Building Education Day

This event offers industry professionals the opportunity to stay current on issues and trends affecting the building industry. Approved by Commerce for six hours of contractor continuing education!

8:00am Registration

8:30 How We’re Surviving the Slowdown presented by Mark Etrheim (Mastercraft Homes) & John Lautz (Lautz Custom Builders). These two builders, with a combined 60 years of experience, have faced two major slowdowns in the market. Find out how they make adjustments to survive.

9:45 Tax Topics for the Construction Industry presented by Ed Jaekel (Johnson, Jaekel & Riutzel). This accountant will touch briefly on business entity selection and joint ventures, accounting methods, tax credits and special deductions, employee vs. independent contractor tips, doing business in multiple states, sales and use tax, expensing of new equipment, and managing business and taxes.

11:00 60-Minute Law School for Builders presented by multiple attorneys from Johns, Flaherty & Collins. Learn the ins-and-outs of the Right to Cure Law requiring homeowners to allow a contractor to fix a problem before going to court. The session will also include tips on contracts and mold.

Noon Lunch provided

1:00 Technology Trend for Homes presented by Heath DeBernardi (Audio Video Pros). There’s so many options in technology. Stay on the cutting edge by finding out what should be standard, an upgrade and what’s smoke and mirrors.

2:15 What Women Want and Why You Should Care presented by Diane Raaum (Coulee Region Women Magazine). Women have become major players in the construction process. Find out how you can better interact with them.

3:00 Frequent Home Problems and How to Avoid Them presented by Calvin King (inspector, City of Onalaska). Learn from a man who inspects homes every day the common problems and fixes for better construction.