April 16, 2018
Previous year's Scholarship winners and BIF Staff
BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW
 BIA Endowment to award scholarships to 9 Los Rios students
As many of you know, our Building Industry Foundation (BIF) created an endowment with the Los Rios Community College Foundation in 2004 to help provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in construction. Late last year, the Board made a significant contribution to further increase the impact of the endowment and as a result, the endowment will be providing scholarships to nine community college students this year.
 
We all know that as our workforce ages, it's more important than ever to widen the pipeline of new building industry employees to ensure we have the people in place in years to come to continue building the new homes needed in the greater Sacramento region. This scholarship program is an important part of the BIA's ongoing commitment to helping our members find the new employees they need.
 
Last month, Rachel Hills of The Hills Group, who chairs our Trade Builder Alliance, participated in the selection process on behalf of the BIA. The nine winners will receive their scholarships this Friday at the fifth-annual Los Rios Scholarship Lunch at American River College. Several BIA and BIF leaders will be in attendance as well.
 
I'd like to thank Los Rios Chancellor Brian King and the district for their commitment to training and education that benefits our industry and the entire community.

And speaking of workforce development, make sure you check out the article below about how the Foundation is working with a member to put them in touch with qualified employees.

Sincerely,




Michael Strech
President/CEO
North State BIA


GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
See how our advocates are fighting for you
New Advocates Join Government Affairs Team
Two new advocates are joining BIA's Government Affairs team, further strengthening our award-winning advocacy program while allowing us to expand our reach into additional jurisdictions.
 
Crisand Giles is the new Director of Policy and Initiatives. She has nearly 20 years of government affairs and community development experience. She is a seasoned trade association advocate, having served as Executive Director of Local Governmental Affairs for the BIA of the Bay Area. Crisand also served as the Director of Government Affairs for Pardee Homes in Los Angeles as well as a Community Development Manager for Shea Homes. She holds a B.S. degree in soil science with a concentration in environmental science from Cal Poly.
 
Jeff Short, the new Legislative Advocate, has been active in local and state government for over six years. He has been involved in a variety of leadership positions, including chairing the 2017 City of Roseville Transportation Commission and is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Roseville. He most recently served on Senator Ted Gaines' staff and previously was district director for Assembly Member Beth Gaines. Jeff earned a B.A. degree in politics from Willamette University .
 
North State BIA's Next PAC Event: Sacramento Builders and Brews
The BIA's PAC will be hosting one of its popular Builders & Brews events in Sacramento sponsored by Mohanna Development, Bardis Homes and LDK Ventures.  The event is at Cafeteria 15L on April 26th,from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with more than a dozen local elected officials on hand. Single tickets are $150 and sponsorship opportunities are available. For registration and more information, please refer to the   event page on the BIA website.
 
BIA Preparing Response to SACOG MTP Draft
The BIA has outreached to its members to obtain estimates of how many housing units are planned around the region to respond to SACOG's transportation planning efforts. The BIA would like to ensure that all projects in the pipeline for the next 1-5 years are accurately reflected so there is adequate transportation funding for those projects and they do not face unnecessary legal obstacles. To provide your company's information, please contact  John Gildea.
 
City of Rocklin Applications for Various Boards and Commissions
The City of Rocklin is seeking applications from residents interested in serving four-year and two-year terms on a variety of City boards and commissions, including: Planning Commission, Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission, Board of Appeals, and the Community Recognition Commission. More information can be found here  and by calling the City Clerk at (916) 625-5588.
 
Placer Business Resource Center Now Open in Rocklin
Placer County opened the doors of its new Placer Business Resource Center on April 3. Located at 1000 Sunset Blvd., Suite 105, in Rocklin, the center offers a one-stop shop for business development services at no or low cost. The center serves all of Placer County, including the communities in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Auburn. Community members in eastern Placer County can receive similar services from the Sierra Business Council located in Truckee.
 
Placer County to Host Permit Process Improvement Workshops in Tahoe City
Placer County will host a series of community workshops in Tahoe City on April 18 and 19 focusing on engineering, building, and planning permits. County staff and Third Wave Consulting will be present to outline the county's permitting process and receive the community's feedback on ways to improve the process. Specific details on workshop times and locations can be found here  .
 
Roseville 2018 Event
The Roseville 2018 event, hosted by the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, is an annual event to provide professionals and business owners the chance to connect with leaders and key influencers from a multitude of industries. Roseville 2018 provides an opportunity to meet and mingle with more than 750 local and regional business leaders, elected officials and community influencers. Sign up information can be found here  .
 
City of Lincoln's 2018 Bicycle Transportation Plan Update Public Workshop
On April 19th, The City of Lincoln is hosting a second public workshop regarding an update to their Bicycle Transportation Plan. The update represents current and future bicycle transportation infrastructure priorities. The meeting is set to discuss the draft report and recommendations, review public comments, and present recommended improvements. 

North State BIA Endorses Placer County Supervisor Jack Duran
The North State Building Industry Association's Political Action Committee (PAC) has formally endorsed Placer County District 1 Supervisor Jack Duran in his bid for re-election this June.  "Jack Duran cares deeply about helping to create new housing opportunities for families throughout Placer County and we are proud to endorse him for re-election as District 1 Supervisor," said PAC Chairman Marcus Lo Duca. "Whether it's been promoting major economic development initiatives including major universities, common-sense budget reforms, streamlining government, improving our roads and schools or working collaboratively with our members on planning the communities of tomorrow, Jack Duran has been a pivotal part of building a better and stronger Placer County."

MEMBER SERVICES AND EVENTS
Here's the latest updates on how membership benefits you
NSBIA Medical Plan Open Enrollment Coming Soon
Ames Grenz Insurance Services reminds BIA members that open enrollment begins June 1, with a July 1 effective date, for members who are currently enrolled in Kaiser plans. If you would like to upgrade to a more comprehensive Kaiser plan, or change to a plan that 
has a lower monthly premium, this is the time to do so. The next open enrollment period to change medical plans or carriers will be during November for a December 1 effective date. 
During this time, Kaiser members can switch to Western Health Advantage and vice versa. Note that all plan changes will require you to complete a new enrollment form.  
 
Ames Grenz also reminds members who do not have medical coverage, are  paying high rates for COBRA Coverage, or want to replace Covered California individual plan that they might be able to help. 
 
For employers, BIA plan participation requirements are less stringent than going direct to the insurance carrier since you can offer multiple medical plans with both Kaiser and WHA to your employees regardless of your group size or pre-existing conditions. Options other than Kaiser and WHA, along with self-funding and level-funding plans may be available as well.  
 
For rates and plan information, contact Reggie Conley or call (916) 486-2900. More information is also available on the firm's website.
Register Today for the BIA Events Below
Click here  to view all 2018 BIA events.

Did You Know?
We are in the 75th year of the North State BIA. Be a part of the big Anniversary Celebration on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the California Railroad Museum. You will not want to miss this very special party.  Sponsorships will ensure a grand night, so if you are interested in being a big part of this event, please contact Angela Tsukiji.
FOUNDATION STAFF TOUR THE TRUSS COMPANY
Company exploring ways BIA program can help with staffing needs
At left, BIA Workforce Development Program Coordinator La Vonnia De Loach meets with The Truss Co. General Manager Chuck Walker (left) and John Henderson. Above, trusses built at the company's South Sacramento facility.
The need for qualified workers was brought home once again when Foundation staff met with officials at The Truss Company near Florin and Power Inn roads last week. As Workforce Development Program Manager La Vonnia De Loach explained how the Foundation works to develop workers, Truss Company General Manager Chuck Walker called an impromptu staff meeting so she could discuss the program with other company officials.

Like many companies, The Truss Company needs new employees with a good work ethic who can be trained to become skilled workers. The Out of School Youth Program is designed to do just that, tutoring 23 students from ages 18-23 and providing them with funding for uniforms, transportation, and tools. 

"They need lots of employees to work two shifts a day, and work readiness is really important to them," De Loach said. "They were glad that the BIA was taking that need on."
BUILDERS AND TRADE PARTNERS GIVE BACK WITH RENOVATION OF MARYHOUSE WOMEN'S DAY SHELTER
Event this Friday marks completion of HomeAid remodel project
The completion of a month-long renovation of HomeAid's latest remodel project at Maryhouse, a Sacramento Loaves & Fishes women's day shelter, will be celebrated this Friday. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Maryhouse, 1351 North C Street in Sacramento.

A collaboration of HomeAid Sacramento and Builder Captain The New Home Company, along with a total of 11 builders and trade partners, entirely funded the refurbishment of the facility that has provided daytime shelters and showers for over 30 years. Maryhouse offered hospitality to over 3,300 women, children and families last year alone and had not seen any enhancements in more than 25 years. 

The renovation allowed service areas to be better configured, allowing for more deliberate and hospitable space for the guests of Maryhouse.  Major improvements included the addition of a downstairs shower, replacement of plumbing and sinks, installation of new lighting, ceiling fans and flooring, and a fresh coat of paint to the showers, lounge and resting rooms. 

All funding for this project was donated by donors, builders and trade partners including Black Diamond Electric, BSB Design, Heritage One, Homes by Towne, Majestic Life Company LLC, Residential Design Services, TBD Construction Inc., Timberlake Cabinetry, Timberworks Construction and West Window Fashion. Supporters of HomeAid Sacramento include American Woodmark Foundation, AllState, US Bank, Meritage Homes, Rabobank, and The Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation.

To RSVP click  here .

Sign Up Now for the Rivinius-Orr Invitational Golf Tournament  
The Rivinius-Orr Invitational Golf Tournament is almost sold out! Click here  to sign up your foursome or become a Sponsor! Thank you to our Sponsors: ALCAL, Taylor Morrison, Teichert Construction, Niemi Development Partners, Anthem United, Sac-Windustrial, LDK Ventures, Capital City Drywall, and Tri Counties Bank.
North State BIA