Builders Association of Minnesota 2007 Awards

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In January 2008, the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) hosted its first annual state convention. During the convention, BAM honored several firms and individuals with the first-ever comprehensive statewide awards for BAM members. These award winners represent the dedicated individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and expertise to improve the professionalism and strength of Minnesota’s home building industry. The winners for 2007 are included on these pages.

BAM is a St. Paul-based trade association representing more than 4,800 members involved in home building, remodeling, multi-family construction, and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction industry. BAM is associated with 14 local associations throughout the state and the National Association of Home Builders.

The Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, and Associate of the Year Awards are based on descriptions of the nominees, their service to local, state, and national builders associations, and involvement with BAM.

Builder of the Year

Steve Meister

Steve Meister Construction
Steve Meister is a charter member of Minnesota River Builders Association, a long-time director and has held every executive position. He was BAM President in 2005, is a BAM Director and participates in numerous committees. His business philosophy has carried through to his association work: stay on task and get it right the first time.


Remodeler of the Year

Richard Larson

Larson Construction
Richard Larson has been a member of the association since 1993. He was a founding member of the Northern Minnesota Builders Association and founding member of The Builders Group workers compensation program. His business, Larson Construction, is known throughout the region for its excellence in customer service.

Associate of the Year

Pat Goff

Crow Wing Power
Pat Goff has served as a local association president and is an active volunteer of the Lake Shore Conservation Club. His colleagues say, “He always works to better the building industry by enlisting leaders of the community to join his efforts.”

The President’s Award

Karen Linner

Builders Association of Minnesota
The President’s Award is chosen by the current BAM President and awarded to a member, company or staff person who has contributed to the state association behind the scenes.

This year’s recipient, chosen by 2007 BAM President Jim Gander, was recognized for outstanding performance and lasting achievement that will make a permanent impact on BAM’s ability to do business.


Rising Star Award

Ben Edwards

The Rising Star Award is given to a member who has not been historically involved in BAM and during the previous year has committed himself or herself toward the service of BAM at an accelerated level.

Ben Edwards has traveled from Grand Rapids to lobby legislators, has worked on various workforce development initiatives for the association, and is the 2008 President of the Northern MN Builders Association.

The Legacy Award

Amy Roach

Minnesota River Builders Association
The Legacy Award recipient is selected by BAM’s immediate past president for his or her outstanding contributions to BAM.

Jeff Schoenwetter, 2007’s past president, challenged the local association executives to grow their membership. Amy Roach is the association executive for Minnesota River Builders Association and her dedication, hard work and commitment to the industry paid off as she grew her membership by the highest number in the past year the most of any local association in Minnesota.

Citizenship Award

Karen J. Owen

The Citizenship Award recognizes a builder, remodeler, or associate based on his or her service to the local, state, and national associations. It is based on a description of an act of kindness, philanthropy, and dedication of time and/or money to a charitable organization or civic contributions.

Karen Owen has unselfishly given to the community. She’s involved in, to name a few organizations, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Kinship Partners, Brainerd Lakes Chamber Board, and Brainerd Noon Sertoma. She has been a member of the Mid-Minnesota Builders Association since 1998 and served as president in 2002 and 2003.


Excellence in Service Award

Sandy Friend

Rochester Area Builders, Inc.
This award is presented to a state or local staff member and is based upon service to the association.

Sandy Friend has been with Rochester Area Builders, Inc. for 22 years. She serves as an inspiration and sets the standard for every executive officer in the state of Minnesota.

Distinguished Business of the Year

Crow Wing Power
Given to a business, this award honors a company that supports individuals within its organization and contributes to the local, state, and national builders’ associations.


Local Event of the Year

Suburban Northwest Builders Association
This award recognizes a local association that organized and held an exceptional event within the last year. The event must be exceptional in terms of purpose and goal, achievement, and member involvement.


Builders Employing Associate Members (BEAM) Award

Monte K. Mraz

Heritage Minnesota, LLC
Recognizes a builder or remodeler for outstanding professionalism in doing business with associate BAM members.


Local Association Membership Growth Award

Minnesota River Builders Association
This award is given to the local association that grew its membership by the biggest percentage within the last year.

Local Association Retention Awards

West Central Builders Association
The Local Association Retention Award is presented to the local association that retained its membership by the biggest percentage within the last year.

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