November 2009 - BIA of Southeastern Michigan

September 2009 

Business & 

Apartment Management 

Building VOICE OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN AND APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN 

“After Hours” Mixer 

at Dillman & Upton Lumber 

In Appreciation Of Our 

Associate Members 

➤ Michigan Tax System Reform: 

A Time For Bold Action 

➤ Champagne Taste . . . On A Beer Budget 

➤ Legislative Update 

➤ Association News & Events 

BBAM_909_cover.indd 1 8/20/2009 9:34:27 AM

Your Chance To Win Big! 

100 new Members in 100 days 

Here's what you can earn for your recruiting 

efforts: 

• A $50 cash bounty for every new member 

you recruit; 

• A $50 gift certificate towards a dinner 

for two at Andiamo for every 5 new 

members you recruit; 

• An overnight Stay & Play package valued 

at $255 for two adults at Motor City Casino 

for every 10 new members you recruit; 

• A Grand Prize of $1,000 toward a vacation 

for the person recruiting the most new 

members (must recruit a minimum of 10). 

PLEASE NOTE: The 

above rewards do not apply 

to Affiliate memberships. 

For every five Affiliates 

recruited, you will earn a $25 

Speedway Gas Card. 

Thank You Renewing Members 

Apartment Association of Michigan 

ALL STATE MANAGEMENT 

GOLFVIEW ARMS, INC 

MEADOWBROOK VILLAGE APARTMENTS 

PREMIERE PROPERTIES 

S & S SERVICES INC 

SOUTHFIELD NON-PROFIT HOUSING 

WINGATE MANAGEMENT CORP. 

Building Industry Association 

AL’S ASPHALT PAVING CO. INC 

AMERICAN BACKFLOW 

BABCOCK HOMES INC 

BENNETT & SON BUILDING CO., INC 

BLOCH & CO. 

BLOOMFIELD CONSTRUCTION 

BRG CUSTOM HOMES 

BRODY HOMES INC 

BROOKFIELD MANAGEMENT 

BUDMANS INC 

BURTON SHARE MANAGEMENT CO. 

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 

CAPALDI BUILDING CO. 

CENTRAL CEILING & PARTITION, INC 

CHURCH’S LUMBER YARD 

CONSTRUCTION ZONE BUILDING CO. 

CONTRACTORS GROUP ELECTRICAL 

COUNTRYSIDE CONSTRUCTION CO. INC 

COUZENS, LANSKY, FEALK, ELLIS, ROEDER 

& LAZAR, P.C. 

CREATIVE WOODWORKING INC 

CROSSWINDS COMMUNITIES 

CUMMING CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, INC 

D. MORETTI & SONS BUILDING CO. 

D.F. WHITE INC 

DEAN & FULKERSON 

DILUSSO BUILDING COMPANIES 

Open To All BIA Members — July 1 - October 8 

Let's say you recruit 12 new members. You 

would earn: 

• $600 in bounties; 

• $100 in gift 

certificates to Andiamo 

• A one-night Stay & 

Play package at Motor City Casino 

• $1,000 toward a well-earned vacation 

if you recruited the most new members! 

Not bad for making some phone calls to 

people you know in the industry who would 

benefit by becoming a member of BIA. Whether 

it's the networking, education and certification 

programs, the insurance programs, Verizon 

Wireless, or legislative advocacy if you know 

someone who supports the residential 

building industry, they should belong to the 

BIA! We’ll keep track of the standings in every 

Monday morning e-mail GOOD LUCK! 

DIRECT BUY OF FARMINGTON HILLS 

DRY CON, INC 

EVERDRY WATERPROOFING 

F.D. BERARDINO TILE INC 

FASTSIGNS OF FARMINGTON HILLS 

FIBERCLASS CONTRACTING 

FIRST AMERICAN TITLE 

FPS FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS LLC 

GARRETT ASSOCIATES LTD I 

GAUTHIER CORP. 

GENESEE CERAMIC TILE DISTRIBUTORS INC 

GERRY WEINBERG & ASSOCIATES 

GORETSKI CONSTRUCTION CO. INC 

GREAT LAKES GUTTER CO., INC 

GTR BUILDERS/COLUMBIA HOMES 

HANSONS WINDOWS & SIDING 

HINKSON CONSTRUCTION INC 

HOME APPLIANCE MART 

INDOOR - OUTDOOR REMODELING, LLC 

ISTA NORTH AMERICA 

IVERSON’S LUMBER CO., INC 

JAFFE, RAITT, HEUER & WEISS 

J-BUILT CONSTRUCTION CO. 

JOHN FINDLAY CEMENT 

JOHN H STRINE BUILDING CO. 

JOHNSON BUILDING CO. 

KLM ELECTRICAL & TRENCHING, INC 

L & R HOMES INC 

LACARIA HOME BUILDERS INC 

LAURENCE SMITH WINDOW & DOOR 

LOPICCOLO HOMES, INC 

MACOMB STAIRS, INC 

MAJESTIC BUILDING CO. INC 

MASONRY STRUCTURES INC 

MASTER’S PLUMBING, INC 

MIKE GENSON PLUMBING 

STANDINGS 

(as of 8/19/09) 

Myron Archambeau - 1 

Bill Barber - 1 

Rich Kligman - 1 

Keith (Rich) Kulka - 1 

Shel Rader - 1 

Steven Ray - 1 

Rex Rosenhaus - 1 

Phil Seaver - 1 

Bob Tedesco - 1 

MILFORD SINGER & CO. 

MILLIKEN MILLWORK, INC 

MLB INVESTMENT 

MORGAN-HELLER ASSOCIATES INC 

O’DONNELL ELECTRIC 

ON THE LEVEL HOME IMPROVEMENT & BLDG 

ORCHID DEVELOPMENT, INC 

PLUS 5 

PRIME WOOD CONSTRUCTION, INC 

R.L. SLADE CUSTOM HOMES 

RADER ELECTRIC CO., INC 

RESNICK RESIDENTIAL, INC 

ROBERT R. JONES HOMES 

SAPERSTEIN ASSOCIATES CORP. 

SCHOENHERR HOMES 

SHERR DEVELOPMENT CORP. 

SILVERADO CUSTOM HOMES INC 

SLAVIK BUILDERS, INC 

STARR CARPENTRY, INC 

STOCKTON BUILDERS 

TEAM ELECTRIC, INC 

THE BLUE BOOK OF BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION 

THE DENEWETH CO. LLC 

THE NELSON COMPANIES, INC 

THE SILVERMAN CO. 

THE TAPCO GROUP 

THORNHILL CONSTRUCTION CO. 

THUNDERMOP MAINTENANCE CO. 

TROST BUILDING CO. 

TRU-CRAFT BUILDERS 

URBAN LAND CONSULTANTS 

VIGILANTE SECURITY, INC 

WHIRLPOOL CORP. 

WHITELAW CUSTOM HOMES, INC 

WHOLESALE BUILDER SUPPLY, INC 

WOLVERINE CONTRACTORS, INC 


Building 

2 

David Curtis 

6 

Michael Gordon, RA 

6 

Kristen Shellenbarger 

10 

Todd Upton 

14 

Bob O’Neill 

14 

Todd Hallett 

Business & 


SEPTEMBER 2009 

features 

Inside Front 

100 New Members In 100 Days 

Thank You Renewing Members 

2 Associate Members Appreciation 

Do Business With A Member 

4 Michigan Tax System Reform: 


Executive Officer Comments 

5 BIA Adds Home Show In Flint 

Spring Home & Garden Show at the Perani Arena 

6 Champagne Taste On A Beer Budget 

NAHBR Professional Remodelers Council 

7 Legislative Update 

Proposed Tax Tribunal Fee; New Energy Optimization Program 

8 Apartment Association and 

Property Management Council News 

Everyday Noises Can Cause Hearing Loss; Resident Review Service 

10 “After Hours” Mixer 

Sponsored By Dillman & Upton Lumber 

11 Association News & Events 

Including Monthly Calendar And Response Form 

15 Welcome New Members 

16 Member News 

16 Index Of Valued Advertisers 

Inside Back 

Make The Most Of Your Membership 

Building industry AssociAtion 

of southeAstern MichigAn 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

President 

Darshan Grewal 

First viCe President 

Richard Komer 

treasurer 

Adorno Piccinini 

seCretary 

Richard Kligman 

immediate Past 

President 

Richard Ives 

ApArtMent AssociAtion 

of MichigAn 

President 

Jeffrey Kaftan 

treasurer 

Melvin Rosenhaus 

immediate 

Past President 

Sheldon Gordon 

Past Presidents 

Robert Brody 

Melvin Kaftan 

George M. Nyman 

David Sparrow 

Steven Victor 

assoCiation Fax: (248) 538-4078 

puBlicAtion credits 

Publisher 

Building Industry 

Association of 

Southeastern Michigan 

editor 

Susan Adler Shanteau 

viCe Presidents 

Paul Aragona 

Norman Finkelstein 

Michael Moceri 

Sam Palazzolo 

exeCutive oFFiCer 

Michael C. Stoskopf 

viCe Presidents 

Allen Amber 

Mitchell Bleznak 

Robert Brody 

Thomas C. Shumaker 

J. Ronald Slavik 

Michael E. Tobin 

exeCutive oFFiCer 

Michael C. Stoskopf 

Contributing 

Writers 

Joe Elmore 

Nancy Rozum 

advertising sales 

(248) 862-1016 

Building Business & ApArtMent MAnAgeMent 

Building Business & Management is published by 

Building Industry Association of Southeastern 

Michigan, 30375 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 737-4477. 

Copyright © 2009 Building Industry Association 

of Southeastern Michigan. All rights reserved. 

Reproduction or use of any artwork or editorial 

contained within, in any manner, is strictly 

prohibited unless written permission is obtained 

from the publisher. 

www.builders.org 

We assume full responsibility for errors and 

omissions, and we will do our level best to correct 

them when you point them out to us. We will not allow 

our errors to become mistakes by ignoring them. 

BBAM_909_1-8.indd 1 8/20/2009 10:25:36 AM 

1

In Appreciation Of Our 

Associate Members 

Associate Members devote time to BIA 

through their work on committees, 

councils and special projects. You can 

always count on Associates to be there and 

pitch in to help. 

They bring revenue to the Association with 

their dues and sponsorship. They give BIA some 

of the financial grounding it needs to do its work. 

In September we take the opportunity to thank 

our Associates for all they do on behalf of BIA and 

to show our appreciation. In addition to our thanks, 

remember that the best appreciation we can 

show is to do business with a member. ■ 

BIA Associates Action Committee Associates Action Committee Chairperson David Curtis 

Chairperson 

David Curtis - Curtis Insurance 

Adam Tillman - Kohler Company 

Angie McVey - MHI Interiors 

Anthony Nitsos - Webster Solutions 

Tim Ballard - Dow Building Solutions 

Bill Widmyer - Pro Home Michigan 

Bob L. Veresan - DTE Energy 

Bob O’Neill - Vista Mortgage 

Bob Resnick - Resnick Residential 

Chris Papineau - The Warranty Group 

Dain Borregard - Ferguson 

Dave Oates - The Huttenlocher Group 

David Curtis - Curtis Insurance Agency 

David Tatarian - One Man & Tractor 

Don Bourdeau - Al Bourdeau Insurance 

Don Warren - Ferguson 

Gregory J. Gamalski - Giarmarco, 

Mullins & Horton, P.C. 

Jack Smith - Dillman & Upton Lumber 

Jake Abraham - Blinds Unlimited 

Janice Buxton - Association Benefits 

Jason Levy - Global Office Solutions 

Jeff Hartfield - National Center For 

Dispute Settlement 

Jerry Doran - MB Financial Group 

Jim Quain - Thermal Wall Michigan 

John Gentilia - Perfect View Blinds 

John Gentilia, Jr. - Perfect View Blinds 

John Lambert - Dillman & Upton Lumber 

2 Building Business & Apartment Management x September 2009 

Karen Faerber-Hall - Eco-Wise Living 

Karl Keranen - Universal Utilities 

Kathy Chapa - PTS-Upco Waste 

Kay Demey - Hansen Marketing 

Kirk Armstrong - Gerry Weinberg 

Associates 

Laura Claeys - Plante & Moran 

Lina Stanis - Waddell & Reed 

Mike Hovey - Hovey Homes 

Mike Ullrich - American Disability 

Installations 

Myron Archambeau - FDI Group/George 

B. Ford Agency 

Pat Baker - Kohler Company 

Ray Trepanier - Michigan Financial 

Companies 

Richard Giltz - The House Professor 

Rick Ditzek - Carter Lumber 

Rob McLean - H J Oldenkamp 

Ron Crossley - Architectural Products 

Sherrian Greenwood - Association 

Benefits 

Steffanie Porter - RIS Insulation Supply 

Steve Woronoff - Woronoff Hyman 

Levenson & Sweet PC 

Sue Sage - RX Catering 

Terry Allie - MB Financial Group 

(right) with James Reidy of Andersen Windows. 

Paul Bekemeyer (left) and Rick Bozynski of Dillman & 

Upton Lumber. 

Don Bourdeau (left) of Al Bourdeau Insurance Services, 

Cathy McLeod of The Huttenlocher Group and Dave 

Oates of The Huttenlocher Group. 

BBAM_909_1-8.indd 2 8/20/2009 10:25:45 AM

Bank of America representatives Dan Sugg (left), Eric Burgoon and 

Jason Ryba. 

SAM Awards Supporter Katie Hallett (left) of TK Design & Architecture, Bob 

O’Neill of Vista Mortgage, Helen Velas of Eleni Interiors, 

Roger and Margaret Van Weelden of Van Weelden Homes 

and Nancy Rozum of Moon River Writing & Resume Service. 

Associate Member Bob Veresan, AIA, (left) of DTE 

Energy with BIA Past President and NAHB Vice 

Chairman, Bob Jones of Robert R. Jones Homes. 

Recruiting new members at BIA Offices, Pat Baker of 

Kohler Company. 

The crew from Carter Lumber. 

Associate Member Jason 

Levy (right) of Global 

Office Solutions with 

builders Bill Phillips of 

Windham Companies 

(left) and BIA Secretary 

Rich Kligman of Suuperb 

Custom Homes. 

Insurance Programs 

EndorsEd By 

Fire, general liability, 

builders risk, 

Workers’ Compensation 

blue Cross & 

blue shield 

health insurance 

Call for the endorsed 

agent near you 

alcos/brown & brown insurance 

(586) 977-6300 

al bourdeau insurance agency inc. 

1-800-644-6030 

Curtis insurance agency 

(248) 628-3604 

george b. Ford agency, inc. 

(248) 348-8200 

the huttenlocher group 

(248) 681-2100 

smith - Peabody - stiles 

insurance agency, inc. 

1-800-467-6645 

(248) 737-4477 

Building Business & Apartment Management x September 2009 


3

Executive Officer Comments 

Michigan Tax System Reform: 


WRITTEN BY MICHAEL C. STOSKOPF, CGP, EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

The tremendous, outbound migration of 

Michigan residents over the past several 

years is well-documented. In April 2009, 

a Detroit News article reported that, since 2001, 

outbound migration has cost Michigan 465,000 

residents. The economic impact of this loss 

equates to billions of dollars in paychecks and 

hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll taxes, 

sales and use taxes and property taxes. 

Why are so many Michiganders – the majority 

of whom are younger and college educated – 

leaving our beautiful state? The answer is clear: 

the current job market and the perception 

of future job prospects is much brighter 

elsewhere. 

If you accept the premise that americans 

are hard-working people who desire a good 

job by which to earn the income needed to take 

care of themselves and their families, then the 

only solution to turning this migration trend 

around is creating a business environment 

that results in state-wide, year-over-year job 

growth. 

Without a doubt, economic conditions in 

Michigan and elsewhere are affected by a 

myriad of internal and external forces and 

conditions. As time goes on, a deteriorating 

economy will result in changes that extend well 


beyond what basic structural, legislative and 

regulatory systems can control or influence. 

Unquestionably, a significant factor in 

creating job growth during any type of economic 

condition is through tax policy. According 

to Joshua Barro, Staff Economist for the 

Tax Foundation “…companies will locate 

where they have the greatest competitive 

advantage. states with the best tax systems 

will be the most competitive in attracting 

new businesses and most effective at 

generating economic and employment 

growth…” 

In his paper entitled “2009 State Business 

Tax Climate Index” (http://taxfoundation.org/ 

files/bp58.pdf), Mr. Barro points out, “…while 

we live in a global marketplace, the Department 

of Labor reports that most mass job relocations 

are from one US state to another rather than 

overseas. This means that state lawmakers 

must be aware of how their states’ business 

climates stack up to others in their region and 

nationwide…” 

Mr. Barro goes on to say, “…state lawmakers 

are typically tempted to lure business with 

lucrative tax incentives and subsidies under 

the banner of job creation and economic 

development. however, the truth is that if 

a state needs to offer such packages, it is 

most likely covering for a woeful business 

climate plagued by bad tax policy.” I 

agree with Mr. Barro that a far more effective 

approach is to systematically improve the 

business tax climate for the long term. 

The Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax 

Climate Index (SBTCI) is comprised of the 

following five weighted component indexes: 

Corporate Tax Index, Individual Income Tax 

Index, Sales Tax Index, Unemployment Tax Index 

and Property Tax Index. So, according to the 

2009 SBTCI rankings, how does Michigan stack 

up? 

As far as overall taxation, Michigan was 

ranked 20th by the SBTCI in 2009. That’s 

the good news. The bad news is Michigan’s 

Corporate Tax Index – composed of the factors 

by which businesses evaluate states when 

deciding to relocate – was ranked a dismal 48th 

out of 50. 

These rankings inspired me to do a little 

research. My findings were eye-opening to say 

the least! 

Using data collected by the US Bureau of 

Economic Analysis (www.bea.gov), I compared 

three relatively simple but telling economic 

measures over the 2004-2008 timeframe: 


- gross domestic Product (gdP) by State, 

adjusted for inflation using the US Bureau of 

Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) 

- Per Capita income, by State and adjusted 

for inflation using the CPI 

- Population, by State 

Calculating the annual growth rate 

percentage for each measure – and using 

the Tax Foundation’s 2009 SBTCI overall tax 

rankings – analysis quickly revealed that the 

“Top 7 States” in Overall Rank performed 

markedly better than the 42 other states. 

Furthermore, as the graph shows, both the 

“top 7 states” and the forty-two others both 

significantly outperformed michigan. 

The results also extend to the current wave of 

unemployment. Using data from the US Bureau 

of Labor Statistics for June 2009, the “Top 7 

States” have a collective unemployment rate of 

8.9%, compared to 9.4% for the other forty-two 

states and 15.2% for Michigan. 

Some will rationalize Michigan’s poor 

performance as being directly reflective of the 

worldwide automotive recession and resultant 

impact to the “Big 3” automakers. While 

this fact is indisputable, the fact that other 

businesses – automotive or otherwise – are, 

by and large, not selecting michigan for 

their operations serves as the rationale for 

necessary action. 

Beyond their clear economic performance 

shown in the graph, which states 

comprise the “top 7” and what major tax 

characteristics do they share that result in 

their high ranking? 

The “Top 7 States” in Overall Rank for the 

2009 SBTCI are, in order, Wyoming, South 

Dakota, Nevada, Alaska, Florida, Montana and 

Texas. 

the absence of a major tax is a dominant 

factor in vaulting these states to the 

top of the rankings. Property taxes and 

unemployment insurance taxes are levied in 

every state, but there are several states that 

do without one or more of the major taxes (i.e., 

Corporate, Individual Income, or Sales). To 

this end, Wyoming, Nevada and South Dakota 

have no corporate tax or individual income tax; 

Alaska has no individual income or state-level 

sales tax; Florida and Texas have no individual 

income tax; and Montana has no sales tax. 

According to Mr. Barro, “…The lesson is 

simple; a state that raises sufficient revenue 

without one of the major taxes will, all things 

being equal, out-compete those states that levy 

every tax in the state tax collector’s arsenal.” 

We must challenge ourselves as citizens 

and ask if our state’s current structural, 

legislative and regulatory systems are the 

best for michigan as it transitions into an 

economy that will have fewer manufacturing 

sector jobs in the future. Acknowledging that 

Michigan faces many hard decisions – unions 

vs. right-to-work; part-time vs. full-time 

legislature; an over-crowded criminal justice 

system – Michigan’s legislators and Executive 

Branch must consider revisions to Michigan’s 

entire tax system if we are to fundamentally 

transform michigan to become a national 

leader in business…to become one of the “Top 

7 States.” 

There is an old sports adage, “To BE the best, 

you must BEAT the best.” 

now is the time for michigan to become 

one of the best by creating a comprehensive 

new tax system that will encourage 

economic growth and vitality for years to 

come. ■ 

BIA Adds Spring Home & Garden Show 

New 

Show Debuts March 19 - 21, 2010 at the Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint 

Through a cooperative alliance with 

Builders Association of Metro Flint 

(BAMF) BIA is pleased to announce the 

new Spring Home & Garden Show at the Perani 

Arena and Event Center in Flint. The show will 

be held March 19-21, 2010. 

“With an extensive history of successfully 

promoting home improvement and garden 

shows in southeastern Michigan since 1945, 

we are very excited to partner with BAMF 

in bringing our show and its wide array 

of exhibitors to the residents of Flint and 

surrounding communities,” said BIA’s Executive 

Officer, Michael C. Stoskopf, CGP. 

“BAMF is thrilled to provide a home show 

of this caliber for consumers across Genesee, 

Livingston, Lapeer and even St. Clair counties,” 

stated Barry Simon, BAMF’s Executive Officer. 

“Perani Arena and Event Center provides a great 

venue for consumers to come out and shop for 

their home improvement needs. We look forward 

to showcasing what our members have to offer.” 

Just in time for the 2010 gardening and 

home improvement season, the Spring Home & 

Garden Show will showcase home improvement 

specialists ready to help area homeowners 

do everything from improving their home’s 

energy efficiency to making their dreams for 

their current or future home come true. In 

addition, springtime will be celebrated by local 

landscapers who will demonstrate to consumers 

what is possible when creating their own 

beautiful home oasis. 

This show promises to build a loyal following 

for years to come. 

show dates: march 19-21, 2010 (Friday to 

sunday) 

Show Hours: Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 

10am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm 

The Perani Arena & Event Center is located at 

3501 Lapeer Road, Flint, MI 48503. Please visit 

www.peraniarena.com. ■ 

bia members who are interested in 

exhibiting at the show may contact any of 

the following bia exhibit sales Consultants: 

Colleen Kubert - 734-432-9764 

Mary Tocco - 586-854-7262 

Kathy Pilon - 248-862-1009. 

BIA’s three home shows at Rock Financial 

Showplace in Novi take place as follows. To 

exhibit in these shows, please contact one of the 

Sales Consultants shown above. 

Fall Remodeling & Design Expo 

October 9 - 11, 2009 

Home Improvement Show 

January 29 - 31, 2010 

Spring Home & Garden Show 

April 9 - 11, 2010. 



5

NAHBR Professional Remodelers Council 

Champagne Taste On A Beer Budget 

WRITTEN BY BRAD HINKSON, CGR, PRESIDENT, HINKSON CONSTRUCTION, INC., 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE NAHBr PROFESSIONAL REMODELERS COUNCIL 

Thirty-two NAHBR Professional Remodelers 

Council members gathered on July 8 for a 

presentation that is particularly important 

during the current economic times. Michael 

Gordon, RA, of MGA Architects and Kristen 

Shellenbarger of Midwest Cabinet & Counter 

presented examples from their own work on 

how, working within limited budgets, they have 

been able to produce spectacular, high end 

results. 

“It is typical of the times,” commented 

Michael, “that people are staying in their homes 

and want to make upgrades and changes that 

cost little but look great.” He and Kristen began 

with the example of a laundry and mud room 

where slate flooring was used, cabinets were 

“dressed up” with hardware and the washer and 

dryer were made to look as if they were built in. 

“Slate is inexpensive and beautiful,” said 

Kristen. “And, in this case and many of the 

others you will see, we were able to use a 

remnant piece of granite for the countertop. This 

is a huge savings and allows the client to include 

a material that is high end at a reasonable 

price.” 

In another instance, the homeowner wanted 

to use most of their kitchen remodeling budget 

Presenters for the event, Kristen Shellenbarger of Midwest Cabinet and 

Counter and Michael Gordon, RA, of MGA Architects. 


for large, top of the 

line appliances, 

leaving very little for 

the rest of the room. 

“Think out of the 

box,” recommended 

Kristen. “In this 

case we used 

stock cabinets 

and added warmth 

and variation with 

frosted glass, which 

is inexpensive. We 

were able to build 

in wine cubbies at 

very little expense, 

a mosaic tiled area for $300 and simple doors 

that save a lot of money.” 

Michael and Kristen continued their 

presentation by showing a number of 

other stunning examples of how to create 

“champagne taste” rooms. A few suggestions 

that they used in a number of instances include: 

• Use taller cabinets rather than adding 

expensive crown molding. It costs less, adds 

height to the room and gives the homeowner 

more storage space. 

• Finish the interior of the 

cabinets to match the outside, or 

when there are glass door-inserts, 

paint the inside of the cabinet to 

highlight what will be stored there. 

• Use a new ceiling product of 

4’ by 4’ acoustic tiles that clip into 

a grid, especially for basement 

renovations. It is less expensive than 

drywall, looks almost seamless and 

can come down easily for access to 

mechanicals. 

• Try buying old furniture from 

antique dealers or second-hand 

stores, then refinishing it. This is not 

only cost-effective; it is “green.” 

• Use discontinued and remnant 

material whenever possible. 

Council Chairperson Brad Hinkson, CGR (left) and Council Vice Chairperson Bill Borchert. 

• Paint is a great accent: it is 

cheap and can be changed easily 

and often. 

• Add mirrors to make spaces look bigger. 

• Invert a simple base molding with a crown 

molding set into it to get the look of a larger 

piece of molding at less expense. 

• Subway tile is very popular now, as are 

ceramic, glass and slate. They bring in the 

1930’s look and can be inexpensive. 

• There are some new laminates that look 

and feel like stone and other high end materials. 

• Talk to your suppliers. Take advantage of 

their expertise. 

Michael commented that sometimes the cost 

savings begins with smart design. “If you can 

design the kitchen without corners, you will save 

money by avoiding mitered edges and you won’t 

have to pay for expensive edge treatments. 

You can also add elegant architectural details 

in small areas rather than bringing them 

throughout large areas. A little trim, for instance, 

goes a long way.” 

Kristen added, “Unify everything with design. 

Decide what will be the “signature piece” in a 

room and spend the money there. Be creative 

and use a focal point in the room that brings in 

the style the homeowners are looking for.” 

There are ways to satisfy homeowners with 

expensive taste and limited budgets as long as 

you are creative and know where to use high 

end material and where you can cut back while 

still adding to the appeal of the room. ■ 


Apartment Association of Michigan & Property Management Council News 

Legislative Update 

WRITTEN BY FORREST WALL, CAE, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT AND INDUSTRY RELATIONS 

Proposed Tax Tribunal Fee 

Increases Opposed by AAM 

On July 22, 2009, I testified on behalf of 

AAM in opposition to a proposed set of fee 

increases for tax appeals to the Michigan Tax 

Tribunal. Included in the proposal is a narrowing 

of valuation appeal categories and dramatically 

increased filing fees for each category of 

valuation appeal before the entire tribunal. The 

proposed structure would increase fees as 

follows: 

• Where the value in contention is $100,000 

or less the fee would increase from the present 

fee of between $50 - $100 to a new fee of $250 

(150% to 400% increase) 

• Where the value in contention is 

$100,000.01 to $500,000 the fee would 

increase from $150 to $400 (167% increase) 

• Where the value in contention is more than 

$500,000 the fee would increase from $250 to 

$600 (140% increase) 

As many of you know, the Tribunal is made up 

of two divisions, small claims (where residential 

appeals go), and the entire tribunal (where 

commercial rental property cases go). There is 

a huge backlog of cases in both divisions, but 

the significant fee increases are proposed for 

appeals before the entire tribunal. Essentially, 

the State of Michigan is forcing business owners 

to further subsidize residential tax appeals. Most 

of the additional revenue this proposal would 

generate would go toward hiring staff to reduce 

the small claims caseload, and not toward 

the caseload before the entire tribunal, where 

apartment appeals are heard. 

The Tribunal’s rationale for seeking this 

increase is that they have not had a fee 

increase since 1974, it would make them a 

self-funded entity not requiring an appropriation, 

and, it would allow for the additional staff 

referenced above. In addition to opposing the 

fee increases, part of my testimony requested 

additional reforms to the process, including a 

statutory timeframe for adjudication of cases, 

as recommended by the AAM Executive 

Committee. 

New Energy Optimization Program 

A Great Opportunity for Apartment 

Owners 

In the wake of energy legislation passed in 

Michigan last year, Consumers Energy, DTE 

Energy, and MichCon launched programs in 

July designed to improve the energy efficiency 

of homes and businesses in their service 

territories. These programs include low and 

no cost energy efficiency upgrades for both 

individual apartment units and common areas. 

Some examples include: 

Common areas 

• Exterior Lighting (Consumers & DTE) 

• LED Exit Signs (Consumers & DTE) 

• Hard Wired CFL Fixtures (Consumers & 

DTE) 

• Boiler Upgrades and High Efficiency 

Furnaces (Consumers) 

in unit 

• CFL Bulbs (Consumers & DTE) 

• Programmable Thermostats (DTE) 

• Energy Efficient Showerheads & Faucet 

Aerators (Consumers & DTE) 

In addition to being good for the environment, 

increased efficiency means lower energy costs 

for you and your residents! If you missed our 

August seminar on this topic and are interested 

in more information, feel free to contact me by 

phone at 248-862-1004 or e-mail at forrestw@ 

builders.org and I can put you in touch with the 

proper utility representatives. ■ 

Apartment Association of 

Michigan Member News 

AAM Member company ista north america 

has been named Top Tech Choice Award Winner 

in Utility Management by readers of Multi- 

Housing News. The company, which provides 

resident billing and utility expense management 

services, was named as the winner in the 

August edition of Multi-Housing News magazine 

and on their website. 

Ruediger Neubauer, CEO of ista north 

america says, “We never stop asking ‘What 

can we do better, how can we work smarter, 

faster and achieve complete accuracy?’” He 

believes that if consumer are made aware of 

the significant savings that can be realized 

through engineered solutions, conservation will 

increase, reducing the carbon footprint of this 

type of business. 



7


Everyday Noises Can 

Cause Hearing Loss 

WRITTEN BY JOE ELMORE, SMITH-PEABODY-STILES 


Noise is not a new hazard. It has been a constant threat since 

the industrial revolution. Too much noise exposure may cause a 

temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or 

a temporary ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems 

usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise. 

However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, 

incurable hearing loss or tinnitus. 

There are two rules of thumb to tell if noise situation is too loud: First, 

if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length 

away, then the noise is likely to be hazardous. Second, if your ears are 

ringing or sounds seem dull or flat after leaving a noisy place, then you 

probably were expose to hazardous noise. 

The solution to this is twofold: remove hazardous noise from the 

workplace whenever possible and use hearing protectors in those 

situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled 

or eliminated. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Protectors: 

Q: Can you poke out your eardrums with earplugs? 

A: That is unlikely for two reasons. First, the average ear canal is about 

1 1/4 inches long. The typical ear plug is between 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch 

long. So even if you inserted the entire earplug, it would still not touch 

the eardrum. Second, the path from the opening of the ear canal to the 

eardrum is not straight. In fact, it is quite irregular. This prevents you from 

poking objects into the eardrum. 

Q: Can you hear warning sounds, such as backup beeps, when 

wearing hearing protectors? 

A:. Using hearing protectors will bring both the noise and the warning 

sound down equally. So if the warning sound is audible without the 

hearing protector, it will usually be audible when wearing the hearing 

protector. For the unusual situations where this is not the case, the 

solution may be as simple as using a different hearing protector. Also, 

many warning systems can be adjusted or changed so warning signals are 

easier to detect. 

Q: Won’t hearing protectors interfere with our ability to hear 

important sounds our machinery and equipment make? 

A: Hearing protectors will lower the noise level of your equipment; it 

won’t eliminate it. However, some hearing protectors will reduce certain 



frequencies more than others; so wearing 

them can make noises sound different. In 

cases where it’s important that the sound just 

be quieter without any other changes, there 

are hearing protectors that can provide flat 

attenuation. 

Q: Will we be able to hear each other 

talk when wearing hearing protectors? 

A: Some people find they can wear hearing 

protectors and still understand speech. Others 

will have trouble hearing speech while wearing 

hearing protectors. Being able to hear what 

other people say depends on many things: 

distance from the speaker, ability to see the 

speaker’s face, general familiarity with the topic, 

level of background noise, and whether or not 

one has an existing hearing impairment. In some 

cases, wearing hearing protectors can make it 

easier to understand speech. 

Q: How long does it take to get used to 

hearing protectors? 

A: Think about getting a new pair of shoes. 

Some shoes take no time to get used to. Others 

- even though they are the right size - can take 

a while to get used to. Hearing protectors are no 

different from other safety equipment in terms 

of getting used to them. But if hearing protectors 

are the wrong size, or are worn out, they will not 

be comfortable. Also, workers may need more 

than one kind of protector at their job. 

Q: How long can someone be in a loud 

noise before it’s hazardous? 

A: The degree of hearing hazard is related 

to both the level of the noise as well as to the 

duration of the exposure. But this question is 

like asking how long can people look at the sun 

without damaging their eyes. The safest thing 

to do is to ensure workers always protect their 

ears by wearing hearing protectors anytime they 

are around loud noise. 

Q: Since I already have hearing loss and 

wear a hearing aid, hearing prevention 

programs don’t apply to me, right? 

A: If you have hearing loss, it’s important 

to protect the hearing that you have left. Loud 

noises can continue to damage your hearing 

making it even more difficult to communicate at 

work and with your family and friends. ■ 

All of us at Smith-Peabody-Stiles support 

efforts to make the workplace a safer and 

more productive environment. For concerns or 

questions about safety issues contact Brenda 

Boomer or Jim Peabody at SPS, 1-800-467- 

6645. We welcome your calls. 

Resident Review Service 

Free To MeMbers! 

An AAM member service that enables apartment 

managers and leasing agents to contact the 

Association and find out if a prospective resident is 

a high risk or not. 

Individuals are tracked via Social Security Number or last 

name. 

If you have residents you would like to add to the 

system to help protect other Association members 

and their property, please call Association offices. 

Areas that are tracked include: 

• Rent consistently late 

• Moved out owing money 

• Disturbed neighbors consistently 

• Bad checks 

• Damaged property 

• Lived out security deposit 

• Evicted 

For further details, call Association offices: 

(248) 737-4477 

APARTMENT 

INSURANCE SPECIALISTS. 

Experienced Agents • Fast Quotes 

Competitive Rates • Expert Service 

Satisfied Customers 

For a competitive quote contact: 

Tom Dawson Scott Breslin 

1-800-333-0983 

G-5454 Gateway Centre 

Suite A • Flint, MI 48507 

www.pipermccredie.com 

BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2009 

BBAM_909_9 - 16.indd 9 8/20/2009 1:23:44 PM 

9

Membership Networking Event 

“After Hours” Mixer 

Sponsored by Dillman & Upton Lumber 

John Lambert and Todd Upton from Dillman 

& Upton Lumber and staff, generously 

hosted an “After Hours” Mixer at their 

showroom in Rochester on Thursday, August 6, 

2009. 

Fifty members and prospective members 

came to “network” and make new business 

contacts, as well as enjoy a beautiful buffet 

provided by Dillman & Upton Lumber. 

We would also like to acknowledge the 

companies who generously donated prizes 

valued at $50 or more that were given away at 

the Mixer: 

• Three $50 Dillman & Upton Gift Cards 

donated by Dillman & Upton and won by 

Nicki Skolas of Sargent Appliance, Norm 

Finkelstein of Norwood Homes and Darryl 

Green of Virginia Tile Company. 

• $100 Garage Installation donated by 

Tarnow Doors Inc. and won by Ben Templeton 

of Templeton Building. 

• $50 Garage Installation donated by 

Tarnow Doors Inc. and won by Bob Tedesco 

of Silverado Custom Homes Inc. 

• One year maintenance contract donated 

by Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc. and 

won by Harry Rajt of Hines Park Lincoln 

Mercury. 

The BUILDER LOTTO drawing worth $300 

was held at the end of the evening and 

regretfully, “Anthony F. Lombardo of Lombardo 

Homes, Steven Girtman of Girtman Building 

Co., LLC. and Larry Becker of Brookfield 

Management” were not present to win. At the 

next BIA Mixer the BUILDERS LOTTO will be 

$400. Don’t forget that there are more ways to 

win the BUILDER LOTTO. Three names will be 

drawn, if the first name drawn is not present, 

we will draw another name and if they are 

present they receive half of the lotto. If that 

person is not present we will draw a third name 

and if they are present they will get one-third of 

the lotto. 

Fellow Builders and Associates, we 

encourage you to take advantage of this 

networking opportunity. With today’s economy, 

the Mixers provide a great venue to make some 

new contacts and “grow your business.” Invite a 

prospective member to join you as your guest! 

10 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2009 

If you are interested in hosting an “After 

Hours” Mixer or donating a prize to be given 

away at an upcoming Mixer, please contact 

Riva Gulli at BIA (248) 862-1002. ■ 

Mixer Host Todd Upton (left) of Dillman & Upton Lumber 

and Bob Tedesco of Silverado Custom Homes, Inc. 

Brad Hinkson (left) of Hinkson 

Construction, Inc., Mark Renn of H.J. 

Oldenkamp Co. and Norm Finkelstein of 

Norwood Homes Ltd. 

Darryl Green (left) of Virginia Tile Co. and Mixer Host 

Todd Upton of Dillman & Upton Lumber. 

Next “After HoUrS” 

Mixer” Thursday, October 8 

Sponsored by 

& 

�� 

In Birmingham 

Builder Lotto - $400 

Call to reserve: 

248/862-1002 

Myron Archambeau (left) of George b. 

Ford Agency Group, Mark Bishar of Home 

Appliance Mart and Harry Rajt of Hines 

Park Lincoln Mercury. 

Mixer Host Todd Upton (left) of Dillman & Upton Lumber. 

and Harry Rajt of Hine Park Lincoln Mercury. 

BBAM_909_9 - 16.indd 10 8/31/2009 11:01:57 AM

News & Events 

Tuesday, sepTember 15 

Macomb County Builders Forum 

All Macomb County Builders and Developers are invited to 

attend this luncheon, featuring Macomb County Board of 

Commissioners Chair Paul Gieleghem as the keynote 

speaker. 

Time: 11:30 Registration 

12:00 Lunch & Program 

Place: Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community 

College (Main Campus) 

44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township 

Cost: $25 

September 


Associates Action Committee 

Time: 12:30 p.m. 

Place: Association Offices 

Cost: No Charge 

SPONSORED BY KOHLER COMPANY 

WedNesday, sepTember 2 

Green Built of Southeastern Michigan 

Introduction To Green Building 

Instructor: Chris Pratt, Construction and 

Development Services, LLC 

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 



THursday, sepTember 3 

BIA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BOARD 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 



Membership Connection 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 




NAHBR Professional Remodelers 

Financial Planning 

Moderator: Brad Hinkson, Hinkson 

Construction 

• How to evaluate the financial health of your 

business • Self Diagnosis 

• How to get yourself back on track 

Time: 

12:00 - 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Networking 

12:15 - 12:30 p.m. Introductions and Council 

Business 

12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Luncheon Sponsor 

12:45 - 1:30 p.m. PRESENTATIONS 


Cost: No Charge for Council Members; 

$15/Guest (Advance payment required) 

Sponsorship Available @$200. 

Please call to reserve: 248/862-1002 

ALL BIA MEMBERS ARE INVITED 


Real Estate Continuing 

Education 

Meets the state mandated requirement for 6 

hours Continuing Ed for Real Estate License 

Renewal 

Instructor: Lori Chmura of Middleton Training 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 


Cost: $60/SMC; $80/BIA; $125/Guest 

Includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch 

friday, sepTember 11 

Wireless 101 

Presented by Steven M. Ray and Bryan Yohe 

of Verizon Wireless. 

An introduction to new wireless products and 

how these products can increase productivity 

and your bottom line. 

Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. 


Cost: No Charge. Includes Continental 

Breakfast. Reservations Required. 


Certified Graduate Builder or Remodeler 

Designation Begins With The 

BAR or PREP Assessment 

COURSES COUNT TOWARD DESIGNATION 

ONCE THE PREP OR BAR EXAM HAS BEEN TAKEN. 

This 3-hour, 120 question assessment measures 

your knowledge in four core areas of building 

Register Online at www.builders.org or use Response Form on page 15 

business management: Building Technology, 

Business and Finance, Project Management 

and Sales & Marketing OR five core areas of 

remodeling business management include: 

Marketing & Sales; Business Administration; 

Design, Estimating and Job Cost; Contracts, 

Liability and Risk Management; and Project 

Management. You will not pass or fail the 

BAR or PREP. The results determine your 

course of study. For CGB designation, if you 

will complete your first course after 1/1/03, 

you are required to complete the BAR and 

submit a program application to be eligible. 

Registration must be received 10 working 

days before your Assessment. 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Place: Association Offices, 

Cost: $195/person 


Macomb County Builders 

Forum 

SEE TOP OF THIS PAGE. 


Women’s Council of BIA 

Networking Happy Hour 

All BIA Members and Guests Are Invited To 

Attend! Please join us for this opportunity 

to meet and mingle with other Association 

members and guests. 

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Place: Oak City Grille 212 West 6th Street 

Royal Oak (Just East of Washington) 

Cost: No Charge; Food and Beverages 

available at your own expense. 

Response Requested 


Sales & Marketing Council 

Networking Strategies 

Presented by Dave Tear, Head Coach, 

Sales Coaches’ Corner 

• What to do (or not!) at networking events 

• Which Online sites are worth your time 

• How to identify your ideal referral partners 

• How to upgrade an old fashioned referral 

Who should attend: 

• Those who are frustrated with their results 

from their current networking 

• Those who are uncomfortable networking, 

but know they need to do it more 

• Those people who have a new position 

and want to increase their pipeline 

Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 





11


Membership Growth 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 




Complete Guide To The 

Michigan Uniform Energy Code 

(MUEC) 

General Overview of the new code including: 

• Comparison of the four Compliance 

Strategies (MUEC, IECC, Energy Star, and 

HERS) 

• Explanation of various methods 

(prescriptive, performance, trade-off) 

• An overview of construction related changes 

• Different foundations insulation systems 

(inside vs outside) 

• Insulation information including fiberglass, 

cellulose, and closed and open foam 

• Sample Cost Scenarios of different methods 

Instructor: Chris Pratt of Construction and 


Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 


Cost: $55/Green Built Council Member; 

$75/BIA or AAM Member; $95/Guest 


BIA Board of Directors 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 


moNday, sepTember 21 

AAM Officers Meeting 

Time: 9:30 a.m. 



Advanced Guide To The 

Michigan Uniform Energy Code 

(MUEC) — COMPLIANCE 

Four hour advanced course to address 

the documentation that is necessary for 

compliance including: 

• The Building Science behind energy 

efficiency 

(i.e. What is the thermal envelope?) 

• Advanced framing and air infiltration 

techniques that decrease insulation costs. 

• Plan modifications, details, notes, sections, 

and construction related documents 

necessary for submittal to the Building 

Department 

• How to perform take-offs and calculate 

U-values (MUEC Alternate Systems 

Analysis/IECC Ua Method) 


• The Energy Star Thermal Bypass Inspection 

Checklist 

• GreenBuilt Overview - Certifying your 

home as GreenBuilt is only a few hundred 

dollars away. 

Instructor: Chris Pratt of Construction and 


Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon 


Cost: $90/Green Built Council Member; 

$105/BIA or AAM Member; $125/Guest 


Birmingham Task Force 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 

Place: Adams Fire Station 


If you would like to pose a question anonymously 

for the building official to address, please submit 

to Forrest Wall at forrestw@builders.org in 

advance of the meeting. 


Certified Graduate Course 

Negotiating Skills 

Your negotiation skills could spell the 

difference between profit and loss. In this 

course you’ll learn strategies for specific 

negotiating situations and develop the skills 

to get the results you want through exercises 

and role-playing. As a graduate of this course, 

you will be able to: • Demonstrate effective 

communication skills for negotiations • Use 

the constructive approach to negotiations 

• Apply five key concepts in each phase of 

negotiation • Plan for and conduct effective 

negotiations • Use the negotiation process in 

different settings • Develop a plan for ongoing 

skill development 

Designations: CGA, GMB. 

INSTRUCTOR: Chuck Breidenstein, CAPS, 

Builders Professional Services Group 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 


Cost: $155/NAHBR Professional Remodeler; 

$175/BIA Member; $200/Guest 


ABMWCSIF Safety Seminar 

Fire Safety And Prevention 

Hands-on demonstration. Extinguish a fire 

in a controlled setting. 

Time: Noon 


Cost: No Charge for Fund Members 

For further information email: bab@ 

spsinsurance.com 


Tuesday, sepTember 29 - 

saTurday, ocTober 3 

NAHB Fall Board - Chicago, IL 

October 

Tuesday, ocTober 6 

Associates Action Committee 

Time: 12:30 p.m. 



WedNesday, ocTober 7 

Green Built Michigan 

Building Training (1) 

Hear some great tips on making your homes 

• More energy efficient • More durable 

• Environmentally sustainable. 

• Importance of indoor air quality and low 

impact development. Required for all builder 

members of Green Built Michigan. 





Cost: $65/Member of Green Built Michigan; 

$85/Non-Member of Green Built Michigan 


Advanced Green Built 

Builder Training 

For anyone who is already familiar with the basics 

of Green Built Michigan and green building an 

opportunity to delve deeper into the science of 

residential green construction. An in-depth course 

offering specific applicable building practices to 

build greener, better homes. All members of Green 

Built Michigan are strongly encouraged to attend 

the Advanced Builder Training. Upon completion 

of the course, attendees will: 

• Have in depth understanding of the house 

as a system approach to green building 

• Understand the thermal dynamics 

necessary to achieve the most effective and 

economical level of insulation 

• Control moisture and durability for each 

component of the building envelope 

• Improve sustainability through the proper 

selection of building materials and correct 

installation methods 

• Achieve superior indoor air quality 

• Save on materials expenses while improving 

each area of the home 



Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 


Cost: $85/Green Built Michigan Member; 

$105/Non-Member of Green Built Michigan 

Sponsored by DTE Energy 

BBAM_909_9 - 16.indd 12 8/20/2009 1:23:51 PM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 

& ThuRSDAY, OCTOBER 8 

Fall Membership Drive 

Show your support by helping BIA to fulfill 

our commitment to recruit 100 members in 

100 days! Win great prizes, too! 

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day 

Wrap up party October 8 at 4 p.m. 


All BIA members are invited – and 

encouraged – to participate. 

ThuRSDAY, OCTOBER 8 

Bloomfield Twp. Task Force 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 

Place: Township Offices 


If you would like to pose a question 

anonymously for the building official to address, 

please submit to Forrest Wall at forrestw@ 

builders.org in advance of the meeting. 

ThuRSDAY, OCTOBER 8 

“AFTer Hours” Mixer 

A Unique Networking Opportunity 

Sponsored by: 

Hawthorn Home 

Appliances & 

Electronics & ABC 

Warehouse Contract 

Sales Division 

Mingle with industry professionals to gain new 

contacts. Win great prizes! Appetizers, Wine, 

Beer and Soft Drinks. Builder Lotto - $400 with 

THREE ways to win; must be present to win. 

Bring prospective members to the event! Each 

new member who joins BIA at the Mixer will 

receive $100 off their first year’s membership 

dues! And, you will receive a $50 Bounty when 

they join! 

Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m. 

Place: Hawthorn Home Appliances & 

ABC Contract Sales 

33278 Woodward Avenue 

Birmingham 48009 

On the East side of Woodward 

between 14 and 15 Mile Roads. 

Cost: No Charge. Reservations required by 

October 1. No Shows Will Be Billed $10. 

TuESDAY, OCTOBER 13 

MCiM safety seminar 

Time: 8:30 a.m. 

Place: Ramada Troy 

Cost: No Charge to Fund members 

For more information please call: 888-886-1619 

or email: LPSS@micim.com 


Membership Connection 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 




NAHBR Professional Remodelers 

Think Tank 

Time: Noon 


Cost: $10; Open to NAHBR Professional 

Council Members Only. Lunch Included. 

Advance Payment Required. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 

Property Management Council Seminar 

Fair Housing For 

Maintenance staff 

Specifically geared for all maintenance/ 

service personnel, housekeeping, grounds, 

vendors and part time staff. Based on 

everyday situations encountered by the entire 

on-site team. You will learn: 

• How Fair Housing applies to Maintenance 

• Communication: Maintenance to Management 

• Documentation, Consistency, Record Keeping 

• In-Apartment and On-Site Etiquette 

• Service Request Procedures 

• What is an emergency? 

• T.E.A.M. Building 

Presented by: Kathleen Mabie, 

Success on Site 



Cost: $45/PMC Member; 

$55/AAM or BIA Member; $65/Guest 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 

Property Management Council 

Fair Housing is Good Business 

Presented by: Kathleen Mabie, 

Success On Site 

Bottom line: Improve the front line and 

it’s 

GooD 

BusiNess 

To Do 

Business 

WiTH A 

MeMBer 

Eradicate 

With ERADICO 

Don’t Let Insects 

& Ro dents 

Hold You Hostage 

(888) 479-5900 


increase the value of your investment. All 

of the topics we cover in Fair Housing will 

relate to effective property management 

practices. If you want to increase the 

value of your investment then invest in the 

education of all of your people! 

Remember though it starts at the top! We 

need leaders and mentors to show the way and 

inspect what we expect. You will learn: 

• How to work more effectively 

• Consistent outstanding service 

• Implement policies and proceduresKeeping 

good records 

• Communication with your entire team 

This workshop is perfect for owners, regional’s, 

managers, leasing, maintenance, grounds, 

housekeepers and any other property 

management personnel. This workshop will be 

fun and fast paced; we will address day to day 

scenarios and situations. 

Limited Seating — Register Early! 

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 


Cost: $45 PMC Member; $55 AAM; BIA 

Member; $65 Guest 


DTe utility Forum 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 




Women’s Council of BIA 

Networking Happy Hour 

All BIA Members and Guests Are Invited To 

Attend! Please join us for this opportunity 

to meet and mingle with other Association 

members and guests. Response Requested 

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Place: Oak City Grille 212 West 6th Street 

Royal Oak (Just East of Washington) 

Cost: No Charge; Food and Beverages 

available at your own expense. 

September page 13 only.indd 13 8/31/2009 12:28:38 PM


MCIM Safety Seminar 

Time: 8:30 a.m. 

Place: Hotel Baronette - Novi 

Cost: No Charge to Fund members 

For more information please call: 888-886-1619 

or email: LPSS@micim.com 


NAHBR Professional Remodelers Seminar 

New Codes: Are You Ready? 

Presented by Don Pratt, Wake-Pratt 

Construction 

• Sprinklers 

• Lead Paint Certification 

• Dual Licenses For Corporations 

• Energy 

• And More! 

• Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. 


Cost: $35/Person, Includes Dinner 

SPONSOR NEEDED - CALL: 248-862-1002 

All BIA Members Are Invited To Participate 

THursday, ocTober 22 

Certified Graduate Course 

DESIGN/BUILD 

Every day requires negotiation with 

customers, employees, subcontractors, 

suppliers and government officials. Your 

negotiation skills could spell the difference 

between profit and loss. In this course you’ll 

learn strategies for specific negotiating 

situations and develop the skills to get the 

results you want through exercises and 

role-playing. As a graduate of this course, 

you will be able to: • Demonstrate effective 

communication skills for negotiations 

• Use the constructive approach to 

negotiations 

• Apply five key concepts in each phase of 

negotiation 

• Plan for and conduct effective negotiations 

• Use the negotiation process in different 

settings 

• Develop a plan for ongoing skill 

development. 

Designations: CGA, GMB. 

INSTRUCTOR: Chuck Breidenstein, CAPS, 

Builders Professional Services Group 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 


Cost: $155/NAHBR Professional Remodeler; 

$175/BIA Member; $200/Guest 



City of Detroit Builders Forum 

** If you would like to pose a question 

anonymously for the building official to 

address, please email in advance of this 

meeting to: forrestw@builders.org 

Time: 10:00 a.m.. 

Place: Coleman Young Building 

Buildings & Safety Engineering Department 

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 

2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 408 

Detroit, MI 48226 


friday, ocTober 23 

AAM/PMC Seminar 

Apartment Marketing Campaign 

Design 

Without direction where will you end up? Lost 

or out of gas! Do you know where you want 

to go? This workshop will provide you with 

turn-by-turn navigation. We will design a 

three month marketing campaign road map 

for you to follow. 

• Generate more traffic 

• Lease more apartments 

• Keep your residents 

• Provide better service 

• Plan your work and work your plan 

• Expect the best 

Perfect for new or seasoned leasing 

professionals, regional and property 

managers, or anyone involved with the 

marketing of apartment communities. 

Due to the interactive process of this 

workshop class size is limited to the first 12 

participants. 

Instructor: Kathleen Mabie, Success On SITE 



Cost: $69/PMC; $79/AAM or BIA; 

$99/guest 

moNday, ocTober 26 

Women-Centric Matters 

An approach to Home Design, Building 

& Marketing. At the program’s core is 

understanding your female customer so 

innately that you can anticipate before they 

ask. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn 

more about your REAL customer. 

Presented by: Paul Foresman, Director of 

Business Development for Design Basics, Inc. 

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. 


Cost: $15/Member; $25 Guest 

Includes Breakfast 


Tuesday, ocTober 27 

General Membership Meeting 

Pushing Your Prospects Off The 

Fence 

Presented by: 

• Bob O’Neill of Vista Mortgage 

• Todd Hallett of TK Design & Architecture 

• Dave Tear, Head Coach, Sales Coaches’ 

Corner 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 

Networking & Continental Breakfast 

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Program 

Place: TREVARROW, INC. HEADQUARTERS 

1295 N. Opdyke Road 

Auburn Hills 48326 

Cost: $10/Member; $20/Guest 

Sponsored by Trevarrow, Inc. 


Real Estate Continuing 

Education 

Meets the state mandated requirement for 6 

hours Continuing Ed for Real Estate License 

Renewal 

Instructor: Lori Chmura of Middleton Training 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 


Cost: $60/SMC; $80/BIA; $125/Guest 

Includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch 


Membership Growth 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 



friday, ocTober 30 

BIA ExECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Time: 9:00 a.m. 




Association Events Response Form 

sepTember - ocTober 2009 

o 9/1 Associates Action Committee; No Charge 

o 9/2 Green Built of Southeastern Michigan; No Charge 

o 9/3 BIA Charitable & Educational Foundation Board 

o 9/9 Membership Connection; No Charge 

o 9/9 NAHBR Roundtable: Financial Planning; No Charge for Council Members; $15/Guest 

o 9/10 Real Estate Continuing Education; $60/SMC; $80/BIA; $125/Guest 

o 9/11 Wireless 101; No Charge 

o 9/15 BAR Assessment; $195/Person; Must register at least 10 days in advance. 

o 9/15 PREP Assessment; $195/Person; Must register at least 10 days in advance. 

o 9/15 Macomb County Builders Forum; $25/Person 

o 9/15 Women’s Council Networking Happy Hour; No Charge 

o 9/16 Sales & Marketing Council Networking Strategies; $10/SMC; $15/BIA;$Guest 

o 9/17 Membership Growth; No Charge 

o 9/17 MUEC Overview; $55/Green Built Council Member; $75/BIA or AAM; $95/Guest 

o 9/18 BIA Board of Directors 

o 9/21 AAM Officers Meeting 

o 9/22 Advanced MUEC, Compliance; $90/Green Built Council Member; $105/BIA or AAM; $125/Guest 

o 9/24 Birmingham Task Force; No Charge 

o 9/24 Certified Graduate Negotiating Skills; $155/NAHBR; $175/BIA; $200/Guest 

o 10/6 Associates Action Committee; No Charge 

o 10/7 Green Built Michigan Building Training; $65/Green Built Member; $85/Non Member of Green Built 

o 10/7 Green Built Michigan ADVANCED; $85/Green Built Member; $105/Non Member of Green Built 

o 10/7 and 10/8 Fall Membership Drive; No Charge 

o 10/8 Bloomfield Township Task Force 

o 10/8 “After Hour” Mixer; No Charge, Reservations Required by October 1 

o 10/14 Membership Connection; No Charge 

o 10/14 NAHBR Think Tank; $10; Open To Council Members Only; Payment in advance 

o 10/16 PMC Fair Housing For Maintenance Staff; $45/PMC; $55/AAM or BIA; $65/Guest 

o 10/16 PMC Leasing and Fair Housing; $45/PMC; $55/AAM or BIA; $65/Guest 

o 10/20 DTE Utility Forum; No Charge 

o 10/20 Women’s Council Networking Happy Hour; No Charge 

o 10/21 NAHBR Seminar: Codes; $35/Person 

o 10/22 Certified Graduate Design/Build; $155/NAHBR; $175/BIA; $200/Guest 

o 10/22 Detroit Builders Forum; No Charge 

o 10/23 AAM/PMC Apartment Marketing; $69/PMC; $79/AAM or BIA; $99/Guest 

o 10/26 Women-Centric Marketing; $15/Member; $25/Guest 

o 10/27 Gen. Membership: Pushing Your Prospects Off The Fence; $10 Member; $20/Guest 

o 10/28 Real Estate Continuing Education; $60/SMC; $80/BIA; $125/Guest 

o 10/29 Membership Growth; No Charge 

o 10/30 BIA Executive Committee 

Name _________________________________________________________________ 

Company Name _________________________________________________________ 

Address _______________________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________ 

Phone ____________________________ Fax __________________________ 

r Enclosed is my check made payable to BIA. 

r Charge $________ to my r Visa r Mastercard r AMEX r Discover 

Account Number _________________________________________________________ 

Expiration Date _______________Signature _______________________________ 

Register Online at www.builders.org OR email: rivag@builders.org 

OR FAX to: 248/538-4078 OR MAIL to: 

BIA, 30375 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

Advance Payment Requested. 50% refund if you cancel 5 business days prior to the event. 

After that no-shows will be billed. No refunds for no-shows. 

PRE-LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDER’S LICENSE APPLICANTS 

Many of our classes meet the requirements set forth by the State of Michigan for 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework for those 

seeking a State of Michigan Residential Builders License. Anyone seeking this approved coursework MUST register for our 

classes through BEST (Builders Education Services and Training of Michigan) by calling 517-646-2599. 

Courses will not be approved by the State for pre-licensing requirements if you register online or by faxing this 

flyer. Those not seeking a builder’s license may register for our classes online at builders.org, 

by faxing this form to 248-862-1056 or by calling 248-862-1002.. 

Welcome New 

Members 

Sponsors Listed Below In Red 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 

DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT 

570 KIRTS BLVD., #211 TROY, MI 48084 

(248) 203-2900 JAY C. KANAPSKY 

BILL BARBER, JOHNS LUMBER 

DIVERSIFIED HEATING & COOLING, INC 

20789 PARKER STREET FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48336 

(248) 473-5690 SCOTT BARTRAM 

KEITH (RICH) KULKA, GET RICH QUIK, INC 

KOROTKIN SCHLESINGER & ASSOCIATES, INC 

26877 NORTHWESTERN HWY, #400 

SOUTHFIELD, MI 48033-8418 

(248) 352-5140 JACKIE SEFFERMAN 

SHEL AND BONNIE RADER, RADER ELECTRIC CO., INC 

BUILDER/REMODELER MEMBERS 

BLACK FOREST BUILDING CO. 

310 EUCLID MT CLEMENS, MI 48043 

(586) 954-4800 TONY BELLOMO 

RICHARD KLIGMAN, SUPERB CUSTOM HOMES 

LERMAN CORP. 

6905 TELEGRAPH RD, #100 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48301-3158 

(248) 258-9960 TERRY HILL 

REX ROSENHAUS, UNILAND CORP. 

PSW PAINTING, MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION 

2844 GROH STREET TRENTON, MI 48183 

(734) 675-6422 DAVID BOGARD 

PHIL SEAVER, SEAVER TITLE COMPANY 

SUBCONTRACTOR MEMBERS 

KENNICO EXTERIORS 

2386 SILVER POINTE DR. WATERFORD, MI 48328 

(248) 674-9423 LARRY MUZZARELLI 

BOB TEDESECO, SILVERADO CUSTOM HOMES INC 

Your Chance 

To Win Big! 

100 New Members 

In 100 Days 

If you know people who support the 

residential building industry, they should 

belong to the BIA! Bring in new members 

through October 8 and you will have the 

chance to win great prizes including cash 

bounty, Andiamo Gift Certificates, Motor City 

Casino package and more! 

Call Association Offices for details: 

248-862-1002 



15

Index of Valued Advertisers 

We invite you to visit the advertisers listed on these pages 

at their websites, or contact them through their phone numbers or email. 

COMPANY PHONE WEBSITE/EMAIL PAGE 

ABMWCSIF 1-800-467-6645 www.spsinsurance.com 8 

ALCOS/Brown & Brown 

Insurance 

(586) 977-6300 www.alcos.com 3 

Bank of America Home Loans (248) 341-1748 eric.s.burgoon@bankofamerica.com Outside Back 

Al Bourdeau 

Insurance Agency, Inc. 

1-800-644-6030 www.albourdeauinsurance.com 3 

Coinmach 1-800-852-9274 www.coinmach.com 7 

Curtis Insurance Agency (248) 628-3604 www.curtisinsuranceagency.com 3 

Eradico Services, Inc. 1-888-479-5900 www.eradicoservices.com 13 

George B. Ford Agency (248) 348-8200 www.fdi.com 3 

Great Lakes Commercial Sales 1-888-492-0181 www.greatlakeslaundry.com 9 

The Huttenlocher Group (248) 681-2100 www.HuttenlocherGroup.com 3 

Piper-McCredie 

Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Smith-Peabody-Stiles 

Insurance Agency 

Member News 

Congratulations and 

thanks to Remodelers 

Council Chairperson 

Brad Hinkson of 

Hinkson Construction 

who worked with Jewish 

Family Services (JFS) to 

provided desperately needed work for a Detroit 

client. Thank you also to Richard Cherkasky 

of The Richard Group for putting BIA and the 

Remodelers Council in touch with JFS. 

Brad Hinkson wrote, “The client is a lovely 

woman with a radiance and a loving attitude in 

spite of her physical disabilities and immediate 

home maintenance needs. The only bathroom 

in her 1870 home had no working toilet and no 

sink at all. To make matters more difficult, the 

bathroom is on the second floor. 

Jim Maley, Hinkson Construction project 

manager, and I pick up a used toilet, sink and 

faucet from Architectural Salvage Warehouse 

in Detroit. Tom Friesen, executive director 

1-800-333-0983 www.pipermccredie.com 9 

1-800-467-6645 www.spsinsurance.com 3 


of ASW and fellow BIA/NAHBR member, 

worked with us by giving a discounted total for 

the plumbing fixtures. Hinkson Construction 

supplied all of the other necessary materials and 

donated our labor. We installed the plumbing 

fixtures, tested all and cleaned up. We then 

asked the client if she would like to take a look. 

She crawled up the stairs, fighting back the 

tears as she climbed each tread. Once at the 

top of the stairs and before she could even see 

in the bathroom, the flood of tears let loose. 

She wept with tears of joy and gratitude as she 

entered the bathroom. It was a very emotional 

experience. She gave me the tightest, most 

loving hug I have ever received in my life. She 

thanked us over and over again, telling us how 

much she loved us and how she was going to 

reach out and help others in her neighborhood 

who are in need. Of all the projects we have done 

in 19 years, this was by far the most gratifying. 

I was and continue to be grateful for the 

opportunity to represent the NAHBR and JFS.” 

Reach The 

Builder Market With 

BUILDING 

Business & 


November 2009 

Builder & Developer 

Financing Update 

Fall Legislative News 

advertising deadline: 

September 18 

248/862-1016 

Soulliere Decorative Stone has announced 

that they are installing 30,000 square feet of 

brick pavers at Greenfield Village for free. The 

project, in collaboration with other Michigan 

companies, is part of a renovation project for 

Greenfield Village. 

Mark Renn of H.J. Oldenkamp is pleased 

to report that DuPont Building Innovations 

has received the Green 

Approved Product Seal for 

National Green Building 

Certification by NAHB’s 

Research Center. Under this 

prestigious endorsement, 

DuPont Green Approved 

products can now be used 

by builders to earn points toward certification to 

the National Green Building Standard. 

DuPont has also been named as brand leader 

in Hanley Wood’s 2009 Annual Builder survey of 

10,800 builders, builder-developers and general 

contractors. 


Make The 

MeMBership 

Most Of Your 

Local Benefits 

Call 248/737-4477 

Networking 

New business contacts help you to 

Grow Your Business 

Legislation 

Support BIA’s efforts to secure legislation 

critical to the industry. 

Insurance 

Call for a no-cost quote on competitive: 

• Worker’s Comp • Liability • Builders Risk 

• Liability • Health 

National Certifications 

& Professional Development 

• Field Superintendent 

• Certified Graduate Builder, Remodeler, 

Associate and much more. 

Councils 

Professionals who share your interests 

• Remodelors Council 

• Sales & Marketing Council 

• Women’s Council of BIA 

Builder/Community Forums 

BIA is the liaison between you, building 

departments and municipal government in 

these local Task Forces. 

Sample Forms 

Building Agreement, Specifications and 

other forms designed for members. 

Table Top Displays 

Suppliers - we provide the builders, you 

provide the product or service to display. 

Anti-Theft & Anti-Vandalism 

$2500 reward from BIA. . . and bright yellow 

deterrent signs to post on your property 

www.builders.org 

Online registration, News & Events, 

Educational Course Guide and more. 

Roster & Buyers Guide 

Printed and Online 

Comprehensive guide to the building 

industry. Available only to members. 

Parade of Homes 

Marketing Programs for new homes; 

available only to BIA members. 

Building Business & 


Award winning monthly magazine. Your 

source for “need to know” industry 

information. 

Speedway/Marathon 

Discount Gasoline 

Save 4 cents/gallon on gasoline. Savings 

through on a variety of services. 

Global Office Solutions Discount 

20–40% and higher discounts on office 

products/furniture from Global Office Solutions. 

Ascribe Project Showcase 

Marketing Tool 

internet collaborative portfolio manager 

Verizon Wireless Discount 

Fantastic discounts on calling plans, data 

features and accessories. Also offers 

discounts to your employees. 

Construction Federal Credit Union 

Offering BIA members and their families 

personal service on many banking products. 

Discount Advertising For Builders 

The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press 

offer BIA builders substantial discounts. 

Manufacturers Rebate Program 

Rebate for your loyalty to many of the 

nation’s leading housing industry suppliers 

No Cost Legal Services 

Free Legal Consultation sessions with experts 

Dues Deductibility 

Save more than your annual dues by using 

membership benefits! Plus your dues are 

85% deductible as a business expense. 

National Benefits 

www.NAHB.org 

NAHB Credit Card 

Designed to help save money, protect 

purchases, and provide the highest level 

of peace of mind. 

Car and Truck 

Purchase Discount 

Additional $500 off your best deal on GM vehicles 

Dell Computer 

Equipment Discount 

Discounts on computer equipment purchases. 

Hotel and Car Rental Discount 

10% Discount with Wyndham Hotel Group 

and up to 20% discount with Hertz. 

FedEx Discounts 

Brings members a full suite of domestic 

and international shipping services and 

discounts with FedEx. 

Pitney Bowes Discount 

Postage meter and scale includes 60-day 

trial and $30 in free postage. 

FTD Flower Discount 

Members receive 15% off flowers & gifts. 

HOw TO 

JOiN 

BiA 

Complete this application 

and return by fax: (248) 862-1054. 

Or mail: Building Industry Association of 

Southeastern Michigan 

30375 Northwestern Hwy., Ste 100 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

Company __________________________ 

Address ___________________________ 

City/State/Zip _______________________ 

Phone ____________________________ 

Fax ______________________________ 

Email _____________________________ 

Individual Name _____________________ 

Title ______________________________ 

Referred by ________________________ 

Why did you decide to join BIA? 

__________________________________ 

Type of business _____________________ 

Builders License Number: 

__________________________________ 

My signature on this form gives BIA my 

permission to contact me and my company by 

mail, email, fax and/or phone. 

Signature: 

__________________________________ 

Annual Dues 

❏ Licensed Builder-$560 

❏ Licensed Builder/Remodeler-$560 

❏ Licensed Remodeler-$560 

❏ Supplier - $560 

❏ Service Organization - $560 

❏ Subcontractor - $485 

❏ NAHB Affiliate (Employee of Member) - $50 

Payment 

❏ Enclosed check made payable to BIA. 

❏ Charge $ __________ to: 

❏ VISA ❏ Mastercard 

❏ American Express ❏ Discover 

Acct. No. ___________________________ 

Expiration __________________________ 

Date ______________________________ 

Signature __________________________ 


homehas 

a new address. 

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them, and close it on time. 

• Clarity Commitment — a one-page loan summary written in plain language 

so it’s easy for your clients to understand what they’re getting. 1 

• Web tools — an easy-to-use interactive guide designed to provide your clients 

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• Mortgage loan officers — expansive network of specialists across the country 

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Contact your builder sales manager at 1.800.262.4214 

1 The summary is provided as a convenience, does not serve as a substitute for a borrower’s actual loan documents, and is not a commitment to lend. Borrowers should become fully informed by 

reviewing all of the loan and disclosure documentation provided. 

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR MORTGAGE, REAL ESTATE AND/OR BUILDER PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR CONSUMER OR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION. 

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. AR78033

November 2009 - BIA of Southeastern Michigan

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