Following 30 months of decline, 2010 brought with it a strong turn upward for Montana's housing starts. The news is certainly welcomed by an industry that has struggled with the strong and swift downturn of the housing economy.  

Though a 53% increase over the first quarter of 2009 is exciting, a note of caution is required; the starts are an increase over the lowest numbers we have ever recorded and the the starts have certainly been buoyed by $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of this month. Only time will tell if Montana's housing market will continue to recover.

The starts are still over 50% below the same quarter in 2006.

Housing starts

Ray Mehrer, Don Garramone and John Agnew Elected As MBIA Life Directors

Ray Mehrer, Don Garramone, John Agnew have been elected by the MBIA Board of Directors as State Life Directors.  A Life Director must have served on the MBIA board for a total of ten years, must have a distinguished record of service to MBIA, and their local association.

Thank you for your continued commitment this great association and industry!

Kramer Enterprises, Inc. Wins Another NAHB SAFE Award

The NAHB Construction Safety and Health Committee launched a national safety awards program in 2006 to recognize builders and trade contractors who have excellent construction safety programs, as well as honoring government officials and NAHB-affiliated associations who have advanced safety in the home building industry. The Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE) is open to all NAHB member companies, as well as NAHB-affiliated Associations, and Federal or State Plan OSHA officials who have been nominated by an NAHB member or Association. The SAFE program closely examined each candidate’s commitment to construction safety and health in the home building industry.

The purpose of this awards program was to recognize the achievements of builders and trade contractors who have developed and implemented high quality construction safety programs.  There were 10 categories of SAFE awards given out at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas in January 2010.  We are pleased to announce that the 2009 winner in the category of Light Commercial Contractors Safety Program of the Year was MBIA GRIP member Terry Kramer of Kramer Enterprises, Inc.  Applicants in this award category consist of general contractors engaged in construction of commercial buildings, including but not limited to the following: self-storage facilities; strip malls; office buildings; mixed-use developments; community centers; and schools.

Bridgewater Innovative Builders Wins EVHA Award

Montana green building expert Mark Van Everen of Bridgewater Innovative Builders in Whitefish was the recipient of a 2010 Silver EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA). He, and his wife/business partner Heidi Van Everen, accepted the award at a dinner ceremony during the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas this week. Van Everen was also honored as a guest speaker at the conference educational session “Energy Value Exposed: EnergyValue Housing Award Winners Tell All.”

 
The EVHA is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and is the nation’s preeminent energy efficiency award honoring builders who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency into all aspects of new home construction. Bridgewater Innovative Builders was chosen for their silver award for their home located at 4 Pine Avenue in Whitefish, Mont.  “I am honored to be part of such an exceptional group of builders from across the country and feel that our commitment to building with more efficiency is the best step towards long term sustainability.”  Van Everen explains.
                                                                                                  
Now in its 15th year, the EVHA is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Building America program, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in addition to the NAHB Research Center. The EVHA challenges builders to elevate standards for energy-efficient construction, provides educational opportunities for home builders, and fosters the adoption of energy efficiency principles.
 
Winners were selected from builders’ projects in three climate regions (cold, moderate, hot) and five categories (affordable, custom/demonstration, factory-built, multi-family, production). Bridgewater Innovative Builders Whitefish home was selected in the cold climate region and custom home category, and is the only recipient from Montana. You can see the 20 winning homes at: www.nahbrc.org/evha.
 
Bridgewater Innovative Builders’ 2,650 square foot Whitefish home, completed in May 2009, is the 2nd home in Montana to attain the Gold Certified Green Residence. Rating 40 on the U.S. Department of Energy’s E-scale, the home will use 60% less energy than a typical new home making it one of the most energy efficient homes in America. The house is expected to spend no more than $350 to heat and cool for the entire year.

Western Montana Lighting Receives ART Award

Western Montana Lighting of Missoula was presented first place honors for Lighting Showrooms during the 21st Annual Arts Awards Gala. Carolyn Overman, owner of Western Montana Lighting accepted the award on behalf of the entire showroom team.  The award was presented by ART, The Accessories Resource Team, a trade association that represents the decorative accessory industry.

The ARTS Award is based on merchandising and display, advertising and promotion and company differentiation.
More than 500 guests attended the gala consisting of a wide range of retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, media and designers from across the country.

The ARTS Awards, presented each January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, is the premier awards program, representing twenty-six categories for the decorative accessories industry and recognizes excellence from retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives and designers.