In The News

Headwaters Awards Scholarships to Area Grads

It is that time of year for high school seniors to plan for graduation and for finalizing their plans for continuing their education or entering the workforce. Headwaters Builders Association is proud to be able to provide scholarships to a few area graduates who plan to continue their education in the field of building trades. Your association was able to provide a total of FIVE scholarships this spring.

On Monday, May 5, Mark Michie presented a $500 scholarship to Anthony Regole, a senior at Northland Pines High School. Anthony will be attending North Central Technical College in Wausau and pursuing an Associate Degree in Electro Mechanical Technology. Andrew’s interest in building trades originated from working with his father and helping a family friend to build a barn. Andrew and his mom were guests of the Builders Association at our May meeting.

Tim Sanderson presented a $500 HBA scholarship to Sam Weber at the Lakeland High School Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Sam will be attending Nicolet College in the fall, and will be enrolled in their new one-year Carpentry diploma program. Sam was also the recipient of a second scholarship; a $500 scholarship was created by Headwaters Builders Association in cooperation with the Nicolet College Foundation (who provided matching funds) for one student entering their new program. That award was given to Sam by a representative of the Foundation.

Rhinelander High School’s Awards night was held Sunday, May 18 as well. Board member Jim Van Strydonk presented a $500 scholarship to Rhinelander senior Corey Passmore. Corey was involved in the construction of Rhinelander High School’s Building Trades house this year; he will also be attending Nicolet College in fall and would like to focus on a career in green building.

The final scholarship was awarded Wednesday, May 21 at Tomahawk High School. Ron Garrsion presented the award to Tim Nelson, who will be attending Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. Tim plans to pursue a two-year associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduating seniors and a big “thank you” to those board members who made the presentations on behalf of the association!

12-Hour Dwelling Contractor Initial Training a Success

On Thursday and Friday, March 6 and 7, Headwaters Builders Association hosted a 12-hour Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Initial Training Course. This course is required for all licensed contractors in Wisconsin who are not eligible to receive the Qualifier Credential through “grandfathering.”

The program was held at Northland Pines High School in Eagle River; instructors for the course were Gary Klinka and Paul Birschbach. A minimum of 20 participants was needed to hold the class; initially there was some concern as to whether we could fulfill that minimum. The class was filled to capacity — 59 builders and contractors from around the northwoods, both members and nonmembers, attended! The course included the required test and instructions on how to complete the necessary application forms for receiving the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential.

Thanks to the many generous sponsors for this event, (Ogren Electronics, Murphy Insurance Group, All Pro Tile and Stone,  Great Lakes Financial, Lee & Associates, Pukall Lumber Company, Richco Structures, River Valley Bank, Tomahawk Community Bank and VerHalen/Pella Windows), Headwaters was able to cover the expenses associated with the class, including room rental, refreshments, advertising and printing costs.

6th Annual Associate Night!

The Sixth Annual Associate Night offered a new location and a change in format from previous years. Held at the AmericInn Conference Center in Minocqua, the evening featured a delicious hors d’oeuvre buffet in place of the usual dinner. This year we also added a 3.5 credit continuing education class for contractors, which was held prior to the Associate Night event. Special thanks to Sean Kelly, Kieran Byrne and Bruce Bannos of Richco Structures, and Phil Bannos of Boise Engineered Wood Products who generously donated their time to present the educational program.

The evening featured 28 vendors, including some who have been in attendance at all six associate night shows as well as some new members attending for the first time. They included: Ann Swift & Associates, Barry Thresher Insurance, Buckley Painting, Creative Granite of Minocqua, Eagle River Cabinets, Enterprise Wood Products, Great Lakes Financial, HT Glass and Mirror, Hardware by Design, Kwaterski Bros. Wood Products, LaForce, Inc., Lakeland Overhead Door, Lampert Yards, Lee and Associates, M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank, Manson Insurance, Mid-Wisconsin Bank, Nicolet Area Technical College, North Country Overhead Door, Northern Glass Co., Pukall Lumber Co., Richco Structures/Boise Engineered Wood Products, TW Masters Overhead Door, Tomahawk Lumber Co., VerHalen,  Inc./Pella Windows, WBA Insurance Services, Weathershield Mfg. Co., and Wisconsin Benefit Planning. All provided great in-formation about their products and services, as well as some wonderful door prizes! The 50/50 raffle prize of $182.00 went to Rod Flohr of Tomahawk Log Homes.

Thanks to everyone who participated!