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. 

Hiring a contractor who is a member of the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) can be in your
best interest for several reasons. CAM is an organization that represents and supports contractors in
Minnesota, and its members have a reputation for professionalism and excellence in the construction
and contracting industry. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a CAM contractor.

1. Industry Expertise and Experience

CAM contractors are well-versed in industry best practices, building codes, and local regulations. They
have access to valuable resources and knowledge that can help ensure your project is completed to high
standards. CAM contractors must be in business for at least three years to be considered for
membership.

2. Quality Assurance

CAM members are committed to delivering high-quality work. By hiring a CAM contractor, you can have
greater confidence in the quality of the construction or renovation work they will provide. CAM
contractors are BBB certified and 95% or more have an A+ rating with the BBB.

3. Professional Standards

CAM contractors adhere to professional standards and ethical practices in their work. This can help
establish trust and transparency between you and the contractor, ensuring a smooth working
relationship.

4. Networking and Collaboration

CAM membership offers contractors the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers in the
industry. This can lead to access to valuable insights, innovative solutions, and a wider range of
resources for your project.

5. Regulatory Compliance

CAM contractors are more likely to be up-to-date with local building codes and regulations. This ensures
that your project will be carried out in compliance with all legal requirements, reducing the risk of costly
delays or issues. CAM members are also screened yearly for Department of Labor and Industry compliance.

6. Industry Updates

CAM contractors stay informed about the latest industry trends, technologies, and materials. This can
result in a more efficient and modern approach to your project.

7. Reliable, Local Contractors

CAM membership can serve as a screening mechanism to identify reliable and trustworthy contractors.
It can be easier to select a contractor from the CAM membership list, knowing they have met certain
qualifications and standards and are a local contractor, not a storm chaser from out of state. By hiring a
CAM contractor, you are supporting a local association and its efforts to promote and enhance the
construction industry in Minnesota.

While membership in CAM does not guarantee the success of every project, it does suggest a
commitment to professionalism, experience and adherence to the highest industry standards. When
considering a contractor for your construction or renovation project, it can be beneficial to include CAM
members in your selection process to take advantage of these potential benefits and increase your
chances of a successful project outcome. You can find a CAM contractor in your area by utilizing our
contractor search tool on our website.

Contractors are the backbone of the construction industry, and in a competitive landscape, they must find ways to stand out and thrive. One powerful tool in a contractor’s arsenal is joining a contractors association, such as the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM). Below are the top five ways that joining a contractors association can bolster your business and help you succeed more in the construction industry.

Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant advantages of joining a contractors association like CAM is its extensive network. Associations bring together professionals from various industry sectors, including contractors, suppliers and service providers. This network allows you to connect with potential clients, partners and collaborators. You can establish valuable relationships through association events, meetings and conferences that can lead to new business opportunities.

Industry Knowledge and Resources

Contractors associations are valuable sources of industry-specific knowledge and resources. CAM, for example, offers access to a wealth of information, including the latest industry trends, regulations and best practices. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions for your business, keeping you ahead of the competition. Additionally, many associations provide training and educational programs to enrich your skills and keep you up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques.

Advocacy and Representation

Contractors associations often advocate for the interests of their members in legislative and regulatory matters. Being part of an association like CAM gives your business a collective voice, making it easier to influence policies that affect your industry. This can lead to favorable outcomes, such as improved working conditions, reduced red tape and increased opportunities for your business to thrive.

Credibility and Trust

Joining a reputable contractors association like CAM adds a layer of credibility and trust to your business. Clients and partners are more likely to have confidence in your services when they know you are affiliated with an established association. This trust can lead to increased business opportunities and a positive reputation in the industry.

Cost Savings

Many contractors associations offer members exclusive access to discounts on services and products, such as equipment, supplies and insurance. These cost-saving benefits can significantly impact your bottom line and help you operate your business more efficiently.

Take Your Business to the Next Level

If you want to reap the numerous benefits contractors associations offer, consider becoming a member of CAM or a similar association. When you are ready to take your contracting business to the next level, contact CAM to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of joining our association. Your success in the construction industry starts here! https://camnonline.org/

In Minnesota, almost any weather is possible, and your roof will need to withstand many extremes. From our snow from October to April to thunderstorms and threats of tornados throughout the summer, your roof must put up with a beating. Hailstorms are the ultimate test on a roof, and these storms can often be very destructive. Even worse, there are unreliable and disreputable contractors that could do more harm than good if you hire them to repair your roof. Here is what you need to know about hiring a contractor in Minnesota to repair hailstorm damage. 

Have Your Roof Inspected After a Hailstorm

After a hailstorm, repairing your roof is crucial to prevent further damage and protect your home from leaks. The first step is to inspect the roof for any visible damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, dents, or punctures. Doing this safely is important, and hiring a CAM endorsed contractor is recommended. A professional roofing contractor who is trained to handle storm claims, will inspect your roof for all damage including not only the shingles, but the vents, valley metal and gutters.

Once damage has been identified, depending on the severity, you can either repair the affected areas yourself (not recommended) or hire a professional roofing contractor. If you have homeowner’s insurance, most policies will cover your repair. Check with your insurance agent to find out more about your coverage before hiring a contractor. 

Choosing a Reputable Roofing Contractor

All professional roofing contractors will inspect your roof for free, hoping to do the repair, so be sure to do your research and choose a reputable contractor with experience in hail damage repairs. They should provide you with a detailed estimate of the work to be done, including the cost and timeline. Be aware and watch for disreputable contractors from out of state, commonly referred to as “storm chasers”, often swoop in to take advantage of homeowners after a damaging storm. 

One way to ensure you hire a reputable contractor is to choose a CAM contractor. All of our members are Minnesota based, licensed, “A” rated with the BBB, brick & mortar contractors and not affiliated with out-of-state contractors. All CAM Contractors must also have at least three years of experience in Minnesota and adhere to our CAM Best Practices guidelines that protect everyone in the claims process. 

It is essential to act quickly to repair your roof after a hailstorm. Delaying repairs can lead to more serious damage and costly repairs or other dangers down the line. Take care of your roof to protect your home and your investment. Contact a CAM contractor in your area with a high BBB rating for the best hailstorm repair results.

When you need a new roof or other repairs completed on your Minnesota home, you want a reliable
contractor to perform the work. It can be daunting to find a contractor you can trust, but there are ways
to choose a quality exterior specialist. The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) has extremely
high standards for its members, making it a great place to find a local, trustworthy contractor. Here are
a few reasons homeowners should choose a CAM contractor for their next exterior home project.

Experienced and Established Contractors

CAM members must have established themselves before they can join. All CAM Voting Members have
been in business for at least three years – you do not want a new contractor that may not be around
when it comes time to finish your project. They must have performed work under the same name and
must be licensed and operating as an entity other than a sole proprietor.

CAM Contractors Are Licensed and Bonded

All CAM contractors are required to meet all legal standards for contractors in Minnesota. They must be
licensed and bonded, as well as acquire the permits and meet all state, county, and city codes when
performing work.

Meet High Ethical Standards

There are unscrupulous contractors, especially in the storm restoration industry. CAM contractors
participate in outreach and charitable programs that help homeowners in need. They also are prohibited
from the practice of “partnering” or working as a business “set,” which is how some out-of-state corrupt
contractors or “storm chasers” can gain the trust of homeowners by using the name of a local
contractor.

CAM contractors are required to commit to follow these best practices. If you are looking for a
contractor that is committed to earning a stellar reputation by performing quality work, our list of CAM
contractors is an excellent place to start. Visit the consumer area of our website to perform a contractor
search for businesses in your area.

The Legislature ended their 2023 legislative session on May 19th, 2023. The session brought
significant changes to businesses as a whole. Taking a step back, last fall the DFL won both the
House and the Senate giving the Democrats what is called a ‘Trifecta’ which assisted in passing
legislation they considered important to Minnesota. The Trifecta began by introducing legislation
that they had been wanting to pass for several years.
2023 Legislation

A critically, important piece to CAM was introduced, This bill addressed a MN Supreme Court
decision from last fall. HF 2315 (Koegel)/ SF 2290 (Howe) in St. Matthews v. State Farm held that
the an insurance carrier was not required to pay for required state building code updates to a
portion of a building that was not part of an occurrence damaging a building.

The problem is MN Building Codes require a home that is undergoing renovation due to a storm
occurrences be brought up to code. (MN Stats. 65A.10) Up until this MN Supreme Court decision,
insureds were always covered for these damages and now there is concern that insurance companies
will start deny or at the very least delay claims on homes that have been affected by a storm
occurrence where there is no damage but the state building code requires updates. In some cases,
the homeowner can’t afford the code upgrade and either they won’t make repairs so they don’t incur
the costs, or they may begin repairs only to find that code requires additional costs they cannot
afford. If the repair has begun, contractors will be in the unenviable position to either (1) leave
the home in disrepair if the homeowner cannot afford it (E.G, tarping a roof instead of re-shingling
it); or (2) pay those repairs out of pocket to avoid licensing violations and liability for the
work.

CAM was not able to secure a hearing but generated lots of attention to this issues during our Day
on the Hill.

The Subcontractor Wage Theft bill was closely monitored and lobbied by CAM. This bill, HF 1859
(Fesit)/SF 1988 (Seeberger) which was passed and signed into law makes contractor strictly liable
for wages or worker misclassification of a downstream subcontractor if an upstream subcontractor
fails to pay its workers even if the upstream subcontractor has been paid in full. Basically, it
makes the contractor liable for someone else’s mistakes. The costs of construction will skyrocket
to cover this risk.
Effective Date – August 1, 2023

CAM was successful in holding back a bill that would have required residential roofing codes that
didn’t make sense in MN. HF 1753 (Bahner) – This bill would authorize the State Building Codes
through DOLI to require residential roof coverings to do the following: (1) when asphalt shingles
are used, the shingles must be Class 4 impact-resistant shingles; (2) flashing must be installed as
closed valley or laced valley; and (3) ridge vents must be installed at the roof peak.

At this time, the bill does not have a Senate companion. The bill has the chance of coming back
next year and passing. CAM will work with the author next session to either fix the bill or kill
it.

Below is a timeline of new state law that will affect your business and when it goes into effect. Also, here is a link to the DLI Legislative Update with some more information and helpful links regarding each change.

Timeline for Action Taken by the Legislature:
July 1, 2023

• Lactating employees, pregnancy accommodations, unpaid leave updates and small business exemptions
removed

• New and increased OSHA penalties, classification of citation data; authority to inspect employer
exclusion

• Motor vehicle sales tax increases

August 1, 2023

• Stricter construction worker wage protections

• Recreational marijuana legal January 1, 2024

• Earned Safe and Sick Time

• Ban established on asking about pay history

• Tab fee increases

• Gas tax indexed to inflation July 1, 2024

• 50 cent per-delivery fee on retail packaging delivered over $100

• Minnesota OSHA fines/ penalties indexed to inflation January 1, 2026

• New Paid Family and Medical Leave mandate

The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) is excited to announce the addition of three new members: Mindy Lawrence, William Wise, and Paul Boyum.

Mindy Lawrence

Mindy Lawrence, a construction industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, joins us from Sharp Exteriors, located in Prior Lake, MN. A University of Minnesota graduate, Mindy brings her extensive background in construction management to Sharp Exteriors’ GAF-certified roofing business, with contract values ranging from $10K to $30M. Outside the professional arena, she has a passion for spending time with her family, reading, podcast listening and traveling.

William Wise

William Wise comes to us from Wise Choice Construction, a locally owned and licensed roofing, siding and exterior services company based in Lakeville, MN. Maintaining a coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is dedicated to quality and professionalism. Wise brings over 65 years of combined tradespeople expertise from his team.

Paul Boyum

Paul Boyum of Kinmount Exteriors, a Lonsdale, MN company built on customer satisfaction and education, is completing the trio of new board members. With nearly three decades of experience in business and construction, he co-founded Kinmount Exteriors in 2022, quickly establishing the company as a premier roofing resource in the Twin Cities. When not overseeing roofing, siding, and window projects, Boyum enjoys quality time with his family and pets.

The Contractors Association of Minnesota

CAM is thrilled to welcome Mindy, William, and Paul to CAM. The Contractors Association of Minnesota prides itself in its commitment to the industry. Our objective is to provide valuable perspectives as we work to support the growth and success of small to medium construction businesses and independent contractors throughout the state. Our continued advocacy gives Minnesota contractors a strong industry voice at the State Capitol and its regulatory agencies.

For more information about CAM, please visit www.camnonline.org. or contact us through our website.