January 2013Volume 21, Number 1

Power in Numbers pg. 3 / Giving Your All To Your Association pg. 4 / Healthcare Reform: Quick Facts pg. 11

The Master Builders Association of Pierce County (MBA) recently inducted their 2013 Executive Committee

at their annual ball held on December 20th, 2012 at the Fircrest Golf Club. They also announced their 2012 Awards of Excellence recipients.

The 2013 Executive Committee (please see photo on page 8) consists of:• President, Kurt Wilson, SoundBuilt Northwest• Vice President Treasurer, Laureen Skrivan, Wren & Willow, Inc.• 2nd Vice President, Joe Zehnder, McGavick Graves, P.S• Vice President Secretary, Leslie Jensen, Signature Design & Cabinetry • Immediate Past President, Rick Hjelm, Phase II General Contractor, Inc.

The 2012 award recipients are as follows: • Spirit of MBA: Cathi Mahan, First American Title & Escrow Co & Kurt Wilson, SoundBuilt Northwest• Recruiter of the Year: Kurt Wilson, SoundBuilt Northwest • Member Employee of the Year: Justin Souers, Hyland Cabinetworks, Inc. • Outstanding Associate, Subcontractor: AAA KARTAK Glass & Closet Corp, Kevin Kartak & Chris Lockhart

• Outstanding Associate, Real Estate Professional: Joe Maxwell, Better Homes & Garden Real Estate - PacificCommons• Outstanding Associate, Supplier: Judi Brown & DJ Brown, Getting Personal Imprinting LLC • Outstanding Associate, Design Professional: Billie Jo Hyland, Hyland Cabinetworks, Inc. & Josh Dunn, South Sound Magazine• Outstanding Associate, Industry Supporter: Dennis Gregory Associated Petroleum Products • Community Service Volunteer of the Year: Duke York, York Enterprises • Member of the Year: Ernie Dittmann, ServiceMaster of Tacoma • Robert Camp Legislative Action Award: Sean Comfort, AHBL, Inc. • Remodeler of the Year: Laureen Skrivan, Wren & Willow, Inc. • Company of the Year: Century Insurance Services LLC, Susie Nelson • Custom Builder of the Year: Omega Custom Homes, Gary Patterson • Production Builder of the Year: Kurt Wilson, SoundBuilt Northwest • Pillar of the Industry Award: Gary Pedersen, Pedersen Construction & Rick Hjelm, Phase II General Contractors, Inc.

Master Builders Association of Pierce Inducts 2013 President and Announces 2012 Award Recipients

2 - MBA DIMENSIONS

A Century of Performance + Integrity World Class Dealer

Carrie Cooke: Window + Door Specialist 253.752.7000 X 48

carrie@graylumber.com

MB

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General Membership Events

January 15General Membership Meeting

Location: Puyallup Best Western, 5:15 pm

February 19General Membership Networking Meeting

Location: Simpson Strong Tie, Kent, 5:15 pm

March 19General Membership

Housing ForumLocation: Cheney Stadium,

11:30 am

April 16General Membership Networking Meeting

Location: TBD

June 14Golf Classic

Location: Lipoma FirsPuyallup

Design Professionals Council5:30 p.m. - 2nd Thursday

January 17Education Meeting

w/ Northlight PhotographyLocation: Maxwell’s, Tacoma

February 21Education Meeting

w/ Springs Window FashionsLocation: TBD

March 11 Education Meeting

Location: BLRB Architects- Tacoma

April 11DPC Roundtable

Location:Earthwise Architectual Salvage- Tacoma

May 9Education Meeting W/Olympic

Landscape & Irrigation

June 13Networking Meeting

Location: Lighting Design Lab

Remodelors™ Council6 p.m. - 4th Tuesday

January 29Location: TBD

February 26Location: TBD

March 26Ed Selden Carpet ONE

Location: 3901 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood

April 23Location: TBD

May 21REX Awards Dinner

Location: Fircrest Golf Club1500 Regents Blvd.

June 26Location: TBD

July 30 Annual Crab Feed

Location: Chambers Bay Golf Course

January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com - 3

W H O L E H O U S E S O L U T I O N S

TACOMA • 5301 184th St. EMARYSVILLE • 7610 47th Ave. NEwww.parr.com

WINDOWS DOORS SIDING

DECKING FENCING RAILING

The following is an excerpt of Kurt’s induction speech from

the 2012 President’s Ball held on December 20, 2012.

First I want to start out by thanking you all for allowing me

the opportunity to lead this great organization in 2013. It is truly an honor.

I would like to take a moment and thank my wife, Amy, for her willingness to support me as I have dedicated the time over the past few years to serve on MBA’s Executive Committee. I also thank herinadvanceforthesacrificesshewill make to let me serve as your President in 2013. Thank you, Amy.

Next I would like to ask you to join me in thanking Gary Racca, owner of Soundbuilt Homes for his continued dedication to this Association over the years and allowing me to dedicate the time necessary to work for you this past year and in 2013.

Soundbuilt has been very fortunate to have weathered the unprecedented real estate downturn over the last 4 years. As one of the state’s largest builder’s prior to the crash, we were faced with a tremendous uphill battle.

I am here tonight accepting this position as your 2013 President with no personal agenda. I am looking forward to serving you, the members. I hope to continue the great work that Rick has done to lead us for the last 2 years. I

would like to take an opportunity to again, thank Rick, for his generous commitment over the last 2 years. I would like to take this opportunity to again thank staff for their continued hard work and support to this organization as well.

I want to guide this organization in a direction desired by you, the members, and continue our focus on membership growth and helping to guide legislative policy changes at the city, county and state levels which will help to increase efficiencies,reduceourcostofdoingbusiness, and ultimately increase profitabilityforallofyourbusinesses.

First and foremost, I ask all of you to continue doing business with MBA members, and encourage those companies that you know in our area who are not members to become members. Membership is vital to our organization not only because ofthefinancialresources more members bring to the MBA, Also the energy, ideas, and manpower that every new active member contributes. In addition to pushing for membership growth, we will continue to pursue and evaluate additionalbenefitsfor our current

and future members to enjoy. As a Spike, I know how important it is to show value above the annual cost of dues to recruit new members.

In addition to growing our membership, we have commenced the planning for a large scale fundraising project for 2013 called the“HouseforHope”benefitingMBA and Communities in Schools Tacoma. This is a project idea that has been discussed in many fashions over the years and I have decided that I wanted to make it actually happen. This project is making it possible to not just build ahousewiththepurposeofprofitsgetting donated to MBA and a

POWER IN NUMBERSFrom the PresidentKurt Wilson, SoundBuilt Northwest

continued on page 5

4 - MBA DIMENSIONS

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The following is an excerpt of Rick’s farewell speech from the 2012 President’s Ball held on December 20, 2012.

As I’ve gone through these past couple years and at times I was a little bit lost, someone was

always there to help me. And that was never the same person. It was always someone who would step up and say “Here let me help you with that.” So I was taught that life is all about relationships. And over the years, those relationships are priceless to me.

I was also taught by my dear mother to never ever be guilty of the sin of ingratitude. Tonight I want to share that gratitude; I want to start with all our sponsors. The list would go on into the hundreds over the past couple years. Those who made the MBA what it is. We can’t do it alone. We can’t do it without you, and if you ever think that you were overlooked, I’m sorry, because you’re not. We are today what we are because of you. Thank you for all the support you have given us! Second, I would like to thank all of the Committee Chairs. Over the last couple years, I promised you that I would get out of your way and I would let you run your committees. I said we would watch, but from a distance. You have done some phenomenal things. Every committee chair who has dedicated their time and their talents I want to say thank you.

So many people give up their time and it’s never seen and So many people give up their time and it’s never seen and my mother always says, “Don’t worry if no one sees - you will get your reward sometime.” I want to thank every volunteer who has given their time and their talents and their means to help this MBA be what it is today and to support me these past two years.

Now this is a big one. Someone said to me “Rick, you make this look easy.” MBA staff Tiffany, Kim, Laura, Kawehi and Shawn deserve a round of applause. Board of Directors, would you also please stand and be recognized.

Now it comes down to the Executive Committee, some of whom I dealt with on a daily basis. I would

like you to stand and be recognized because you made it work for me. Joe Maxwell, Joe Zehnder, Kurt Wilson, Gary Pedersen. I want to say something special to Gary. Gary has become a friend but especially a mentor. Gary was that conscience over my shoulder and sometime that stab in the back. He helped me to do what was right, and to avoid making mistakes. And if I did make a mistake it was small. Gary, I want to thank you very much.

WhenKurtfirststartedhewasreallyquiet.ButthenI realized he is an observer. He doesn’t just jump in. He watches he learns. We are in for a great year next year and I am excited for this!

I would also like for you to give a big round of applause to my wife Linda who has allowed me to do this. She spent a lot of nights at home alone. Even though I am not a dog person, she has a dog, you know so… she could talk to somebody. She allowed

GIVING YOUR ALL TO YOUR ASSOCIATION

From the Immediate Past PresidentRick Hjelm, Phase II General Contractors

continued on page 7

January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com - 5

MBA Staff

Executive CommitteeKurt Wilson

President

Board of Directors

MBA Mission StatementThe Master Builders Association of Pierce County is an organization consisting of home building professionals and related service providers. We promote the interests of the home building industry through membership involvement, legislative action, networking and education while striving to maintain the highest ethical standards.

Volume 21, Number 1, Dimensions is published 12 times per year: monthly in Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. by the Master Builders AssociationofPierceCounty,1120PacificAve,Suite301,Tacoma,Washington98402.

Copyright 2013 by Master Builders Association of Pierce County. Opinions expressed are thoseoftheauthorsorpersonsquotedandnotnecessarilythoseoftheMBA.Reproduction

in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Laureen SkrivanVice President Treasurer

Joe Zehnder2nd Vice President

Leslie JensenVice President Secretary

Rick HjelmImmediate Past President

Lifetime DirectorsDan Abercrombie, Al Berger, Terry

Brink, Rick Brunaugh, Robert Camp, Bud Crest, Sean Comfort,

Bob Coyne, Ray Dally, Bob Denomy, Jeff Edwards, Mike Fast CGR, Lyle Fox, Steve Garitone,

Dave Graff, Buzz Grant, Glen Graham, Harold Hansen, Dave Hendrickson, Clem Johnson, Rebecca Jones, David Kelly,

David Litowitz, Todd Lord, Bob Lund, Ann McLaren, Bob Mickey, John Miller, Merrit Nelson, Susie

Nelson, Les Rhea, William Schuur, Jr., John Slott, Pat

Steffan,WilliamTriquart,DougVieselmeyer, Dick Wegner, Rick Yorkk, Jim Yurina, Joe Zelazny

Lifetime State DirectorsRobert Camp, Don Cash, Lyle

Fox, Steve Garitone, John Slott

Official Publication of: Master Builders Association of Pierce County1120PacificAve.,Ste.301,Tacoma,WA98402

Phone: (253) 272-2112 Fax: (253) 383-1047www.mbapierce.com info@mbapierce.com

Tiffany Speir- ext. 104 Executive Officer

Kawehi Marshall, CGA, CGP- ext. 105Events & Education Director

Shawn Hoey- ext. 101 Government Affairs Manager

Local DirectorsErnie Dittmann, Josh Dunn,

Dennis Gregory, Ron Hendrickson, Leslie Jensen, Cathi Mahan, Joe Maxwell,

Bob McClellan, Tessa Miller, Gary Pedersen Mike Schwartz, Steve Shattuck

CGR/CAPS, Erle Thompson, Tim Yokes, Duke York CGR/

CAPS

State DirectorsKent Arola, Mike Fast CGR, Dan Garber, Steve Garitone, Ron Hendrickson, Rick Hjelm CGR/CR, Randy Kruse, Gary

Patterson, Matt Rock, Tom O’Connor, Corey Watson

National DirectorsBob Camp , Mike Fast CGR,

Lyle Fox, Jeff Hill, Susie Nelson (Alt), Pat Steffan (Alt.)

Kim Taylor- ext. 103Member Benefits DirectorLaura Haworth- ext. 102

Communications/Marketing Manager

charitable group. It also is bringing members together to donate time, labor, and materials to construct a home as a group.

The House for Hope is a way for MBA to partner with an organization that is helping to groom our future workforce by providing hope and direction to young kids struggling in school and at the same time helping to replenish MBA’s reserve funds, which have been used to sustain MBA operations over the last 4 years. This project really centers around investing in our future! The ground breaking ceremony will be on January 7th. I hope to see you all there.

In addition to doing projects like this, we will continue toinfluenceeconomicrecoverybyworkingcloselywithlocal agencies to streamline regulations and ultimately reduce the cost of permitting to the extent we can. This focus will help our builders be more competitive with neighboring counties, reduce their costs of doing business, and lead us to be the economic stimulus we once were here is Pierce County.

Tiffany and I serve on the “Best Permitting Agency” Executive Committee task force commissioned by Pierce County Executive McCarthy. The purpose of this effort is to make Pierce County the Best Permitting Agency in the state. We will continue to support this mission next year and carry its model into dialogue with the local cities urging them to also adopt such a lofty and aspiring goal. I would like to see Pierce County as a whole (the County and its cities) - to be known as the Best Permitting Agencies in the state.

I also believe we have more power in numbers on the legislative front by working with other local HBA’s more directlyoutsideofquarterlyBIAWmeetings.Sharingsuccesses and perceived failures with one another can onlybreedefficienciesintoourdailyeffortsaswelobbybureaucrats and regulators to help the building industry recover. I have been a member of other associations for years and a participant in their government affairs efforts, and I am proud to say that MBA of Pierce County’s government affairs program is second to none. By combining efforts and resources with the HBA’s around us where we can on regional legislative issues, we can only grow stronger.

Lifetime National DirectorsRobert Camp, Ray Dally, Mike Fast CGR, Lyle Fox, Jim Yurina

GIVING YOUR ALL TO YOUR ASSOCIATION

continued on page 7

continued from page 3

6 - MBA DIMENSIONS

TACOMA PERMITTING BUDGET,

From the Government Affairs ManagerShawn Hoey

Tacoma Planning Commission Vacant Position – The Planning Commission has an opening available for citizens residing in Council District No. 2 (North End, Downtown

and Northeast). The position was vacated recently with the resignation of the incumbent. The appointee will be expected to serve through the rest of the three-year term which endsJune30,2015.ApplicationsmustbesubmittedtotheMayor’sOfficebyFriday,

January 18, 2013. The application can be downloaded from http://www.cityoftacoma.org/commissions. The boundaries of District 2 can be viewed at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/councildistricts.

New Departmental Organization for Tacoma Permitting: In the fall of 2012, Tacoma reorganized BLUS and Public Works and created a new department, Planning and Development Services (P&DS.) P&DS’ mission statement is as follows:

• Partner with community• Build a livable, sustainable and safe City• Providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost effective service• Focused culture of community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability and continuous improvement

The chart below demonstrates the new P&DS organizational structure.

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January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com - 7

Detached: Nov. ‘12 Av. New Hm. Price = $265,124 / Median New Hm. Price = $249,000 / Av. New Hm. Cost per Sq. Ft. = $114.34 (up 13% from 11/11)

Attached (new & existing): Nov. ‘12 Av. Hm. Price = $163,125 / Median Hm. Price = $143,250 / New Av. Cost Per Sq. Ft. = $123.22 (down 26% from 11/11) Nov. ‘12 Average Lot Price = $43,087 / Median Lot Price = $34,000 / Av. Lot = 16% of Av. Home Price Med. Lot = 15% of Med. Home Price

Av. Foreclosed SF Home Price: $164,277 (33.9% of existing homes / 76% of all homes for sale) Source: RealEstats (360-693-6525) NOV. ‘12 YTD ‘12 NOV. ‘11 YTD ‘11

PIERCE COUNTY Lots Created 0 244 0 353

SF Base / Custom 47 / 42 659 / 430 38 / 26 591 / 294 Addition / Remodel 22 / 13 314 / 92 26 / 3 354 / 73

Duplex / Man. / TownHouse 5 / 7 / 0 39 / 110 / 0 0 / 5 / 0 26 / 97 / 0 BONNEY LAKE

SF / Add-Remodel 4 / 7 88 / 37 2 / 0 62 / 18 MF / Manufactured 0 / 0 0 / 1 0 / 0 0 / 1

DUPONT SF / Add-Remodel 0 / 4 0 / 10 0 / 1 29 / 13 MF / Manufactured 0 / NA 0 / NA 0 / NA 5 / NA

FIFE SF / Add-Remodel 6 / NA 22 / NA 0 / NA 4 / NA

TACOMA SF / Add-Remodel 5 / 35 140 / 536 15 / 35 163 / 590 MF / Manufactured 0 / 0 8 / 2 23 / 0 32 / 0

UNIVERSITY PLACE SF / Add-Remodel 3 / 6 29 / 58 0 / 0 / 2 14 / 0 / 45 MF / Manufactured 0 / 0 2 / N/A 0 / NA 0 / NA

me to do this, and it is one of my passions.

I would like to end on another personal note. Recently, I attended a funeral for my brother in law. He was a firefighterandhediedfromlungcancerfromfightingfires.Hehadbeenfightingfiresfor25years.Earlierinhis career they used to run into houses without masks on. There were several pictures of him with smoke all over his face. This was a pretty special funeral. I knew my brother and law really well. We were standing there at the gravesite and they did what is called last call.

My niece is a dispatch caller and she got on her walkie talkie. She said “Attention , emergency services only on this channel. Captain Kurt Aikele, this is dispatch to Captain Kurt Aikele. Dispatch calling Kurt Aikele.” And there was no response. Then she said “Dispatch calling Captain Kurt Aikele. Captain Kurt Aikele is not responding. Captain Kurt Aikele is 10-8. We love you Kurt.Youwillbemissed-youaredefinitelypartofwhowe are and what we have become

I share that with you because I would hope you have made a difference within this organization. When we are dispatched I hope someone can say “this member is tending, we love you and you will be missed.” Thank you for all that you do, because if you are not giving it your all, you’re not giving enough. I love this organization. I love what it does and what it represents. I thank you for letting me serve and I can’t wait to see what Kurt does next year. Thank you.

continued from page 4

2013 MBA Proud Partners

Thank you to our 2013 MBA Proud Partners!

8 - MBA DIMENSIONS

AAA Kartak Glass & Closet Corporation

www.fasterandbetter.com

Alaska USA Mortgagewww.alaskausamortgage.com

Associated Petroleum Productswww.associatedpetroleum.com

Fournier Insurance Solutionswww.fourniergroup.net

Gray Lumber Companywww.graylumber.com

Lakewood Fordwww.lakewoodford.net

Parr Lumber Co.www.parr.com

Puget Sound Energywww.pse.com

ServiceMaster of Tacomawww.smtacoma.com

Team Me Up Scottywww.teammeupscotty.com

Proud Partners is a Dimensions Sponsorship available through

the TSC sponsorship campaign. Please Contact Kawehi

Marshall at 253.272.2112 ext. 105 if you would like to be listed

as a proud partner.

Pedersen Construction

THANK YOU

January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com - 9

Built Green®: Working in Partnership for a Sustainable Built Environment in Tacoma and Pierce County. Why aren’t YOU green yet?

Not a Built Green® member? Want to find out more about Built Green®? Go to www.builtgreenpierce.org or contact Tiffany Speir (272-2112 ext. 104) today!

www.knowyourpower.com

Congratulations to the 2012 member companies certifying homes through Tacoma-Pierce County Built Green (TPCBG):

Newland Communities Benjamin Ryan Communities

Tacoma-Pierce Co. Habitat for Humanity Lennar Northwest

O’Connor & Associates Quadrant Homes

Richmond American Homes

Why join Tacoma-Pierce County Built Green®? Access and discounts to great educational opportunities

Networking opportunities with fellow green building members Advertising opportunities for you and your company as TPCBG members

TPCBG advertises YOU and the program to the public Free Built Green® yard signs and advertising materials for your projects

Get ahead of building codes and provide a built better, high performance product!

Check out the resources – including cool videos geared towards general contractors, subcontractors, and the public - at TPCBG’s

website @ www.builtgreenpierce.org You can also check out statewide Built Green info @

www.builtgreenwashington.org

Check out TPCBG’s booth at the 2013 Tacoma Homes & Garden Show January 23-27!

PSE.com/BuilderIncentives

WELCOME TO 2013!

10 - MBA DIMENSIONS

Welcome to 2013! I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for all of your efforts towards

making 2012 a fantastic year of membership recruiting and retention. In a period of time where many of the locals across our state and nation

have struggled, Pierce County has weathered the storm incredibly well. In fact, because of everyone’s dedication we’ve actually managed to grow! I’d like to share just a couple of numbers with you. As of the date of the writing of this article:

• November member count was 676 – up from October’s count of 659.• November retention number was 77.3% - up from October’s number of 75.9%. The last time the MBAPC was at 77.3% was December 2008. The highest retention rate in 4 years!• As of December 17, 2012, we had a net increase of 17 members from the December 31, 2011.• As of December 17, 2012, we had 19 more new members to report for December which is typically the slowest recruiting month of the year!•

I’mlookingforwardto2013beinganequallysuccessfulyear.Themembership committee is dedicated to working hard to continue to grow our builder membership as well as our associate membership. We will do this by promoting the “Just One” campaign. We will be offering member meet and greets throughout the year. We are working on some new recruiting programs where we get out in front of potential new members by holding recruiting events at some of our member’s business locations. We will continue to take advantage of partnering with all the various committees at MBAPC so all the committee’s efforts will be united and strong.

Part of being able to be successful is by having new and fresh input.Themembershipcommitteeisofficiallyputtingoutacalltoall members to join us in our efforts. If you have been interested in becoming more involved in the MBA, please consider coming to one of the committee meetings. It’s a perfect way to help shape the future of our organization by recruiting great new people, and making sure we continue to bring value to all of our current builder and associate members. Our next meeting will be January 15, 2013 at 4:00 pm at the Puyallup Red Robin. The committee meets monthly, typically one hour before the general membership meeting. For exact times, dates, and locations please see the MBA calendar on the website. If you would like to be on the email mailing list for membership committee information,pleasecontactKimTaylor,MemberBenefitsDirectorforthe MBAPC. Again, thank you all for your input and efforts, and let’s have a successful 2013!

From the Membership ChairErnie Dittmann, ServiceMaster Of Tacoma

Part of being able to be successful is by having new and fresh input. The membership

committee is officially putting out a call to all members to join us. in our efforts.

Help WantedMembership Committee Vice Chair

Part time work - Full time fun!

MBAPC’s Membership Committee has an immediate

opening for their 2013 Vice Chair position.

Applicant will assist Chair on growing Association through: • Member recruitment and retention• Providing outreach to new and renewing members • Engage others in Association activities • Educating members on the rewards of membership

Applicant will also run Spike Club activities such as:• SpikeClubraffle• Plan Spike Club party • Spike report

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month immediately before the General Membership meetings

Contact: Kim Taylor, 253.272.2112 ext. 103

QUICK FACTS: WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU

Topic: Employer Mandate – “Play or Pay Penalty”

Background: Employer Mandate to Provide Aff ordable Health Insurance Options

The Play or Pay penalty which begins in 2014, states that large employers (those employing 50 or more full-time equivalent

employees) will be subject to a penalty if one or more full-time employees receives a tax credit or cost-sharing reduction (a

“Subsidy”) based on one of the following conditions:

1. The employer doesn’t off er coverage, or

2. The coverage off ered by the employer either does not provide minimum value or is unaff ordable to the employee.

Note: If you have less than 50 full time (or full time equivalent) employees, this requirement does not pertain to you.

Topic: Medical Loss Ratios or MLR

Background: The Aff ordable Care Act requires health insurance issuers to submit data on the proportion of premium

revenues spent on clinical services and quality improvement versus administration costs. Large group plans (over 50 Em-

ployees) must spend at least 85% of premium dollars on claims and activities to improve health care quality. Individual and

small group insurers must spend at least 80% of premium dollars on claims and activities to improve health care quality. If

they fail to meet these standards, they will be required to provide a rebate to their customers starting in 2012. Rebates must

be paid by August 1st each year

Topic: Summary of Benefi t and Coverage (SBC)

Background: As directed by the Aff ordable Care Act, health insurance companies will soon provide consumers with docu-

ments detailing, simple and consistent information about health plan insurance policy benefi ts and coverage. The goal is to

help consumers better understand the coverage they have. Health insurance companies will be required to make available

a uniform glossary of health-coverage and medical terms commonly used in those documents, such as “deductible” and

“co-pay”.

Topic: Pre Existing Conditions

Background: Under the Aff ordable Care Act, if you have a pre-existing condition, insurance companies will not be allowed

to deny you coverage based on that condition. For children under the age of 19, this protection was phased in beginning

on September 23, 2010. For adults aged 19 and older, it will be phased in beginning on January 1, 2014. Insurers will have

to accept everyone who wants to purchase a plan, regardless of their health status.

Topic: Dependent Coverage For Children Up Until The Age of 26

Background: Plans that provide coverage for dependents are required to extend the coverage of dependents to age 26,

regardless of their eligibility for other insurance coverage, eff ective Sept. 23, 2010. Plans must provide coverage to all

eligible dependents, including those who are not enrolled in school, not dependents on their parents’ tax returns, and those

who are married.

800-545-7011www.epkbenefits.com

HEALTH CARE REFORM

12 - MBA DIMENSIONS

A & S Interiors IncKevin SpruellPO Box 1246Eatonville, WA 98328(253) 250-2635 F (253) 843-2456 www.aandsinteriors.orgGeneral Contractor; Cabinets Spike: Tim Yokes

Alphagraphics TacomaScott Dumas5005PacificHwyEFife, WA 98424(253) 922-6349 F (253) 276-4949 www.alphagraphicstacoma.com Printing Services; Signs/Banners; Design, Graphic/WebsiteSpike: Paul Fishel

Chicago Title CoRyan Kalalau5605 112th St E #900 Puyallup, WA 98373(253) 318-1909 F (253) 475-5518 www.cticppierce.comTitle Insurance/Escrow Spike: Denise Sokol

Currey Group IncCara Currey22017 SE Wax Rd, Ste 102 Maple Valley, WA 98038(206) 734-4226 F(425) 569-6901 www.curreygrouponline.com Real Estate Spike: Kurt Wilson

Freestone Inc J.ScottGriffin,Jr6820 20th St EFife, WA 98424(253) 896-1300 F (253) 896-0600 www.freestonecompanies.com Builder Builder, Single Family; Builder, Custom; Land Developer Spike: Kurt Wilson

Harbour Homes LLCJamie Waltier1441 N 34th St #202 Seattle WA 98103(206) 315-8130 F (206) 315-8131www.harbourhomes.com Builder, Single Family Spike: Kurt Wilson

Homestreet BankKen Engelbert3315 S 23rd St, Ste 100 Tacoma, WA 98405(253) 405-3090 F (253) 627-8043 ken.engelbert@homestreet.com Mortgages/Specialty Financing; Bank Spike: Lessley Shirley

Insurance Specialty Group Curtis Rosser28515 NE 28th StCamas, WA 98607(360) 833-1453www.insurancespecialtygroup.comInsuranceSpike: Susie Nelson

J & M ManagementJim Edinger17404 Meridian E-PMB 171 Ste FPuyallup, WA 98387 253) 848-1947 x101 F (253) 848-1948www.jandmmanagement.com Property ManagementSpike: Kurt Wilson

Kurtisy Construction LLC Kurtis Hirning 16502 71st Ave EPuyallup, WA 98375 253) 273-4524 F(253) 538-5280 Fences/Decks/RailingsSpike: Kurt Wilson

Laer Enterprises IncTony Laer13701 24th St E #F-10 Sumner, WA 98390(253) 863-1281F (253) 863-9077 www.laerenterprises.com Siding Spike: Kurt Wilson

Marcus & MillichapHamid Panahi601 Union St, Ste 2710 Seattle, WA 98101(206) 826-5700 F (206) 826-5710www.marcusmillichap.comReal Estate Investment SalesSpike: Kurt Wilson

O’Sheas CateringErin LarsonPO Box 8969Tacoma, WA 98419(253) 475-1669 F(253) 475-1657 www.osheascatering.com CateringSpike: Paul Fishel

Pacific Alaska Lumber Co LLC Patti Smith9810 40th Ave SW, Ste C Lakewood, WA 98499 (253) 414-0200 F (253) 444-3561 www.pacaklumber.com Building Materials/Lumber/Products; Supplier, General; Manufacturer, Modular/Panel/Log Spike: Bob McClellan

Parker Kimball Casework Inc Michael Kimball3417 Chapel St SLakewood, WA 98499 (253) 682-0122 F (253) 589-4975Cabinets; Millwork; Carpentry, Finish/Interior Spike: Sue Zimmerman

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS as of 11/30/12

January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com -13

Polygon Northwest Co IncNick Abdelnour11624 SE 5th St, Ste 200 Bellevue, WA 98005(425) 586-7700 F(425) 688-0500 www.polygonhomes.com Builder, Single Family; Builder, Multi-family-Condo/Coop/Rental; Land DeveloperSpike: Kurt Wilson

Puget Sound Petroleum Inc Lindsey Larson10108 Portland Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445(253) 539-5959 F (253) 565-7676FuelingSpike: Pat Steffan

SoundBuilt Northwest Elizabeth KrausPO Box 73790 Puyallup, WA 98373-0790(253) 845-0820 F (253) 535-0977 www.soundbuilthomes.com Builder, Single Family; Land DeveloperSpike: Kurt Wilson

Tacoma Hydraulic & Machine IncPaul Buol405 A Porter Way Milton, WA 98354(253) 383-5761 F (253) 572-5881www.tacomahydraulics.comLogging/Clearing/Chipping; Welding Contractor; Marine ConstructionSpike: Sue Zimmerman

Valley Supply CompanyDan Maki516 Valley Ave NEPuyallup, WA 98372(253) 881-1671 F (253) 881-1965 www.valleysupply.comSupplier, GeneralSpike: Tim Yokes

Advanced Build NWGary Nicks12621PacificHwySWLakewood, WA 98499 (253) 566-0341 F (253) 566-0403www.advancedbuildnw.com Builder General ContractorSpike: Kent Arola

Lutz Tile, IncJohn Lutz12715 133rd Ave EPuyallup, WA 98372(253) 840-5011 F (253) 840-8545 www.lutztiles.com Granite/Marble/Stone/Tile; Tile, Manufacturer/Remanufacturer Spike: Steve Shattuck

Our members earned a 35% refund on their L&I premium and only paid $99 to join. MBAs’ GRIP (Group Retrospective Insurance Program) may be able to lower your payments to L&I AND potentially help you earn refunds on every dollar you pay. Quarterly enrollment for the 2012-2013 plan year is ongoing. To enroll for the April 1 start date, forms must be submittedtoGRIPbyMarch15.ContacttheMBAOfficeat(253) 272-2112, ext 103 or at membership@mbapierce.com to get your company enrolled.

BENEFITS OF GRIP:• $99, 1-Time, Refundable Enrollment Fee• No Premium Minimum to Participate• FREE Claims Assistance• FREE Safety Program Assistance• FREE Education Programs• FREE Multilingual Services• Nurse Case Managers, Expert Witness & Legal Services and More

GRIPGroup Retrospective Insurance Program

SPEND LESS. EARN MORE.

Yokes Construction, LLCRuss YokesPO Box 4430Spanaway, WA 98387(253) 847-9460 F (253) 847-7638 Foundations/Flatwork; Concrete, PumpingSpike: Tim Yokes

WELCOME BACK

14 - MBA DIMENSIONS

Another GREAT Benefit of the MBA of Pierce County!

Call us at 425-641-8093Email us at sales@epkbenefits.com

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Did you know that the

MBA of Pierce County has access to the

Northwest’s largest industry-specific

health insurance trust?

We save local companies, just like yours,

thousands of dollars each year in health

insurance premiums!

January 2013 | www.mbapierce.com -15

As we change

the guard in the

Remodelors™ Council, I would like to thank Duke York for his service and leadership this past year. We appreciate your investment.

2013 is here and we are celebrating the new year. (Or are we celebrating the end of 2012?) Either way, thank you for electing me as your 2013 remodelers council chair along with Erle Thomspon, Home Make Overs Made Simple as your vice chair. I am honored to serve and together I believe we can promote the Remodelors™ Council, (RC) in a positive way.

There are some procedures I want to continue with, and a couple of new things to initiate:

First—To honor our veterans, our founding fathers and our country, we will start our meetings with the Pledge of Allegience.

Second—We have launched a new steering committee. The intent of this committee is to help set procedures and guide the Council forward and to take care of some of the business

RC GOALS FOR 2013From The Remodelors™ Council ChairSteve Shattuck, Shattuck & Associates, Inc.

items so we do not spend so much time in the Council meeting doing these things. Again, our intent is to have short meetings and use this time for networking and solving issues and learning about our hosts and suppliers (improving our suppliers businesses.)

The rest of my goals for 2013 and beyond have been forming for some time and they are all basic truths that if followed and promoted will help the council and your business grow.

First—Do business with a member. Support your council member and they will support you.

Second—Invest in yourself and your business by taking advantage of the education classes offered by MBA and BIAW. Get your certification or just improve your knowledge. Your clients deserve your best.

Third—Because we all believe that membership is advantageous for us and our business, Sponsor (JUST 1) business and help them grow. When that happens, our council grows automatically.

I have heard so many good things about our Remodelors™ Council and the involvement from its members. This involvement is what helps make it great and so I encourage all of us to keep involved not only in the RC, but in the MBA as well.

Please know that I am always available to discuss anything or listen to suggestions for the betterment of OUR council. Let’s all make the new year a positive and prosperous one.

The intent of this committee is to help set procedures and guide the Council

forward and to take care of some of the business items so we do not spend so

much time in the council meeting doing these things.

Get your certification or just improve your

knowledge. Your clients deserve your best.

Members 2 to 4 YearsAbove the Best, Inc.Island Rock & Water, LLCFournier Insurance SolutionsG & G Cabinets, LLCStellar Industrial Supply LLCSumner Carpet One

Members First YearAnything Automotive LLCDouble Check & Balance Accounting & Consulting Inc.Holocene Drilling Inc.South Tacoma Glass SpecialistsSTOP Inc.Tacoma Metals, Inc.Team Me Up ScottyWatterson Excavation Inc.

THANKS FOR RENEWING*

*As of 11/30/12

Members 25 to 29 YearsProjects West, Inc.

Members 20 to 24 YearsC R Gutters, Inc.Jacobson & CompanyColumbia BankSpectrum Sign Company, Inc.

Members 15 to 19 YearsPuget Sound Fireplace Inc.Gateway GMAC Real EstateHill Custom HomesShope Concrete Products, Inc.Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc.

Members 10 to 14 YearsGypsum Wallboard Supply, Inc.Larson Glass Co., Inc.Reding Construction, Inc.Fireside of Washington, Inc.

Members 5 to 9 YearsRPD (Rickabaugh Pentecost Development, LLC)Access Windows & Glass, LLCOld Town Tile, LLCEvergreen Drywall & Construction LLCLarson & Associates Land Surveyors & Engineers, Inc.Rainier View Rooter LLCMcGavickGraves,P.S.-AffiliateLoriBemisMcGavickGraves,P.S.-AffiliateBrianGreenNorthwest Environmental & Equipment,Inc./NWContractorServicesRebuilding Together South SoundR-K Plumbing & Heating LLC

TOP 25 RECRUITING SPIKES

TOP 25 ALL TIME SPIKES

* Per NAHB Active Spikes as of 11/30/2012 Spikes that have recruited in the past 12

months.

* Per NAHB Spikes as of 11/30/2012

621.75534.75296.75284.25280.75255237.75174.75165.25158.25155.5134.75118.5104.2510494.59288.257062.559.7557.7547.545.2538.25

Dave GraffSteve GaritonePat SteffanSusie NelsonRick HjelmSteve ShattuckRandy KruseCathi MahanSue ZimmermanGordon NeuLyle FoxRebecca JonesDuke YorkKent ArolaGary PattersonKurt WilsonTom O’ConnorDan GarberJoe MaxwellJoe ZehnderScott ServenJosh DunnTim YokesLynne HillLaureen Skrivan

Dave GraffSteve GaritoneDavid LitowitzPat SteffanCarri LitowitzSusie NelsonRick HjelmSteve ShattuckRandy KruseRobert CampWilliam Schuur JrDave HendricksonCathi MahanBud CrestKirk HarrSue ZimmermanGordon NeuMichael R FastLyle FoxRebecca JonesFred BrownDuke YorkWayne ManganKent ArolaGary Patterson

6621.75534.75331296.75285284.25280.75255237.75209.5192.5176.5174.75173.5167165.25158.25156155.5134.75119.5118.5116.5104.25104