Master Builders of Iowa

2009 was a year of dynamic and strategic change focused on increasing the value of membership in the MBI. Accomplishing the strategic plan produced significant results that add even more value to the highest performing trade association in Iowa and one of the best in the AGCA. It is important to note that there has not been an increase in dues for MBI for regular general contractor membership since 1987. Associate member dues have been minimal and limited to reflect only two (2) modest increases in AGCA national associate member dues since 1987. That said; please reflect upon the facts noted below as you consider your investment in MBI.

SAFETY
2009 witnessed an expansion of safety services covered by dues and a decrease in fee-based services. The result is more safety services available to members as part of their dues investment. Internet availability of safety training expands the reach and portability of safety throughout the MBI service area.  You can view the entire safety services program in the safety section of this website.

PROJECT INFORMATION
2009 marked the introduction of the MBI electronic private plan room office (PCO) drastically discounted though association-sponsored financial subsidies to members who subscribe to this new platform from the MBI. To date, 29 general contractor members have taken advantage of the MBI subsidized iSq.Ft. subscription, at a savings of $4,000.00 from the regular market price.

NEW WEBSITE
The Association launched a brand new website in 2009. MBI has invested significant resources in the development of this new website focused on delivering essential, up-to-date information to MBI members on a 24-7 basis. The website and build-out is recognized as the highest performing, value based information resource in the industry.

ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS
The substantially revised and improved communications/information network delivered a total of 108 regular weekly publications from project to essential business information.  This notwithstanding, scores of special notices and other messages designed to inform the membership of timely and relevant business resource information.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2009 Education and Professional development results yielded a total of 140 learning sessions including training, seminars, and educational events resulting in attendance of 2136.

LEADERHIP DEVELOPMENT
2009 saw continued growth in the MB EYE on the future program resulting in record nomination of 26 and a registration of 22 in this year’s class.

ESSENTIAL AND VALUE-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNIITES
Continued growth in the Regional meetings (now twice a year) combined with the new Construction Essentials program hit record numbers with attendance reaching over 700.  Feed back is very good and attendees are benefiting from important industry topics and high quality presenters leading informative discussions.

CRAFTWORKER TRAINING
Renewed certifications gained by the MBI in 2009 (bestowed by the National Center for Education and Research - NCCER) enable MBI as a testing center for craftsmen as well as a certified agent for Department of Labor (DOL) certified apprenticeship and training programs. In addition to the DOL certification, the MBI has the capacity and delivery system to conduct NCCER certified craft worker training programs through formalized partnerships with area community colleges.

DIVERSITY
MBI made great strides building its reputation as a leader in multicultural craftworker training both in Iowa and within the National AGC of America. MBI was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious AGCA Diversity Award delivered at the National Convention in San Diego, California for its curriculum in promoting and developing work place diversity programs.

SCHOLARSHIP
All during 2009, MBI continued its impressive history of student and scholarship support to institutions of construction learning at Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa with scholarships in the amount of $10,500 (ISU) and $2,000 (UNI) respectively.  Continued MBI leadership for the ACE Mentoring Program (Architects-Contractors-Engineers) in Iowa is strong with scholarships from MBI and member contractors in the amount of $11,950 in 2009. You may recall this thriving and growing chapter was the class project of the MB EYE on the Future class of 2006.

ADVOCACY-THE VOICE OF IOWA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Lobbying efforts received high rankings with 2009 leadership efforts leaving a strong fingerprint at the Iowa legislature. MBI leadership in opposition to oppressive work compensation legislation, intrusive and contractor punitive mini-Davis Bacon legislation were headliners in this year’s legislative debates.

Local leadership initiatives included stiff and continued opposition to organized labor inspired and intrusive PLA, local preference, responsible bidder and the so-called prequalification (disqualification) bidder ordinances in several cities, school boards and counties in Iowa. The MBI also lead successful legislation creating the historic preservation credit law opening up new construction as well as the law requiring public owners to provide paper plans to prospective bidders at no charge.  The Association was actively involved in over 15 disputes on the mishandling of bids and awards and the bid process on public projects.

INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Throughout 2009, MBI launched an industry wide educational effort regarding the serious liabilities associated with the newly issued AIA Form 2007 edition of the A201.  A compromise agreement lead by the MBI was initiated through discussions with leaders of the Iowa AIA and Iowa Engineering groups lessening the negative effect of this document on owners, contractors and the industry in general.   This compromise known as the Supplemental Guidelines Agreement has become the model for Iowa and has been adopted by other states as well.

RESULTS
These are just some of the outcomes of your dues dollars at work DURING 2009.  As you review this list and the business environment as a whole, we encourage you to not only consider the intrinsic value of the programs and services but also evaluate the impact to your bottom line and profitability if your association was not there to represent your collective interests. Excessive regulation costs on the bottom line and hurts the business environment for the industry.

The results noted above were laid out by a strategic plan, guided by Board leadership, committee oversight and an impressive amount of volunteers working for the collective good of the members and industry.

The dues for  MBI is an essential investment that pays dividends as it continues to demonstrates in each year of its 98-year history a track record of results for the industry.  The outcomes described here cannot be done without your support, FINANCIALLY and with your TIME, TALENT AND ENERGY. All of the facts recited above can be supported by looking through MBI’s website.

Thank you for your support and continued membership in the Master Builders of Iowa.