For immediate release

Contact: Annie Nommensen, Event & Education Manager, 262-436-1122

MBA Announces Educational Courses
Offered During January  

(Waukesha, WI) – December 21, 2007 – In today’s competitive business climate, it is critical for developers, builders, remodelors, and those affiliated with the construction industry to be able to separate themselves from the competition. That’s why the MBA introduced our Certified Construction Professional program in 2004. A CCP designation speaks to an individual’s dedication to continuing education as well as his or her dedication to the customer and the home building industry. Educated professionals are more likely to educate their customers on the latest technologies available in the home building industry. Professionals who are constantly learning and challenging themselves are not afraid to share new techniques and applications with their customers. The MBA is proud to report that in the third year of the CCP program, over 400 MBA members are well on their way to certification.  

In the month of January, the following courses are available to MBA members and other professionals:   * Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at the Metropolitan Builders Association, N16 W23321 Stone Ridge Dr., Waukesha  

January 17th – Codes, Regulations, and Safety: Part I of III Presented by:  Joe Wendelberger, J. Anthony Homes and Everett Wood, Siesennop & Sullivan, Attorneys at Law This session will review the construction process (addressing remodeling and new home construction aspects) implementing single family code references, DATCP regulations, and safety references.
Cost: $50 per course, $150 for all three classes of the three part series – MBA Member          
$75 per course, $225 for all three classes of the three part series – Non-Member Class Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ? 4.5 CCP Credit Hours in the Construction/Development Series ? Sponsored by: Continental Wisconsin Sign  

January 23rd – Wetlands: Understanding the NR 103 Decision Process Presented by: Cherie Hagen & Bob Wakeman, Department of Natural Resources The DNR is allowed to consider wetland compensatory mitigation in its wetland permitting decision process. Compensatory mitigation involves wetland restoration, enhancement, or creation to "compensate" for wetland loss either through projects completed by the applicant or through the purchase of credits from pre-approved mitigation banks. The Wisconsin regulations define the circumstances when DNR can consider a mitigation project as one of the alternatives for a project proposal. The goal of the program is that best overall environmental consequences result from the wetland regulatory process in Wisconsin. This seminar will discuss the overall NR 103 process, scoping the project purpose, and hiring a wetland delineator. Please contact the MBA at 262-436-1122, in advance of the seminar, if you would like other related topics or questions addressed during the presentation.
Cost: $30 MBA member / $50 non-member? Class Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 1.5 CCP Credit Hours in the Construction/Development Series ? Sponsored by: National Survey & Engineering  

January 24th – Contracts & Specs, Part II of III Presented by: Various Speakers This session will review the official building contract and remodeling agreement that is commonly used in the industry. Both contracts implement state regulations, such as the Right to Repair law and DATCP 110. This session will also review the official trade contractor agreement contract, which is 2 pages in length and covers project description/location; contract price; changes; authority to contract for the work; default prior to start of construction; project time; lien notice; signatures; enforceability; entire agreement; acceptance; and any special provisions. This session will review in detail the general building specifications form.    
Cost: $50 per course, $150 for all three classes of the three part series – MBA Member $75 per course, $225 for all three classes of the three part series – Non-member ? Class Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 4.5 CCP Credit Hours in the Business Practices Series ? Sponsored by: Continental Wisconsin Sign 

January 29th – Residential Sales & Marketing Conference Presented by: Carol M. Flammer, Flammer Relations, Inc. and Mitch Levinson, Mitch Levinson Consulting The Residential Sales & Marketing Conference will provide industry professionals an opportunity to hone their professional skills to achieve greater success in sales and marketing. Builders, Developers, Remodelors, Trade Contractors & Suppliers, and Business Line professionals are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $40 Half Day / $60 Full Day – MBA Member/Non-Member Class time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ? 6 CCP Credit Hours in the Sales/Marketing Series  

January 31st – Theft by Contract, Lien Process, and Warranties, Part III of III Presented by: Various Speakers This session will review Lien Law, the sale or construction of a property for closing; discuss the standard one-year warranty; and understand in detail the regulations associated with theft by contract.
Cost: $50 per course, $150 for all three classes of the three part series – MBA Member            
$75 per course, $225 for all three classes of the three part series – Non-member
Class Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ? 4.5 CCP Credit Hours in the Business Practices Series ? Sponsored by: Continental Wisconsin Sign  

The MBA is a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year. The MBA has a long standing tradition of giving back to the community through a variety of philanthropic ventures.