WBSBA NEWSLETTERBuilding Today for a Better Tomorrow

OCTOBER 2016 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 10

WBSBA MEETINGS:

DINNER MEETINGSOctober

Tuesday, Oct. 18November

Tuesday, Nov. 15December

Member Holiday Party TBA

BOARD MEETINGS6:30 PM - WAHS

Oct. 17, 2016Nov. 14, 2016Dec. 19 2016

 

PBAPBA Northcentral Regional Meeting

Thur. Oct. 6th5:30 pm

Bullfrog BreweryWilliamsport

Fall 2016Board MeetingOct. 27th - 29thHershey Lodge

NAHB2017 International

Builders ShowJanuary 10-12

Orlando, FL

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:A LETTER TO THE MEMBERS: from the Executive Officer, pg. 3REGISTRATION FORM: Monthly dinner meeting registration, pg. 5SPOTLIGHT: WAHS Career & Technical Education Program, pgs. 8 & 9BUSINESS BLOCKS: Tips for Managing Millennials, pgs. 14 & 15CONSUMER CORNER: How to Find a Reputable Contractor, pgs. 18 & 19

COVER - 17 Quick Fall Fix-Ups for Your Home, pgs. 10-12 (...and we have just the the people you need!)

FASTFALL

FIX-UPS

570.323.TECH (8324)Compu-Gen.com

NETWORKING

WBSBA HAS MOVEDPLEASE UPDATE YOUR PROGRAMS AND

NOTIFY APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PREVENT DELAYS

AND MISSED CORRESPONDENCE.West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association

323 Grammer Rd., Suite 1, Williamsport, PA 17701 | Attn: Valerie Komarnicki

Inside this issue:An Open Letter to our Members from the Executive Officer ......................................................................3

October Dinner Meeting Registration Form ....................................................................................................5

Plentiful Jobs but Weak Growth, Wages and Inflation ..................................................................................7

SPOTLIGHT: WAHS Career & Technical Education / Cooperative Education Programs ................8-9

COVER STORY: 17 Quick Fall Fix Ups for Your Home .......................................................................... 10 -12

BUSINESS BLOCKS: 11 Tips for Managing Millennials ........................................................................ 14-15

NATIONAL FRONT:White House Releases Housing Development Toolkit ........................................ 16-17

STATE WATCH: Underwater mortgages falling by double digits in Central PA .................................17

CONSUMER CORNER: How to Find a Reputable Contractor .............................................................. 18-19

Learn About New PBA Member Rebate Program for Associates ...........................................................21

- Networking- Computers- Support

An Open Letter to Our Members from the Executive Officer: Please take a moment to read.

Dear Members (Builders and Associates)

It’snotoftenthatwefindourselvesinapositionwherewearesingularlyabletoeffectthelifeofanother,andin so doing, make our footprint in the world a little brighter for those who follow. I’m asking for a moment of your time.

Very recently, like so many of you, I found myself in the situation of needing a little extra hand in the office–someonewhocouldhelpoffsetthedailyroutinesoffiling,assistingonprojects,engaginginsocialmedia,brainstormingideas,andevenapplyingfreshperspectivesandapproachestooldchallenges.Ineededsomeonethat I could count on with a dedication and willingness to learn (no matter how large or small the task), and who hadtheflexibilityofworkingthenumberofhoursthatIneededasIneededthem-whetheranhouradayorhoura week. The call was answered when our Vice President, Randy Williamson, told me about the Williamsport Area HighSchool’sCareer&TechnicalEducation(CTE)/CooperativeEducationProgram(COOP).RandyisahighschoolinstructorfortheWilliamsportAreaConstructionTradesProgramandoverseestheWBSBAStudentChapteratWAHS.HeputmeintouchwithDennisWaddell,afellowinstructorwhooverseestheWAHSCareer&TechnicalEducation Program. Upon hearing about what CTE/COOP had to offer to both local businesses and the students in theprogram,IknewIhadtobringthisprogramintothespotlight,andraiseawarenessofthisinvaluableassettoourbusiness community and local youth.

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association has been long established in our dedication to the advancementandeducationofouryouththroughsponsorships,scholarshipsandprovidingopportunitiesthatnurture skills to engage in real-world the workforce. This has been especially true for the Builder skilled labor and tradesindustry.However,wealsorecognizetheAssociatesectors-thosewhichcircumferencethehousingindustryandareequallyvitaltothestabilizationandgrowthofoureconomiesandcommunities.Allofthesearethesectorsfrom which small businesses emerge; the engines of our economy. In today’s world, small businesses are under attack aswe’veneverseenbefore,andfindingtrainable,dedicatedandaffordablelaborisevenmoredifficult.Moreover,ouryouthareunderpressuresaswehaveneverseenbeforeintoday’scompetitivejobmarket.Theyareinneedofskillsandexperiencethatwillhelpthemachieveandcompeteastheyracetheirwayintoourfutures. ThroughtheCTE/COOPprograms,YOU,ourmembersandlocalbusinesses,havethechancetomakeadifference.Thesestudentsareinneedofmentors;BuildersandAssociateswhocangivethemthekindofon-the-jobtrainingandexposuretoreal-worldexperiencesthatarevitaltotheirfutures,allwhileinstillingaworkethic,andsense of direction and pride, that will help carry our futures and the spirit of small business and community forward. They are willing participants - ready to learn, and eager to gain as much experience as possible with your guidance and help.

Inspiringouryouthandhelpingthemtoachieveisapersonalcommitmentofmine.IthasalsobeenacornerstoneofWBSBA’sgoalsandmission.Itismyhopethatuponreadingthis,youwillrecognizetheamazingopportunities that you hold for yourself and an emerging young adult; I ask that you spread the word to your friends andassociatessothattogetherwecanmakeanamazingdifferenceinthelivesaroundus.

Thank you for your time.

Valerie KomarnickiExecutiveOfficer,WBSBA

LEARN MOREABOUT THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA HIGH

SCHOOL CTE ANDCOOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

ON PAGE 8 and 9--or by going to

http://www.wasd.org/Page/59

Sept. Membership RenewalsErie Materials Since 2003

Kohl Bldg. Products Since 1994

Kriger Fence Since 1996

Tanglewood Construction Since 1981

Kornerstone Custom Bldrs. Since 2015

The Warm-Up Shop Since 1997

Henry Dun, Inc. Since 2004

M&MPaving&Excavating Since1998

Wolyniec Construction Since 1998

Lori A. Moore, CPA Since 2006

Larry D. Brooks Builder Since 1994

K.C. Larson, Inc. Since 2008

Lowes Home Center Since 2011

Hurley A. Kane HVAC Design NEW!

Thank you for your Continuing Support!

2016 WBSBA Officers and Directors

PRESIDENT Brion Harlan

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Randy Williamson

SEC. VICE PRESIDENT James Hoffman

SECRETARY Hurley Kane

TREASURER Marvin Hurwitz

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steven Sechrist

EXECUTIVE OFFICER Valerie Komarnicki

Board of DirectorsArnold Minnick Keith RitterDavid Eakin Jody Harlan

Life DirectorsAlex Lepore Walter NymanJohn Schon Gary WilliamsonDon Karaffa Bill HarrisonMarvin Hurwitz Steve SmithSteven Sechrist Hurley KaneRay Venema 2016 NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES

Circulation = 300 Members and Friends

2016 Member Rates ($): B/W ColorBusiness card (3.5 x 2.25) 6.00 15.00¼ page (7.25 x 2.25) or 12.00 30.00 (3.5 x 4.75) ½ page (7.25x 4.75) 23.00 55.00Full page 45.00 105.00

2016 Non-Member Rates ($): B/W ColorBusiness card (3.5 x 2.25) 15.00 45.00¼ page (7.25 x 2.25) or 30.00 90.00 (3.5 x 4.75) ½ page (7.25x 4.75) 60.00 180.00

Full page 120.00 360.00

Monthly Dinner Meetings WHEN: Tuesday, October, 18, 2016

WHERE: The Williamsport Country Club 800 Country Club Drive, Williamsport TIME: 6:00 p.m. Social time 6:30 p.m. Roundtable Discussion - WAHS Career & Technical Education /Cooperative Education Program presented by Randy Williamson and Dennis Waddell (a must-hear for all businesses) 7:00 p.m. Dinner Program Frances Horn, JRG Advisors will discuss valuable insights for small business regarding ERISA, COBRA, HIPPA, Cafeteria Plans and the Affordable Care Act. She’ll also introduce products and services for our members, available through exclusive partnership with WBSBA.

MENU: CHOICE OF: Herb crusted sliced pork tenderloin -OR- Broiled Haddock; each served with Vegatable RicePilaf,steamedBroccoli,CarrotsandCauliflower;Salad,Rolls,Dessert,Coffee,IcedorHotTea.

COST: Members – (Builders, Associates, & Affiliates) - $7.00 Guests - $13.00RSVP: DEADLINE, Noon Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Final count submitted)

Complete the registration form below (please print legibly) and submit with payment/information via:

FAX: Form and Credit Card info to: (570) 326-0821EMAIL: Form and Credit Card info to: wbsba@westbranchbuilders.orgMAIL: Form and Check payable to: WBSBA, 323 Grammer Rd., Suite 1, Williamsport, PA (NOTE:FormMUSTberecievedinmailbyreservationdeadlinetobesubmittedinguestcount.)CALL: (570) 326-4211 with registration and credit card payment info or any questions

** PLEASE NOTE: No-Shows will be invoiced 25.00 each per meal, as WBSBA must **pay for all dinner reservations in advance. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Company Name ______________________________ Contact Name ________________________________

MEMBERS ($7.00) Please indicate choice with (P) or (H) GUESTS ($13.00): Please indicate choice with (P) or (H)

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

** TOTAL DUE : $________ CHECKS: PayabletoWBSBA. Cash and checks may be paid at door.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT c Visa c MasterCard c Discover c AmEx Name on Card _______________________________________________________________________ Card # _______________________________________________________________________ Security Code on back (3 digits) _______ Exp. Date ___________ EMAIL (for receipt) _______________________ Signature _____________________________________________ Date _____________________

Looking for Ways to Save?The Pennsylvania Builders Association Can Help!

Save $100 annually on PA One-Call Service Fee! When builders use the PA One-Call service before digging for the first time each year, they normally pay a $100 fee. For PBA members, that fee is waived.

Member Rebate Program Get cash back on products you already use with minimal effort! Over 70% of the members who participated last year received rebates equaling MORE than they paid in annual dues to the association! That’s recouping your membership fee by taking advantage of just ONE benfit.

PBA Workers’ Compensation Program - Save by paying premiums as you go, depending on your payroll! Competitive rates and lower claim costs. Many join for this benefit alone.

MORE money-saving programs include: Pennsylvania Builder Insurance Program’s competitive health insurance, Energy Plus Electricity Cash Back Program, Sunoco’s Fleet Management Program, PSECU Credit Union Membership, Constant Contact E-mail Marketing savings, Aflac Medi-cal and Disability Insurance, National Purchasing Partners with discounts to national namebrands like Verizon Wireless, Sherwin-Williams, Staples, and more.

To learn more about the benefits of membership, visit www.pabuilders.org or contact your local home builders association:

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association570.326.4211

www.westbranchbuilders.org

Plentiful Jobs but Weak Growth, Wages and InflationElliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., | GraphsandLaughs, LLC | September 1, 2016

WhiletheUSeconomyiscreatingplentyofjobs,itisn’tgrowingmuch.Inthefirsthalfof2016,grossdomesticproduct(GDP)grewatananemicannualizedrateofjust1%,comparedtoabout2%sincetheendoftherecession,and2.5%from2000through2007.Usually,weakeconomicgrowthhasbeenassociatedwithweakemploymentgrowth.Butnotnow!Employmentgrowthduringthefirstsixmonthsoftheyeartotaledslightlyoveronemillionjobs,orahealthyaverageof175,000netnewjobs/month.If the historical relationship between GDP and employment that existed before the Great Recession still held,40%fewerjobswouldhavebeencreatedsinceJanuary.Thatsaid,whatdoesslowgrowthmeanfor future wages, why is GDP growth so slow, is it likely to persist, and what does this imply about future interest rates?

Theprolongedandrobustjobgrowthwehavebeenexperiencingforthelastseveralyearshasbroughtdowntheunemploymentratefrom10%tojust4.9%,lowbyhistoricstandards.Asaresult,workersarefinallybecomingscarceandlaborcostsare,atlonglast,rising,althoughnotasfastasbeforetherecession. This is because wage growth results from two forces: labor scarcity and increases in labor productivity.Havingalreadydiscussedscarcity,let’sfocusonproductivitygrowth,ortheincreaseinoutputperworkerperhour.Whatweseeisdismallaborproductivitygrowth.Ithasactuallybeendecliningforthelastthreequartersinarow,thefirsttimethishaseverhappenedoutsideofarecession.This goes a long way in explaining why wage growth remains mediocre despite the low unemployment rate.

Whilelaborproductivityisexpectedtoimproveandreturntothe2006–2015annualaveragerateof1.25%,thatiswaybelowthe2.5%annualgrowthratebetween1949and2005.Thisweaklaborproductivitygrowthismostlikelytheresultofanagingpopulationandyearsofweakcorporateinvestmentinplantandequipment.Thiscontinuedlackofinvestmenthassharplyreducedcorporateefficiencygains.Asaresult,toproducemoreproducttomeetvirtuallyanyincreaseindemandrequiresmore hiring. Importantly,theconditionsthathavecreatedthisweakinvestmentenvironmentwillnotdissipatesoon.Whileenergypricesappeartohavebottomed,itisunlikelythattheywillsoonrise.Thus,explorationandproductionactivityintheoilpatchisunlikelytoincreasemuch.Similarly,miningfirmsareholdingbackoninvestmentwhilecommoditypricesareweak,andmanufacturersthatselltheiroutputoverseaswill continue to face strong headwinds due to the strong US dollar. In addition, agricultural prices are alsoexpectedtoremaindepressedandautosaleshavepeaked.Collectively,thismeansinvestmentinplantandequipmentislikelytoremainweak,allbutinsuringGDPgrowthofatbest2%fortheforeseeable future.

Withlaborproductivityweak,GDPgrowthsluggish,andinflationcorrespondinglylow,theFedhasreducedhowhighitseesthelong-termfed-fundsratereaching--nohigherthan3%comparedto4%ormoreasrecentlyas2013!Asaresult,itmaywelltakethreeorfouryearsforthefed-fundsratetohitjust3%.Asforconventional30-yearmortgagerates,theyarelikelytoremainbelow4%wellinto2018.Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www.econ70.com. You cansubscribetohavetheblogdelivereddirectlytoyouremailbyvisitingthewebsiteorbytextingtheword “BOWTIE” to 22828.

Elliot Eisenberg’s Monthly Newsletter is proudly sponsored by:RainbowCarpet,35EThirdSt.,Williamsport,PA17701-5463,PHONE:(570)323-1354

SPOT

LIGHT

Williamsport Area High School Career & Technical Education (CTE)Cooperative Education Program The skilled trades are the hardest jobs to fill in the United States, with recent data citing 726,000 jobs open in the trade, transportation and utilities sector and 256,000 jobs open in manufacturing. Health care occupations, many of which require an associate degree or less, make up 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations. STEM occupations such as environmental engineering and science technicians require an associate degree and will experience faster than average job growth. Middle-skill jobs, jobs that require education and training beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree, are a significant part of the economy. Of the 55 million job openings created by 2020, 30 percent will require some college or a two-year associate degree.

Courtesy of WAHS: http://www.wasd.org/Page/59

WHAT IS CTE/CO-OP? Co-op students are senior Career and Technical Education students who are on track to complete a state approved program in one of WAHS career and tech ed fields. These students come to school for part of the day and than receive school credits and money for working at a job related to their field of study. To be eligible a student must be in one of the following programs ( Engineering, InformationTechnology, Health Professions, Accounting, Administrative Assistant, General Office Support, Child Care, Construction Trades, Automotive Technology, Food Services, Graphic Communications, Health Assisting, Horticulture, Welding, Family and Consumer Sciences).

CTE Works for StudentsHigh school students involved in CTE are more engaged, perform better and graduate at higher rates.

81% of dropouts say relevant, real-world learning opportunities would have kept them in high school.

The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 90.18% , compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 74.9 %.

More than 70 percent of secondary CTE concentrators pursued postsecondary education shortly after high school.

CTE Works for BusinessCTE addresses the needs of high-growth industries and helps close the skills gap.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA HIGH SCHOOLCOOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

REQUIREMENTS:

SENIOR CTE STUDENT WORKING AT A JOB RELATED TO THEIR FIELD OF STUDY AT THE HIGH SCHOOL MUST BE PAID AT LEAST MINIMUM WAGE

THIS SHOULD BE AN EXTENSION OF WHAT THEY ARE BEING TAUGHT AT SCHOOL. (COMPETENCIES)

BECAUSE IT IS AN EXTENTION OF THEIR SCHOOLING, THEY MAY DO THINGS AT WORK OTHER MINORS CANNOT DO (WORKING WITH POWER TOOLS, CLIMBING LADDERS, ETC)

CAN WORK AS FEW AS 1 HOUR A WEEK UP TO 40 HOURS PER WEEK

THE EMPLOYER MUST INCLUDE THE STUDENT ON HIS/HER WORKERS COMP POLICY.

ADVANTAGES FOR THE STUDENT:- Earn school credits for working- Earn money- Gain real-world experience from an employer who wants to see the student succeed- Will learn valuable lessons that the school is capable of teaching

DEVELOPMENT SOFT SKILLSShowing up Proper work behavior Being on time Showing responsibility Pride in their work PerservenceHandling criticism Managing timeProblem solving Critical thinkingTeamwork CommunicatingPrioritizing personal and work lifeDealing with customers and others

ADVANTAGES TO THE EMPLOYER

- Pride in knowing you are helping a student with their career goal- Opportunity to train a prospective employee and teach them to work the way you want them to.- Establishing relationships with persons involved in CTE initiatives through the school who can assist in finding quality employees in the future.- Cost effective labor - Fulfillment of knowing you are directly involved in helping to shape a young adult into becoming a

productive member of our community.- Building and fostering goodwill- It’s the right thing to do

OUR LOCAL LABOR POOL IN MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION IS LACKING QUALIFIED YOUNG EMPLOYEES. YOU CAN HELP CHANGE THIS PROBLEM

CTE PROGRAMS OFFERED AT WAHSAccounting Technology Administrative Asst.Applied Horticulture Automotive TechnologyBio-Technology Child Care & SupportConstruction Trades Electromechanical Tech.Commercial Art Health ProfessionsHealth/Medical Srvcs. Instnl. Food WorkersJob Seeking/Changing Skills Welding Technology

For more information: CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPTWilliamsport Area High School2990 West Fourth StreetWilliamsport, PA 17701(570) 323-8411 ext.3220FAX: (570) 322-4150Email: rzangara@wasd.org

Fireplace Tune-UpProper inspection of a fireplace is vital to ensuring its safe operation -- even if it is rarely used. An experienced chimney sweep will check wood fireplaces for flammable buildup (known as creosote) and chimney blockages such as bird

nests. A chimney or fireplace professional should also check for these red flags: improperly functioning dampers, damaged brickwork and masonry, and missing or damaged flue caps (the screen covering the top of the chimney).

Touch Up PaintNo time for a full-blown exterior painting project? Hit the trouble spots, such as the cut ends of all boards, especially fascia boards, where paint peels first. If you have a little more time, apply a coat of fresh paint to all trim pieces.

Clean Your CarpetsIf your wall-to-wall carpeting harbors dirt and musty odors, throw open the windows to let it dry before the weather gets too cold. Also consider renting a steam cleaner to get out ground-in stains and odors for as little as $25 per day.

Manage DrainageIf you live in an area that gets more rain than snow

during the winter, dig a French drain to prevent a downspout-fed lake from forming in your yard. A hole that’s 4 feet deep and 4 feet wide should do the trick. Dig it under your downspout, line it with heavy plastic sheeting (or whatever your local building code requires), and fill it with gravel.

You can add plants on top of the French drain, but cover the gravel with landscape fabric before adding dirt. Another option is a trench-type French drain, which will move water away from your house rather than directing it deep into the ground.

Lighten UpYes, it’s true: replacing even some of your incandescent lightbulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) saves you money and, depending on where you live, earns you a utility rebate.

FlooringReplace tired flooring as a way to give your home a new look that will last beyond the fall season.

Scrub UpWashing your home’s exterior, including the windows, makes it look better and helps prevent growth of mold and mildew that feed on dirt. And all you need is a pressure washer, which you can rent at a hardware

17 Quick FallFix-Ups forYour Home

FROM THE COVER

Ifyou’repressedfortimetotuneupyourhome before winter, focus on these simple weekend projects to help it stand up to theseasonwhilesavingyoumoney.

FromBetterHomes&Gardenshttp://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/fall-home-fix-ups

store for $50-$100 per day.

A word of warning: Find out how much pressure the washer will exert and whether the surface you

plan to wash can withstand it. Avoid pressure-washing vinyl because it can bend and let water seep behind it. Research pressure-washing before you get the machine, and don’t be afraid to ask a knowledgeable store employee about appropriate nozzles.

Mind the GapsLook for one of the biggest energy-wasters: air leaks. Inspect the caulking and seals around windows and add or replace the weather stripping around your exterior doors to prevent heat-sucking drafts. Check for leaks around outlets and switches, and add easy-to-install outlets or switch gaskets as needed. Even floor registers can leak air from a cold crawlspace or basement into ground-floor rooms; ask your local home center representative for an insulation kit designed for a fix.

Tune Your FurnaceA finely tuned furnace is almost like a musical instrument, humming along as efficiently as possible while keeping your family warm and cozy during chillier months. But remember to leave this yearly furnace tune-up to a professional.

Replace a WindowIf you have a problem window or two, replace them with more energy-efficient models. What makes a window energy-efficient? Look for low-E glass, multiple glass panes, warm-edge spacers between the panes, and gas fills such as argon or krypton.

Repair Your RoofAutumn is a great time of the year to check your roof for leaks. And if you already know one exists, make sure you fix it -- or call in a professional to

fix it -- before the snow starts to fall. A word to the wise: If the leak is located at a ridge, a valley, or underneath the roofing, leave it to the pros.

Get with the ProgramSwitch out your old manual thermostat for a programmable one, which will be more convenient and accurate. Programmable thermostats contain no mercury and are better for the environment because using less energy reduces

greenhouse-gas emissions associated with energy production. Because the thermostat will do the thinking for you and never forget, it will save you money on your utility bills -- to the tune of about $150 per year -- when used properly.

Hold in the HeatAdd insulation to your attic and watch your heating bill drop. Check your current insulation level by looking across the span of your attic. If the insulation is just level with or below your floor joists, you should add more -- enough to bring your attic to an insulation R-value of 38, or about 10-14 inches, depending on insulation type. When adding insulation, you don’t have to use the same type that currently exists in your attic. (Continued next page)

Trusted. Dependable. Our members

are held to the highest ethics and

standards, so you can trust the products and services they offer!

FIND A LOCAL PRO at WESTBRANCHBUILDERS.ORG.

INSPIRED BY THESE IDEAS OR HAVE OTHER “TO-DO’S” ON YOUR LIST? OUR MEMBERS

ARE LICENSED, INSURED, AND READY TO GO, AND THEY’RE ONLY A CLICK AWAY...

Fall Lawn CareTo ensure your lawn’s health and beauty come spring, there are several important yard projects to complete in the fall. Raking leaves and aerating will prevent your lawn

and garden beds from suffocating, while fertilizing and winterizing grass, trees, and shrubs will allow your greenery to enter its winter slumber comfortably and properly nourished. Professional lawn care services will make quick work of these projects, freeing up your time for family, friends, and football.

Gutter CareYour home’s gutters divert thousands of gallons of water each year. To keep the water flowing smoothly away from your house instead of into it, inspect and clean your roof’s drainage system. Better still, protect your gutters with mesh guards to keep leaves and other debris from causing blockages in the first place. Hire a pro to complete this project, or be prepared to spend a damp-and-dirty day climbing up and down the ladder.

Repair Driveways and WalksSmall cracks and gaps in a driveway or walkway can quickly expand during winter’s freezing temperatures. Cracked cement and disintegrating asphalt can also create treacherous conditions for pedestrians. Hire a pro to ensure these cracks are fixed

properly and that they don’t return or get worse.

Winterize Faucets and SprinklersMost exterior plumbing in areas with temperatures below freezing must be winterized to prevent freezing and bursting. If you want professional help, contact a plumber who can make quick work of winterizing exterior faucets, which are known as hose bibs. Winterizing more complex plumbing, such as sprinkler systems or water features, is best left to a professional.

***

Wehaveprosforeveryjob.westbranchbuilders.org

5

6Your Safety Source

FALLARREST

3

www.low-e.comAttic Blanket Roof Underlayment

Housewrap with R-Value 4.0!

1

2

4for Deck & Rail#1

Install Above or Below Grade!

Magnetic operator and cord is used on larger Sliding doors, doors with colored SunBlinds, and windows with Lift and Tilt SunBlinds.

SunBlinds®

Shades of your personal style start with something

exclusively from Sunrise Windows: SunBlinds –

the blinds you never clean! These adjustable mini

blinds are actually sealed between the panes

of glass, offering less maintenance with style.

SunBlinds are available in five distinctive slat colors

and two beautiful styles, Tilt-Only and Lift and Tilt,

to complement the window style you’ve selected.

Blinds between the glass means you never have to clean them.

Sandstone

White

Gold

Silver*

Almond

Top Slide Magnetic Operator for tilting the blind slats.

Side Slide Magnetic Operator for raising and lowering the blind assembly.

Side Slide “Cordless” Lift and Tilt OperatorThe Side Slide “Cordless” Lift and Tilt Operator is standard

for 5' and 6' x 6' 8" Sliding doors with White blinds in all door

color combinations. Additional custom sizes available.

Magnetically controlled operator is used on all Tilt-Only SunBlinds.

*Silver not available on Tilt-Only Casement and Awning Sunblinds.

The Tilt-Only blind operator on Casement and Awning windows allows for operation of the blind, without removing the screen.

NEW!

SUNBLINDS

SUNBLINDS

The Blinds You Never CleanExclusively from Sunrise Windows

®

NEW!

Blinds Between the Glass

Homeowner Pick!#1

Voted Tops in Quality & Service Last 4 Years!

OVATIONS™

STRUCTURE®

backed by

Siding with R-Value

Mobile: 814.414.2421Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

Mobile: 814.414.2421 Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645 Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

Mobile: 814.414.2421Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

Mobile: 814.414.2421Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

Mobile: 814.414.2421Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

Mobile: 814.414.2421Fax: 570.374.5729

E-mail: gdavis@kohlbp.com

Selinsgrove: 800.949.5645Bloomsburg: 866.829.5645

Territory ManagerGlenn Davis

570.323.TECH (8324)Compu-Gen.comInfo@Compu-Gen.com515 West Fourth StreetWilliamsport, PA 17701Call us today for your

FREE consultation!

PhonE SyStEm SolutionS

570.323.TECH (8324)Compu-Gen.com

Security@Compu-Gen.com515 West Fourth StreetWilliamsport, PA 17701

Call us today for your FREE consultation!

suRvEillancE solutions

Wilkinson Dunn Company

“The Insurance People”Insurance & Bonding

Since 1932

455 River AvenueWilliamsport, PA

570-322-6611

Bob Klein | Mary McKinleyAlyss Karschner | Vicki Barone

www.wilkinsondunn.com

160 McNett RdMontgomery, PA 17752

Alcoa Leaf ReliefInstallation and Cleaning

Featuring 5” and 6” Seamless Gutters0.32 Aluminum or 0.24 Steel Avalible

Larry Miller Jr.

(570) 547-2505PA002816 A Division of Miller, Rogers & Sons LLC

Do Business With a Member!

BUSINESS BLOCKS

11 Tips for Managing

MillennialsBySusanM.Heathfield

Updated September 23, 2016

Image: TommL/Vetta/Getty Images

Millennials are used to working in teams and want to make friends with people at work. Millennial employees work well with diverse coworkers.

Millennials have a can-do attitude about tasks at work and look for feedback about how they are doing frequently – even daily. Millennials want a variety of tasks and expect that they will accomplish every one of them. Positive and confident, millennials are ready to take on the world.

They seek leadership, and even structure, from their older and managerial coworkers, but expect that you will draw out and respect their ideas. Millennials seek a challenge and do not want to experience boredom. Used to balancing many activities such as teams, friends, and philanthropic activities, millennials want flexibility in scheduling and a life away from work.

Millennials need to see where their career is going and they want to know exactly what they need to do to get there. Millennials await their next challenge – there better be a next challenge.

Millennials are the most connected generation in history and will network right out of their current workplace if these needs are not met.

Computer experts, millennials are connected all over

the world by email, instant messages, text messages, and the Internet.

11 Tips for Millennial Management

1.Providestructure.Reportshavemonthlyduedates.Jobshavefairlyregularhours.Certainactivitiesarescheduledeveryday.Meetingshaveagendas and minutes. Goals are clearly stated andprogressisassessed.Defineassignmentsandsuccess factors.

2.Provideleadershipandguidance.Millennialswanttolookuptoyou,learnfromyou,andreceivedaily feedback from you. They want “in” on the whole picture and to know the scoop. Plan to spend a lot of time teaching and coaching and be aware of this commitment to millennials when you hirethem.Theydeserveandwantyourverybestinvestmentoftimeintheirsuccess.

3. Encourage the millennial’s self-assuredness, “can-do”attitude,andpositivepersonalself-image. Millennials are ready to take on the world. Their parents told them they can do it - they can. Encourage - don’t squash them or contain them. 4.Takeadvantageofthemillennial’scomfortlevelwithteams.Encouragethemtojoin.Theyareused to working in groups and teams. In contrast

The millennials joining your workforce now are employees born between 1980 and 2000, or 1981 and 1999, depending on the author. Unlike the Gen-Xers and the Baby Boomers, the Millennials have developed work

characteristics and tendencies from doting parents, structured lives, and contact with diverse people.

to the lone ranger attitude of earlier generations, millennialsactuallybelieveateamcanaccomplishmoreandbetter-they’veexperiencedteamsuccess.

4.Notjustrelatedtoage,watchwhojoinsthevolleyballmatchatthecompanypicnic.Millennialsgather in groups and play on teams; you can also mentor, coach, and train your millennials as a team.

5. Listen to the millennial employee. Your millennialemployeesareusedtolovingparentswhohavescheduledtheirlivesaroundtheactivitiesandeventsoftheirchildren.Theseyoungadultshaveideasandopinions,anddon’ttakekindlytohavingtheirthoughtsignored.Afterall,theyhadthe best listening, most child-centric audience in history.

6. Millennial employees are up for a challenge and change.Boringisbad.Theyseekever-changingtasks within their work. What’s happening next is their mantra. Don’t bore them, ignore them, or trivializetheircontribution.

7. Millennial employees are multi-taskers on a scaleyou’veneverseenbefore.Multipletasksdon’tphase them. Talk on the phone while doing email andansweringmultipleinstantmessages–yes!This is a way of life. In fact, without many different tasks and goals to pursue within the week, the millennials will likely experience boredom. 8.Takeadvantageofyourmillennialemployee’scomputer, cell phone, and electronic literacy Are youaBoomerorevenanearlyGen-Xer?Theelectronic capabilities of these employees are amazing.YouhaveasalesmaninChina?How’sthetripgoing?Oldtimerscallandleaveamessageinhishotelroom.Or,youcanhaveyourmillennialtext message him in his meeting for an immediate response. The world is wide, if not yet deep, for your millennial employees.

9.Capitalizeonthemillennial’saffinityfornetworking.Notjustcomfortablewithteamsandgroupactivities,yourmillennialemployeelikestonetwork around the world electronically. Keep this in mind because they are able to post their resume electronicallyaswellonWebjobboardsviewedbymillions of employers. Sought after employees, they areloyal,buttheykeeptheiroptionsopen–always.

10.Providealife-workbalancedworkplace.Yourmillennialsareusedtocrammingtheirliveswithmultipleactivities.Theymayplayonsportsteams,walk for multiple causes, spend time as fans at company sports leagues, and spend lots of time with family and friends.

11. They work hard, but they are not into the sixty hourworkweeksdefinedbytheBabyBoomers.Home, family, spending time with the children and families, are priorities. Don’t lose sight of this. Balanceandmultipleactivitiesareimportanttothese millennial employees. Ignore this to your peril. 11.Provideafun,employee-centeredworkplace.Millennialswanttoenjoytheirwork.Theywanttoenjoytheirworkplace.Theywanttomakefriends in their workplace. Worry if your millennial employees aren’t laughing, going out with workplace friends for lunch, and helping plan the nextcompanyeventorcommittee.Helpyourlong-term employees make room for the millennials.

By Internet research counts, 75,000,000 millennials are preparing to join or joining the workforce.

These are desirable employees. Make your millennial employees happy in a fun, yet structured setting, and you are building the foundation for the superior workforce you desire. You are developing the workforce of your future.

As always, when I characterize a group of employees based on age, or any other characteristic, some employees will fit this description; some employees will fit part of this description; some employees will not fit this description.

Yet, I believe that, if you heed these tips, you will steer your organization forward, more times than not, with a positive approach to managing your millennial employees.

***

Looking for Employees? Go to:

westbranchbuilders.org/build-my-business and learn how you can post your job!

THE NATIONAL FRONT: NAHB NEWSWhite House Releases Housing Development ToolkitOrganizer News • September 27

A portion of your WBSBA member dues go to the front lines of Washington DC

and Harrisburg to fight misguided industry regulations and legislation that negatively

impact millions of businesses, jobs, and local economies?

YOUR MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE Spread the word. Help us keep up the fight.

DID YOU KNOW?

The White House, on Monday, released a Housing Development Toolkit, which highlights regulatory barriers to housing development and outlines tools and strategies that local governments can use to diminish the impact they have on housing production and affordability.

The President’s FY2017 HUD budget includes a $300 million proposal for Local Housing Policy Grants to help facilitate the modernization of its recipients’ housing regulatory approaches.

These tools and strategies include:- Establishing by-right development- Taxing vacant land or donating it to nonprofit developers- Streamlining or shortening permitting processes and timelines- Eliminating off-street parking requirements- Allowing accessory dwelling units- Establishing density bonuses- Enacting high-density and multifamily zoning

- Employing inclusionary zoning- Establishing development tax or value capture incentives- Using property tax abatements

NAHB has long embraced a move toward fewer regulatory roadblocks and more efficient development processes. Inefficiency costs developers and builders time and money, hurts housing affordability and availability, increases government offices’ administrative costs, and stifles economic growth.

NAHB recently released a report—Development Process Efficiency: Cutting through the Red Tape—which offers examples of developers, builders, land use officials and other stakeholders who are working together to improve the local development review and approval process and create a win-win for all parties.

Case in Point

Within the last decade, development approvals in many parts of the country have shifted from taking only a

STATE WATCH: PBA NEWS & UPDATES

Underwater mortgages falling by double digits

in Central PABy Jason Scott, September 21, 2016 at 3:00 AM

The number of Central Pennsylvanians who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth fell by double digits over the last year, according to California-based CoreLogic.

The biggest drop was in the Harrisburg area, which saw a 17 percent decline in so-called underwater, or negative equity, mortgages in the second quarter compared with the same quarter a year ago.

In the second quarter, the Harrisburg area ha 5,658 homes with an underwater mortgage, down from 6,805 a year ago, according to CoreLogic.

The decline stems largely from rising home prices in an improving housing market, according to CoreLogic. Negative equity is often a result of a drop in home value, an increase in mortgage debt or a combination of the two.

In Lancaster County, the number of underwater mortgages dropped to 3,515 from 4,006 last year, a 12 percent decline.

In York-Hanover, there were 5,052, down 11 percent from 5,675 in the second quarter last year.

CoreLogic has projected that home prices nationally could rise by 5 percent in the coming year, which would lift 700,000 homeowners above water on their mortgages. ***

few months to complete to two years or longer. An economic impact analysis recently commissioned by the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services shows just how much is at stake.

Adding a year to the review process can reduce the value of that property by an average of 20%. Or, from a more positive viewpoint, shortening the time from concept to occupancy by one year could save the business as much as 20% of the project cost, lowering the cost of housing for its residents.

The County Executive implemented a streamlining initiative in 2012, and since then record plat processing declined from 20-30 weeks to 8-12 weeks. Site plan reviews that used to take more than a year are now required to be completed within 120 days. And the time frame for building permit approvals dropped from 12 weeks to 30 days.

While many of the recommendations in NAHB’s report mirror those found in the White House toolkit, such as streamlining the permitting process and updating zoning codes, there are also key differences.

Namely, NAHB believes that there is too much focus at all levels of government on inclusionary zoning. In fact, it’s one of the strategies referenced in the White House toolkit as a preferred method of achieving affordable housing goals. The problem with this is that inclusionary zoning is a complex market intervention, and like impact fees, is dependent on the pace of construction, which goes up and down.

Inclusionary zoning is not flexible enough to respond to changing market conditions and many communities have found that it does not produce the amount of affordable housing as hoped. Inclusionary zoning policies as implemented in some communities act like a tax on housing construction, the expense of which is passed on to consumers, builders and landowners.

NAHB urges government to encourage local communities to adopt long-term comprehensive strategies that will meet the demand for new housing and economic development. The association will continue to follow implementation of the White House report. Visit nahb.org for more information or resources on affordable housing strategies and process efficiency.

***

CONSUMER CORNER

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST.Before calling around for estimates, research what’s involved in the project and have a solid idea of what you want done. This can include a sketched layout of your vision for the space, and collecting clippings of similar projects you like from magazines, or architectural plans.

2. TALK TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS AND RELATIVES.Get recommendations of contractors who have worked for them, then narrow the field to those that handle the kind of work you want done.

3. RESEARCH THE CONTRACTORTo get started, contact your local builders association to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Then check the Better Business Bureau. Review the “LIST OF QUESTIONS” you should ask when hiring a contractor (found on next page).

4. UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE AS THE CONSUMER• Get more than one estimate • Designate one person to be the contact with the

contractor, keep informed of progress and answer questions.

• Any advance payment before starting the job should be for no more the 10% to 20% of the total price (some states require no more than 10% in advance).

• Ensure changes to the original contract must be made in writing, specify cost, and be approved by the homeowner. Verbal change orders can be very costly, cause delays and create misunderstandings.

• Ensure any additional partial payments are detailed in the agreement based upon completion of specific tasks. Make sure that at least 10% to 20% of the total job is still owed upon completion, and don’t make the final payment until the job is completely finished to your satisfaction.

5. KNOW THE CONTRACTOR’S ROLEWithout a reputable contractor working on your behalf, you would have to assume the following responsibilities and financial obligations. A professional contractor:• Is responsible for all phases of the job from start

tofinish—planning,design,labor,materialsandscheduling.

• Obtains all necessary permits, arranges for required inspections, complies with social security, workers’ compensation and other local, state and national regulations that protect the customer.

• Coordinates all work to avoid costly and inconvenient delays.

• Uses quality materials and labor, sometimes at lower prices than you would pay because of volume

How to find a REPUTABLE

CONTRACTORHome remodeling contractors can range from skilled professionals who do quality work and complete projects on time to unscrupulous, fly-by-night con-artists that can take your money and run. Projects

can range from a remodeled bathroom to an entire residential addition. So how do you know whether the contractor you’re considering hiring is reputable or not? Below is a comprehensive checklist to help educate consumers on navigating the processes of hiring contractors, the roles each play, and knowing

what flags to watch for and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Provided by the Pennsylvania Builders Association and West Branch Susquehanna Consumer Awareness Initiative

• Inabilitytoverifycontractorname,addressandphone number.

• Inabilitytoprovidereferences,contractorlicense, or insurance.

• Don’tarriveontimefortheirappointment.• Seemdisorganizedorunsureofworkthat’s

involved• Provideveryloworveryhighestimatesforjob.• Attempt to pressure you into signing a contract

by using scare tactics, threats or intimidation.

discounts and knowledge of the marketplace.• Performsworkaccordingtospecificationsandhires

competent subcontractors (electricians, etc) andpays them.

• Is familiar with design options, building codes andconstruction practices.

6. EVALUATE YOUR CONTRACTYour contract should be easily understood and detailed. It should clearly spell out the responsibilities and obligations of both parties and should be based on complete plans or specifications prepared by reputable contractors, architects or designers. The contract should specify:• Quality and quantity of materials.• Styles and brand names of products.• Afirmpriceforthework,apaymentschedule,

an estimated date of completion and if there is acancellation penalty. If there is a penalty if the jobtakes longer, make sure it is big enough so it won’tbe ignored.

• Any items of work that will not be performed by thecontractor.

massrealestatelawblog.com

WARNING SIGNS OF POSSIBLE TROUBLE:

LIST OF QUESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED1. Howlonghavetheybeeninbusiness?It

typically takes 3-5 years to establish afinanciallysoundbusiness.Dotheyhaveapermanent address?

2. Aretheylicensedandonfilewiththestate?3. Do they offer a warranty?4. Willthebuilder/remodelerprovideyouwith

namesofpreviouscustomers?Askthesereferences if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.

5. Haveyouseentheirwork-bothcompletedand/or in progress?

6. Do they seem accessible? This is important!7. Willtheyprovideaclearlywrittencontract?8. Do they build to PA Building Code? Do their

subcontractors?9. Are they registered with the State’s

AttorneyGeneral’sOffice?http://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov

10. Askforaninsurancecertificatetoverifycurrent workers’ compensation and generalliability insurance. Otherwise you could beliableforinjuriesonsite.

To download the printable pdf brochure “Hiring a Reputable Contractor in PA” please visit us

on the web at

westbranchbuilders.org/consumersearch

In need of reputable contractors/remodelers?

visit westbranchbuilders.orgAllofourmembersarelicensed,insured,and

abidebyourcodeofethics.

Know what’s below. Dial 8-1-1 before you dig.

PBA members save $125 annually.

As you prepare to excavate, state law requires that you contact 8-1-1 or www.paonecall.org. PBA members have their annual $125 fee covered by the association. Here’s what PBA members need to know:

Each calendar year when youcontact 8-1-1 for the first time, you will receive an invoice for $125. Forward your invoice to your localbuilders association. They will confirm your membership and send your invoice directly to PBA for payment. You will not receive an invoice foradditional use of the PA One Call System in the same calendar year, regardless of how often you use it. Repeat the same process the firsttime you dig in the next calendar year!

For more information on this valuable money-saving benefit, contact your local builders association or visit www.pabuilders.org.

PBA and PA One Call As you prepare to excavate, contact 8-1-1 or go to www.paonecall.org for more information on your job site. After receiving your $125 invoice from PA One Call, forward that invoice to your local builders association – they will confirm your membership and send it to PBA for reimbursement. It's an easy way to save money and keep your employees safe!

PAONECALL

323 Grammer RoadSuite 1Williamsport, PA 17701PH: 570-326-4211FAX: 570-326-0821wbsba@westbranchbuilders.orgwww.westbranchbuilders.org

JOIN USat the Monthly Dinner Meeting Tuesday, Oct.

18th to learn more about JRG ADVISOR

services.Registration form

inside or go online to westbranchbuilders.org.Non-member guests are

welcome.

WBSBAWe build more than just homes...we’re building local businesses,

communities, economies, and futures.