For immediate release

Contact: Annie Nommensen, Event & Education Manager, 262.436.1122

MBA Announces Educational Courses
Offered During March

 (Waukesha, WI) – February, 2008 – In today’s competitive business climate, it is critical for developers, builders, remodelers, 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 600 MBA members are well on their way to certification.

In the month of March, 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

March 5th – Interactive Environmental Performance Planning: Grading, Stormwater, & Erosion Control
Presented by:  Various Speakers

DNR staff will lead attendees through an interactive environmental performance planning workshop.  Attendee teams will be created to identify environmental constraints, plan projects for maximum environmental benefit, and layout stormwater features that deliver function and performance.  A hands on exercise intended to improve your comfort level with the process necessary to adequately account for environment features and associated regulations on a parcel proposed for development. This seminar will establish the process DNR recommends that developers utilize prior to purchasing a property to ensure the value is reflective of development potential.
Cost:  $30 MBA member/$50 non-member Class Time:  9:00 a.m. ­ 11:30 a.m.
CCP Credit Hours: 2.5 hours in Construction/Development Series

March 13th – How to Make Your Marketing an Investment, Not an Expense
Presented by:  Jim Palzewicz, Action Coach

Learn tips you can use to measure the effectiveness of your marketing at your company. Find out what other companies are doing for marketing and make sure you are maximizing your marketing dollars.
Cost:  $30 MBA member/$50 non-member Class Time:  9:00 a.m. ­ 11:00 a.m.
CCP Credit Hours:  2.0 hours in the Sales & Marketing Series

March 20th – SMC Roundtable: Collaborating with Challenging Customers
Everyone would like all interactions with customers to go as smoothly as possible, but that doesn’t always happen. This session will cover tips for working with customers that can be challenging. Attendees will define customer satisfaction for their own respective product or service and learn what they can do to work with a customer not against them.
Cost:  $10 MBA member/$20 non-member Class Time:  7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
No CCP Hours

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.