NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER To promote, educate and advocate for the Residential Building & Remodeling Industry; providing resources that benefit industry professionals and consumers in the communities we serve. The 2021 Home Show has been officially cancelled. The HBR Board of Directors has been challenged with tough decisions about holding our Annual Home Show and largest fundraiser. The restrictions in place have brought them to the conclusion to come back in 2022 with this event. This also inspired the Board to find a way to spotlight our industry and will be holding a Showcase Home Event in 2021. More on page 4 WHATS INSIDE Membership Social Event Review FCA Vehicles (Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep & Ram) program ending in 2020 OP SQU Score of 302 This includes 2019 to 2021 makes and models Click here for a complete list of vehicles and how to receive your $500 cash allowance Chevy, GM, Nissan & Infiniti discounts on select sedans, crossovers, SUVs, sports cars, luxury models, pick up trucks and cargo vans will remain in place thru 2021 offering from $500 to $1,000 off your vehicle Click here for the vehicle lists and other discounts offered from NAHB Upcoming Event Registrations Nov 5 - Trivia Night Dec 10 - PWB Sleigh of Spirits Raffle Dec 30 - Job Fair with R3 Development Membership Directory Ad Rates 2021 Annual Sponsorship Program 2021 Home Building Impact Housing Pays for Itself Scholarship Program Sponsorship Membership Announcements New Home Start Permit Report Statewide Sexual Harassment Training NAHB Education - Builder to Builder Webinar Series NAHB International Builder Show X Illinois Policy Institute - Fair Tax Article Page 1
As always, it is a goal of the HBR to help members make the most of their membership and to bring awareness of what the HBR does for their members. It was a great event filled with familiar faces and industry friends. Page 2
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HBR SHOWCASE HOME ANNOUNCEMENT The Showcase Home goals are to educate public of new home construction while sharing positive public relations for the HBR members. We will create a Trade Show in a Home with displays and video marketing the features of the Showcase Home. This Showcase Home will be a $300k-$400k located in the Metro East. To start this process the Showcase Home Committee will include all HBR Members for their consideration to be part of the Showcase Home throughout the process: • Lot Selection (received over 70 lots to review) • Floor Plan Design • General Contractor • Lender • Suppliers • Trade Partners Prior to completion we will host open houses and a preview party to highlight construction techniques, materials and products incorporated into the home. After completion of the home general public open houses will be conducted. Page 4
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Learn from Your Peers in the Builder-to-Builder Webinar Series This November, NAHB Education is offering a builder-to-builder webinar series. Builders will share their insider tips and strategies to help you position your business for success. These dynamic hour-long webinars are structured to help you build your business and enhance your skills. Reserve your spot today. If you are unable to attend on the day of the webinars but are interested in the content, register now because you will get access to the webinar replay for 12 months. Building Through Adversity Monday, Nov. 2, 2-3 p.m. ET Speaker: Jared Maybon, Highland Homes LLC., Director of Operations Learn how to implement systems, policies and procedures that will help your company manage adversity and come out stronger on the other side. Register today. How Award-Winning Builders Achieve Operational Excellence Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2-3 p.m. ET Speakers: Rich Binsacca, Editor-in-Chief, Professional Builder magazine; Todd Booze, CGP, Director National Housing Quality Award, Professional Builder Magazine; Robert G. Kehlor, n/a, Executive Partner, True Homes; and Tim OBrien, CGP, President, Tim O’Brien Homes Gain insights from fellow builders who will share the culture, leadership, strategic approach and dedication to operational excellence that has earned them award-winning recognition in our industry. Register today. Leadership in the Trenches: Beyond Buzz Words Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2-3 p.m. ET Speaker: J. Bradley Simons, Vice President & CFO, Magleby Construction Learn simple leadership habits that can make a difference in your company and your everyday interaction with your team, trade partners and suppliers. Register today. Check out these other fantastic November webinars: The Future of Urban & Suburban Housing in the Wake of COVID-19Thursday, Nov. 5, 2-3 p.m. ET Becoming the “Essential Closer”Thursday, Nov. 12, 2-3 p.m. ET Education National Association of Home Builders Page 8
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in St. Clair County The Impact of Home Building The Home Builders & Remodelers Association recently conducted this report thru the NAHB to capture the effect of construction activity, the ripple impact and ongoing impact that results from new homes becoming occupied. Below is a detailed breakdown of the imposed costs on local government. We will continue to share this information, in parts, for you to know that our industry has one of the biggest roles in our local economy. This information is available to our members and will be shared with our municipalities in the near future. Results for 100 Single-Family Homes Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Expenses Revenues 232,900 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 465,700 Operating Surplus 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 Capital Investment Interest on Debt 2,576,400 2,343,500 1,351,000 55,300 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 1,245,900 18,600 Revenue Net of Costs & Interest 937,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 761,600 780,200 780,200 780,200 780,200 Year 1: Revenues are made up of Local Government Revenues during the Construction Phase, Ripple Phase and half of the Occupancy Phase. Expenses in the first year are only 1/2 of costs since homes are not fully occupied. Capital investment for infrastructure principle is a one-time cost. Year 2: Full Occupancy Phase revenue and Local Government costs have a net result of $780,200 net or $7,802 per new home. Year 11: Capital equipment purchases become fully depreciated and need to be replaced. Page 10
RENEWING MEMBERS Allen Roofing - 14 years Ameren Illinois - 19 years Bath Fitter - 11 years Broadview Screen - 14 years CertainTeed Corp - 8 years Chesley Fence & Deck - 35 years Christ Truck Service - 11 years Copious Technologies - 11 years Daech & Bauer Roofing - 23 years Fulford Home Remodeling - 8 years Fulford Homes LLC - 43 years Gillihan Concrete - 6 years Goley Insulation - 38 years Himstedt Roofing - 17 years Kerber, Eck & Braeckel - 28 years LF & Son Construction - 13 years Pella Windows & Doors - 4 years Red-E-Mix - 32 years Rollex Corporation - 10 years SLD Enterprises - 4 years Superior Home Products - 20 years Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen - 29 years Village of Shiloh - 6 years Weyerhaeuser - 4 years NEW MEMBER James Johnson Johnson Home Contracting 208 Pierce Blvd, O’Fallon, IL 62269 O: 618.772.9889 Email: johnsonhomecontracting@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING COUNCIL BlindQuest REMODELERS COUNCIL CMI Construction Custom Marble Fulford Home Remodeling Martin Glass Company R.P. Lumber Red-E-Mix Visit our Showroom 850 South Mulberry Street Millstadt, IL 618.476.1345 www.custommmarble.net Manufacturer of the finest Cultured Marble products for over 40 years. Provider & Installer of Solid Surface, Quartz & Granite countertops. Page 11
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) released its model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training program for Illinois employers to comply with Public Act 101-0221 (commonly referred to as the Workplace Transparency Act). Under this Act, Illinois employers are required to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, and on an annual basis thereafter. This requirement applies to all employers with employees working in this State. Employers must either develop their own sexual harassment prevention training program that equals or exceeds the minimum standards for sexual harassment prevention training outlined in Section 2-109(B) of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), or they may use the model training provided by the IDHR. Download the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Download the model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training program in PowerPoint format. Alternatively, you can download the training in a PDF format. Employers Required to Provide Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for All Employees •Every employer in the State of Illinois is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training that complies with section 20198 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. •All employees regardless of their status (i.e. short-term, part-time, or intern) must be trained. •If an employer has an independent contractor working on-site with employer’s staff, the independent contractor should receive sexual harassment prevention training. Record of Compliance Employers should keep an internal record of training compliance to be made available for IDHR inspection upon request. Records that reflect compliance may include but are not limited to, a certificate of participation, a signed employee acknowledgement, or training sign-in worksheets. A record of training should include the names of employees trained, the date of training, the sign-in worksheets, copies of certificates of participation issued, and a copy of all written or recorded materials that comprise the training as well as the name of the training provider, if applicable. Records may be paper based or electronic. Documentation of the training should not be sent to IDHR unless requested but should be kept on the employer's premises. Page 12
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The 2021 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) has transitioned to a virtual event. However, the exclusive IBS opportunities that attendees have come to expect from the in-person event will still exist — and even expand — to connect the home building industry together, online, during the IBS Virtual Experience (IBSx), Feb. 9-12, 2021. IBSx will showcase the must-have new products, tech and innovations that builders, remodelers and other residential construction industry pros will want to include in their upcoming projects. The latest trends, insights, tips and best practices will all be available at your fingertips — offering you everything you need to wow your customers. “Imagine having the Builders’ Show at your disposal? Literally ‘on demand’ on your laptop at home or even in your pocket on your smartphone while you’re on the go, at work or wherever,” said Duane Bickett, owner of Bickett’s Construction. “Attendees will be able to participate in education whenever it’s convenient for them. Combine that with all the demos, new product exhibits, tons of clickable features, one-on-one interactions, live sessions and more.” IBSx participants will explore real ideas and learn actionable solutions they need to be competitive and grow their business. Starting early-bird registration rates are free for NAHB members and $50 for non-members. Learn more and register today. IBSx Details IBSx will be held online, February 9-12, 2021. Our dedicated virtual team is creating a dynamic event that will deliver the same excitement and sense of discovery that you’ve come to expect from an in-person Builders’ Show. What can you expect at IBSx? • An exciting opening ceremonies with keynote speaker Mike Rowe • The NEW Start Up and Home Tech Zones • Product demos and the NEW Product Zone • Virtual tours of The New American Home and The New American Remodel • Live one-on-one meetings with top industry suppliers and service providers • Networking activities to connect with your colleagues • And for those with an All Access (Education + Expo) registration 70+ exclusive education sessions How will it work? • In late January, you’ll receive an email with your login and password to the virtual platform • You’ll log in each day to experience IBSx and interact with other attendees and exhibitors You’ll have access to the platform through March 31, 2021. Page 14
Members of Pritzker’s administration, advisors and lawmakers have suggested a progressive income tax should tax retirement income in Illinois. There are 2 million Illinoisans of retirement age, and currently the state does not tax their retirement income. But there is significant reason to believe the “fair tax” amendment to the Illinois Constitution would bring retirement taxes if passed. If Illinois begins taxing retirement income under the proposed progressive income tax schedule, an Illinoisan earning the average Social Security and retirement income would pay $2,482 in income taxes. Illinoisans on average receive $19,999 in annual Social Security benefits and $30,950 in retirement income from sources such as 401Ks or IRAs. That brings total retirement income to $50,949. Currently, none of that income is taxed. However, a progressive income tax could mean that these retirees will eventually pay taxes. According to proposed progressive income tax rates already passed by state lawmakers, that would take $2,482 in taxes from the average retiree annually. On Oct. 5, three Cook County retirees joined the Illinois Policy Institute in filing a lawsuit over the inaccurate language being presented to voters on the ballot. Among other things, the lawsuit points out that misleading statements mailed to all voters by the Illinois Secretary of State, “will induce retirees into voting to impose on themselves a tax on retirement income.” The lawsuit points to comments by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs in June stating that “[o]ne thing a progressive tax would do is make clear you can have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income, and, I think that’s something that’s worth discussion.” Frerichs planned a press event Oct. 6 to clarify his earlier comments, but canceled 12 minutes before it was to begin, without providing a reason for the cancelation. Others have been eager to fill in the reason: Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants the damage caused by Frerichs’ earlier admission minimized. All 32 states with a progressive income tax also tax some form of retirement income, including Connecticut, the last state to enact a progressive income tax. Frerichs is the most recent “fair tax” backer to make the connection between progressive tax powers and taxing retirees, but not the first. Pritzker’s head of the Illinois Department of Revenue previously proposed a bill to tax retirees and several prominent amendment backers have admitted passing the progressive tax is the first step to taxing retirement income in Illinois. Attempts to deny progressive taxes are linked to retirement taxes at this late stage, days before the Nov. 3 election, likely stem from widespread public opposition to taxing retirement income. A 2019 poll from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute found 73% of Illinoisans somewhat or strongly opposed eliminating the retirement exemption, while only 23% supported or somewhat supported the change. Crain’s Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz recently asked, “Is Pritzker’s graduated tax plan in trouble?” He pointed to Frerichs’ comments as one reason the answer might be “yes.” Progressive tax powers make it inherently easier to raise taxes on everyone by giving politicians the ability to raise taxes on small segments of the population, one at a time, rather than facing backlash from all taxpayers at once. This amendment would enable Springfield to begin taxing retirement income above a certain level at varying rates, gradually lowering income brackets to raise additional revenue by slowly adding more Social Security and pension income to the tax base. The amendment also grants lawmakers the ability to tax retirement income at a different rate than regular income, which could allow for rates to rise over time so the hikes generate less unified public opposition. Illinois residents need to know that passing the progressive income tax amendment would fail to deliver the benefits its proponents claim, as well as make it more likely Springfield will tax retirement income in the future. With Illinois’ economic growth already being held back by persistent population loss, the state can hardly afford to drive away even more residents as it works to recover from a pandemic. Bryce Hill, Senior Research Analyst Page 15
LendEDU, analyzed the most up-todate data on over 25,000 American cities, they found the 1,000 cities that have the highest proportions of veterans and active military members within their populations. These 1,000 cities were then ranked according to each one’s percentage of homes where the mortgage costs 30% or more of the household income. A lower percentage was more favorable. Specifically, 16.25% of O'Fallon's population is comprised of veterans and active military members, and only 17.02% of the houses in O'Fallon have a mortgage that costs 30% or more of the household income. Working Closely with NAHB, Nearly 100 Lawmakers Urge Trump to Act on Lumber Working in tandem with NAHB, nearly 100 Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Oct. 20 sent a letter to President Trump seeking urgent action on lumber supply shortages that have resulted in unprecedented price spikes in recent months that are threatening the housing industry and economic recovery. “These sharp increases are challenging, especially in light of the ongoing housing affordability crisis,” the congressional letter stated. “The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates the recent spike in softwood lumber costs has caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $16,148 since April 17. The market value of the average new multifamily home has increased by $6,107 over the same period.” The letter adds that housing can create jobs and boost the economy, but in order to do so, we must address the rising costs of lumber and other building materials. Lawmakers called on the administration to “bring all stakeholders to the table and work to find a solution to address lumber scarcity and subsequent price spikes to ensure everyone’s needs are met.” This is the latest action by NAHB to urge Congress and the administration to address this urgent issue. In August, letters were sent to President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer calling on the administration to take prompt action regarding soaring lumber prices and supply shortages that are harming the housing sector and the economy. A similar message was sent to the U.S. Lumber Coalition with a request to work together to address shortages in the lumber supply chain caused in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of August, NAHB Senior Officers held talks with members of the White House National Economic Council to discuss the impact that soaring lumber prices are having on the housing industry and to press for immediate action. At the end of September, the NAHB leadership reiterated strong concerns regarding the lumber supply situation in a virtual meeting with Commerce Secretary Ross. Based on the lumber price trend over the past month, NAHB’s ongoing efforts appear to be showing positive results. Lumber prices are currently roughly $750 per thousand board feet — down nearly 20% from their mid-September peak but still far too high. NAHB will continue working on all fronts to find solutions that will ensure U.S. home builders have access to a stable supply of lumber at reasonable prices to keep housing affordable for hardworking American families. View the congressional letter to President Trump. Page 16
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6100 West Main Street Maryville, IL 62062 Phone: 618-343-6331 E-mail: tbutler@hbrmea.org Web: www.hbrmea.org
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