Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 1

Chapter, who put a lot of effort into planning an event for LBM people?

If you answered YES to any of the questions above, please sign up to see the Lincoln Saltdogs host the St. Paul Saints on Saturday, August 7th at 7:05 PM at Haymarket Field in Lincoln. Tickets are only $11.00 each. Don’t miss this one! See included registration form.

S c e n e 5905 Golden Valley Road, Suite 110 Minneapolis, MN 55422

(763) 544-6822 or (888) 544-6822 FAX: (763) 595-4060 www.nlassn.org

Routing SlipPass this around to others in your company for their information.

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July 2010, Vol. XVII, No. 7

August 7, 2010FLL - Nebraska Baseball OutingLincoln, NE

August 19, 2010NLA Scholarship FundraiserMinneapolis, MN

September 10-12, 2010NLA Fall Board MeetingLake Okoboji, IA

September 21, 2010Iowa Fall Golf OutingIowa Board of Trustees MeetingLake Panorama National Golf CoursePanora, IA

September 22, 2010Nebraska Golf OutingNE Sporting ClayNE Board of Trustees MeetingIndian Head Country ClubGrand Island, NE

September 23, 2010NE Sporting ClayHeartland Shooting ParkGrand Island, NE

October 20-22, 2010NLA RoundtableFreebornLumberAlbert Lea, MN

Attorney Cautions Contractors About EPA Delay in Lead RRP Enforcement

In an article posted on ProSales Online on June 22, 2010, attorney D. S. Berenson cautions contractors about the recently announced EPA delay in enforcing the Lead RRP rule.

In “Lead Rule Delayed? Not So Fast,” Berenson says,

…[W]hile the EPA may be willing to forego imposing fines on unlicensed contractors for the time being, that does not change the law--which still requires a contractor to have such licensure, and perform lead-safe work practices on a home as required.

That the EPA is not going to fine a contractor has nothing at all to do with the fact that the contractor is still bound by the law, and can be sued by the consumer for violating that law under many state consumer protec-tion statutes and legal theories.

Because of possible future liability issues, then, Berenson urges contractors to press forward in obtaining the necessary training and certification as soon as possible.

Call Suzanne Lechtman, (800) 469-8744 to recieve a copy of the entire article.

LTG Project Estimating Summer Class is On for Superior, Wisconsin

You can still register for Project Estimating in Superior, Wisconsin, but time is short. The dates are Monday and Tuesday, July 12-13, and the location is Manion’s Wholesale Building Supplies, one of NLA’s supplier members, graciously hosted by John Manion.

You can contact Suzanne Lechtman, (800) 469-8744 or (763) 595-4050 for information or registration by phone or fax.

All Are Invited

Would you like to take your family somewhere fun?Would you like to do it for a really low price?Do you like baseball?Do you know what a Saltdog is?Would you like to go to Haymarket Field in Lincoln for a game?Do you want to show support for the Future Lumber Leaders—Nebraska

Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 2

First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Extended

The Senate extended the deadline for the first-time homebuyer’s credit. Buyers must close by September 30 on new homes that were placed under contract by April 30. Buyers will receive an $8,000 tax credit for first-time purchases and $6,500 for homeowners who have previously purchased a home.

Featured Program

Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Log Books

Required by the Department of Transportation to operate a motor carrier. Detailed DVIRs list specific tractor and trailer parts to help simplify inspection. Books include key regulations to remind drivers of DOT required procedures.

Call Amber at (763) 544-5822 or (888) 544-5822

Special Pricing effective through Aug. 15, 2010Minimum order of 6 - $13.50 ▪ 12-24 - $2.00/ea

25–49 - $1.95/ea ▪ 50–100 - $1.60/ea

Minn. Monthly Sales Tax Payment Change

An important provision of the budget bill passed in the last days of the session relating to a change on how retailers are expected to remit sales tax collections. Currently, retailers are required to submit the previous month’s sales tax payment on the 20th day of the month. The current system will change on September 1, 2010. Retailers will have to choose between two options as to how to remit the sales tax. The system you choose in September is the system that you will be required to use in until state policy changes. The new law requires retailers who collect and remit $120,000 or more annually in sales tax to remit payments on an earlier schedule. Retailers have two options for making early payments, but once they select an option, they must continue to remit under that option until the state returns payment back to the old system of remittance on the 20th of the month. The choices are as follows:

Remit 90 percent of their monthly •liability on the 14th of the month* after it was collected with the remainder due on the 20th of the month; or Remit a percent of the current month’s •liability (equal to 67 percent of the previous month’s liability) in the month in which the taxable sale occurs** with the remainder due on the 20th of the following month. If a retailer chooses this payment option, in the first month they will make a payment equal to 167 percent

of the liability for the previous month’s sales.

* You can choose: 90 percent of the liability of the previous month or 90 percent of the liability for the same month in the previous calendar year, or 90 percent of the retailer’s average monthly liability for the previous calendar year.

** For retailers making payments on the 20th of the month in which the sale occurs the safe harbor is equal to the lesser of either 67 percent of the liability of the previous month or 67 percent of the liability for the same month in the previous calendar year. When the cash flow account and the budget reserve account reach the desired levels listed in Chapter 16A, the early sales tax payments under this section will be eliminated and the remittances will again be due on the 20th of the month following the month in which the sale occurs. So how will this affect the June accelerated payment?

It won’t! Nothing in this section affects the June accelerated payment date, or its associated settle-up date. The new law also requires that all fees and other taxes reported on the same return be remitted on the same schedule as well.

(Source: MN Retailers Assn., Capitol Alert, June 23, 2010)

NLA Staff Updates

Cody Nuernberg recently accepted the position as membership & member services manager. Cody’s background includes marketing and sales for Total Golf Shop and manager of Golf Galaxy store. Please help us welcome him to the association.

After five years of service to NLA, Sally Means has resigned as director of conventions. She and her husband are moving to North Carolina to be closer to their families. We thank Sally for her dedication and wish her and her husband all the best as they start this new chapter in their lives.

Enter ProSales’ Excellence Awards

We are in the final days for you to show that you’re head and shoulders above the crowd by entering the 2010 ProSales Excellence Awards. The annual competition seeks to honor the best in LBM showroom and facility designs, advertising, websites and technology.

Contact Craig Webb, (202) 736-3307, to request an entry binder that you can fill out and fax back to ProSales, which will accept entries until Friday, July 16, with judging on the following week. Winners will be featured in November’s issue of ProSales and receive $500 to give to charity.

Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 3

NLA Roundtable Returns to Albert Lea for 2010

In uncertain and challenging times, it’s important for business owners to join together to learn from each other and help each other. The NLA Roundtable is the perfect opportunity for this kind of mutual support, in a setting where competition is not a factor. In fact, the only Roundtable rule is that direct competitors cannot be in the same group.

Take advantage of this opportunity this fall. The dates are October 20-22, 2010, hosted once again by John Miller at Freeborn Lumber in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

An important new feature is the use of the Building Materials Operations Comparison (BMOC) tool, which will be used for submission of financial and operational

data. The BMOC affords the ability to extract data for Roundtable participants for a direct, anonymous comparison. The cost for the required enrollment in BMOC is $300, and this deposit will hold your place at the Roundtable.

There will be a new facilitator this year, and the goal will be to discuss industry trends, how they affect members’ businesses, and how to adapt to them. For all the details, including estimated cost, lodging, and a preliminary schedule see the included registration form.

Please contact Suzanne Lechtman, (800) 469-8744 or (763) 595-4050, slechtman@nlassn.org, to have information mailed to you.

EPA Lead RRP Rule Approved Vacuums

“BAD” HIRE – HIGHER COSTS

Join Your Friends from the Industry in Experiencing the

MINNESOTA TWINS vs. Chicago White Sox

At Target Field Thurs., August 19, 7:10 PM

This is a fundraiser for the NLA Scholarship Fund.

Tailgating from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at NLA’s New Office Location: 5905 Go lden Va l l ey Road; Suite 110; Golden Va l l e y, M N . Leave your car at NLA’s office and be dropped off and picked up by motor coach right at the stadium.

Ticket Prices:Tickets $55.00 each, including reserved seats; light snacks, soft drinks, and beer before the game; and motor coach transportation from NLA ($40.00 value) $15.00 from each ticket will go to the NLA Scholarship Fund which benefits students at the University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (industry management and marketing).Limit four tickets per person

Special Packages:Six Pack of Tickets for $360.00 ($120.00 goes to the scholarship fund) Eight Pack of Tickets for $500.00 (180.00 goes to scholarship fund) Ticket numbers are limited; final deadline for sales is July 15th.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For questions, call Guy Marzano at (800) 896-5140, (763) 595-4057, or email gmarzano@nlassn.org.

A business owner hired a friend’s daughter who recently graduated from college. Her application looked great and the job interview went well. He waived her background checks and she was hired as a sales associate.

A few months later, other people in the department began complaining about the young woman, claiming she was moody, demanding, and rude to the clerical staff. She also expected other salespeople to handle service calls when she wasn’t in the office, which was often. One long-time employee became frustrated with the working conditions and left the company.

In this example, reference checks could have revealed that the employee had been fired from a prior part-time job for the same type of behavior. In addition, a drug test would have uncovered a substance abuse problem.

Business owners can purchase employment related practices liability insurance to

protect themselves from lawsuits alleging discrimination and harassment or wrongful termination. However, insurance coverage can’t compensate for the lost productivity, worry, and embarrassment that can result from a regretful hiring decision.

Hiring the wrong person can lead to employee injuries, employment-related lawsuits, and higher employee turnover. Federated’s employment practices resources can help you minimize the costs associated with hiring mistakes. Information and sample materials are also available on proper procedures and documentation needed for terminating employees who don’t work out.

This article provided courtesy of Federated Mutual Insurance Company, your association’s recommended insurer. For further information, contact Bill Daly, (509) 455-5200, wmdaly@fedins.com.

As you or your customers are preparing to comply with the new EPA’s Lead RRP rule, you will find that special cleanup equipment will be needed. Contact

Suzanne Lechtman, (800) 469-8744, for information on vacuums that can do the job.

Would you like to recieve the email version of the Scene ? Send a request to melojala@aol.com.

Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 4

NLA Scholarship FundraiserRegistration Form

Benefits Students at the University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

(Industry Management & Marketing)

MINNESOTA TWINSVersus the Chicago White Sox

At Target FieldThursday, August 19th at 7:10 PM

Tailgating from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at NLA’s New Office Location:5905 Golden Valley Road; Suite 110; Golden Valley, MN

Tickets include reserved seats; light snacks, soft drinks, and beer before the game; and motor coach round trip transpor-tation to game from NLA. Ticket numbers are limited; final deadline for sales is July 15th or until all are sold.

PAYMENT INFORMATION TOTALS ______ Tickets @ $55.00 Each (Limit Four) _______________________

______ Six Pack of Tickets @ $360.00 _______________________

______ Eight Pack of Tickets @ $500.00 _______________________

______ Donation to Scholarship Fund _______________________

GRAND TOTAL ___________________

Contact: _______________________________ Company: ___________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________ State: _________ Zip: _____________________________

Office Phone:________________________________ Cell: ____________________________________________

Fax: _______________________________________ Email: __________________________________________

____ Check Enclosed –OR- Charge my Visa/MasterCard # _____________________________________________

Exp. Date: _____ / _____ Security Code: _______ Signature: _________________________________________

_____ Please contact me about sponsoring beverages, snacks, bus transportation.

Return completed form to: Northwestern Lumber Association, 5905 Golden Valley Road, #110, Minneapolis, MN 55422Phone: (800) 896-5133 Fax: (763) 595-4060 Visit www.nlassn.org for additional information.

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VS

Please mail, fax or email form & mail check to:

Schuyler Lumber Company Attn: Patty

812 W 16th Street Schuyler, NE 68661 Fax – 402-352-8713

Email – slc_812@q.com

For questions, Call Patty @ 402-352-2526

Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 6

Project Estimating Registration Form Superior, Wisconsin

July 12-13, 2010

Class Fees Members (including Wisconsin) $395 per person, or $375 each for groups of 3 or more Nonmembers $445 per person, or $425 each for groups of 3 or more Includes lunch both days Name of person completing form:

Company:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax:

e-mail:

Registrant Name Fee

Payment: Check (make payable to LTG) Visa Mastercard Credit card account #: Expiration date: CSV code (from back of card): Signature:

Questions? Contact Suzanne Lechtman, (800) 469-8744, slechtman@nlassn.org

Mail to NLA/Lumber Tech Group, 5905 Golden Valley Road, Minneapolis, MN 55422 Or fax to 763-595-4060.

Scene, Vol. XVII, Number 7July 2010 7

[Typ Northwestern Lumber Association, 5905 Golden Valley Road, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55422 (763) 544-6822 - (888) 544-6822 - Fax (763) 595-4060 - www.nlassn.org e text]

2010 NLA ROUNDTABLE REGISTRATION FORM Name Company

Address (street &/or PO number)

Phone Fax

E-mail

I would like to attend the NLA Roundtable session scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 – Friday, October 22, 2010

There is only one rule relating to attendance – competitors cannot attend the same meeting. Priority will be given based on the date this form is received.

Enclosed is a check for $300 (payable to Northwestern Lumber Association) for

enrollment in Building Materials Operations Comparison (BMOC) and to serve as deposit for the Roundtable.

Charge $300 to my Credit Card (circle one) MasterCard Visa

PLEASE RESPOND BY JULY 26

Credit Card Information Name on card Signature Account number Expiration date Security code (back of card) Please return form with payment to Northwestern Lumber Association, 5905 Golden Valley Road, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55422, or fax to (763) 595-4060. For further information contact Suzanne Lechtman at (763) 595-4050 or (800) 469-8744.