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| We finally redesigned the Spring Preview logo. Above is the new yard sign you will see when you drive around this year on April 8 & 9 at the Spring Preview of Homes! What do you think? |
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CALENDAR
Week of March 27-31, 2017
LUNCH & LEARN with Ferguson
March 30 at 12pm
Ferguson's Show Room
151 W 95th Cir
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If you need a poster for your office let us know and we'll deliver one to you!
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Volunteer Opportunity!
AHBA has a booth at
The Great Alaska Sportsman Show this upcoming weekend, March 30-April 2, at the Sullivan Arena.
We will be promoting the Spring Preview of Homes and the Home Show.
CALL 522-3605 TO VOLUNTEER AT THE SHOW!
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Learn about the AHBA Care Endowment
The Endowment was established by members from the home building industry in Anchorage after the September 11th attacks on the United States as a way for local builders, individuals and companies to collectively support and give back to those in their community. The Endowment provides assistance to Alaskans in crisis, supports youth development programs, helps fund an annual scholarship, supports non-profit organizations working for the betterment of the community, provides mortgage assistance to individuals in the military and assists those in crisis with building related needs.
As a member of the AHBA you have the opportunity to suggest a worthy cause the Endowment can donate to.
Please call 522-3605.
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Building Families. Building Anchorage.
ALASKA AIRLINES CENTER
3550 Providence Drive
Friday, April 14: 12-8pm
Saturday, April 15: 10am-7pm
Sunday, April 16: 10am-4pm
Vendor list and seminar schedule coming soon.
If you need a poster for your office let us know and we'll deliver one to you!
Thank you to our generous
Home Show Sponsor!
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BUILDER CONFIDENCE HIGHEST IN NEARLY 12 YEARS
Optimism among single-family builders this month is the strongest it has been since 2005. Much of this positive sentiment stems from the widely anticipated reductions of government regulations. A prime example was the recent executive order to roll back the Waters of the United States rule that affects builders' and developers' wetlands permits. However, we can expect some moderation in builder confidence in the months ahead, as interest rates rise and headwinds persist for access to lots and labor.
As expected, last week the Federal Reserve increased the short-term federal funds rate for just the third time in the post-recession era. Much of the Fed's stance is fueled by a strengthening labor market, which added 235,000 jobs last month. As the rate of inflation approaches the 2% target rate, NAHB forecasts two additional rate hikes this year.
Additional price pressures can be seen on the supply side of the industry. Gypsum prices have increased more than 6% in the first two months of 2017, and softwood lumber prices rose almost 5% due to the ongoing lumber trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada. As housing starts continue to rise in the months and years ahead, additional sources of lumber will be required.
-NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz
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Legislative Update
From John Bitney, ASHBA Lobbyist
Last Monday, March 20 the House Labor & Commerce Committee took public testimony on HB79, the Governor's omnibus workers' compensation bill.
Eleven people testified, all were focused on the "independent contractor" language. Seven of the people testifying were representatives from various organized labor trade unions supporting the bill.
An amended version of the bill was adopted. The new version is mostly technical and clerical changes. The "independent contractor" language was not changed from the previous version, and is now in Section 28, beginning at the bottom of page 14:
Chairman Kito indicated it was his intention to move the bill at a hearing in the "near future".
Afterwards, the bill will advance to the House Judiciary Committee and then Finance.
Last, the Alaska Truckers Association wishes to amend the independent contractor language for persons operating a motor vehicle by using language from a recent law that passed in the State of Nevada. Below is a web link to the language, which is found on pages 3-10 within the packet. It remains to be seen how these amendments will be addressed -- whether by specifically carving out motor vehicle operators, or by amending the work test language that applies to all contractors.
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Congress Strikes Down OSHA Recordkeeping Rule
In a victory for NAHB and the small business community, the Senate today passed legislation approved by the House earlier this month that will force the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reverse a recent recordkeeping rule that would needlessly harm small employers.
"NAHB led the charge along with other industry groups to work with Congress to roll back this regulatory overreach," said NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald. "OSHA's rule would subject millions of small businesses to citations for paperwork violations, while doing nothing to improve worker health or safety."
NAHB vigorously opposed OSHA for overstepping its authority by unilaterally extending the explicit six-month statute of limitations on recordkeeping violations to five years.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established that employers must keep accurate records of employee injuries and illnesses for five years and that OSHA has six months to cite an employer for a violation. Subsequent court rulings upheld the six-month statute of limitations.
Nonetheless, in a clear attempt to circumvent congressional authority and in spite of the court rulings, OSHA proceeded with its rulemaking, which went into effect on Jan. 18.
When President Trump signs the legislation into law, OSHA will still be able to issue a citation for recordkeeping paperwork violations up to six months after they occurred and employers will still have the exact same obligation to record injuries as they always had.
The difference: OSHA will no longer be able to play "gotcha" by issuing a citation five years after the occurrence, which would do nothing to minimize workplace hazards but would subject small businesses to needless fines and excessive paperwork requirements.
The legislation passed by a vote of 50-48. For more information, contact Alex Strong at 800-368-5242 x8279.
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
One or more scholarships will be awarded to a graduating high school student or returning student who is employed by a member of the Anchorage Home Builders Association (AHBA), is a dependent of an AHBA member, or is a dependent of someone employed by an AHBA member. The recipient must plan to continue his or her education at a college, university, trade school, or vocational school. The student must maintain a full time course of study at a trade or vocational school. The student may use the funds for tuition, books, equipment, or room and board. The money will be issued to the school. Any person wishing to apply should present the attached application to:
Anchorage Home Builders Association 8301 Schoon Street, Ste. 200 Anchorage, AK 99518 DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS FRIDAY, APRIL 28 BY 5PM. The selection will be made by May 11, and the scholarship will be available at the time of school registration for the recipient.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
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The association's blog delivers news, product information and educational resources to help your business.
NAHB produces forecasts and in-depth economic analyses of the home building industry.
Supporting building contractors and trade workers across
Alaska.
Promoting safe, affordable housing, serving its members,
the housing industry and the public at large.
the community.
Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Planning and Development Center
4700 Elmore Road
Permit Counter: 343-8211
Permit Counter Fax: 343-8214
Building Code Questions: 343-8211
Main Office: 343-8301
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