|
|
| Industry News |
 |
For more news & events, including posts from members and the community, visit the BRAG Ann Arbor Blog
|
MAHB Remodelers Workshop Jan. 26 & 27
Comfort Inn & Suites, 2424 South Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
For room reservations call 1-989-956-0462 (mention MAHB for discounted rate) The Early Bird Registration deadline is before Jan. 4, 2012. Download the Registration form, schedule and details here
Home & Building Education Summit Jan. 31
A full-day event for home builders, remodelers, designers,
homeowners other home and building industry professionals. Covering
the same topic areas as the International Builder's Show, the summit
will offer exceptional learning opportunities, exclusive networking, and
even an industry expo with the latest and greatest home & building products!
Referral Magic: Proven Ways to Keep Your Customers Coming Back Again & Again
Presented By: Tony Rubleski
Building Green in 2012 - Technology & Sustainability
Presented By: Arn McIntyre
Mavericks, Misfits and Mavens -
Leadership for Results / Creating an Incredible Organization
Presented By: Kordell Norton
Color Trends 2012 - Presented By: Kate Smith Color Expert
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Elliot Eisenberg - 12:45pm - 1:45pm
"Does Growth Pay for Itself? The Economic Impact of Home Building in Greater Grand Rapids" Download the flyer here
Pillar Awards Dinner & Silent Auction
On Wed., Nov. 2nd at 5:30pm we raised $2,500 for the BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation!
The Foundation is dedicated to supporting local housing related charities and scholarships.
Our 2012 Board of Directors was also announced.
Congratulations to our 2011 Pillar Award Winners:
BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Doug Selby
ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR
Rick Stites
OUTSTANDING TRADE CONTRACTOR
Tandem Tile & Stone
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Ken Staples
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
Robert Jones
COUNCIL CHAIR OF THE YEAR
Keith Fineberg
STEVE KEPPLER AWARD FOR REMODELING ACHIEVEMENT
Ben Lutzeier
New Requirements for Residential Fall Protection Adopted
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) adopted these changes which went into effect on June 16, 2011 in Michigan. Review this bulletin (PDF) for full information.
EPA Stepping Up Lead Rule Inspections:
Focusing on Certification, Paperwork
The EPA has stepped up its enforcement of the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule with inspections that focus on company certification and other records required under the rule governing the renovation of older homes, according to remodelers and contractors who have been subject to the inspections. Read More
EPA Lead Paint Renovator Application (PDF). Check our education/training course schedule for Certified Lead Paint Renovator Training.
Housing Industry Under Attack
Top 10 Action items from NAHB include: How to advocate for responsible homeownership, Appraisal reform, Free Safety Webinars and more. Download the NAHB memo
Economic Outlook for Washtenaw County in 2011- 13
Washtenaw County is expected to add over 8,000 jobs over the next three years according to the latest economic update prepared by George A. Fulton and Donald R. Grimes, Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy. With the improving local economy and some pickup in building, construction employment crawls onto the positive side by 2012. In 2012 and 2013 combined, construction adds 238 jobs, amounting to a small dent in the 3,141 jobs it lost since 2005.
A healthy job growth over the forecast period will trigger a reduction in the jobless rate, falling to 7.2 percent in 2011, 7 percent in 2012, and 6.7 percent in 2013.
Some variables to the forecast: the uncertainty of oil prices going forward and other national economic indicators that could pose positive or negative for our local economic recovery. Read the full report or download the highlights from the University of Michigan Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics (RSQE).
|
|
Michigan Residential Code
Books Available at a Discount
 |
The Michigan Residential Code (MRC) took effect on Wed. Mar. 9, 2011. The Michigan Residential Code book have been published. You can obtain a code book for a discounted price by purchasing the soft cover edition through the ICCSafe.org website for $81.50. However, the MRC does not contain the Michigan Uniform Energy Code. It must be purchased separately at a little over $40 from the same International code website. Be sure to click through the link above to get the Michigan Discount. |
|
|
Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit
Starting in 2010, small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees, an average employee pay of less that $50,000 per year (excluding owners), and contribute at least 50 percent of each employee's health insurance premiums may be eligible for up to a 35 percent tax credit on their portion of health insurance premiums. To see if you may qualify, click here to access a quick online calculator. For more detailed information, please contact your CPA.
Michigan Appliance Rebates Increase
The Michigan Appliance Rebate program still has incentives available, but dollars are limited. To date, 49% of the program funds for refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers have been spent, with approximately 50,000 rebates being issued to Michigan residents. The furnaces and water heaters program has spent approximately 5%, with approximately 150 rebates being issued to Michigan residents. DOE has recently approved a rebate increase for this portion of the program. Rebate levels have increased for the following products: 1) Propane Furnaces-increase to $500, 2) Propane Water Heaters-increase to $300, 3) Oil Furnaces-increase to $500, and 4) Solar Water Heaters-increase to 25%, maximum of $2,500. Residents who already received a rebate will get an additional amount to raise them to the new levels. Go to www.mirebates.com and www.michrebate.com for more information.
Local Builder Takes Action
to Help Haitian Children
Michael Mahon, Adaptive Building Solutions, has taken on a challenge to rebuild orphanages in Haiti. Mike and his family have started to develop a strategy of how to rebuild and/or build new orphanages that were damaged or destroyed from the recent earthquake. However, they cannot do it alone. They are in the process of creating a 501(C)3 Foundation to help fund the effort. If you can help, please check out the website:www.haitiorphanrescue.org. We commend Mike and his family for the work they are doing.
|
|
Member Site Sponsors
|
|
