Digital Magazine
January 2024
2024 Leadership
Health Insurance
Legislative Update
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-24
Member Moment
New Leadership smile for a group photo after being installed during the annual banquet in November 2023 held in Brookings, SD.
4 Tony Kneeland: A Decade of Growth, Leadership & Community Impact 6 Executive Vice President's Message: Cheers to 2024 8 Legislative Updates with Peter Ronning 9 Legislative Appreication Social Notice 10 SDHBA Health Insurance Updates 11 SDHBA Member Benefits 12 Welcome 2024 Leadership 13 NAHB National Meeting Guide 14 Member Moment: Lily Design - Luxury Lake Home
Catch the January Member Moment with Lily Design as they take us on a design journey of a luxury lake home in eastern South Dakota.
Peter Ronning, SDHBA Legislative Committee Chair shines light on the SDHBA committee work.
On the Cover
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Legislative Session Kicks Off January 8
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A Decade of Growth, Leadership, and Community Impact As I reflect on my career progression, I can't help but marvel at the transformative journey that began in 2001 when I opened Kneeland Construction. Over the years, I've witnessed the evolution from a one-man show to leading a thriving business, and I'm proud to share the highlights of this remarkable adventure. Building Foundations: Kneeland Construction In 2001, Kneeland Construction was born, marking the commencement of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Fast forward to 2009, I joined the Watertown Area Home Builders Association (WAHBA), a decision that would significantly shape my professional path. Growth and Mentorship One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been the opportunity to mentor students from Northeast Technical High School and Lake Area Technical College. Watching them grow and contribute to the industry has been immensely rewarding. From a single-man operation, my team expanded, and we took on diverse projects, including remodels, new homes, garages, decks, spec homes, and commercial properties across Watertown and Northeast South Dakota. A Strategic Move: Glass Products Acquisition In 2019, a strategic move unfolded as I acquired Glass Products, a business established in 1981. The business has flourished under my leadership, nearly doubling in size, with a continued focus on increasing our workforce. Industry Involvement and Advocacy Joining WAHBA in 2009 marked the beginning of my active involvement in the industry. Serving four terms as Local President, I became deeply engaged in various committees, including Annual Banquet, Budget, Build-PAC, Builder Showcase, and more. At the state level, I chaired committees such as Legislative, Education, Executive, and Workforce Development. My commitment to workforce development led to the establishment of a $20,000 scholarship endowment fund for students at Lake Area Technical College. Leadership and Innovation Innovation has been a cornerstone of my journey. As the first chair for South Dakota's Workforce Development Committee, I advocated for investments in education and training. Attending the International Builders' Show (IBS) for a decade, I've consistently sought opportunities to enhance my knowledge and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Being the first contractor in Watertown to adopt the Zip System product showcased my commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies. A Legacy of Leadership Development My leadership journey extends beyond the professional realm. Serving as Local President four times and stepping into the role of South Dakota Home Builders Association's President in 2024 has been a tremendous honor. I've contributed to multiple committees, including those at the local and state levels, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and leadership development. Community Impact and Volunteer Work A sense of responsibility to the community has driven my involvement in various volunteer initiatives. From supporting Habitat for Humanity to spearheading construction projects at local schools and churches, I've sought to make a positive impact. Coaching youth sports and initiating programs at schools further reflect my commitment to nurturing the potential within the community. The Pursuit of Knowledge: Continuing Education Education has been a constant companion in my career. Graduating from Lake Area Technical College's Building Trades program in 1998 laid the foundation for my journey. Regularly attending IBS, glass shows, and certification classes at WAHBA ensures that I stay informed about the latest developments in the building industry. The Personal Touch Beyond professional achievements, I cherish the personal connections I've built with employees, fellow HBA members, and the community. My family, including my wife, three sons, and a foreign exchange student, remains at the heart of my motivation. In essence, my career is a testament to the power of vision, continuous learning, and community engagement. As I look ahead to new challenges, I remain committed to leaving a lasting impact on the industry, my business, and the communities I serve.
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Tony Hard at Work
Tony Kneeland 2024 SDHBA President
The Kneeland Family
Carl Harris & Tony Kneeland
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Hi Members & Industry Supporters – Welcome to 2024! As we start the new year, I’m asking our members to consider sharing their story or a special project as a Member Moment article or to partner with SDHBA by purchasing an annual advertisement in our monthly Nuts & Bolts Digital Magazine. Each month, the Member Moment will highlight your projects! What project has you beaming with pride? Which build holds a special place in your heart? Builders and Associate members are encouraged to share their stories about their specialties! We kicked off the year with Lily Design, and you can catch her featured article on page 14. I am excited to learn more about your remodels, new builds, redesigns, and customer stories. Please send your inquiries directly to the SDHBA office and be prepared to share between three to seven photos and an article of about 500 words. We greatly appreciate our members who power this monthly publication. Advertisements may be purchased anytime during the year and run for twelve consecutive months. Our digital mailing list reaches South Dakota Home Builders Association members, economic development authorities across the state, housing-industry leaders and strategic partners, legislators, and several relations with the National Association of Home Builders. Plus, the list grows each month! I would be delighted to discuss your company’s options to partner in 2024. As the new year rings in, it’s also a great time to share the benefits of SDHBA Membership! South Dakota Home Builders Association is comprised of more than 1,700 members. Members are those who build houses and turn them into homes, joining forces to protect the residential building industry in South Dakota. Across the state, companies join their nearest local home builders association. Local HBAs cover the Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Sioux Empire, Yankton, Pierre, and Rapid City locations, with each office also covering several surrounding counties. If you operate in an area outside the jurisdiction of any of the local associations, you have the unique opportunity to join at-large and still receive all the SDHBA and NAHB benefits. Our SDHBA website shares more details on how to join. I finished 2023 with other state executive officers in Sarasota, FL for our annual conference. Being part of a nationwide federation offers unique opportunities for learning and collaboration. The two-day conference allowed for several legislative-focused conversations and sharing of housing-industry trends between states. Several sponsors joined us, who shared more about their businesses and how they can assist our members. Rich Robinson highlighted that the HBA Rebate program will have nearly 70 manufacturing partners in 2024. Mark Switzer with Voterheads presented how his software assists in tracking municipality and county government agendas and statements. I look forward to learning more about this program. At the conclusion of the conference, I was pleased to accept the State Executive Officer Moderator position for 2024. In this nominated position, I will facilitate the State EO meetings and hold the State EO position on the EOC Professional Development Committee. Last year, we strengthened our association, and we’re starting this year by working more cohesively with our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Our Board will work with NAHB a few times over the next few months as we develop an updated strategic plan and guide us through the next season of home building in South Dakota. Please connect with me on any questions or inquiries about sharing articles and partnerships, joining the association, or becoming more active in your current membership. Thank you for your continued support of the industry that supports you!
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Rachel Dix Executive Vice President
State EO Conference, Sarasota FL. Group Photo
P.S. I took ZERO photos during the Show. Thanks to Julie, Tony and Heath, for capturing my shiny head in the background to prove I was at the concert!
ND, DE & SD State Executive Officers
Rachel Dix Executive Vice President South Dakota Home Builders Association rachel@sdhomebuilders.com
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Peter Ronning Legislative Chair
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Housing affordability has been the topic of focus for the SDHBA Legislative Committee over the last couple of years. Through policy and legislation, I believe this committee impacted new housing costs in 2023. Two major points the committee looked at during the 2023 Legislative Session were energy choice and establishing the SD Housing Infrastructure fund. Through legislation, we were able to prevent any ordinance, resolution, or policy that would limit certain utility services. This lets the homeowner choose their energy source, keeping the costs of those services and appliances competitive. We were also happy to see the passing of SB 41 establishing the SD Housing Infrastructure Fund. Developers can access these funds through loans and grants, saving costs on the development of land and allowing more affordable lots for the consumer. Many loans and grants have already been awarded through this fund in 2023. As we move into the new year, I am excited to continue as your SDHBA Legislative Chair. Housing affordability continues to be top of mind and will be a major focus as the year progresses. Our committee looks to continue addressing the housing affordability issue in part by reviewing new codes and being a part of the code adoption process. In 2023, we began to review the financial impact of future electrical code adoptions. We also began conversations with the South Dakota Electrical Commission and are encouraged by the relationship we are building with the Commission. We will continue these conversations and bring forward common-sense amendments during the 2024 code adoption process with a priority to keep the cost of new housing attainable. The Legislative Committee is also looking to address housing affordability through policy. The 2024 Legislative Session begins in January, and our weekly committee meetings will start on January 8. At these virtual meetings, we will review any bill that we believe could impact our industry. We are positive that we can build upon the success of the 2023 session. I would encourage any member interested in policy to join our calls this session. Our committee values the many perspectives our members can bring through such a wide breadth of industry professionals. Participation of our committee members is essential to bringing successful policy forward.I appreciate all the time the members of the Legislative Committee gave in 2023 and look forward to working with you throughout 2024.
The Legislative Appreciation Night brings State Legislators, Congressmen and other elected officials together to thank them for their service to the State of South Dakota in a relaxed atmosphere. For over 50 years, the menu hasn’t changed: Chili and Oyster Stew. All SDHBA Board Members are highly encouraged to attend. All members are invited to be part of this fun tradition - connect with SDHBA to discuss your attendance.
The SDHBA Legislative Committee meets virtually on Mondays at 12noon central during session. All SDHBA members are welcome to join in the virual calls. Please connect with the SDHBA office to be added to the calendar notices, or utilize the calendar on the SDHBA website. rachel@sdhomebuilders.com | 605.224.2761 | www.sdhomebuilders.com
Peter Ronning
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Our SDHBA Health Care Plan continues to grow with new contracts each month. As of July 2022, the program had 188 contracts. One year later, July 2023, the pool had grown by 48 contracts to 236. On August 1, 2023, the program switched from age-based rates to composite rates, and it has been an overall benefit to most of our members. With the new rates, the program added 130 between August and November 2023! Our dedicated agents from each local association meet monthly to discuss best practices and learn more about serving our members with these Wellmark policies for themselves and employees. Connect with the dedicated insurance agent in your region for a quote today!
If you are involved in the home building industry, you are invited to join! The process is simple and when you join at the local level, you automatically become a member of all three levels of the association: National, State and Local. That’s three memberships for the price of one! Within our state, the South Dakota Home Builders Association offers a variety of services and benefits to its members. The first one is simple…by participating in your local and state association, you enhance your business opportunities and gain a competitive edge by staying exposed to the most current information and issues. Being involved in SDHBA sponsored events & activities is the key to getting the most from your membership! Don't miss out on these fantastic SDHBA Member Services!
Join Now at www.sdhomebuilders.com/join-sdhba
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Meet the Team Learn the Terms Know Before You Go
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Join us as we journey through a Luxury Lake Home Project from our member, Lily Design! Lily Design is a local Brookings Regional Builders Association member who turned a homeowner’s ideas into a grand and stunning Luxury Lake Home with a swimmingly delightful surprise. This lake home successfully balances the modern and mountain chalet design styles. The designer, Lily Design, was able to bring to life the vision of the homeowner in a very modern and dynamic way. On approach, your attention is immediately captured by the grand entry. This entry is framed with ordinary building materials such as heavy timber and stone, but the detail in how it was constructed makes it special. The large stone columns give weight to the simple timber structure above. The oversized solid wood front door that opens on a pivot is the first indication that this home is not like the others. The designer's approach for this home was to allow the natural materials to remain natural and become an accent against a clean and modern backdrop. From the natural finish on the white oak wood floors to the Douglas Fir heavy timbers that accent the dramatic vault of the ceiling, the objective was to allow the natural materials to remain in their natural state. Upon entry, you are greeted by a massive ten-foot-high, 700-gallon fish tank that shows off the native fish that reside in the lake located less than 100 feet from their back door. The homeowner is an avid fisherman so this tank is a great way to highlight their appreciation of the native fish habitat that is found in South Dakota. After passing by the over-sized fish tank, you come into the great room that is open to the large kitchen and dining room. The large windows and doors allow for maximum views to the lake below. Within the great room sits a custom oversized three-sided fireplace with a seamless glass enclosure so it appears to be an open flame. The hearth and wall surrounding the fireplace is made from concrete panels crafted by a local artisan. The natural stone ‘chimney’ above the fireplace appears to be levitating above the flame. Symmetry was paramount in the design of this home, and directly across the great room is the kitchen, where a custom stone exhaust hood sits directly above an oversized cooktop. A home theatre room is located on the lower level of the home. The theatre room includes a state-of-the-art sound system, a large video screen, and a projector. A tiered platform was built to accommodate theatre seating that completes the feel of a theatre experience without leaving the comfort of your home. What is not visible are the smart features that are installed throughout the home. A whole home audio system that can be controlled from your smartphone was installed. Smart televisions throughout the home will connect to the audio system as well as within the zone where the television is located. Additionally, a home security system and water leak detection feature are just some of the ways the smart home technology gives the homeowner peace of mind when they are away.
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LYNDA@LILYDESIGNBUILD.COM | 605.651.3567 | LILYDESIGNBUILD.COM
Members! We're looking for projects to highlight in the Member Moment. We want to hear all about the stunning homes being built around South Dakota! Send inquires to rachel@sdhomebuilders.com
SDHBA Member SD Project 5-7 Photos 500 Words
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2024 Advertising Partnership Available