The convention wouldn't have been possible without our great event sponsors. We can't thank them enough for taking the leap with us and making this possible!
Builder of the Year -
Steve Meister, Steve Meister Construction, Mankato
 Awarded to a builder based on their service to the local, state and national associations and their involvement demonstrated to BAM and the community. Steve is a charter member of MRBA, a long-time director and has held every executive position. He was BAM president in 2005, is currently a BAM Director and he participates in numerous committees. “Steve Meister Construction is committed to excellence and he strives to “get it right the first time” to eliminate call backs if at all possible.” – Amy Roach, Executive Officer, MRBA
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Remodeler of the Year -
Richard Larson, Larson Construction Inc., Grand Rapids
 Awarded to a remodeler based on their service to the local, state and national associations and their involvement demonstrated to BAM and the community. Richard has been a member since 1993. He was a charter member of NMBA and founding member of The Builders Group workers compensation program. “Larson Construction is known for their excellence in customer service.” – Megan Christianson, Executive Officer, NMBA
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Associate of the Year -
Pat Goff, Crow Wing Power, Brainerd
 Awarded to an associate based on their service to the local, state and national associations and their involvement demonstrated to BAM and the community. Pat has been a member for over 25 years. He has served as president and director at MMBA and is a director and the Associate Vice President of BAM. “Pat Goff is a very sincere and hands on team player, always willing to exceed the expectations he sets for himself and his team.” – Colleen Faacks, Executive Officer, MMBA
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Citizenship Award -
Karen J. Owen, First Federal Savings, Brainerd
 Awarded to a member who displays acts of kindness and philanthropy toward and individual or organization, dedicates time and/or money ot a charitable organization, and makes notable civic contributions. Karen is a successful businesswoman in the Brainerd Lakes Area and an active volunteer for a number of organizations including Brainerd Lakes Chamber Board, Noon Sertoma, American Cancer Relay for Life and the Kinship Partners Board. She has been a member of the MMBA since 1998 and served as president in 2002-2003. “Karen is a quiet, unassuming person with one of the biggest and most compassionate hearts in our Brainerd lakes Community.” – Jeff Olson, Confidence Learning Center Executive Director
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Builders Employing Associate Members (BEAM) Award -
Monte Mraz, Heritage Minnesota LLC, Brainerd
 Builders Employing Associate Members (BEAM) Award is given to a builder or remodeler in recognition of their outstanding professionalism in doing business with associate members. Monte does business almost exclusively with builders association members and has produced projects with 80-99% of the home built by members. “Throughout my two years as president, I have not known any other contractor who is more dedicated to a policy of doing business with a member.” – Chuck Hiltner, Crow Wing Power
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Rising Star Award -
Ben Edwards, Edwards/La Plant Construction, Inc., Grand Rapids
 Awarded to a builder, remodeler or associate member who has not been historically involved in BAM and, during the previous year, has committed themselves to the service of BAM at an accelerated level. Ben became an active member of the association in 2006 and is already 2008 president of NMBA. Ben has not hesitated to travel south to lobby legislators or learn more about the legal action committee. NMBA staff has described him as the “ultimate behind the scenes guy.” He has worked on various workforce development initiatives for the association as well as committee work.
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Excellence in Service Award -
Sandy Friend, Rochester Area Builders, Inc., Rochester
 Sandy has been with RAB for 22 years. She attends every one of RAB’s 30 committee meetings every month and her attention to detail and her organizational skills are legendary. She has created an environment for the local association where members actively participate and thrive. This award was created to recognize a staff member of a local or state HBA who performs above and beyond in: job performance; personal attitude; commitment to HBA mission and goals; and years of service.
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Legacy Award -
Amy Roach, Minnesota River Builders Association, Mankato
 The Legacy Award is chosen by the current BAM Past-President. Jeff Schoenwetter, BAM 2007 Past-President issued a challenge to all local executive officers to grow their membership by the greatest percentage and Amy rose to that challenge. Amy’s dedication, hard work and commitment to the industry paid off. She led MRBA to a membership increase of 87% in the past year.
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President's Award -
Karen Linner, Builders Association of Minnesota, Saint Paul
 The President’s Award is chosen by the current BAM President and awarded to a member, company or staff person who has contributed to the state association behind the scenes. Jim Gander, 2007 BAM President chose this award winner with the goal of recognizing an outstanding and lasting achievement for the entire industry that will have a permanent impact for years to come. Karen's quick actions to improve the code through an administrative law judge hearing, and her follow up to create user friendly building guides has made it easier for members to work with local code officials.
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Distinguished Business of the Year -
Crow Wing Power, Brainerd
Accepted by Pat Goff, Crow Wing Power Employee
 Created to recognize a business that supports individuals within their organization that contribute to the local, state and national associations, this award was given to Crow Wing Power, an active member for 26 years. Crow Wing has allowed their employees to become active in the builders association. Two employees have served as president of MMBA, three have served as MMBA directors, and one employee currently sits on the BAM Board of Directors.
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Local Event of the Year -
Suburban Northwest Builders Association, Elk River
Accepted by Chris Mitchell, SNBA Member
 This award is given to the local association that organized and held an exceptional event within the last year. The event must be exceptional in terms of: purpose and goal, achievement and member involvement. SNBA was awarded the 2007 Event of the Year for their Home Show.
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Local Membership Growth Award -
Minnesota River Builders Association, Mankato
Accepted by Amy Roach, MRBA Executive Officer
 Awarded to the local association that grew their membership by the biggest percentage within the last year. MRBA participated in the Oliver Group Membership Drive and achieved an 87% increase in membership. MRBA also took national honors and awas awarded the Top Producer. |
Local Membership Retention Award -
West Central Builders Association, New London
Accepted by Larry Puls, VBA member on behalf of WCBA
 Awarded to the local association that grew their membership by the biggest percentage within the last year. WCBA has been holding steady with membership retention at 95.8% the past three years. |
Thirteen award winners were announced Saturday, January 26th at the first Minnesota Builders Convention held at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota. To celebrate and recognize the outstanding accomplishements of its members and local associations, the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) chose 13 worthy candidates to award. 
