of the association dues attributable to that associations “lobbying expenses” as an ordinary and necessary cost of doing business. Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity The Lake Region Builders Association, along with sponsoring businesses, is starting an attendance drawing for great trips and prizes. Read more...

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DECEMBER 2007 issue of A Cut Above

Our meeting for November was held at Mulligans Pub and Eatery at the Golf Course in Perham. Good food, good company and a great speaker.
Dave Neisen, of Solutions for Cities, LLC is the Building Official for the Communities of Park Rapids, Frazee, Perham, Menahga, Audubon and Pelican Rapids. Read more...

BUILDERS BUZZ by Mike Eidenschink, President
Happy Holidays! First off I would like to say I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! The general meeting last month produced a fantastic turn out. Read more...

MY VIEW by Sharon Westerholm, EO
November has been busy catching up with things and getting started with Home Show business. Read more...

PLAN AHEAD December 11th for our General Meeting we will be Kicking Off some new ideas for meetings. Ferguson Kitchen, Bath and Lighting Gallery will be the first Sponsor to host the meeting at their place of business Read more...

BAM NEWS Legal: Some Good News for the 10 Year Home Warranty Law The "statute of repose" BAM passed in 2004 was upheld at the MN Court of Appeals this past week. Read more...

Don't Miss This Opportunity The Lake Region Builders Association, along with sponsoring businesses, is starting an attendance drawing for great trips and prizes. Read more...

Download the complete issue of "A Cut Above"