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Only 4 years ago our construction industry was in the grip of the worst downturn in US history. Sales of new homes were scarce and lenders even scarcer. Qualified buyers were as rare as butterflies in January and building lots could be had for a song. And not a very good song at that. Today, we have multiple buyers competing for homes while other buyers are competing for building lots! Developers are developing and Builders are building as fast as they can. Northgate Center is in full swing, a new Costco is coming and good luck finding a contractor that isn't booked months out. General Construction demand is strong and we are grateful.
Remember interest rates 30 years ago? Don't want to? Don't blame you. Mortgages were a staggering 13% and more. Today, lenders are doing loans under 4%. 4% for Pete's sake. No one knows how long these bargain rates will last but isn't it amazing for now. 24,000 people took our Southern Oregon Tour of Homes this year, partly driven by a historically low housing inventory. Our interest and appetite for new housing continues to be very strong. We are grateful.
Our industry still faces challenges and, sadly, many of them come from our own governmental rules, codes and fees that change frequently. Affordable Housing begins with Reasonable Regulation and SOBA is your voice for common sense construction advocacy. SOBA works every day for construction policy and practices that are safe, sustainable and affordable. The good news is that here in Southern Oregon, we have a lot to be thankful for. Our community and our economy are growing and our local city and county governments are much better than most. The really good news is that all of us working together really are making things better for all of us. And for that, and for all of you, we are very grateful.
Thankfully,
Brad Bennington,
Executive Officer
Southern Oregon Builders Association
Email: brad@sobuilds.com
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UPCOMING SOBA EVENTS
-Mark Your Calendars-
Annual Membership Meeting and General Elections Dinner
Date: Thurs. Oct. 20th at 6:00pm
Location: Habañeros
142 N. Front St., Medford
November - Thanksgiving Baskets for Kids Unlimited
Annual Christmas Dinner Celebration
Date:
Thurs., Dec. 8 at 6:00pm
Dinner provided by:
Jacksonville Inn
Location: US Bank Building
125 E California St, Jacksonville
2017 Southern Oregon Home Show
Date:
Feb. 17, 18 and 19
Location:
Jackson County Expo
Give us call if you have questions about any of our events
541-773-2872
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 Oregon Update - News from the State
By the time you get this, your 2016 ballot will likely be lying someplace on your desk o
r
kit
chen counter, unless
you're one of those who figured out that the phone calls and emails to VOTE NOW will stop as soon as you turn in your ballot.
Ballot Measures
Measure 97 (tax on Oregon sales) OHBA position HELL NO
This is one of the worst and most disingenuous measures we've ever seen - it will directly hit some of Oregon's largest employers and will indirectly hit every Oregonian, with no guarantee that the money will be spent where the measure says it will.
Measure 98 (vocational education) OHBA position YES
OHBA was one of the leaders in the effort to restore funding for vocational education in Oregon middle and high schools; this measure will stabilize funding for these critical classes.
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SOBA Member Madness - Join the Battle for 300 Members!
The Southern Oregon Builders Association is looking for the best in the business as we grow Southern Oregon together. Help us reach our goal of 300 members!
For a limited time only we are offering a $50 gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods
Offer good through October 31st
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Golf Tournament Check for Redemption Ridge
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| Golf Chair: Frank Mania, RR Executive Directior: Sharre Whitson, SOBA Executive Officer: Brad Bennington, RR President: Terry Rasmussen |
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The Southern Oregon Building Association raised $13,000 from their 22nd Annual Builders Classic Golf Tournament.
All of the money raised will go to benefit Redemption Ridge, an organization dedicated to helping young women affected by domestic sex trafficking. The organization provides counseling for these women and soon they will be able to provide them a safe place to recover!
Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in our Golf Tournament!
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CB sweeps Eastern Oregon for unlicensed contractors
Salem - Homeowners in Eastern Oregon should be on the alert for unlicensed contractors working in their area.
Construction Contractors Board (CCB) investigators recently found about two dozen potential violations of contractor laws and rules as they conducted enforcement sweeps in nine Eastern Oregon counties from Hermiston east to the Idaho border, and south to the Burns area.
CCB investigators spent Sept. 26-30 checking construction sites as part of the agency's ongoing effort to root out unlicensed contractors.
Read More.
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The Rural Housing Service has quietly launched a new construction loan program designed to increase the availability of new homes in rural areas. The program was launched in March, but many industry representatives weren't aware of it until recently when it was discussed at a recent conference hosted by Ginnie Mae. Under the program, construction-to-permanent financing for low- and moderate-income families can be securitized and sold to Ginnie investors. The RHS loan guarantee goes into effect right after the first closing.
Read More.
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Predictions Roll in: 2017 Housing Forecasts
Daily Real Estate News
We can expect a hot year for home sales in 2017, according to recent forecasts from the National Association of REALTORS®, the Mortgage Bankers' Association, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and more.
NAR is predicting existing-home sales to reach 6 million in 2017, higher than its 5.8 million forecast for this year. But other entities are even more bullish. MBA is predicting home sales to eclipse 6.5 million next year, while Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are both predicting 6.2 million.
A huge wave of Generation Yers, who have delayed home buying, are emerging into their key buying years. They are predicted to keep home sales and condo sales strong well into 2020, according to economists.
Read More.
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New $6 billion tax on Oregon sales threatens Oregon's
consumers and home builders
By John Tapogna, President of ECONorthwest
In late May, the Secretary of State certified that sponsors of Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28) had submitted more than enough petition signatures to qualify their $6 billion tax on Oregon sales for the November General Election ballot.
Like virtually every Oregon industry and every Oregonian, there's good reason for home builders to take a close look at IP 28 and how it will affect them.
The language of IP 28 is simple. It modifies the corporate minimum tax rates passed by voters in 2010 for C-corporations with total annual Oregon sales of $25 million or more, requiring them to pay "$30,001 plus 2.5% of the excess over $25 million."
According to economists in the nonpartisan Legislative Revenue Office (LRO), that change will increase state tax revenues about 25 percent, or more than $6 billion per biennium. Read More.
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Oregon OSHA - Proposed Changes with Federal OSHA Amendments: Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Public Hearing Scheduled for:
City of Medford
Date:
November 3, 2016
Time:
10:00 am
Location:
200 S. Ivy, Medford,
Lausmann Annex - Room 151
Oregon OSHA proposes to amend OAR 437-001-0700 Recording Workplace Injuries and Illness, in Division 1, General Administrative Rules, to reflect federal OSHA's final rule changes.
When does this happen: Adoption tentatively will be in November 2016
To get a copy: Our web site - osha.oregon.gov Rules and laws, then, Proposed rules
Or call 503-947-7449
To comment: Department of Consumer and Business Services/Oregon OSHA
350 Winter Street NE Salem OR 97301-3882
E-mail - tech.web@oregon.gov Fax - 503-947-7461
Comment period closes: November 4, 2016
Oregon OSHA contact:
Jeff Wilson, Central Office @ 503-947-7421 or email at jeffrey.r.wilson@oregon.gov
Dave McLaughlin, Central Office @ 503-947-7457 or email at dave.mclaughlin@oregon.gov
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OSHA's Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America's workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule is comprised of two standards, one for Construction and one for General Industry and Maritime.
OSHA estimates that the rule will save over 600 lives and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis each year.
Read More.
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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:
8am-5pm
Cost: $175 for Members and $225 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (8) Series B Credit Hours
Space is limited to register today!
Next Class: Dec. 14
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4-hr REFRESHER 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!
4-Hr REFRESHER Course:
8am-12pm
Cost: $150 for Members and $200 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (8) Series B Credit Hours
We must obtain a minimum number of students in order to hold the class.
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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.
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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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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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Featured Company:
Ferguson Enterprises
Step into a Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery and you'll immediately be inspired by what you see - beautifully displayed lighting, appliances, and bath and kitchen products from today's top brands. From exquisitely designed bathroom displays with functioning shower-heads, to full kitchens with working appliances, you can explore a variety of design styles ranging from classical elegance to bold contemporary. Ferguson's wide range of products lets you make multiple selections at a single showroom, which streamlines budgeting and makes the building process more efficient.
Yet, ask customers what brings them back time and again and they'll say it's the people. Ferguson's product experts have years of industry experience and are extremely knowledgeable about design trends, product selection and the building and remodeling process. They also stay involved throughout the entire building process and ensure the right product is delivered during the right stage of the project.
Ferguson's passion for customer service is easy to see after just one visit to your local showroom. Walk-ins are welcome; however, our product experts take pride in personalized service, so appointments are highly recommended.
Services
Lighting Consultations
Product Delivery
Appliance Consultations
Plumbing Consultations
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
1130 Helicopter Way, Medford, OR 97502
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CCB Notice of Intent - Some Deadlines Matter
CCB, The Toolbox
Let's say the CCB visits your job site and leaves behind a notice of intent to fine you for having employees but no workers' compensation coverage. But you want to plead your case. Legally, if you don't let us know by requesting a hearing within 21 days, you lose this right. The clock ticks and your fine becomes final.
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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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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@sobuilds.com with a small caption for us to post on our Facebook page.
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Southern Oregon Builders Association
1006 East Jackson St., Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-773-2872 Fax: 541-773-1189 www.sobuilds.com
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