CAM Announces Xactimate Training Classes

CAM is once again partnering with Xactware to hold (2) two day Xactimate training courses that will focus mainly on Exteriors. The curriculum will be mostly centered around Roofing, Siding and Windows. We are offering a Level 1 and a Level 2 class again this year, so if you already took the level 1 class then consider level 2 for a more in depth class on Xactimate. These classes are intended to prepare you to take the Level 1 and/or Level 2 Xactimate Certification exam.

• Learn how to Sketch a roof
• Discuss Line item details
• How to use Macros for speed and simplicity
• How to use code and manufacturers specs to make sure the estimate is complete
• How to make sure it’s the right dollar amount to get the job done correctly

There will be (1) Level 1 class on November 4th & 5th, 2019 and (1) Level 2 class on November 6th & 7th, 2019 – running from 8 am – 5 pm each day. Continental Breakfast and a Box Lunch provided. There is a strict limit of 25 attendees per session to maximize learning and answer individual questions, first come first served so register early!

Level 1 – November 4th & 5th, 2019 (Limit 25)
Level 2 – November 6th & 7th, 2019 (Limit 25)

Cost is $550 for CAM members and $650 for non-members. This is a significant savings from the usual offerings from Xactimate, and CAM created the class to focus mainly on exteriors. At this time, the state of MN does not recognize this class as Continuing Education, but we are working to change that.

Training will be located at:
Wells Fargo Plaza
7900 Xerxes Avenue South
Suite 215
Bloomington, MN 55437

Remember to Register now! Space is limited.

CAM – 2018 Year In Review

Thanks to our members for being an important part of the Contractors Association of Minnesota and being committed to our industry. Your membership is vital to our continued success.

My name is Tracy Dahlin, I am the owner of Iron River Construction. I have been a member of CAM since the beginning, and have been Chairman of the Board for two years.

I’m proud to say that CAM was able to pass our first piece of legislation in 2018, even though last year was such a contentious one in politics and it seemed like absolutely nothing got done.

What have we accomplished in 2018 for you, our members?

• Lisa Frenette, our lobbyist, continued to nurture a good working relationship with the Department of Labor and Industry, State Senators and State Representatives.
• We worked with the Minnesota Department of Health about new RRP lead rules
• Mike Goldenstein (GAF) spent countless hours going over the new code rules and changes with the State of Minnesota, giving us a voice at the table.
• We testified at the Senate and House multiple times, continuing to increase our clout.
• Todd Darling and Brandon Hubbard went to Chicago for the annual NRCA affiliate meeting to continue to build alliances across the nation.
• Many members participated in the Builder’s Day at the Capitol-something I would highly suggest every one of you reading this letter attend. About 20 of us from CAM were able to sit down and meet individually with each of our senators and representatives to talk about issues that directly affect us. That was a powerful day. The more people, the stronger the voice, and we have a goal for 50 contractors to be there this year on January 16, 2019. Mark your calendars!
• We held 4 Xactimate training sessions, and brokered a deal for $550 per CAM member, vs. the regular $850 Xactimate charges. We graduated almost 100 people-increasing the professionalism of our industry and adding to our bottom line. Look for more classes end of January, with a Level 2 certification becoming available.
• In 2018 we traveled the state with our Roadshows, including Osseo, Burnsville, Rochester, Mankato, Northfield, Oakdale and Duluth, educating our members about supplementing, codes, and best business practices. These events are free to members, and are a great way to network. Check out the attached schedule for upcoming dates.
• We passed our first piece of legislation that will keep the fly by night operators, dishonest adjusters, and greedy homeowners from asking contractors to pay deductibles. This helps you at every contract signing.

Looking to the future – these are our goals for 2019

• We are looking for a new Community Outreach coordinator—someone who would like to give back to the community by helping some deserving folk to fix up their homes.
• We want to see 50 contractors at Builders Day on January 16th. We want the Capitol to know CAM is a force to be reckoned with.
• We want CAM to be a resource for homeowners to find a good contractor. Our seal means they have found someone they can trust.
• We want to continue our 20% year over year growth of quality membership.
• We want to help our contractors to be leaders in the industry, Ethically, Professionally and Financially. Look for our new Certified Contractor program rolling out soon.
• We want our members to stop using the phrase “Code Upgrades” on insurance restoration work and start using the correct terminology of rebuilding the property in compliance with the minimum building code. Building to code is not an “upgrade.” It’s the minimum and we should get paid for it.
• We want to speed up the processing of mortgage signatures on insurance checks and stop having contractors always be the bank for insurance claims. It’s ridiculous.
• Most of all, we want all of us to work together. We want you to look at that guy in that truck at the stop light next to you with the ladder hanging out, not as an enemy, but as a powerful ally against all of the forces against us. Whether you realize it or not, we are in this together.

What can you do to help?

Get the word out. If you’re a sponsor, you see a lot more contractors on a daily basis than we ever will. Let your contractors know about how we protect their business and our upcoming education events. Every time you can help your contractors, you make them more successful. Every successful contractor you work with pays their bills, and that makes you more successful.
If you’re a contractor and not a member, you should be. We’re the only ones fighting for you.
No one else fights for the exterior contractors like we do.

Thanks for making this another successful year!

The Contractors Association of Minnesota chalked upon another win at the legislature this past session! Given the divided government and the truly acrimonious session between the Legislative and the Executive Branch this year CAM was able to pass a small but significant piece of legislation.  The legislation requires insurance companies as well as contractors to clearly explain in writing that an insurance deductible can not be paid as part of a contract with a homeowner.  You may recall that some years ago, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota passed a law prohibiting this practice.  With the spate of yearly storm occurrences, there has been an increase in this practice by insurance adjusters as well as contractors that encourage or offer to have the deductible paid by the contractor.  This is illegal and can result in an enforcement action against the contractor by the Department of Labor and Industry.