Green grass, blue skies and a warm breeze often remind me of my spring chores as a boy. One of those jobs was crawling under the neighbor's house to get the boxes (lots of boxes) of gladiolas I'd put there the previous fall. Why we kept them under the neighbor's house is a story for another day. I'd haul the boxes back to our place, dig holes and plant said gladiolas pretty much where I had dug them up the last fall. Back then every boy knew how to use a shovel, but I got more experience than most because of mom's fondness for gardening. I occasionally puzzled at digging up and then replanting the same bulbs over and over but in our house compliance was not optional. I was, however, always amazed at the transformation of those lifeless looking stubs into the beautiful flowers they became every summer. What I only understood much later was the deep and special appreciation of that beauty you get when you've done your part to have helped things along.
Coming this June is our 23rd Annual Builders Classic Golf Tournament. For 22 years, the Builders Association of Southern Oregon has hosted this event that supports our building community and a local beneficiary. This year our tournament will again benefit Redemption Ridge, a local organization that rescues and rehabilitates young women that have been victims of sex trafficking. Half of the proceeds will go directly to their support. Thanks to the work of BASO members and many others, Redemption Ridge will soon have the only safe house in Oregon south of Portland for these girls. BASO members have managed the construction and contributed tens of thousands of dollars of funding, time, products and services for this important project that is nearly ready. Our golf tournament is just a couple of months down the road so please think about "Golfing for Good" for these girls this June. We have many opportunities for participation or if you'd just like to learn more go here: redemptionridge.org. We'd be grateful for your support as we work together to aid these girls. Seeing these young women return to health and humanity reminds me of the miracle of the gladiolas, watching life and beauty emerge again from those dead looking bulbs. And it also reminds me of the joy of being able to help a little along the way.
To your success,
Brad Bennington,
Executive Officer
Builders Association Southern Oregon
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Save the Dates!
Building Industry/Legislative Update with Jon Chandler
April
Date & Location TBA
BASO Poker Tournament
May 26th
2017 Golf Tournament
June 16th
Foster Parent's BBQ
Saying "Thanks!" to our Foster Families in Jackson County
Give us a call if you have questions about any of our events
541-773-2872
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BASO Poker Tournament - May 26th
1st Annual Poker Tournament!
Texas Hold 'Em Style
Win CASH! Win PRIZES!
MAY 26th
at Lippert's Carpet One
Cost: $60 per player
Reserve your space today!
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The Golf Tournament - June 16 at Eagle Point Golf Club
The Builders Classic Golf Tournament
June 16th
at Eagle Point Golf Club
This is a favorite tournament for many, and it benefits
Redemption Ridge! Redemption Ridge is dedicated to bringing hope and healing to young women devastated by the effects
of commercial domestic sex trafficking. Partner with us as
those willing to take a stand against the sexual exploitation
of vulnerable young women.
Call or email Jessica for more information: 541-773-2872
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Membership Mixers
Are you interested in attending or hosting a Membership Mixer?
A Membership Mixer is a great time for our members to get together for an informal night to eat, drink and network with other members in the building industry:
builders, remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors, lenders, title & real estate institutions, and other individuals and organizations.
Contact Jessica for more information
Our next Mixer will be in April - More information to come!
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2017 Building & Remodeling Directory
Our 2017 Building & Remodeling Directory was a big hit at the Home Show!
People are looking for trusted, qualified people to do work.
They are looking for builders, remodelers, subcontractors, financing and realtors. For many people, it is a go-to resource when they have work that needs to be done.
If you would like to have a few for yourself or your office, just let us know and we can get them to you, or just stop by the office and pick them up. We always love to see our members and hear what they are up to. It is also a good opportunity for us to find out what your needs are and how the association may be able to help. Your membership comes with a ton of benefits, (Like Lowe's For Pros Discount, Sherwin Williams' Discount, Free Continuing Education, Event Discounts/Opportunities, Car/Truck Discounts).
Check them out on our website.
Our online directory (on our website) is another great resource for the public. You can log on to make changes or give us a call (541-773-2872) and we can help with that!
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Fall Protection Guide - (OR-OSHA) Changes in Oregon
Oregon OSHA has changed their Fall Protection rules in construction as required by Federal OSHA (OSHA). As you know the trigger height has changed from 10 feet to 6 feet. In addition, the use of slide guards (toe boards) will not be allowed as your only fall protection measure; it can however be used in connection with additional measures such as a Fall Restraint System. You have always been faced with challenges regarding proper fall protection, however these changes will increase that challenge. Thus, the purpose of this informational sheet is to outline what is required regarding fall protection and to offer additional information that will be useful in addressing specific building and project needs.
Click here for Guide.
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News From the State
Jon Chandler and Howard Asch, OHBA
Legislative Session
As you're no doubt aware, the legislative session is underway so most of our attention is focused on activities in the state capitol. Here's a few reminders about how you can follow along on legislative activity if you're so inclined. Read More.
Annexation
Last session, we were finally able to get legislation passed that prohibited cities from requiring city-wide votes on annexations. Only 35 or so cities had annexation voting in their city charters, but those were some of the most significant cities from a growth and building perspective: North Plains, Sherwood, Sisters, Salem, Corvallis, West Linn, to name just a few. Read More.
Green Building
Super Green Oregon Project
Net zero and LEED programs have been around awhile and provide standards for green building. But there's another program called the Living Building Challenge (LBC) that goes beyond green and net zero. Oregon has a home built to the LBC and it is interesting to look at some of its unique futures which could someday become more mainstream. Read More.
Codes Update
Retaining Walls
The building code lists several kinds of structures and work exempt from permits and inspection. One of the items on the list may sometimes be exempted and sometimes not. Retaining walls may or may not need a permit. Whether a retaining wall is exempt depends of several things. Building Codes Division has issued an interpretation to try to clear up any confusion. Here is a summary of that interpretation. Read More.
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Builders Rank the Most, Least Popular Green Practices
NAHB Now
You can hype a new home's hardwood floors and extra storage until you're blue in the face. But you won't get nearly the kind of foot traffic as those who tout a home's green features.
Home builders are becoming increasingly aware of that fact, which is evident in the results from an NAHB survey conducted last month when builders were asked which green products and practices they use.
At the top, low-e windows are commonly used by 95% of the builders. Others in the top 5 green products include high-efficiency HVAC systems (92%), programmable thermostats (88%), Energy Star-rated appliances (80%), and energy-efficient duct systems (78%).
Read More.
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UMPQUA BANK presents leaders club award to Tammy Morgan
Medford, OR - March 6, 2017 -Umpqua Bank,
a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation
(NASDAQ: UMPQ), has recognized Tammy Morgan as a 2016 Leaders Club loan officer. The award goes to the top producing loan officers in the Home Lending division.
"Our Leaders Club represents the best loan officers at Umpqua Bank Home Lending," said Gary Duffy, SVP Production Director. "As one of our leaders, Tammy helps more people finance their homes, helping more of them become our neighbors. Tammy exemplifies her leadership role through delivering a high level of customer service to her home purchase, refinance, construction and renovation loan clients."
Great job Tammy!
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Bill seeks to disclose seismic risks of buildings
Keely Chalmers , KGW
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Is the home you're buying going to keep you and your family safe when the Big One hits?
Oregon lawmakers are considering a new bill that would require sellers to let you know.
House Bill 2140
would specifically let buyers know if a home was built before 1973. And if it was, has it been bolted to its foundation?
Read More.
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Tiny house advocates want the Oregon Legislature to crack down on "bootleg" construction and make it easier to build the units legally. The move comes as cities across Oregon, including Salem, are eyeing tiny houses as a way to ease tight rental markets and address growing problems with homelessness. "Many communities are struggling with, how do we get people out from underneath bridges," Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene said. "We've been forced into looking at this in a new way."
Read More.
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There's got to be a better way! Social Media Strategy
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CCB Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Jance Bangs, KATU
Before you get under way with your home remodeling project Janice Bangs went to the experts to find out what you need to know about hiring a contractor. Stan Jessup, Enforcement Manager for the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, shared valuable advice. For questions call the OCCB at 503-378-4621 or head to their
website here.
Finding contractors:
If they don't have a contractor in mind, they should ask people they trust (friends, neighbors) for recommendations.
Or, they can ask people in the industry. Maybe a plumber knows a good electrician, for example.
We would urge caution in using craigslist or other online "lists." The reviews just don't provide sufficient information.
Verify licenses:
Once they have a short list of contractor candidates, they should get CCB license numbers and check them out on our website
In nearly all cases, contractors must be licensed to work on home projects
It's important to verify the license is active, the name on the business matches the person you're doing business with. Also, you can see if the contractor has a complaint history.
CCB numbers are required on any advertising by the contractor, including business cards, websites and contracts.
What's the risk of using unlicensed contractors?
Unlicensed contractors don't have a bond to reimburse you for poor workmanship
The CCB can't help mediate if there is a dispute
The contractor probably doesn't have liability insurance to cover property damage or injuries he or she might cause while working
Unlicensed contractors can't pull required building permits and that can come back to haunt you, the homeowner
They may not have workers' compensation coverage to cover job-related injuries to employees, potentially exposing you to liability
Other tips:
Probably most important is get a written contract and make sure it includes start and finish date as well as price and payment terms.
It's also important to include detailed project plans and/or a list of materials to be used. Otherwise, you may envision granite countertops and custom cabinets and your contractor sees laminate and off-the-shelf cabinets.
Any changes should be put in writing and signed by you and the contractor.
Communicate regularly with your contractor. A good contractor works hard to make you happy. CCB surveys show that 86 percent of customers are satisfied with their contractors work.
Should you run into problems, the CCB takes homeowner complaints and helps mediate disputes.
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April 6 - CCB Live (in-person) Law Classes in Medford
2017 CCB classes (laws, regulations and business practices)
The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) offers continuing education classes throughout Oregon. These classes provide the three hours of CCB classes that residential contractors need every two-year license renewal period.
The cost is $45.
Check back soon. The CCB continues to schedule classes throughout Oregon in 2017!
Live (in-person) classes
April 6, 9am - Noon
RCC / SOU Higher Education Center
101 S. Bartlett, Room 129B
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Utilities Rate Adjustment Notices
Water Rates:
The Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Medford, Oregon approved water rate changes at the regular meeting of December 21, 2016. The new rates go into effect March 1, 2017. Click here for a copy of the rate schedule summary.
Sewer System Development Charge:
Notice of Public Hearing Prior to Adoption or Amendment of a Change in Methodology for the Sewer System Development Charge
The City of Medford and Rogue Valley Sewer Services will hold a public hearing on
May 22, 2017, 12:15 PM
at Rogue Valley Sewer Services
138 W. Vilas Rd., Central Point, OR 97502
To consider adoption of a change in methodology of the sewer system development charge (SDC) schedule and definitions for the Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
The proposed SDC changes will be available for inspection at the City of Medford Regional Water Reclamation Facility, 1100 Kirtland Rd., Central Point, OR 97502, at least 60 days prior to the hearing.
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CCB Toolbox - Contractor Insurance Answers to your Questions
The CCB asked Oregon retired insurance broker Kelly Atwood some questions about liability insurance and bonds. Atwood specialized in contractor insurance during his 45 years in business. Here are some of the questions discussed:.
- Under what circumstances does my liability insurance cover workmanship claims?
- I'm retiring soon and want to make sure I have coverage for at least a few years in case a client files a claim. What do I need to know?
- Normally I paint houses but I'm thinking I might learn roofing. Do I need to notify my agent?
- If I switch insurance companies, what do I need to be careful about?
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Next Lead Based Paint Classes:
8-hr INITIAL Lead Based Paint Class
Need to become RRP Certified?
Do you work on structures,pre 1978, where you would be disturbing paint? If so, sign up now for this EPA-Certified class!
8-Hr INITIAL Course:
April 19
8am-5pm
Space is limited to register today!
Next Class: May 17
Cost: $225 for Members and $299 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (8) Series B Credit Hours
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4-hr REFRESHER RRP Lead Based Paint Class
Need to renew your RRP Certified?
Original Certificate is good for 5 years. Take the refresher class before your certificate expires.
4-Hr REFRESHER Course:
8am-12pm
Cost: $200 for Members and $275 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (4) Series B Credit Hours
We
must obtain a minimum number of students in order to hold the class.
Next class: June 7
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Associate Member Directory for Member Rebate Program
-Sign your company up today!
Associate Members:
We are introducing the new Member Rebate Program
Associate Member Directory
This is exciting news because now your company can get exposure to the builders and remodelers who use
these products
.
If you Supply or Install any of our 50+ participating Manufacturers, register for a free listing on our Associate Member Member Rebate Program directory.
All Associate Member Directory listings will be hyperlinked to your business w
ebsite.
Remember: The MRP Associate Member Directory is brand new - be the first business to be listed and help builders and remodelers find you!
If you have any questions about the Member Rebate Program call (541-773-2872) or
email us and we will be happy to go over it with you!
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Unlock The Value of Membership: NAHB
The National Association of Home Builders
exists to serve its members.
Fighting for housing on major policy issues, providing excellent educational programming, and creating outstanding networking opportunities are just some of the ways that NAHB fulfills that mandate.
And the proof of its success is in the numbers. In 2014, NAHB's actions on the legislative, codes, regulatory and legal fronts, as well as in other arenas, provided members an estimated savings of $6,882 per housing start as the association resolved numerous issues affecting home builders.
NAHB urges members to take advantage of the many resources that it offers.They are designed to help you build a better home, build a better business and work in a policy environment that enables your business -- and those of your associates in the home building industry -- to thrive.
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NAHB Member Discounts
As a benefit of being a member, you have access to discounts and savings opportunities offered by many top companies. All programs, rates and prices are subject to change without notice.
NAHB Member Benefits
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WHO WE ARE
We are Southern Oregon's primary resource for education, advocacy and policy for the Building Industry
WHAT WE DO
*Provide education to our community & professionals
*Advocate for Southern Oregon's construction industry
*Motivate public policy for a strong & sustainable community
WHY WE MATTER
*We provide comprehensive community outreach services
*We stimulate the economy with industry-leading events
*We support our community by creating policy that keeps construction safe, affordable and sustainable
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Jackson County Residential Statistics
Building Permits Issued
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Featured Company for February
Ashley HOMESTORE
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world. Established in 1945, Ashley offers one of the industry's broadest product assortments to retail partners in 123 countries. From design, through fulfillment, Ashley continuously strives to provide you, our customer, with the best values, selection and service in the furniture industry.
Our Story
Ashley is a family-owned business lead by president and CEO, Todd Wanek; and his father, Ron Wanek, chairman and founder of contemporary Ashley. Their passion and leadership are at the heart of the organization's success.
"The best thing about being in the home furnishings business is that it allow us to help our customers realize their dreams of a beautiful home."
Design, Build, Deliver:
Using our internationally acclaimed in-house design team, we create the look without paying expensive design fees. Then, by adhering to some of the most efficient production standards in the world, we are able to maximize productivity and minimize waste, generating additional savings for you. Finally, all orders are filled from strategically located regional warehouses and are serviced by our own fleet of trucks , the largest in the industry.
History
Ashley is an American furniture brand that dates back to 1945. The groundwork was laid in 1970 for its historic transformation into manufacturing when Ron Wanek, Ashley's current Chairman, opened a furniture plant in Arcadia, Wisconsin with 35 employees. Under the leadership of Ron Wanek and Todd Wanek, Ashley's President and CEO since 2002, the family-owned company continues to invest and grow in the U.S. to meet the evolving needs of customers in more than 123 countries across the globe.
Through the vision, direction and leadership of Ashley's owners, Ashley has become a "World Class Furniture Manufacturer." Ashley has grown to become the largest home furniture manufacturing company. Ashley has a rich history of success stories that illustrate its dramatic transition from a virtual unknown to a significant force in the industry.
Today
With over 50 years of innovation and experience in the furniture industry, Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. has become an industry leader as a manufacturer of quality furniture products. Ashley remains committed to feeding into America's strength as an international provider of manufactured goods.
Since 1970, Ashley has created more than 12,000 American jobs within our company. In addition, Ashley supports more than 9,000 vendors throughout the United States. These businesses create and support thousands of additional jobs and businesses. This phenomenon is repeated again and again. In economics, it is called the ripple effect and is most commonly associated with manufacturing.
One manufacturing job can create more than 2.5 additional jobs and tens of thousands of dollars in economic activity.
The Ashley Companies commitment to being the best furniture company in the industry continues to drive improvements in all phases of the operation, with the customer's complete satisfaction in mind. This has been the model measurement of success at The Ashley Companies and highlights a 50 year tradition of superior craftsmanship and innovative design in the furniture industry.
Local Contact Information:
Medford Center
851 Medford Center, Bldg H
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541.858.5501
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NEWS from the CCB:
Exemptions from continuing education
As of July 1, this is a summary of all contractors that are now exempt from continuing education.
This list applies to both residential and commercial contractors.
* Architects (if an owner or officer is a licensed architect)
* Developers
* Engineers (if an owner or officer is a licensed engineer)
* Electricians (if an owner, officer or employee is a licensed electrician)
* Plumbers (if an owner, officer or employee is a licensed plumber)
* Boiler contractors
* Elevator contractors
* Renewable energy contractor
* Pump installation contractors
* Limited sign contractors
* Landscape contractors who are construction contractors
* Home inspectors (must still complete continuing education for the home inspector certification but no longer for the CCB license) `
* Master builders (if actively licensed as such through the Building Codes Division)
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Like us on Facebook!
Join us on
Facebook for all the latest association news and activities.
Find out when the next Membership Mixer is or the next Lead Based Paint Class.
We would love to see what you and your company are up to. Send your pictures to
jessica@buildso.com with a small caption for us to post on our Facebook page.
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Builders Association
Southern Oregon
1006 East Jackson St., Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-773-2872 Fax: 541-773-1189 www.buildso.com
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