Monthly Small Business Call

Join the conversation on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

The meeting, which is the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m., is an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers.

Our next call/Teams meeting, will be on Tuesday, September 10th, at 2:00 p.m.

Staff from the Paid Leave program, managed by DEED, will present updates on the program, rulemaking procedures, and implementation. Paid Leave is a new program launching for Minnesotans in 2026. It provides paid time off when a serious health condition prevents you from working, when time is needed to care for a family member or a new child, for certain military-related events or for certain personal safety issues.

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As the hail season approaches, homeowners in Minnesota must be vigilant against the threat of storm chasers—unscrupulous contractors who follow severe weather events, offering quick fixes for hail and storm damage. While the temptation to address roof damage promptly may be strong, it’s essential to avoid these fly-by-night operators and instead opt for reputable contractors affiliated with the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM). Here’s why choosing a CAM contractor can bring peace of mind and protect homeowners from potential scams.

1. Local Expertise and Reputation

CAM contractors are established members of the local community with a proven track record of quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Unlike storm chasers who descend upon areas hit by severe weather, CAM contractors have deep roots in the community and are committed to upholding high standards of professionalism and integrity.

2. Licensed and Insured

CAM contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, providing homeowners with the assurance that they are working with reputable professionals who adhere to industry standards and regulations. In contrast, storm chasers may lack proper licensing and insurance, putting homeowners at risk of liability and subpar workmanship.

3. Knowledge of Local Building Codes

CAM contractors have a thorough understanding of local building codes and regulations, ensuring that repairs and replacements comply with legal requirements and safety standards. By adhering to local building codes, CAM contractors provide homeowners with peace of mind and protect them from potential legal and financial liabilities down the line.

4. Commitment to Customer Service

CAM contractors prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations with every project. From initial consultation to project completion, CAM contractors communicate transparently with homeowners, providing updates, addressing concerns, and delivering quality workmanship that stands the test of time.

5. Long-Term Warranty and Support

CAM contractors stand behind their work with comprehensive warranties and ongoing support for homeowners. In the event of any issues or concerns following repairs or replacements, CAM contractors are readily available to address them promptly and ensure that homeowners are satisfied with the results.

As the hail season approaches, Minnesota homeowners must remain vigilant against the threat of storm chasers and prioritize working with reputable contractors affiliated with the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM). By choosing a CAM contractor, homeowners can rest assured that they are partnering with local experts who uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and quality workmanship. With CAM contractors, homeowners can navigate the aftermath of severe weather events with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that their homes are in good hands.

The Contractor Association of Minnesota (CAM) is a beacon of excellence in the construction industry, promoting integrity, professionalism, and high standards among its members. To ensure that only the most qualified and reputable contractors join CAM, we have established stringent membership requirements. Here’s what it takes to become a CAM member and why these criteria matter.

Established Business History: Minimum of 3 Years in Business

A fundamental requirement for CAM membership is that a contractor must have been in business for a minimum of three years under their current legal name and operate as an entity other than a sole proprietor. This requirement is crucial for several reasons:

• Business Stability: According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), one-third of all businesses fail within the first two years, often due to financial mismanagement. By requiring a minimum of three years in business, CAM ensures that members have navigated early financial challenges and proven their stability.
• Reputation Building: Three years with the same legal name allows contractors to establish a track record with the Better Business Bureau and other monitoring sources. This helps build a reputation and provides homeowners with the ability to validate the contractor’s services and reliability.

Prohibition of “Partnering” or “Set” Practices: Ensuring Transparency and Quality

CAM strictly prohibits the practice of “partnering” or working as a business “set.” This rule is in place to protect property owners from deceptive practices:

• False Security: Out-of-area contractors using the reputation of local contractors can mislead homeowners, often resulting in substandard repair work that undermines the local contractor’s reputation.
• Informed Decisions: This practice is unfair to property owners as it prevents them from making informed decisions about the company completing the project.

Ethical Business Practices: Integrity in Operations

CAM members must adhere to ethical business practices, including:

• Honest Invoicing: Submitting fraudulent invoices or engaging in insurance fraud (such as waiving deductibles or offering cash back to secure a project) is strictly prohibited. Such actions are illegal and can severely damage trust between contractors and property owners.
• Proper Signage Use: Members must place company signs on private properties only with permission. Unauthorized signage is considered dishonest advertising and, in many areas, is illegal unless permitted by the property owner after contracting services.

Respecting Existing Contracts: Professional Conduct

CAM members must not interfere with existing contractual agreements between property owners and other companies. It is disingenuous and often illegal for a contractor to coerce or entice a property owner to break an existing contract. CAM members are committed to fair competition and respect for existing business relationships.

Compliance with Licensing and Regulations: Adherence to Legal Standards

Compliance with local and state licensing regulations is non-negotiable for CAM members:

• Licensing and Permits: Contractors must carry the proper licensure and performance bonds as required by federal, state, and local authorities. Avoiding licensure and permit requirements is considered unscrupulous behavior and undermines the safeguards designed to protect property owners.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring all work is performed to the state, county, or jurisdiction’s code guarantees that the highest standards of safety and quality are met.

By upholding these rigorous requirements, the Contractor Association of Minnesota ensures that its members are among the best in the industry. These standards not only promote excellence and integrity but also provide homeowners with the confidence and peace of mind that they are working with reliable, trustworthy professionals. If you are a contractor committed to maintaining high standards and ethical practices, consider becoming a CAM member and join us in setting the benchmark for excellence in Minnesota’s construction industry.

At the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM), integrity is at the forefront of our mission. CAM members adhere to a set of “Best Business Practices” designed to ensure ethical conduct and professionalism in the exterior residential industry. Here’s a closer look at some of the key principles that guide our members’ operations.

Community Engagement

CAM members actively work to remove the stigma attached to storm restoration contractors by participating in charitable programs, outreach initiatives, and responsible community involvement. By giving back to the communities they serve, CAM members demonstrate their dedication to being consumer-friendly contractors.

Established Track Record

CAM members must have been in business for a minimum of three years under their current legal name and operate as an entity other than a sole proprietor. This requirement ensures that contractors have had sufficient time to establish a track record with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and build a reputation for reliability and quality service.

Prohibition of Business “Sets”

CAM strictly prohibits the practice of “Partnering” or working as a business “Set.” This unethical practice deceives property owners by using the reputation of local contractors to secure work, often resulting in substandard outcomes and unfair competition. CAM members are committed to transparency and integrity in all business dealings.

Compliance with Licensing and Permitting Regulations

CAM members follow all local and state licensing regulations and obtain the necessary permits for their projects. This commitment to compliance helps protect property owners from unscrupulous contractors who may attempt to bypass regulations and inspections.

Ethical Billing Practices

CAM members pledge not to knowingly submit fraudulent invoices to property owners or insurance companies. This commitment helps protect property owners from deceptive billing practices and ensures that all work performed is accurately and fairly invoiced.

Responsible Advertising

CAM members agree to place company signs on private properties only with permission from the property owner. This ensures that advertising practices are honest and respectful, avoiding the use of misleading or unauthorized signage.

CAM is committed to promoting the highest ethical standards in the exterior residential industry. By upholding these Best Business Practices, CAM members strive to ensure transparency, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of their operations, ultimately benefiting property owners and communities alike.

As CAM continues to expand, we’re delighted to introduce two exceptional companies that have recently become part of our thriving community—NJR Construction and Sterling Custom Homes. Join us in extending a warm welcome to these dynamic organizations, each bringing a unique set of skills and a commitment to excellence.

NJR Construction: Elevating Craftsmanship

NJR Construction has quickly become synonymous with excellence in the construction industry. NJR Construction has garnered a stellar reputation for delivering top-notch craftsmanship. Let’s explore how this esteemed company is making waves within our CAM community.

Sterling Custom Homes: Innovating Excellence

Sterling Custom Homes stands out as a beacon of quality and innovation. With a dedicated focus, they bring a fresh perspective and expertise to our association. Discover the exciting potential that Sterling Custom Homes brings to the table as a new and valued member of CAM.

CAM’s Commitment to Collaboration:

At CAM, we believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge. Our diverse community of professionals, like NJR Construction and Sterling Custom Homes, forms the backbone of our association. Together, we create an environment where industry leaders, innovators, and experts converge to elevate the standards of construction.

Join Our Community:

If you share our passion for construction and dedication to excellence, consider becoming part of the CAM community. Our doors are open to companies that align with our vision for the future of construction. Explore the benefits of CAM membership on our website and join us in building a stronger, more connected industry.

Conclusion:

CAM warmly welcomes NJR Construction and Sterling Custom Homes, looking forward to a future filled with collaboration, growth, and shared success in the world of construction. Together, we’ll continue to shape the industry and uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

In wintry Minnesota, the threat of ice dams looms large, posing significant risks to the integrity of roofs and homes. Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the eaves or gutters, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. The accumulation of ice and water behind these dams can lead to severe damage to roofing materials and structural issues within the home.

Dangers of Ice Dams

Ice dams can compromise the roof’s integrity, causing water to seep under shingles, leading to leaks, rot and damage to the underlying structure. This can cause significant damage to various components in the roof structure, including gutter and fascia damage. The weight of ice dams can strain gutters and fascia boards, leading to detachment or damage. Also, as ice dams prevent proper drainage, water can infiltrate the attic, ceilings and walls, causing staining, peeling paint, mold growth and structural damage to more than just the roof.

Preventing Ice Dams

There are a few ways Minnesota homeowners can help protect their roofs and houses from ice dam damage. These include the following:

• Insulation: Ensure adequate attic insulation and ventilation to maintain consistent roof temperatures, minimizing snowmelt that contributes to ice dams.

• Snow Removal: Safely remove accumulated snow from the roof using a roof rake to prevent excessive buildup and reduce the risk of ice dam formation.

• Ice Dam Prevention Products: Install ice dam prevention measures such as heat cables, ice belts, or ice and water shields along the eaves to mitigate ice dam formation.

Some roofing contractors offer ice dam removal services during the winter, which can protect roofs from damage. When hiring a roofing contractor, make sure to choose a CAM contractor for the most reliable service. 

Dealing with Ice Dam Damage

If ice dam-related damage occurs, seeking a reliable roofing contractor becomes imperative. Choosing a Contractor Association of Minnesota (CAM) contractor offers distinct advantages:

• Expertise and Professionalism: CAM contractors undergo rigorous training, adhere to industry standards and possess extensive knowledge of local roofing regulations and practices.

• Quality Workmanship: CAM contractors prioritize quality workmanship, employing best practices and using high-quality materials to ensure durable and long-lasting repairs.

• Trustworthiness and Accountability: CAM contractors are reputable and accountable. They provide transparent estimates, adhere to timelines and offer warranties on their work, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.

• Local Experience and Support: Being part of CAM means contractors understand the unique challenges posed by Minnesota’s climate and can provide tailored solutions based on local experience.

When faced with ice dam-related roofing issues, entrusting repairs or maintenance to a Contractor Association of Minnesota (CAM) contractor ensures that homeowners receive top-notch service, reliable repairs, and expert guidance to protect their homes from further damage. CAM contractors prioritize quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, making them the optimal choice for resolving ice dam issues and safeguarding Minnesota roofs.

The U.S. Department of Labor last week finalized a rule revamping guidance on whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor. The rule rescinds a 2021 standard enacted in the closing days of the Trump Administration. 

The new standard makes it harder for an employer to classify workers as independent contractors and lays out a series of factors to determine an appropriate classification.

Why it matters: Independent contractors, unlike employees, are not subject to a host of benefits such as unemployment insurance, overtime, or workers’ compensation. The new rule will require employers to extend these benefits to more workers.

What they’re saying: Business groups panned the new rule, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce saying the rule “threatens the flexibility of individuals to work when and how they want and could have significant negative impacts on our economy.”

Workers’ rights groups applauded the rule. The National Employment Rights Project called it “a significant step forward in ensuring all people who work for someone else—regardless of who they are, where they work, or what they do—have access to our foundational minimum wage and overtime protections.”

Minnesota angle: Attorney General Keith Ellison launched an Advisory Task Force on Worker Misclassification tasked with making recommendations to the legislature and state agencies on how to ensure workers are properly classified. The Task Force held its most recent meeting last week.

Source : Park Street Public.

Joining the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota (CAM) offers numerous advantages for professionals in the construction industry, providing a platform that supports growth, education, networking, and advocacy. Here are five potential benefits of becoming a member of CAM.

1. Industry Networking Opportunities

CAM facilitates networking opportunities among construction professionals, fostering connections with industry peers, suppliers, subcontractors, and potential clients. Regular events, seminars, and conferences enable members to establish valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities, which can lead to business growth and partnerships.

2. Access to Educational Resources

CAM offers a range of educational resources and professional development programs. Members gain access to workshops, training sessions, and industry-specific seminars conducted by experts, providing valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, compliance updates, and new technologies. These resources empower members to stay updated and enhance their skills and knowledge.

3. Advocacy and Representation

As a collective voice for contractors in Minnesota, CAM represents the interests of its members in legislative matters, regulatory affairs, and policy issues affecting the construction industry. The association advocates for fair regulations, legislative initiatives, and policies that support the growth and success of contractors, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed at local, state, and national levels.

4. Business Development Support

CAM offers resources and tools to assist members in growing their businesses. These resources may include access to industry reports, market research data, bidding opportunities, and support in navigating legal and regulatory challenges. Additionally, CAM provides platforms for members to showcase their services, fostering business visibility and growth.

5. Industry Recognition and Credibility

Being affiliated with a respected association like CAM can enhance a contractor’s credibility and reputation within the industry and among clients. Membership signifies a commitment to professionalism, ethics, and adherence to industry standards, which can positively impact a contractor’s brand image.

By joining the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota, professionals in the construction industry gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, educational support, and advocacy that can significantly contribute to their professional growth, business success, and industry recognition. CAM membership serves as a valuable investment for contractors looking to stay competitive, informed, and connected within the dynamic construction landscape in Minnesota. Contact our office to learn more about becoming a respected member of CAM.