March_April 2008 final

March/April 2008

Builder Profile: Richards Construction

Capitol Perspective: Complete Data Collection Can Ensure Safety

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org� Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org �

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Wisconsin Badger Builder, (ISSN 004-232) is a bi-monthly publication of the Wisconsin shelter industry. It is the official publication of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) and is published by WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI 53701 and additional mailing offices.

All advertising is subject to acceptance by the Wisconsin Badger Builder editorial review committee. The publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. The contents of all material available in this publication are copyrighted by WBA unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved by WBA, and content may not be reproduced, disseminated, published or transferred in any form or by any means except with the prior written permission of the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Badger Builder, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions available through membership in the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

March/April �008 Volume �5 • Issue �features

Capitol Perspective ............................................................. 6Representative John Murtha discusses how complete data collection can ensure safety.

Rising to the Occasion ...................................................... 1�Incoming President Jason Steen reminds Wisconsin builders that association membership is crucial — now more than ever.

Builder Profile ................................................................... 15Eric Richards of Richards Construction prefers to be on job sites or working side-by-side with his team.

Property Shift ................................................................... 18Learn how we came to today’s reality, where residential properties account for more than 70 percent of Wisconsin’s total property tax burden.

departmentsPresident’s Perspective ................................................................................ 4Working Together for a Better Tomorrow

Executive Viewpoint ..................................................................................... 5New Leadership, New Strategies

Education Edge ............................................................................................. 7UDC Training 2008: “Knowing It Inside Out”

Government Affairs ...................................................................................... 8The Next Big Political Race of 2008? Not What You May Think

Member Advantage ...................................................................................... 9WPS Preferred Advantage Plus

Local Happenings ....................................................................................... 10Photos and details of WBA local association events around the state.

News & Events ............................................................................................. �1

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org

WBA Seniors OfficersPresident: Jason Steen

Osseo (Chippewa Valley)

President Elect: Doug Scott Janesville (South Central WI)

Treasurer: Jim Kubasta Oshkosh (Winnebago)

Secretary: Don Esposito Madison

Immediate Past President: Mark Etrheim La Crosse (La Crosse Area)

Associate Vice President: Greg Schaffer Madison (Madison Area)

Associate Advisor to the Senior Officers: Julie Meyer

(Racine-Kenosha)

WBA Staff4868 High Crossing Blvd.,

Madison, WI 53704 • (888) 285-9066

Executive Vice President: Bill Wendle, Ext. 11 - [email protected]

Director of Government Affairs: Brad Boycks, Ext. 16 - [email protected]

Director of Political Affairs: Kate Levanetz, Ext. 15 - [email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Kimberly Fay, Ext. 10 - [email protected]

Director of Accounting Services: Kathy Johnsen, Ext. 12 - [email protected]

Accounting Assistant: Mark Nelson, Ext. 25 - [email protected]

Director of Development Council: Pat Stevens, Ext. 22 - [email protected]

Director of Communications: Michael Cline, Ext. 19 [email protected]

Director of Safety and Education: Cindi Gruebling, Ext. 18 - [email protected]

Director of Membership Services: Jane Witt, Ext. 17 - [email protected]

WBA Insurance ServicesAgency Manager:

Karl Johnson, Ext. 23 - [email protected]

Sales & Service Associate: Megan Taylor, Ext. 24 - [email protected]

Editor ........................................................ Michael Cline

Published by

Publisher ................................................Kevin Naughton

Supervising Editor ............................Jennifer McDermitt

Graphic Designer .............................Michele L. Peterson

Advertising Sales Manager ............................Brenda Poe

Advertising Sales .....................................Keri Gustafson(800) 935-1592, ext. 133

[email protected]

Working Together for a Better Tomorrow

by Jason Steen, 2008 WBA President

It is with great pride that I assume the humbling responsibility as leader of the Wisconsin Builder Association.

Receiving the trust of the membership to be your leader is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I am very much looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

Over the next year, you will hear us talk a lot about the Building Industry Council (BIC) and the dues increase for issue advocacy. This is a strategic move on your association’s part to promote housing issues and is very important to help us all keep working and keep our businesses viable. I know there is still concern out there about this and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask some questions.

We have set some specific goals for this year to do a Governance review and a legislative audit to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the members. Then this fall, we will do a strategic planning session to set the course for the future. It is very important to get good people from around the state to help us with this.

This year will be challenging because of the economy — we need to stick together and stay involved, and we will get through this. History will tell you it will come back, and when it does, it is generally better than it was before. I know I am personally looking at what I am going to do to gear up for the recovery and not worry so much about the “doom and gloom” I hear and read in the papers daily.

Over the past few years, the senior officers have worked with WBA staff to enhance the organization’s commu-nication between locals, the state, and NAHB. We will continue to expand the information and communication high-way between WBA and its membership, and we will be focusing on a facelift for

the Web site. It’s a monumental proj-ect which will result in easier access to information for members and the general public, because it includes upgrading the organization’s master database. You’ll be hearing much more about the new and improved Web site this summer when work is expected to be complete.

The board meetings will have a differ-ent look and agenda this year, so please show up and check it out. We are going to have some fun and try some new things to make the board meetings more inter-esting and meaningful to attend.

I look forward to serving all of you as your president for 2008: a year that will prove to be very busy and filled with many challenges and triumphs. X

This year will be

challenging because

of the economy —

we need to stick together

and stay involved,

and we will get through

this. History will tell

you it will come back,

and when it does,

it is generally better

than it was before.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org4

President’s

PERSPECTIvE

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org 5

New Leadership, New Strategies

One new step to this process is that we

are inviting the National Association of

Home Builders to audit our organization’s

governance structures and policies. We hope

that the outside opinions will offer some

ways we can strengthen the organization

with respect to how we make decisions.

by Bill Wendle, WBA Executive Vice President

With the 2008 WBA Senior Officers installed, we’ve immediately rolled up our sleeves and started the process of developing a new WBA comprehensive stra-

tegic plan. This process is a regular one for WBA, last performed in 2005. The previous three-year plan has run its course, and the leadership is looking at the next three years. Clearly the challenges that confront our industry are completely different from those three years ago. Consequently, our goals and strategies will also change as we develop our organization’s blueprint.

While some may view the process of developing a strategic plan as time consuming, the senior officers and I believe it is very worthwhile. In essence, the strategic plan will serve as our organization’s “playbook” which our organization’s committees and councils will use as guidance.

One new step to this process is that we are inviting the National Association of Home Builders to audit our organization’s gover-nance structures and policies. We hope that the outside opinions will offer some ways we can strengthen the organization with respect to how we make decisions. If changes are identified, we will evaluate the proposed changes and implement them.

So, why do I invoke the words of Mr. Lombardi? We are a team. Our members are the players who take the field and make a difference. As we develop the strategic plan, it is crucial that our members participate in the process by communicating through your local what your priorities, concerns and needs are.

That message will be carried into our planning sessions by your local’s representatives when they sit down to begin planning —

work scheduled to take place this fall. But it’s not too early to begin the line of communication. This is the time to apply your influence as a member of your local, WBA and NAHB to make a difference.

Contact your local’s leadership and begin making a differ-ence today. Perhaps you believe WBA should place more emphasis toward promoting new legislation, or you feel WBA should do more to generate better public awareness of the value of hiring a WBA member.

Your opinion weighs heavily in this planning process, and we need all members to begin telling their leadership the organization’s priorities as we enter an era of a challenging economy and increasingly complex legislation. These factors affect how all of our members are able to continue their busi-ness in the great state of Wisconsin. X

Executive

vIEWPOINT“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”

— Vince Lombardi

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org6 Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org

Complete Data Collection Can Ensure Safety

Capitol Perspectives is a regular feature for Badger Builder. In this space, a Wisconsin legislator will provide perspective on an issue. Each guest columnist is offered the opportunity to select their primary issue of concern and present their views independent from any guidelines imposed by the Wisconsin Builders Association®. The views expressed by the columnist are solely their opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WBA, NAHB, the locals, or the members. The Badger Builder editorial department welcomes reader feedback to the issues featured in this section in the spirit of promoting continued discussion on the important issues affecting our daily lives. To submit comments, please send them to Badger Builder Editor Michael Cline, [email protected]. Only comments in writing will be considered for reprint.

Insurance Coveragefor the ResidentialBuilding Industry

Continental Western Group and Reynolds & Reynolds join forces to offer WBA members a GROUP DIVIDEND PROPERTY & CASUALTYInsurance Program, including:

• General Liability• Builders Risk• Tools & Equipment• Workers Compensation• Business Auto• Property Insurance

CWG agents throughout Wisconsin can offer WBA members industry specific coverage.

Independent agents not representing CWG can access this program through Reynolds & Reynolds.

Contact your local Continental Western Agent or Reynolds & Reynolds at (800) 767-1724.

Endorsed by:

In order for people to learn from the

mistakes of the past, proper data

must be collected to provide builders,

realtors and homeowners the information

they need to better prevent a fire from

breaking out in a residential building.

Capitol

PERSPECTIvE

by Representative John Murtha

One of the purposes of state government is to keep citi-zens safe and secure. The State of Wisconsin has numer-ous provisions and statutes to protect its citizens from

natural disasters, criminal activity and other accidental occur-rences. One of the most common occurrences is residential fires.

Many have heard the saying : “If you don’t learn from past mistakes, you will be doomed to repeat them.” Residential fires are very much a testament to that saying. In order for people to learn from the mistakes of the past, proper data must be collected to provide builders, realtors and homeowners the information they need to better prevent a fire from breaking out in a residential building.

Under current law, the Department of Commerce is required to maintain records of all fires that occur in Wisconsin. However, the department is not required to collect data on how and why a fire started or if the facility was equipped with fire sprinklers or fire alarms.

To resolve this problem, I am introducing a bill that will require the Commerce Department to include certain informa-tion in these records for building fires. The information required includes the cause of the fire, the age and purpose of the build-ing, the number of units, and the existence of any fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems.

Such a law will finally bring this much-needed data to home builders, realtors, fire inspectors and homeowners across the state. We will finally be able to look at data so we may under-stand the accidents of the past to prevent fires from occurring in the future. Government can’t prevent natural disasters or fire-proof every structure, but it can take real-world steps to make buildings safer, and in one small way, keep the citizens of our state a little bit safer. X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org 7

You won’t be bored. Every time I’ve seen Devin present,

the audience is totally engaged. He tells great stories,

and he uses an excellent 3-D, computer-generated

model to illustrate his points.

UDC Training �008: “Knowing It Inside Out”

Education

EDgE

by Cindi Gruebling, Director of Safety & Education

The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) has announced details about the 2008 Uniform Dwelling

Code (UDC) training seminar series titled, “Knowing It Inside Out.”

Training will focus on content from Comm 21 “Construction Standards” and Comm 23 “Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Standards.”

Each “Knowing It Inside Out” train-ing session will consist of four hours of instruction emphasizing wall assemblies as they relate to the structure of the building. Three distinct areas of the dwelling will be explored: the basement, the garage and the main level. Material selection, fastening, manufacturer’s installation instructions, fire separation, membranes and flashing, and penetrations are covered.

Instructor Devin Rains is the energetic and engaging presenter. He is an instructor in the Architectural Technician Program and Construction and Remodeling Program at Madison Area Technical College. A product of his family’s construction company, Rains is a graduate from the University of Missouri, a Certified Professional Building Designer by the National Council of Building Designers, a Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Aging in Place Specialist by the National Association of Home Builders, and a certified UDC construction and HVAC inspector.

As Code consultant to the Wisconsin Builders Association, Rains has taught, reviewed, and presented Code throughout Wisconsin. He speaks from experience.

You won’t be bored. Every time I’ve seen Devin present, the audience is totally engaged. He tells great stories, and he uses an excellent 3-D, computer-generated model to illustrate his points. I always hear positive things about Devin after his presentations.

Instructor Devin Rains is on a mission to improve building quality. “The client who

recognizes quality is likely to return and refer you to others,” he said, “and I think continuous quality improvement is generally associated with continuous learning.”

“Knowing It Inside Out,” Rains said, “gives you the opportunity to learn the codes hidden within the Code. You’ll not only satisfy Code requirements, you’ll enhance the quality of your product.”

Participants will also get an “inside look” at some of the proposed changes to the UDC.

Building Code changes often. These UDC training sessions are a great way to stay current with Uniform Dwelling Code requirements. Staying current is the best way to avoid delays and headaches if inspections reveal lapses in building code compliance.

The cost for each session is $89 per online registrant or $94 for each paper registrant. That low cost includes a conti-nental breakfast, a fat course workbook with presentation printouts, sample forms, and a wealth of information to keep your building methods current.

We recommend online registration, because you’ll be alerted if you’re trying to sign up for a sold-out session.

Each session begins at 8 a.m. and ends at noon. Continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m.

We’re also offering a limited supply of UDC 2004 Commentary binders. UDC 2004 is the current version but, of course, there have been updates. We worked with the Department of Commerce to include an outline of those changes at the front of this two-inch-thick binder. We’re making the binders available for $30, but there were only 29 left before registra-tion started — and they’re going fast.

Here is the schedule:• Jan. 30 — Green Bay — Holiday Inn

Hotel & Suites Green Bay/Stadium• Feb. 5 — Brookfield — Brookfield

Suites Hotel & Convention Center• Feb. 12 — La Crosse — Stoney

Creek Inn• Feb. 20 — Stevens Point — Holiday Inn• Feb. 28 — Kenosha — Kenosha

Conference Center — Best Western Harborside Inn

• March 12 — Eau Claire — The Florian Gardens

• March 25 — Fond du Lac — Holiday Inn of Fond du Lac

• April 2 — Minocqua — The Waters of Minocqua

• April 17 — Minong — Heartwood Conference Center & Resort

• May 2 — Madison — Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel

“Building is a system,” said Rains. “You need to know how each component relates to the whole system. That’s what we’ll be exploring.”

These workshops have been approved by the Department of Commerce for 4.0 continu-ing education credits for UDC-Construction Inspectors and for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. Course ID #9193.

The 2008 series of UDC training semi-nars is the third in a series that includes last year’s “From the Ground Up” seminars and 2006’s “From the Ground Down” seminars.

Go to www.wisbuild.org to register or to download a registration form for “Knowing It Inside Out.” You can also call (608) 242-5155 for a registration form. X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org8 Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org

The Next Big Political Race of �008? Not What You May Think

Government

AffAIRS

By Brad Boycks, Director of Government Affairs

With the start of the caucus and primary elections for the party nominations for president of the United States now in full swing, most people in Wisconsin are now

starting to pay attention again to campaign 2008. Some people look favorably upon election season, while others would rather not listen to the radio, watch television, go to the mail box or answer the phone for fear of hearing or seeing anything political.

With all the attention the candidates running for president are now receiving, it is no wonder that most people believe that is the next big election with which we are faced. In Wisconsin, we actually have a very important election coming up well in advance of going to the polls in November of 2008.

On Tuesday, April 1, the voters of Wisconsin will go to the polls to again vote for their preferred candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This year, Justice Louis Butler faces

election by the voters to a 10-year term on the court for the first time. Justice Butler was appointed to the court by Governor Doyle in August of 2004 to serve out the term of former Supreme Court Justice Diane Sykes.

Justice Butler’s Web site published the following biog-raphy: “Justice Butler earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in Appleton in 1973 and then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1977.

For 14 years, from 1979 to 1992, Justice Butler served in the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office as an assistant public defender, with positions as an appellate lawyer, a trial lawyer and in management. In 1992, he was appointed as a judge on the Milwaukee County Municipal Court, where he served for 10 years until his elec-tion to Branch 9 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2002.”

Justice Butler will be challenged for his seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court by current Burnett County Judge Michael Gableman. Judge Gableman’s Web site says he earned his Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law in 1993. While attending law school, he served as a law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, Minn., where he helped prepare federal criminal cases for prosecution and defend the government’s arguments on appeal. Upon graduation, he served as a law clerk for judges in Douglas County, Minn. (1993-1995) and in Brown County, Wis. (1995-1996).

Prior to his experience on the bench, Judge Gableman was appointed district attorney for Ashland County (1999) by Governor Tommy G. Thompson and subsequently won election to the position. As district attorney, he was the lead prosecutor on cases as diverse as arson, sexual assault, domestic violence and white-collar crimes. He also served as a front-line prosecutor in Marathon County (1997-1999) and Langlade County (1996-1997) as an assistant district attorney.

Those watching this court race expect a few things out of this upcoming race. Many expect this to be the most expensive race in Wisconsin Supreme Court history, which would make it more expensive than the race won by Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler in 2007. Most think that Justice Butler will emphasize his experience and time on the court while Justice Gableman will promote the fact that he is tougher on crime issues than Butler and “law enforcement’s choice for Wisconsin Supreme Court.”

Newly installed WBA President Jason Steen has established a committee to interview and study the records of both of these candidates and will be recommending further action on this very important race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to the WBA Board of Directors very soon. X


Exclusive Benefit Design for the Wisconsin Builders Association: WPS Preferred Advantage Plus

Member

ADvANTAgE

By Karl Johnson, WBA Insurance Services

The WPS Preferred Advantage Plus is a comprehensive health insurance program offered to Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) members and their employees. This

program offers three plan options, so you can select a plan that’s a perfect fit for your business. Choose from Builders Enhanced PPO, Builders Value PPO, or Builders HSA-Qualified HDHP.

Freedom to Visit Any ProviderWPS Preferred Advantage Plus provides affordable, conve-

nient access to physicians and health care facilities throughout Wisconsin. We offer cost-effective regional and local networks as well as comprehensive statewide coverage.

And all of our networks feature flexible in-network and out-of-network benefits with no referrals. Simply choose the right network to suit your needs and budget.

Your Benefits Delivered, Minus the HassleWe go the extra mile to make using your health insurance a

seamless experience. Our streamlined claims processing system handles claims quickly and efficiently, enhancing cost-effective-ness and accuracy.

And our highly trained, caring Member Services staff is right here in Wisconsin to answer any questions you or your employ-ees may have about your health plan. Just call the phone number listed on the back of your WPS ID card.

Control Costs with ConsumerSelect.smCombine ConsumerSelect with your WBA plan and discover a

way to control health plan costs while still offering your employ-ees meaningful choices. We work with you to design an afford-able “base plan.” Your employees can either choose the base plan, or buy up to a richer plan design. WBA groups of any size can offer employees up to four different plan options. Ask your agent for details.

Powerful Member Web ToolsWPS provides WBA members access to comprehensive online

tools designed to inform, support, and empower health care consumers. These easy-to-use Web tools help members learn how to work more effectively with health care providers and better understand and utilize their health plan.

Member Health Center — Access extensive online health and wellness resources designed to help improve outcomes through efficient care.

Information on more than 3,200 health topics helps members better understand medical conditions and treatment options.

Account management — Check the status of claims, send secure messages to our Member Services staff, reference forms and materials, and order ID cards.

Locate network providers — Use our Find a Doctor tool to quickly and easily locate Preferred Providers.

Quality and safety data — Access quality and safety data collected by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, such as the Leapfrog Group, in order to make more informed provider and care choice that lead to safer outcomes.

We also provide a variety of timesaving Employer Web tools designed to make it easy for you to manage and administer your plan.

Value Care: Serious Help for Serious ConditionsUp to 20 percent of your workforce may, at some point, experi-

ence a catastrophic, chronic, or episodic illness. WPS Value Care provides a variety of results-oriented programs designed to help

Continued on page 21

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Local Happenings

Sheboygan County HBAThe Sheboygan County Home Builders Association (SCHBA) celebrated its 30th anniversary at their recent Holiday Party. Since May of 1977, the SCHBA has been promoting the home building industry in the area, serving the community and providing educational and networking opportunities for our members. Currently, 200 member firms enjoy the benefit of membership through the SCHBA.

Driven by volunteers, the members annually provide recognition to those that stand out among the rest. The members, by secret ballot, select one of their peers as the Builder Member and Associate Member of the Year. This year the proud recipients of these honors are Ken Halverson, Binder & Halverson Inc. Gen. Contr., member since 1991, who received the Builder

Member of the Year Award for 2006, and Becky Radue of Home Interiors Flooring and Design Center, member since 2001. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication.

Racine Kenosha Builders AssociationVP Julie Meyer of Johnson Bank installs the 2008 Racine Kenosha Builders Association president, John Jerde of Jerde Builders and Designs, at the Dec. 11, 2007 Installation Banquet. Other officers include: Kellie Zierk of Carpetland USA and Flooring, 1st vice-president; Dave Bennett of Southport Heating and Cooling, 2nd vice president; Patti Beaudin of Perma Structo Inc., treasurer; and Kurt Kamm of Newport, secretary. Darryl Spang of American TV and Appliances will serve as out-going president, John Darrey of Darrey Construction as builder director, and Sheree Hagen of Knight Barry Title, Kenosha, as associate director.

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2008, the RKBA created scholarships named in honor of three lifetime members. These scholarships will be awarded to local high school seniors who are planning to pursue a field of study related to the building trades. These scholarships

are granted in honor of Darrey Construction (John Darrey), Perma Structo Inc., (in memory of Erwin “Buck” Sweet) and Big Buck (Darrell Graf). These members all were instrumental in the founding and the preservation of the Racine Kenosha Builders Association and are recognized for their dedication to excellence in business and their commitment to the community. Pictured is Darryl Spang of American TV & Appliances presenting Patti Beaudin of Perma Structo with their plaque.

Valley HBAVHBA was awarded “Best Enthusiasm”

in the small company category for its water station sponsorship at the Community First Fox Cities

Marathon in September.


La Crosse Area BA

Local Happenings

Mid-Shores HBAWith the help of dozens of Mid-Shores HBA members, area businesses and the community, a handicap-accessible addition was built for the Glenn and Kerry Cummings family’s Hilbert home. The Cummings family was involved in a 2006 vehicle accident that left their 12-year-old son Parker paralyzed. The construction project included a fully handicap-accessible bedroom and bathroom and a garage space large enough to accommodate a future lift van with entry to Parker Cumming’s bedroom. Pictured at the build are Ted Birschbach (Roehrig & Savola Builders Inc.), Steve Nennig & Jeff Hedrich (Hedrich Construction Inc.), Jerry Arenz (Arenz Construction), Gary Roehrig (Roehrig & Savola Builders Inc.), Rick Mueller (RAM Enterprises) and Parker Cummings.

The La Crosse Area Builders Association completed its third extreme-home makeover version of its Rebuilding Dreams community service arm in December with the gutting and partial demolition of the Owens family home. The family purchased a home from a seller who covered up massive cat urine issues as well as structural issues that made the house unlivable. The family was paying a mortgage on the house they couldn’t sell, plus rent, and due to the former owner being on a pension, no money could be garnished to pay for any of it, including legal fees. More photos from the project can be viewed at www.labaonline.com.

Paul “Stretch” Mendel (Lautz Custom Builders) the project’s very dedicated project manager gets interviewed for television after putting in 12-16 hour days each of the nine project days. He was one of many dedicated volunteers who made the project happen.

Every home gets uglier before it gets prettier. Kickapoo Homes and LABA’s remaining founding member, Bushek Construction, did all of the framing in the basement that transformed the tuck-under garage and unfinished basement into a family room, three bedrooms, a bathroom and storage.

RIsINg TO THE OCCAsION Incoming President Jason Steen reminds Wisconsin builders that association membership is crucial — now more than ever.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org1�

Many builders are struggling in our state, and they might be

thinking of cutting their membership as a way to save money,

but I want them to realize that it is during these tough times

that the association benefits you the most. As an association,

we need to preach the benefits tirelessly, because people

right now need to know what they are getting

for their dollar. — Incoming President Jason Steen

by Jennifer McDermitt

It isn’t the easiest time to be a builder right now, let alone to lead a state-wide building association, however

Jason Steen of Steen Construction is not only ready for the challenge, but he is also looking forward to it. Steen came to the building industry humbled after spending many years in what he calls the “School of Hard Knocks” and credits the association for turning him into a professional. As 2008 president of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA),

he aims to spread the word throughout Wisconsin about the many benefits of membership during these challenging economic times.

“Many builders are struggling in our state, and they might be thinking of cutting their membership as a way to save money, but I want them to realize that it is during these tough times that the association benefits you the most,” said Steen. “As an association, we need to preach the benefits tirelessly, because people right now need to know what they are getting for their dollar.”

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org 1�

Farm Life Preparation

Unlike many in this industry, Steen didn’t grow up in a family of builders. Instead, he grew up on farm, but Steen credits farm life for instilling two very important qualities that later benefited him in his company: a strong work ethic and a passion for woodworking.

After graduation, Steen spent the next eight years working for a paint spray booth factory, traveling the country and installing the booths for customers. Steen calls this time “practical experience.”

“During my time with that company, I learned the ins and outs of hiring and working with contractors and subcontrac-tors, and I gained experience as a job foreman,” said Steen.

As Steen’s children grew older, however, he found himself away from home too much and desired a career that would keep him close to his family. In 1992, Steen started Steen Construction of Osseo, and while he dove right in, he admits his beginning was rather humble.

“I took any job I could — mostly the small projects no one else wanted to bother with,” he joked. “But, one day someone asked me if I could build them a home, and although I wasn’t really sure if I could, I said, ‘Yes, I can.’”

Steen’s can-do attitude has served him well. His first year of business produced gross receipts of around $200,000, and today he boasts $5 million gross annually. Steen credits his humility as part of his success.

“I’ve never been afraid to ask questions — in fact, I ask a lot of questions, because I want to learn as much as I can to become better at whatever I do,” said Steen.

The Path to Involvement

Steen also credits his involvement in the builders association for his success. In 1997, the executive officer of the local association, Chippewa Valley HBA in Eau Claire, encouraged Steen to become a member. “He thought I could benefit from the Parade of Homes — that’s how he roped me in,” joked Steen.

Apparently he was right, as Steen has entered the Parade of Homes every year since. As he learned more and more about the association and attended the meetings, Steen was offered more opportunities to get involved, and eventually joined some of the committees and served on the boards. In 2001, Steen served as Chippewa Valley HBA’s president, which exposed him more to the state association.

“I’m one of those people who, when I decide I like something, I get fully involved. There’s no in between for me,” he said.

Steen followed the same path at the state level: attending meetings, joining commit-tees and eventually holding office. Steen


Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org14 Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org14

RISINg TO THE OCCASIONContinued from page 13

believes strongly in the power of commu-nication, and he not only hopes to spread the message of association benefits, but he also wants to improve communication between locals and the state.

“We’ve seen this improve dramati-cally over the last few years, and I want to further that mission,” Steen said. “The locals are the lifelines of this organiza-tion, and we need to hear from them.”

An Eye for DetailsSteen Construction’s motto, “Building

the American Dream with an eye for the details,” is certainly true, but its owner also has an eye for talent and recognizing those who have aided him in his success. Steen has developed excellent relationships with his subcontractors, many of whom have worked with him for over 10 years. Steen also has 13 talented employees and calls his wife, Kari, the “nuts and bolts” of the company. Kari does the accounting for Steen Construction, and together they have two daughters, 15-year-old Tess and 11-year-old Shania.

Steen is thankful for the opportunity to get to know WBA’s 2007 president, Mark Etrheim, who Steen says set an excellent example as president for him to follow. “I hope I can do half the job Mark did; he’s been a big influence on me,” said Steen.

In these challenging economic times, Steen says he just hopes to get members, and nonmembers alike, to utilize the resources of the association. “You have so much to gain by being a member, and you don’t have to go through this alone” said Steen. “Things are going to turn around, and you will be glad you had the association to help pull you through it.” X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

BUILDER PROfILE



Eric Richards of Richards Constructionby Nancy Davis

Eric Richards has an office — a pretty nice one — but he doesn’t

spend much time in it.This Janesville builder

prefers to be on job sites or working side-by-side with his team at Richards Construction headquarters. “I have an open-door policy, and anyone can come and talk to me anytime. But I can usually be found out by my employees’ desks, if I’m not meeting with customers,” he said.

Richards started his profes-sional career as a plumber, and somewhere between earning his journeyman’s card and his master’s license, he decided to build homes — in his spare time. “I really didn’t have any spare time, but I wanted to build a home for myself and decided to build a duplex and rent out the other side. I was a newlywed with a young son, and it sounded like a good idea. It turns out I really enjoyed the process,” he said.

Taking a project from start to finish, from dreams to reality, is what appeals to Richards. He graduated from building duplexes in 1992 to building homes when one of the duplex tenants approached him to build a new home. “He said that he thought I did a really good job on the duplex, so he wanted me to build his new house. Still to this day, most of my work comes from referrals from customers,” he said.

His plumbing days afforded him a unique glimpse into the world of homebuilding, and he used his exposure to top qual-ity builders to learn the ins and outs of the industry. “I worked with some good builders and learned what worked and

what didn’t,” he said. He went into the building business for himself in 1995.

Back in the DayA third-generation

Janesville native, Richards grew up on a hobby farm, taking care of animals and helping around the house. His father, Sam, was a career UPS deliveryman who has since passed away but who instilled a strong work ethic in young Eric. His mother, Judy, also worked while making their home a fun and nurturing place to be. He credits his parents as being the founda-tion for his current success.

“We had fun, my broth-ers and I, and though we worked hard on chores and school, we always had time for fun. We were involved in sports and in just enjoying our childhood,” he said.

“I have had several mentors in my life, but today I’d say that my stepfather, John Jacks, is my sounding board. He works here in the office with me, and I appreciate his business expertise and advice. He’s the one I go to with questions — as well as my wife, Julie. She’s been a great support,” Richards said. He and Julie have two sons, 15-year-old Nathan and 9-year-old Nicholas.

Teamwork Plays Role in Business and Life

Richards said that when he’s not working on creating dream homes for Janesville residents, he can be found on a sports field coaching kids. His company also sponsors numerous youth teams in the

I love hearing from customers,

‘Wow, you are doing a great job.’

One customer just stood there and said,

‘You guys have made this process and

this home so nice, and we are so happy.’

They sent us Christmas gifts.

I love the heck out of that.

— Eric Richards, Richards Construction

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org16

area. “I enjoy the heck out of it. I love the little kids, and coaching is a real release for me. They look at you with big eyes and get so excited when they accomplish something. It’s the coolest thing in the world,” said Richards. His company and his personal time are also devoted to the Wisconsin Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House charities, to name a few.

Strength and Success in Numbers

Richards believes in the power of the HBA. He looks at other builders in his area not as simply competitors, but as members of the same team looking to further the entire homebuilding industry. He is past president of South Central Wisconsin Builders Association, past chairman of the board of the Parade of Homes Committee, current member of South Central Wisconsin Builders Association

Board of Directors and a member of Forward Janesville.

“One of the things about being in the homebuilding industry in Wisconsin is that there are not a lot of require-ments or certifications. Our state and local associations have worked hard to create a set of standards and regula-tions to ensure the integrity of the industry,” said Richards, who has been a member of the Wisconsin Builder’s

Association® Board of Directors since 1999.

Richards also believes in the social and networking events that bring professionals together. “It is the little things the associations do that can help builders feel supported in an industry where you can often feel alone,” he said.

“In order to have a good association, you have to get people involved, and Carol Engebretson, our executive

BUILDER PROfILE Continued from page 15

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officer, does a great job of this. Networking with peers gives you the chance to see that we all have the same problems. And we can help each other handle those problems.” Richardson says some of the social events like golf outings can create enthusiasm and give the opportunity to chat with other builders. He feels it is nice to be around people who have the same interests and whose top priority is the building industry.

Setting Quality Apart from the Pack

The biggest challenge Richards said he faces is effectively educating homeowners on the benefits of hiring a qualified custom builder. “They’ll get their money’s worth if they invest in a quality product at the outset. But we are a bottom-dollar driven soci-ety, so it’s like comparing

apples to oranges at times,” he said.

“I love hearing from custom-ers, ‘Wow, you are doing a great job.’ One customer just stood there and said, ‘You guys have made this process and this home so nice, and we are so happy.’ They sent us Christmas gifts. I love the heck out of that,” said Richards.

He credits his staff — Becky, Jim and John, and his subcontractors — with helping make Richards Construction successful. “I’m only as good as the people on my front line. In my case, I have a good team in place,” he said.

Other things that set his business apart from the rest are his attention to energy efficiency and his unwaver-ing presence on the job site. Environmentally aware, Richards is one of the only builders in his area doing air exchange rate tests and ther-mal inspections to confirm

that his homes are air tight. And in the past 13 years, he has never missed an electrical walk-through to help clients make decisions on lighting and electrical needs.

In addition to building between eight and 12 custom homes a year, he owns and operates Janesville Plumbing, which employs five people.

Richards’ homes are not cookie cutter and his level

of service goes beyond that of builders. His homes range from $200,000 to more than $1,000,000 and are known for containing upgraded amenities and unique design solutions.

He said, “To be success-ful, I don’t need to build 100 houses a year. I have devel-oped strong relationships with my subcontractors, and I am comfortable with the growth of our company.” X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org18 Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org18

39.7%

11.6%8.7%

22.6%

17.4%

1945

1960

48.9%

12.5%

10.4%

12.3%

15.9%

$$ $ $$The Great Property ValueShift

In the immediate future,

the residential share of all

property values is likely to

either remain steady or fall.

With a serious slump in the

housing market nationally,

residential values will likely

grow less in 2007 and 2008.

Today, residential properties account for more than 70 percent of Wisconsin’s total property tax

burden. However, it has not always been that way. At the conclusion of World War II, resi-dential taxes were less than 40 percent of the total. How and why have things changed?

Although some believe the shift was due to legislative action, most of it resulted from a “hot” market for residen-tial and commercial property, old and new, and periodic softness — or worse — in the markets for agricultural and manufacturing property. Conversion of farmland and manufacturing property to residential and commercial uses only accelerated the trend, which began in the “baby boom” era following the war.

That said, some law changes have benefited other properties at the expense of home and apartment owners. During the 1970s, the state exempted several types of personal property from the prop-erty tax. More recently, the state changed the assessment of agricultural land from a market approach based on what a prop-erty would sell for to one based on the value of what the land produced.

The pie charts throughout this article show the shift in taxable property values by property type. Though the rate of change has varied, the residential share of the total has increased in each period.

1945-1960: The Baby Boom

In 1945, the United States was on the verge of a demographic revolution that would change the nation. That year, there were 2.8 million births nationwide. Births jumped 25 percent to 3.5 million in 1946 and another 11 percent to 3.9 million in 1947. In the years following, the number of births continued to break records, creating a huge demand for homes.

In 1945, the residential property tax burden in Wisconsin was 39.7 percent of the state total. By 1960, it had risen to 48.9 percent. In just 15 years, the residen-tial share of the total property tax burden rose nearly 10 percentage points, due to nothing more than large increases in the number and price of residential properties.

During this period, residential values grew faster than any other type of property. From $2.1 billion in 1945, they climbed 336 percent to $9.2 billion in 1960, an average of 10.3 percent per year.

If the increase in residential values was the most important story of this period, the decline in agriculture was a close second. In 1945, agricultural land and improve-ments accounted for 22.6 percent of the state total. By 1960, they had fallen to 12.3 percent. The actual value of the farm prop-erties rose 92.5 percent during the period, but growth in other areas was significantly larger (e.g., more than 300 percent for both residential and manufacturing).

Manufacturing and commercial values rose quickly during the postwar boom

as Wisconsin’s agricultural economy became an industrial one. In 1960, both commercial (12.5 percent of the state total) and manufacturing (10.4 percent) properties accounted for significant shares of the state property tax burden.

The manufacturing share of total prop-erty taxes actually peaked in 1950 at 10.8 percent. As we will see, the commercial share continued to rise while the manufac-turing share began a long, steady decline, as the economic transition from a produc-ing to an information economy began.

1960-1975: Treading Water

Of the four periods studied in this report, 1960-1975 was the only one without a significant jump in the residen-tial share of the Wisconsin property tax burden. During these years, the residen-tial share rose only one percentage point to 49.9 percent in 1975.

With the baby boom ending in 1964, rapid growth in residential construction and property values slowed somewhat compared to the postwar years. Still, full-market values rose 217 percent, from $9.2 billion in 1960 to $29.2 billion in 1975. Annual increases averaged 8.0 percent per year, down from 10.3 percent during 1945-1960.

Both agricultural and commercial properties performed well during these 15 years. Farmland and improvements increased 254 percent in value, while commercial values rose 250 percent.


1975

49.9%

14.1%5.2%

14.0%

16.9%

1990

18.7%61.9%

3.9% 8.8%6.7%


2006

17.5%

72.5%

2.5%4.3%3.1%

$$ Both classes increased as a share of total property values: agriculture from 12.3 percent to 14.0 percent, and commercial from 12.5 percent to 14.1 percent.

With residential, agricultural, and commercial values all increasing between 217 percent and 254 percent, the big loser during this period was manufacturing. Manufacturing values rose just 55 percent from 1960 to 1975 and fell as a share of the total from 10.4 percent to 5.2 percent.

Lack of demand for manufacturing properties played a role, but an exemption for manufacturing machinery and equip-ment (M&E) in 1974 also had an impact. The exemption made $2.6 billion in M&E property nontaxable. In 1973, $2.6 billion represented 5.7 percent of all taxable property in Wisconsin. Since property tax levies are set regardless of the tax base, the revenue that would have been raised by M&E property shifted to other classes, impacting residences in particular.

1975-1990: The Market Slows

The period from 1975 to 1990 was one of slow growth in Wisconsin. A punishing “double-dip” recession in the early 1980s resulted in a depressed real estate market for much of the decade and led to small value increases for most property types.

Residential properties were not entirely spared from the slowdown. During these 15 years, residential values rose 200 percent, from $29.2 billion to $87.5 billion, or an average of 7.6 percent per year. Though property values tripled in 15 years, growth during this period was slower than either of the two preceding eras. It would also prove to be slower than recent years.

Residential value growth was also more volatile during 1975-1990. From

1975 to 1980, residential values rose an average of 16.1 percent per year. From 1980 to 1990, annual growth averaged just 3.6 percent.

Despite slowing growth in residential values, their share of total statewide values rose during these years from 49.9 percent in 1975 to 61.9 percent in 1990. The year 1976 was the first that resi-dential property values accounted for a majority of the state total.

Two factors explain this trend. First, manufacturing and agricultural property values grew less. Manufacturing proper-ties rose 81 percent (4.0 percent per year) during the period and fell as a share of the total from 5.2 percent to 3.9 percent. Agricultural values increased just 52 percent (2.8 percent per year) and fell from 14.0 percent of the state total to 8.8 percent. Farmland was hit the hardest by the 1980s real estate slowdown, signifi-cantly impacting the entire economy of southwestern Wisconsin.

The second factor was a property tax exemption for several types of personal property: Exemptions for so-called Line A Stocks (merchants’ and manufacturers’ inventories and livestock) were phased in beginning in 1977. The exemption eventu-ally moved $7.2 billion, 9.8 percent of the state total that year, off the property rolls.

1990-�006: The Growth Era

The past 16 years are most notable for three things: strong value growth in most types of property, a large decline in agricultural property values due to the imposition of use value assessment, and the continued boom in residential and commercial values.

After the slow-growth 1980s, property values have accelerated in recent years.

Residential values grew 289 percent (8.9 percent per year); commercial values, 210 percent (7.3 percent); and manufacturing values, 116 percent (4.9 percent). Both the residential and manufacturing growth rates were up significantly over the preceding period, while the commercial rate held steady.

The exception to this trend was agri-culture. Agricultural values rose just 18 percent in 16 years, due to use-value assessment. One consequence of the change was a tax shift to other kinds of property, especially residences. From 1990 to 2006, the residential share of all properties in Wisconsin rose from 61.9 percent to 72.5 percent. Over the same years, agricultural values fell from 8.8 percent of the total to 3.1 percent.

The Future?In 60 years, Wisconsin has seen a

significant shift from a mix of property types with large agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors to one dominated by residential. The change has been prolonged, consistent, and market-driven.

Will the trend continue? In the imme-diate future, the residential share of all property values is likely to either remain steady or fall. With a serious slump in the housing market nationally, residential values will likely grow less in 2007 and 2008. Consequently, other property types, especially commercial, may grow faster and see their shares rise.

In the longer term, property values are more difficult to predict. However, the state population is predicted to grow slowly in Wisconsin for the foreseeable future, so intense pressure on the residen-tial market from buyers is unlikely.

One crude way to project future hous-ing demand is to examine the popula-tion by age. According to the Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org�0

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0

1

2

3

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

1.4 1.41.5

1.71.8

2.42.3 2.3

2.4

MILLION

S

MARKETPLACE

PROPERTY vALUE SHIfTContinued from page 19

Realtors® Association, 80 percent of Wisconsin homebuyers are between 25 and 54. As their numbers grew during the 1990s, they put pressure on the residen-tial market, and prices climbed.

However, the home-buying popu-lation has plateaued. As the chart below shows, there were 2.4 million Wisconsin adults in this age group in 2000. That number is expected to decline slightly until 2020, when it

begins to rise slightly into 2030. With less housing demand for the foresee-able future, it seems unlikely that future residential property value growth will match the large recent gains.

Data source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue; Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau; WISTAX calculations.

Originally published in The Wisconsin Taxpayer (September 2007, Vol. 75, No. 9, pages 5-7). The Wisconsin Taxpayer is published by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, www.wistax.org. X

Home-Buying Population StagnantWisconsin Population between

25 and 54 Million, 1950-2020

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

Be sure to check the schedule of events for your local association.


Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org �1

LoCaL aSSoCIatIon PaRaDE of HoMES HoME SHoW GoLf outInG

Brown County spring ‘08: Mar. 1-2 and 6-9 Jan 17-20, 2008 2008 TBD

Central WI Aug. 22-25, 2008 WI Rapids Home show, March 8-9, 2008; Marshfield Home show, March 29-30, 2008

2008 TBD

Chippewa Valley June 7-15, 2008 Feb. 28 - March 2, 2008 May 12, 2008-Home Builders Invitational; July 10, 2008 summer golf Outing

Door County showcase of Homes Parade - May 8, 9, 16, 17 & 18, 2008

March 28 & 29, stone Harbor Conference Center

sept. 2008

Fond du Lac July 18-27, 2008 March 28, 29, 30, 2008 Aug. 8, 2008

golden sands June 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2008 Feb. 23 & 24, 2008 - Holiday Inn & Convention Center

July 15, 2008

Headwaters –––– –––– 2008 TBD

Heart of the North 2008 TBD Feb. 16-17, 2008 - Cameron High 2008 TBD

La Crosse June 21, 22, 25-29, 2008 March 7-9, 2008 July 16, 2008

Lakeland July 26-27 & Aug. 2-3 March 29-30, 2008 2008 TBD

Madison June 7-22 Feb. 29-March 2,2008 TBD, July 2008

Manitowoc June 19-22, 2008 March 28-30, 2008 Aug. 6, 2008

Metropolitan Aug. 16-sept. 7 Jan. 10-13 June 16

Mid-shores Oct. 2-5, 2008 –––– ––––

Mid-WI –––– Feb. 8-10, 2008 June 2008

Northland May 10 & May 17 –––– Aug. 2008

Racine-Kenosha sept. 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14 –––– June 12, 2008

sheboygan Cty sept. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2008 April 4, 5, 6, 2008 June 18, 2008

south Central WI sept. 6-14, 2008 Feb. 15, 16, 17, 2008 June 19, 2008

south West WI TBD Feb. 9-10, 2008 - Ludlow Mansion, Monroe

TBD

st Croix Valley Tour of Homes: 2008 TBD Home & Remodel show: Jan. 25-27, 2008, Knowles Center, River Falls

2008 TBD

Valley Jan. 26-27, Jan 31- Feb 3, 2008; Condos, June ‘08; summer Parade, Aug. ‘08

March 6-9, 2008 June 2008, August 2008

Wausau Area June 17-22, 2008 April 26-27, 2008 June 27, 2008 (changed from June 20)

Winnebago Apr. 18-20 & 24-27, 2008 Feb. 8-10, 2008 2008 TBD

Wolf River –––– March 28-30, 2008 July 8, 2008

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MEMBER ADvANTAgE Continued from page 9

Continued from page 21

Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org��

LoCaL aSSoCIatIon InStaLLatIon BBW GEnERaL MEMBER-

SHIP MEEtInGLoCaL BoaRD

MEEtInG otHER EvEntS EDuCatIon

Brown County Dec. 7, 2007-KI Conv. Center, downtown

2008 TBD 2nd Tuesday in May/sept/Oct/Nov

1st Wednesday of each month

sporting Clays TBD ––––

Central WI 2008 TBD 2008 TBD TBD 2nd Tuesday Holiday Party TBD ––––

Chippewa Valley 2008 TBD 2008 TBD 2nd Tuesday 4th Tuesday Dec. 7, 2007-Christmas Party at The Plaza; summer Picnic-TBD

Nov. 13, 2007-at CVHBA Office

Door County Dec. 13, 2007 –––– 2nd Thursday 1st Wednesday Christmas Party-Dec. 13, 2007 ––––

Fond du Lac sept. 17, 2008 2008 TBD 3rd Wednesday No June/July/Aug

1st Tuesday Clay shoot-April 26, 2008; Homes of Our Own- April 22-25; Relay for Life-Aug 1

Consumer Education, Beaver Dam-Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

golden sands 2008 TBD April 15, 2008 3rd Tuesday, No Aug 3rd Tuesday Dec. 16, 2008 - Holiday Party ––––

Headwaters 2008 TBD –––– 2nd Tues/Wed/Thur No June/July Aug

2nd Tues/Wed/Thur; before gMM

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet-2008 TBD ––––

Heart of the North Nov. 15, 2008 –––– 2nd Thursday 1st Thursday Christmas Party-Nov. 15, 2008 ––––

La Crosse sept. 16, 2008 2008 TBD 3rd Tuesday No June/July/Dec

3rd Tuesday –––– Lunch ‘n Learn & Builder Breakfasts- every month

Lakeland Dec. 14, 2007 Nov. 1, 2007 3rd WednesdayNo June/July/Aug

2nd Wednesday No Aug.

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet, 2008 TBD Lunch ‘n Learn-Last Tuesday of Month

Madison TBD, Dec. 2008 Oct. 2008- silent Auction

1st Monday of Feb/Apr/May/sept/Nov

3rd Wednesday spring showcase-April 12-13,19-20, 26-27; Parade of Condos-July 26-Aug 3

TBD

Manitowoc Dec. 3, 2008-Knox’s sil-ver Valley Banquet Hall

Aug.21, 2008 4th Thursday, No June/July/Nov/Dec

2nd Thursday Bowl-A-Thon, Feb. 23, 2008; sporting Clays-september 10, 2008

Awake to Learn seminars, 2nd Wednesday of each month

Metropolitan Dec. 2008 –––– 2008 - Feb. 28, May 15, Oct. (date TBD)

2nd Wednesday –––– 2008 TBD

Mid-shores Dec. 5, 2008-Milhome super Club, Install & Christmas Party

Dec. 5, 2008-Live Auction

2nd Tuesday No June/July/Aug

2nd Tuesday Trap shoot-september 2008 ––––

Mid-WI 2008 TBD TBD 2nd Tuesday No July/Aug

3rd Tuesday –––– ––––

Northland Nov. 4, 2008 Aug. 2008 1st and 3rd Tues. 3rd Wednesday Tabletop Night Feb gMMs Monthly

Racine-Kenosha Dec. 2008 TBD 3rd Wednesday No June/Dec

1st Wednesday spring Tour of Homes with Metro- April 19-May 4, 2008

Monthly

sheboygan Cty sept. 17, 2008 2008 TBD 3rd Wednesday No June/July/Aug

1st Tuesday No July

none ––––

south Central WI Dec. 11, 2007 silent Auction- Oct. 28, 2008

4th Tuesday of the month, No June/July/Aug

2nd Tuesday 2008 TBD 2008 TBD

south West WI TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

st Croix Valley Dec. 18, 2007 at R&D Banquet Hall, New Richmond

2008 TBD Last Tuesday No June/Aug/Nov

Monthly, one week prior to gMM

Annual Fishing Tournament-2008 TBD Lunch ‘n Learn-November 6

Valley sept. 4 April 1, 2008 First Tuesday No June/July/Aug; Dec. is Holiday Party

Last Tuesday Holiday Party 2008 TBD Various, visit vhba.com for schedule

Wausau Area Oct. 16, 2008 April 17, 2008 3rd Thursday No Dec/June/July/Aug

3rd Tuesday –––– ––––

Winnebago 2008 TBD 2008 TBD 2nd Wednesday No June/July/Aug

2nd Wednesday Whitetails Banquet-Nov. 8, 2007; Holiday Party-Jan. 18, 2008

––––

Wolf River Oct. 14, 2008 –––– 2nd Tuesday Last Tuesday sporting Clays-June 10, 2008 ––––

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