On Wednesday, BIBCA reaffirmed our continued support of the SAVE Act. On behalf of our hundreds of members, this grass-roots organization has once again stepped up to endorse this important piece of legislation.
The SAVE Act [S. 1106], introduced on June 6, 2013 by Senators Bennet (D-Colo.) and Isakson (R-Ga.), is legislation to improve the accuracy of mortgage underwriting used by federal mortgage agencies by including a home's expected energy cost savings when determining the value and affordability of energy efficient homes. Utility bills are usually larger than either real estate taxes or homeowners insurance, but they are currently ignored in mortgage underwriting.
The SAVE Act would help revitalize the hardest hit sectors of the economy by providing lower rate mortgage financing for cost effective energy improvements; giving homebuilders and homeowners the option to recover the cost of efficiency investments; and enabling better federal mortgage underwriting while lowering utility bills for American households.
Benefits include:
- No cost to the taxpayers. The bill does not add to the current deficit or rely on taxes or fees; instead it removes current obstacles holding back more efficient building and remodeling of our homes.
- Remove an impediment to home energy efficiency from federal mortgage policy. Investments in energy efficiency can offer impressive returns to homeowners, paying for themselves in utility bill savings while also increasing a home’s comfort and mitigating the risks of energy price volatility.
- Drive business and job growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors. By removing barriers to energy efficiency investments by home owners and builders, the SAVE Act will increase the supply of and demand for energy-efficient new homes and improvements, putting people in the construction, remodeling, and manufacturing sectors back to work.
- Lower utility bills for American households. The typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,500 on home energy bills each year. A small upfront investment in energy efficiency upgrades could reduce a home’s energy bills by 30% or more and protect against energy price shocks, all while improving the comfort and value of the home.
- Expand the accessibility and affordability of energy efficient homes. The SAVE Act would allow American home owners to finance cost-effective home energy upgrades as part of their traditional mortgage, improving access to the comfort and money-saving benefits of efficiency without increasing the cost of homeownership. The result is better and cheaper access to capital to invest in making homes better.
- Appeals to a broad, diverse coalition. The bill brings together a broad and diverse coalition of supporters ranging from the National Association of Realtors and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance to Save Energy.
Bipartisan, sensible, and right in line with our energy-efficiency priorities. It's a win win win - What more could we ask for?
The response has been overwhelming to the press release sent today by RESNET. It is obvious that HERS Raters not only care about correct density, they care about whether a BIBS dealer is certified. If you'd like your local rater to receive a kit, please contact the office. Now is a good time to be sure that your membership is current! Check your status HERE. If you're not on the map, contact us to ensure your presence amongst raters.
April 8, 2013
RESNET and BIBCA Working Together to Ensure Proper Insulation Installations
RESNET and the Blow in Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) work together to make density kits readily available for raters to test loose-fill wall insulation installations.
Although loose-fill wall insulation systems are a desirable insulating method for achieving Grade I insulation jobs, the most common method of inspection for proper installation is visually. While obvious gaps or under-blown areas may be detected by sight, density testing is the only way to truly verify the job has been done.
For years, certified insulation installers of the Blow-in-Blanket® System (BIBS®) have used density kits to verify proper density of the installed wall insulation. These kits are now available at no cost to HERS Raters through their local certified BIBS® dealers.
With the constantly growing interest in conserving energy, making density kits more available to the HERS community makes a lot of sense, said Kristin Bennett, Executive Director of BIBCA. Energy raters are often the ones making sure the whole house will perform as planned and a light density wall just wont work like its supposed to. Weve partnered with RESNET because we know the value of teaming up raters with qualified installers. We want density checks, but we also want good relationships between raters and BIBS® installers
Raters should note that they will need to know both the material being used and the desired R-value, as there is some flexible in installation options. The most common density is 1.8 lbs/ft3, which will generally achieve an r-value of 15.
To find out more about the process or to get connected to their local certified BIBS® dealer, please contact the BIBCA office at (605) 949-2427, or email Kristin@bibca.org. For more information on BIBCA, visit www.bibca.org.
We are sad to lose one of our founding fathers.
Terry was born February 10th, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Nathaniel Gardner Jr. and Zelda Jacqueline Van Vleet Gardner. He grew up on the family farm in Osgood, ID where he learned to love horses and work with his hands. He attended grade school in Osgood and high school in Idaho Falls, but due to the early death of his father he was forced to quit and support the family by working on the farm.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Brown and together they had 3 children. They divorced 20 years later. In 1978 he married Betty Moulton Blake whom he loved to the last day of his life. He worked as a firefighter for the City of Idaho Falls where he loved his job and served for over 25 years. He retired from the Fire Department in 1984 with the rank of Battalion Chief. He was instrumental in creating the pension fund that Idaho firefighters enjoy today. Just before retiring from the fire department he started Quality Insulation and through his hard work and business ethic, it grew to be the largest insulation company in South East Idaho. He had dealings with international insulation companies and was highly influential in the insulation industry. He served as a board member in several national insulation organizations. His passion and drive was evident in every aspect of his life, and he developed many close friendships with co-workers, customers and fellow contractors.
Terry and Betty built a cabin in Island Park and spent many great years there enjoying the outdoors. Being at the cabin was Terry’s sanctuary. While there, he often pondered on God’s wondrous creations and was grateful for his way of life. Some of his favorite things were boating, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, building birdhouses and doing jigsaw puzzles. However his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends and rejoicing in their accomplishments.
Terry is survived by his wife Betty of Idaho Falls;
Sister, Sharon Nixon of Idaho Falls;
Daughter, Jeanne (Royce) Larsen of Fruitland, ID;
Son, Tony (Eva) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Mark (Deitra) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Hal (Iola) Blake of Idaho Falls;
He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Jay, Garry and Dennis; 2 sisters, Jacqueline and Diane; and son Dayle Blake.
His family would like to a send a special thank you to the staff at the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Terry had a special motto he gave them, “You take medicine to stay alive; you exercise to live.” They have it posted on their wall.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, at Wood Funeral Home, Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge Avenue with Bishop James Durrant officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery. Terry will be honored by the Idaho Falls Firefighters Pipes and Drums.
BIBCA Friends,
I'll be taking a long-anticipated vacation from February 7 - February 19th. During this time, I will not have access to voice mail or email. But we don't want to leave you high and dry.
Emergency Contact: In the case of a genuine emergency, please contact Steve Malon, BIBCA Vice President, at 605-716-5152.
Social Media: we are now administrating 30 social media networks through the office. The wonders of technology allow me to preset the media postings, and they will go out next week as usual on Tuesday and Thursday. Have no fear, your online presence will be maintained in my absence! Haven't signed up yet? Let's talk when I return, you're really missing out!
We look forward to serving you in 2013,
Kristin Bennett, Executive Director
BIBCA
kristin@bibca.org
BIBCA's Board will be voting on our 2012 winner of the cash prize for best BIBS video one week from today. We have very few submissions for this contest, even though there are plenty of BIBS videos out there. So if you're a member, and you've got a video - bring it to our attention before Monday!
Submittals can be posted on YouTube (send the link to kristin@bibca.org).
Video must show use of approved materials (fabric and fiber) to be considered!
The BIBCA Board of Directors will be meeting in Dallas Wed-Thursday next week. Members are welcome to sit in on our 'open forum' business meeting. If you're interested in getting more involved, or just want to know what's happening, contact Kristin to reserve a seat in the meeting. 866-330-2427.
The Honorable Dave Camp The Honorable Sander M. Levin
Chair Ranking Member
Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Pat Tiberi The Honorable Richard E. Neal
Chair Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures
Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairmen Camp and Tiberi and Ranking Members Levin and Neal:
As you begin your review of tax extenders, we urge you to support extension of the New Energy Efficient Home Credit (Internal Revenue Code Sec. 45L). At a modest cost to the American tax payer, this incentive promotes the construction of highly-efficient new homes that create jobs in America’s housing industry while saving homeowners money on their energy bills. We collectively represent businesses, non-profit organizations, states, and energy efficiency and environmental organizations that support this critical tax incentive.
Congress enacted the New Efficient Home Credit in 2005 with strong bipartisan support, but it expired at the end of 2011. Over the years, the New Efficient Home Credit has proven to be incredibly impactful at a modest cost. The incentive provided a $2,000 credit for builders of homes that use 50 percent less energy for space heating and cooling, relative to the International Energy Conservation Code’s (IECC) 2004 supplement. It also provided a tax credit of $1,000 to manufacturers of ENERGY STAR-qualified manufactured homes. The incentive was therefore based on a new home’s energy efficiency performance.
This performance-based tax credit has been successful in transforming the new homes market. As shown in the table below, the total number of new homes eligible for the credit grew four-fold between 2006 and 2009, despite the fact that total new home construction decreased and the credit’s high efficiency requirements. Before Congress enacted the incentive, less than 600 homes had come even close to meeting this level. Additionally, energy-efficient homes gained a greater market share, as the number of homes eligible for the tax credit rose to 11 percent of new homes sold in 2011.
This tax credit has effectively lowered energy costs for American homeowners putting more money into local economies and making homeownership more affordable. It is critical that Congress extend the New Efficient Home Credit to increase the market share of new homes meeting the efficiency criteria of the incentive as the new home construction market rebounds from the recession.
| Year | Number of Homes Verified as Eligible for Tax Credit | Percent of New Homes Sold Verified for Tax Credit |
| 2006 | 7,110 | .7% |
| 2007 | 23,000 | 3% |
| 2008 | 22,000 | 5% |
| 2009 | 37,000 | 10% |
| 2010 | 21,000 | 7% |
| 2011 | 32,000 | 11% |
Source: Residential Energy Services Network (2012)
Note: The number of homes dropped off in 2010 because the tax credit was not in effect when the builders were making decisions on energy efficiency; the incentive was only extended retroactively.
The New Efficient Home Credit has been highly effective in bringing innovative, high-efficiency homes into the marketplace. These homes save valuable energy and lower pollution at the same time. Homeowners then have much more money to invest in their communities, creating local jobs and improving local economies. For these reasons, we urge you to extend the New Energy Efficient Home Credit.
Sincerely,
The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Blow In Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA)
Conservation Services Group
Environment America
Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)
Institute for Market Transformation
National Association for State Community Services
National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Members,
BIBCA.org keeps an event calendar of meetings, trianings, and conferences on our site. Our meetings are open to all members, you only need to let us know if you'd like to sit in on a board meeting or committee meeting.
We'd like our calendar to include any events, trade shows, or company happenings you'd like posted. Feel free to send us your events for listing. We will post it on our site, and also send a Facebook notice to our network.
Click Here to view upcoming meetings and events. Email kristin@bibca.org with your additions to the calendar.
There are BIBS dealers who really go the extra mile in their training and industry involvement. These contractors, our Gold and Platinum Members, have always been special to BIBCA. Now they're special to RESNET too. The prestigious Gold and Platinum status is available to all BIBCA members who remain current in their training and attend the conference every other year.
Click Here to view the full brochure that will be distributed to 1,000 RESNET conference attendees; including the list of preferred BIBS contractors.
To learn how your company can become a preferred contractor through Gold or Platinum status, contact the BIBCA office at 866-330-2427. It's not too late to make the 2012 conference and be added to the list!
BIBCA members and supporters are invited to nominate active BIBCA members for Board service. The industry's leading training organization seeks individuals committed to raising the bar for insulation professionals nationwide. Board service is a rewarding, educational networking opportunity for members with all levels of experience.
Our Board terms are three years, with Executive Officers serving two-year terms. The group of between 10 and 13 board members is comprised of BIBCA independent contractors, Industry Manufacturer representatives, and multi-branch company representatives. Board service involves at least 2 face to face meetings per year, one monthly hour-long conference call, and intermittent committee service responsibilities. BIBCA pays your expenses in appreciation for your time.
To nominate yourself or a colleague, please contact the BIBCA office at 866-330-2427. A nomination form will be sent to you, and responses must be received at the office before January 13th, 2012.
Get involved, it's the best way to make the most of your membership!
BIBCA is building our list of Gold and Platinum members for presentation to RESNET as the preferred contractors in their area. The list will be maintained through BIBCA.org and referenced by HERS raters nationwide.
List of Platinum Dealers:
The best-trained, most involved, highest profile contractors in our network.
List of Gold Dealers:
BIBS dealers that go above and beyond minimum certification requirements.
While we value each and every BIBS dealer and BIBCA member, only those who are on the Gold and Platinum lists will be referenced as the preferred contractors for HERS raters nationwide.
If you have met the qualifications for premium status, or need help with final steps to do so, please contact the BIBCA office and we'll get you on the road to preferred status with RESNET.
In recent meetings, RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden and BIBCA Executive Director Kristin Bennett met to discuss the importance of quality workmanship, professionalism, and continuing education in the insulation industry. BIBCA and RESNET agree that a rater's job is easier if a relationship exists between the contractor and rater. Likewise, the insulation contractor who invests time and energy into continued training should be recognized for their quality commitment to the builder and homeowner.
RESNET and BIBCA have agreed to work on building the relationship between rater and contractor. In the next few months, raters will be referred to BIBCA Gold and Platinum members as the preferred contractors in their area. At the BIBCA Convention, and again at the RESNET Conference one week later, raters and BIBCA members will be introduced to this new collaboration. Our hope is that more contractors will invest in training, and raters will easily recognize and recommend contractors whose work they know to be top-notch. For more information on this initiative, please contact Kristin at the BIBCA office, and be sure to catch Steve Baden's session on Market Opportunities at the 2012 convention in Phoenix.
Market Opportunities of Working With RESNET
Steve Baden has worked in the residentialenergy efficiency field for over twenty five years, including eighteen years with home energyratings and energy mortgages on both the state and national levels, and ten years administering a state energy office. Mr. Baden initiated the “Warm Homes for Alaskans Initiative” which received the“”1993 National Award for the Most Outstanding State Housing Program”” from the National Council ofState Housing Agencies. Steve was also awarded “Lifetime Achievement Awards” from the U.S. Departmentof Energy and RESNET.
Have you subscribed to our video channel? Check out our second in a series of videos by and for BIBS dealers. And don't forget, you can send your footage to us in any format - even straight from your cell phone - and we'll publish it to our channel. What a great way to promote your business, and the original and still the best BIBS! Plus, send us the best footage by convention time, and you can win $500.
Click Here to see our latest video with the Energy Conservatory and subscribe to the series.
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An energy mortgage is a mortgage that credits a home's energy efficiency in the home loan. For an energy efficient home, for example, it could mean giving the home buyer the ability to buy a higher quality home because of the lower monthly costs of heating and cooling the home. For homes in which the energy efficiency can be improved, this concept allows the money saved in monthly utility bills to finance energy improvements.
- Energy Improvement Mortgage - Finances the energy upgrades of an existing home in the mortgage loan using monthly energy savings.
- Energy Efficient Mortgage - Uses the energy savings from a new energy efficient home to increase the home buying power of consumers and capitalizes the energy savings in the appraisal.
The ability to leverage a home buyer's investment in energy efficiency increases the number of qualified home buyers and increases the purchasing power of the consumer. A recent analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that energy efficient mortgages can have a dramatic impact on increasing the opportunities for home ownership. The analysis found that an average of 6.8% more families would be able to qualify for a mortgage through an energy efficient mortgage.
Blow-In-Blanket insulation works with any blueprint, fits any configuration. Cavities. Curves. Vaulted ceilings. Crawl spaces. Custom windows. The Blow-In-Blanket System (BIBS®) is a proven, time-tested, premium insulation that fits any configuration, any custom situation, any size home. It blows in easily, fills completely and lasts for the life of your home.
BIBS Fills gaps and voids for thermal efficiency. Unlike other insulation systems that may leave voids or gaps, BIBS completely fills the space, which controls sound and reduces air infiltration in the wall cavity. So your house is snug, secure, thermally efficient and draft-free.
BIBS is safe and easy to install. Developed by Ark-Seal almost 20 years ago, BIBS is the most widely accepted and independently tested blown-in wall system used today. Little wonder - it's easy to apply, clean, fast and effective. It's also fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and does not attract or act as sustenance for animals. And because BIBS uses non-combustible fiber glass, there are no chemicals or noxious odors over time.
With BIBS, loose-fill insulation is blown behind netting using specific installation techniques. BIBS is licensed by Ark-Seal to independent contractors so only qualified installers can apply it. And only approved insulation products may be used. These include Johns Manville Climate Pro® or SpiderFiber®, CertainTeed InsulSafe® SP or Optima, and Perimeter Plus by Knauf Insulation.
BIBCA and other partners/vendors featured in RESNET conference followup videos. If you missed the RESNET conference, here's a great snapshot of vendors and participants in Orlando.
For the first time in recent history, workplace demographics now span four generations, including the veterans, baby boomers, generation X and generation Y. Categorized by behavioral demographics and birthrates, these generations bring not only their own perspectives to the workplace, but their own individual learning styles as well.
Faith Technologies, an electrical and technical service contractor, is one example of a construction company that has embraced generational differences and learning styles to bridge the generational gap and leverage the abilities of this diverse workforce. The most recent example of how Faith Technologies has accomplished this is with their successful safety program.
In March 2010, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) named Faith Technologies the safest construction program in the nation—only the second subcontractor to win the award. As a company made up of approximately 1,500 employees, Faith Technologies credits their success to the fact that safety is part of the culture, embraced at every level of the company. Faith Technologies has created this culture by approaching safety training as both a science and an art.
The science of their safety training refers to knowledge and skill—what to do and how to do it better. This includes traditional training activities such as tool operation training, providing examples of safe jobsite working environments and explaining the proper use of safety glasses, hard hats, work gloves and other personal protective equipment.
Faith Technologies trains their employees on the following curriculum categories: trade, business development, computer, leadership development, safety and employee development. The safety curriculum category is not only its own category, but it is also included as a component of each of the curriculum categories. Once employees have been trained, Faith Technologies uses several of the following approaches to ensure that employees are performing tasks safely and developing their skills: • Conducting jobsite audits to ensure employees are using tools and equipment properly while wearing the appropriate PPE
• Implementing productivity time evaluations (giving generation X employees the opportunity to ask questions and resolve problems in small groups) to be sure the field crew is working as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Partnering less experienced field workers with seasoned mentors in a Field Mentorship Program—this program can provide personalized coaching opportunities and help inexperienced workers learn best practices, which will allow them to develop the necessary skills to keep them safe and successful. This caters to the needs of the generation Y workforce (who require a higher level of attention and structure regarding safety) and the baby boomers (whose team orientation and strong identification of work roles make them want to share responsibility for safety standards and practices).
Structuring Faith Technologies’ safety training to target generational learning styles motivates their employees to embrace safety. Traditional programs focus only on the science of safety. This motivates employees only enough to avoid discipline. Faith Technologies wants their employees to actively desire a safe work environment, and they instill this desire in the following ways:
• Coaching leaders to engage in impactful safety conversations throughout the organization
• Educating generation Y (the first generation that has always known OSHA to exist) on the importance of being personally conscientious on the jobsite even though there is a safety department and national organization in place • Implementing social media to communicate with generation Y employees • Providing field leaders with specialized training on presentation skills to ensure impactful instruction • Employing story-telling techniques and video clips to bring safety information and data to life
Companies can bridge the generational gap by recognizing the unique perspectives and learning styles of all generations. If business owners ignore generational differences completely or try to appeal to all generations in the same way, they will not tap into the potential of all employees—the same potential that can make an ordinary organization extraordinary.
Veterans
Uncomfortable with ambiguity and change, veterans prefer the traditional classroom structure. They enjoy working independently and do not like being singled out in group discussions. They learn best with bulleted or outlined materials.Baby boomers
Baby boomers, which are team-oriented, generally like group activities and require lots of interaction and “talk” time. They value plenty of opportunity to practice new skills alone. They prefer educational materials to be organized with major headings.
Generation X
Xers value pragmatism and want to be taught with relevant information and facts stated up-front. They have little tolerance for non-value added activities or incompetent instructors. They like asking questions and want time to discuss challenging materials and/or resolve problems in small group breakout sessions. They digest information better in a bulleted format.
Generation Y
Accustomed to group work, generation Y requires more structure and supervision in their learning environment than other generations. They appreciate and expect visually stimulating and multi-sensory information, having grown up surrounded by digital media. Also, they do not like to ask for help, which means it is important to proactively offer help
Please check your inventory and stock-up now.
Blow In Blanket: 800-525-8992.
BIBCA learned yesterday that our long-time friend and Board Member John Dillard passed away on Tuesday. John will be greatly missed by the BIBCA family, and our hearts go out to Connie. John was the owner of Central Idaho Systems in Lewiston, Idaho, and has been one of BIBCA's greatest champions for decades. Condolences may be sent to Connie at 717 29th Street North, Lewiston, Idaho, 83501.
BIBCA is currently seeking an insulation professional to translate our BIBS Training Program from English into Spanish. We will be launching our online certification program in Spanish in 2011; step one is to have the written content translated. This paid contract may also include recording the voice-over needed to produce the Spanish online course, but it's possible we may use a second person to do this recording.
Anyone interested in bidding this project may contact the BIBCA office at 866-330-2427. Gracias!
Title: Energy Efficiency - Jobs, Training, Financing
Date:Thursday, October 28, 2010
Time:11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/941037408
Right now, the IRS Form 1099 is used to document income for individual workers other than wages and salaries. Freelancers receive them each year from their clients, and businesses issue them to the independent contractors they hire.
The bill makes two key changes to how 1099s are used. First, it expands their scope by using them to track payments not only for services but also for tangible goods. Plus, it requires that 1099s be issued not just to individuals, but also to corporations.
Taken together, the two seemingly small changes will require millions of additional forms to be sent out. Why did these tax code revisions get included in a health-care reform bill? Welcome to Washington. The idea seems to be that using 1099 forms to capture unreported income will generate more government revenue and help offset the cost of the health bill.
Why did these tax code revisions get included in a health-care reform bill? The idea seems to be that using 1099 forms to capture unreported income will generate more government revenue and help offset the cost of the health bill. The IRS estimates that the federal government loses more than $ 300 billion each year in tax revenue on income that goes unreported. Using 1099s to document millions of transactions that now go untracked is one way to begin to close the gap.
Data Collection Headache: gathering names and taxpayer identification numbers for every payee and vendor that you do business with.
New Membership Levels with enhanced benefits have been adopted by the 2010 Board of Directors. Please contact the BIBCA office immediately (866-330-2427) to check your training status and to see if you qualify in the following categories: SILVER, GOLD or PLATINUM
- Save money on energy
- Help the Environment
- Improve Marketability
- Utilize Tax incentives
- Increase resale value
Check out Insulation Solutions and BIBS contractors.
Time to increase your energy efficiency, lower your taxes and utility bills and reduce your impact on the environment. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act entitles you to an energy tax credit of up to $1,500 ($5000 X 30%) on energy-efficient building materials like BIBS insulation. With these extended tax incentives I plan to add insulation to my attic this year. I hope all the BIBS contractors are using this as a marketing tool for 2010.
A common question we get from consumers is what materials are acceptable.
Using any random fiber behind any netting does not make for an approved BIBS system. With the Blow-in-Blanket System, loose-fill insulation is blown behind netting using a specific installation technique. BIBS is licensed to qualified contractors and only approved insulation products may be used. These include Johns Manville Climate Pro® or Spider Fiber®, CertainTeed InsulSafe® SP or Optima® and Perimeter Plus by Knauf Insulation.
Air Infiltration of Wood Frame Walls
In today's construction market, insulation contractors have many choices of insulation materials and air-sealing strategies. Reducing the air infiltration in walls has a significant impact on energy consumption of a home. Major factors which impact the air infiltration performance of walls include the type of insulation, air sealing measures such as housewrap, taping the housewrap edges, and caulking joints in the envelope. NAIMA sponsored testing at the NAHB Research Center to determine how air infiltration changes with the insulation type and different air sealing measures. This presentation will show those test results and cost information that can be used to help you air-seal and insulate homes effectively.
Click here to view the Charles Cottrell presentation.
Building Energy Codes
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1 are under significant pressure to increase the energy performance of new buildings. These improvements will result in improved duct, HVAC equipment and building envelope requirements. These improvements will likely change the way new buildings are constructed and insulated. This presentation will give a brief summary of the changes to the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.
Click here to view the Charles Cottrell presentation.
"We should put more Americans to work
building clean energy facilities, and give
rebates to Americans who make their
homes more energy efficient, which
supports clean energy jobs"
Click here to see the rest of Kelly Parker's presentation
Job seekers with no ties to any particular location often seek jobs in big cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco. But are these the places where they're most likely to find a job?Not according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job seekers are better off looking in such cities as Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Rapid City, South Dakota. All of these cities registered some of the lowest unemployment rates in September 2008.Low unemployment rates seem harder to come by in today's economy. Unemployment rates were higher in 349 of the 369 U.S. metropolitan areas surveyed, which means 92 percent of cities have seen an increase in their unemployment rates. Only 25 ares reported lower rates, while six areas had no change. The national unemployment rate in September, 6 percent, was up 1.5 percent from 4.5 in September 2007. Ten cities recorded jobless rates of at least 10% and nine areas registered rates below 3 percent. Eighty-four metropolitan areas posted unemployment rates of at least 7 percent, up from only 17 areas the year before. Only 46 cities had jobless rates below 4 percent, down from 133 areas at the same time last year. In total, amoung the 310 metropolitan areas for which areas reported over-the-year employment gains, 164 reported losses, and 6 had no change. Despite these startling figures, several cities have low unemployment rates. Here are the 10 cities with the lowest unemployment rates, according to the September numbers released by the BLS. Bismark, ND, Casper, WY, Logan, UT, Sioux Falls, SD, Morgantown, WV, Ames, IA, Fargo, ND, Iowa City, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Lincoln, NE. |
On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008." This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home imrovements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which ad expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit. Tax Credits for Consumers: Product Category- Insulation
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| My duties as President will end soon. Doug Kooyman, BIBCA's Vice President will take over on January 1, 2009 . 2008 has been a very trying time for our industry and I feel 2009 will be very interesting to say the least. In these tough times, we all have to work harder and smarter to maintain and increase our market share. BIBCA is here to help. BIBCA has had a great 2008. In March, the Board of Directors along with our industry partners and Executive Director spent two full days in Kansas City developing our three year business plan. I am very pleased to announce that our first year goals are almost reached! This is a very comprehensive plan that gives BIBCA a blueprint for continued success. Our membership has increased for the sixth year in a row. BIBCA's online training program is ready to be launched. We have had many successful local training sessions through out the United States with many more planned for 2009. All of our marketing brochures have been updated along with a new "About BIBCA" brochure. The new Media Kits will be completed by the end of the year. BIBCA participated in four trade shows this year and had a very successful convention in February in Colorado Springs. Probably the most exiting news is the introduction by Service Partners of "BIBS/HP". This hybrid system will combine polyurethane spray foam and BIBS. BIBCA is working with Service Partners on this new system which will include training and promotion. Kristin Bennett, our Executive Director, has secured new office space and will have her entire staff in one location. Many thanks to Leta Brewster who served as Membership Director and Sara Glaze who served as Training Coordinator this last year. Many thanks to Kristin, Leta and Sara for job well done! In closing, BIBCA is in very strong shape going into 2009. BIBCA maintains a very strong Board of Directors which includes representatives from Service Partners, Johns Manville, CertainTeed and Knauf. BIBCA offers so much to our members which includes training, marketing, technical support and referrals. I encourage all members to get their 2009 dues in and continue to enjoy the benefits of BIBCA. Rick Rogers InsulVail Branch Manager 2008 BIBCA President
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We close out 2008 on a high note. Our membership numbers are double what they were a few years ago, and we're extremely busy developing new ways to help your BIBS business grow. In the past, we have hosted an annual convention, typically held in February each year. The Board of Directors has moved us into a new schedule, with our next convention to be held in 2010. The alternating years in between, we will take our show on the road, offering many training opportunities across the U.S. Four of these trainings in 2009 will be enhanced with extra workshop-type opportunities. The schedule is being developed now and will be published soon.
For 2009, our Board roster shows the retirement of Jeff Boone as Past President, and the new titles of our Executive Board. We also have a new Knauf Representative, Judy Whittle. Because of several changes in 2007, we have a full roster of Board members 2009 with no openings until 2010. To the left is the slate of executive officers for 2009, and details on committee chair positions. Please feel free to contact any of these board membersor the BIBCA office if you ever have questions or needs.
Here's to another year of growth in 2009!
Kristin Bennett
Executive Director
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Security permissions which provide access to information by employee position.
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JobPro has been working with the BIBCA Board of Directors on the JobPro solution for our members and specific incentives for our membership. Job Pro Technology will be offering these incentives to all BIBCA members that are interested in the JobPro system.
You can contact JobPro with any questions, or visit their website.
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For sales contact Robin Reavis
Phone: 704.584.4015
Fax: 704.896.9889
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My duties as President will end soon. Doug Kooyman, BIBCA's Vice President will take over on January 1, 2009 . 2008 has been a very trying time for our industry and I feel 2009 will be very interesting to say the least. In these tough times, we all have to work harder and smarter to maintain and increase our market share. BIBCA is here to help.
BIBCA has had a great 2008. In March, the Board of Directors along with our industry partners and Executive Director spent two full days in Kansas City developing our three year business plan. I am very pleased to announce that our first year goals are almost reached! This is a very comprehensive plan that gives BIBCA a blueprint for continued success.
Our membership has increased for the sixth year in a row. BIBCA's online training program is ready to be launched. We have had many successful local training sessions through out the United States with many more planned for 2009. All of our marketing brochures have been updated along with a new "About BIBCA" brochure. The new Media Kits will be completed by the end of the year. BIBCA participated in four trade shows this year and had a very successful convention in February in Colorado Springs. Probably the most exiting news is the introduction by Service Partners of "BIBS/HP". This hybrid system will combine polyurethane spray foam and BIBS. BIBCA is working with Service Partners on this new system which will include training and promotion. Kristin Bennett, our Executive Director, has secured new office space and will have her entire staff in one location. Many thanks to Leta Brewster who served as Membership Director and Sara Glaze who served as Training Coordinator this last year. Many thanks to Kristin, Leta and Sara for job well done!
In closing, BIBCA is in very strong shape going into 2009. BIBCA maintains a very strong Board of Directors which includes representatives from Service Partners, Johns Manville, CertainTeed and Knauf. BIBCA offers so much to our members which includes training, marketing, technical support and referrals. I encourage all members to get their 2009 dues in and continue to enjoy the benefits of BIBCA.
Rick Rogers
InsulVail Branch Manager
2008 BIBCA President
In Colorado Springs at the 2008 BIBCA Convention, the BIBCA board spent an intense couple of days examining BIBCA as an organization. As with any business or non-profit organization it is important to ask questions about mission, vision, purpose and viability from time to time. The board emerged from these meetings wtih a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for our purpose.
The board outlined a list of critical measures that will be accomplished over the next couple of years to re-invigorate the membership with the support of our Insustry partners Johns Manville, CertainTeed, Knauf Insulation, and Service Partners. Any BIBCA member who is interested in this list of objectives the board has outlined is encouraged to contact the BIBCA office. As always, the board is open to valuable input from the members it serves.
Now that BIBCA's reason-to-be has been reconfirmed, the next step is to remodel the business plan. In 2006, the board outlined specific objectives, many of which have been accomplished. As part of this planning a couple of years ago, the board agreed to examine the plan after 2 years to see what needs to be updated and revamped. March 27-28th the board will meet in Kansas City with our Industry Partners to lay out another three years of progress.
Always a top priority is the search for increased value to our members. If you have ideas or projects you would like the board to consider incorporating into the next few years' plans, please contact the BIBCA office at 866-330-2427. Within the next couple of months, members will receive information on what to expect from BIBCA moving forward.
