Hi Folks!!

I hope you're well and happy and that business is good for you. I didn't get a February issue out so how about we refer to this newsletter as the "Feb-Mar" issue... ;) That said, welcome to your Feb-Mar issue of our newsletter! If you'd like to read about something in particular, please let me know and I'll do my best! Have a great day!! Diane ps: The numbers below are links to the articles.

1. This banner exchange program ROCKS!!

For construction and related website owners and operators:
GreatPossibilities.com has a banner exchange program that is outstanding. A banner exchange program is when you provide your banner to them and you place their banner code on your webpages.

The banners rotate so that all participants in the exchange have plenty of opportunities for their own banners to be shown. In addition, it's a focused banner exchange, not just anybody can sign up for it. Your site must be about construction or a related industry in order to qualify to participate. That means your banners aren't shown to people who have no need for your services. :)

In addition to the Banner Exchange, there's a new traffic exchange tool. The new Text Exchange works on the same principle as a banner exchange, except that you display a text line on your page rather than a banner!

Not only do these exchanges benefit you by having your banner seen by that many more people, but they also benefit you and your readers in that the banners (and text) are additional resources for your site visitors!

Please visit GreatPossiblities.com at your earliest convenience and check out the bonuses you can qualify for...

back to top

2. Insurance Costs Are Skyrocketing

How are your insurance premiums, high or higher? I've received many calls and emails about skyrocketing insurance rates. Although we are being hit hard here in California, I know that contractors in other states are struggling with this also.

I decided to ask Gary Oltmanns of Southern California Insurance Brokerage (he's our liability insurance agent and his company supports our site with advertising dollars) for his input in this insurance nightmare. While his answers may not be exactly what we want to hear, they are the truth. Here's an opportunity to pick up some quick info on how insurance rates are set.

TCG: Hi Gary! Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to answer my questions as to why insurance rates are increasing so dramatically. Why is this happening?

GARY: Hi Diane! Thank you for asking me! Insurance rates across the board are going up for several reasons:

1. Historically we cycle through the soft/hard markets about every 6-8 years. The last truly hard market was over 16 years ago so actually this cycle, as unwelcome as it is, is actually long overdue.

2. Due to the declining stock market and the low interest rates, the Insurers are not making the significant investment returns that they normally do. Because our premiums/rates are offset/reduced by their investment income, and because that investment income is pretty much nil, the rates have to be increased to make up for the lack of investment income.

3. The Global Re-insurance Market took a huge rate hike after the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy. Not only was this a catastrophic single loss that will continue to ripple out to almost all future policies, but it also presented a new risk factor for the actuaries to calculate into the rate- making process. Before 9/11, for the most part "acts of terrorism" were not really considered when writing the insurance policies. Because of this, since it's an additional risk, it has to be figured in, which of course raises premiums.

4. Many insurers who wrote policies for contractors 10 years ago are no longer serving California, even some very large A+ giants like AETNA, CNA, and RELIANCE are gone. There are too few carriers competing for the business. Because the competition is all but gone (for now), the rates have room to increase. Kind of like when a business has a monopoly in an area and charges higher rates because it can.

TCG: Is there any end in sight, any idea of when the rates will come back down?

GARY: Yes, this cycle will run its course. The rate increases will "build up" the capital underpinnings of the industry. As more and more carriers regain a financial footing that they're comfortable with, they'll rejoin the California market, bringing competition back into the playing field.

Combine that with improved numbers in the fourth quarter and I think we'll see improvement by the end of the year. I also believe that the faster the world economy recovers the sooner we'll see more competition, and thereby lower rates.

TCG: What can we do to get the best possible rate?

GARY: You've got to "shop", but be careful about settling for inferior policies. Make sure you get a written proposal, and ask a lot of questions about the coverage. You still get what you pay for. Prepare for substantial increases (25-50%, or more) when you bid your jobs. Ask your broker 60-90 days out for an indication, so that you have some idea where you stand when bidding your work.

Thank you Gary for your time and your answers! :)
-----------------------

back to top

3. Free Color Printers!!

When you become a FreeColorPrinters member, you will receive the following (a $4,500 value):

• An award winning Xerox Phaser network color printer -- for free!
• A free additional high capacity 500 sheet paper tray.
• A free 3-year service agreement.
• Delivery of the free printer to your location at no charge.
• Access to toll-free telephone and e-mail support for any
  program questions.
• Membership in our exclusive online community -- offering tools, templates, members-only promotions and more!

Once you are qualified, the printer is shipped to your location free of charge. After 3 years as a FreeColorPrinters program member, the printer is yours to keep without further obligation. Plus! If at any time you feel that the Xerox program isn't a good fit within your organization, you can return the printer before the 3 year period is up and owe nothing!

Please visit the website to learn more about this cool deal and see how it can benefit your organization!

back to top

4. Fill in your AIA* forms using your computer & printer

For those of you who use AIA* forms, have I got some info for you! I have found a software program that will fill in those AIA* forms for you, using your computer and printer!

And there's a special offer for you too!!

The Billing Module will fill in these forms:

G701	G701/CMa
G702	G702/CMa
G703
G706	G706a
G707	G707a

The Billing Module also contains Quantum Software Solution's alternative forms that print on plain paper. Quantum Software Solution's Change Order, Payment Application, and Continuation Page are similar to the G701, G702 and G703 forms. If you do not require original AIA* forms, you can check out the plain paper forms Quantum Software Solutions offers that satisfy many requirements. You can of course also print to the original AIA* forms listed above and below.

The Contracts Module fills in a number of A-series and B-series forms, as shown below:

A101	A101/CMa
A105	A107
A305	A401
B141	B141/CMa
B151	B155
B163
A121/CMc
A131/CMc
B801/CMa

Note: When using the Quantum Software Solution's Project Manager program that fills in AIA* forms, you must have the pre-printed AIA* Contract Documents. While this program does generate three forms that are similar to the G701, G702 and G703, this program does not generate original AIA* Documents.

*AIA is a registered Trademark of the American Institute of Architects

The other modules that make up the Project Manager are:

• Estimating
• Communications
• Payroll

You'll also find several other helpful programs such as:

VirtualBoss - A job scheduling, and task management software program designed for Home Builders, General Contractors, Remodelers, Trades Persons, Developers, Real-Estate Property Managers, & Related Businesses.

Equipment Maintenance - A software program designed to automate your equipment maintenance records and scheduling. The program will track your maintenance history and warranty information, making monitoring your operating costs a snap. You can also print several analysis reports should you need them.  Using this program will result in saving countless hours of manual reporting.

Vehicle Tracking - This software program is designed to track your vehicle mileage, warranty, insurance, repairs, and other costs. It is very easy to use with numerous preferences available to make using the program a breeze.

Now for that special offer... When checking out, if you use the discount code TCG you'll get up to 40% off of each and every module and/or software program that you purchase. This discount is in addition to the multiple purchase discounts that are already available!

Write down your code TCG and then click here.

back to top

5. Senator Proposes Mandatory Health Insurance for Workers!

From the Daily Press newspaper in Victorville, CA:

Senate President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) has introduced a bill that would require employers to offer health insurance to workers or pay into a state pool that would provide coverage.

According to Burton, roughly 6.5 million Californians do not have health insurance coverage. He states that this plan aims to insure those uninsured.

Art Pulaski of the California Labor Federation has stated that 80% of those uninsured are in working families.

Should the bill pass, it's expected that employers will pay 80% of the employee's health insurance costs.

The California Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over how this bill will affect small businesses.

From Richard Costigan, Vice President of Governmental Affairs,
"We're already seeing increases in worker's comp, unemployment insurance, and the family medical leave law is coming up soon - and now we're going to come along and mandate health coverage?".
----
When I hear more I'll let you know....

** When looking for insurance, be it for yourself or your employees, please be sure to check out these two resources:

California

Steven Schuetz has several different policies he can talk with you about. We're lucky enough to know Steve on a professional and personal level, and you can take our word for it that you can trust him to treat you right. :)

Steve can be reached by email at:
stevenschuetz@earthlink.net

** By the way, Steve can also show you how to write off 100% of your health expenses: braces, and all other dental work; eyeglasses and contact lenses, and all other optometry needs; prescriptions; and so on. Contact him at your earliest convenience, if you wait until the 1st quarter of 2003 is over then you'll lose the write-offs from that quarter, forever...

** Oh, also, it's important to mention that you don't have to have health insurance to write off your health expenses. So get hold of Steve fast, and make sure you don't lose out on writing off your first quarter 2003 medical expenses!!

Nationwide

eHealthInsurance has established over 100 Carrier Relationships, with over 10,000 health insurance plans at their site, covering 99% of the U.S. Population, and now representing over 90% of the US Market Share for online health insurance sales.

eHealthInsurance is now the leading source of health insurance for individuals & families both on and offline across the country!

** Three years ago I went through the dreaded health insurance shopping nightmare. I finally zeroed in the company I wanted to use, after 3 months of comparing plans and rates. I then visited the eHealthInsurance website and used their comparison system to check out plans. In less than an hour, I was looking at the same insurance company I had decided on, after 3 months of doing all the comparing myself! It really is quick, easy and painless!

** Be sure to read the section above labeled "California" even if you're not in California. Steve can show you how to write off 100% of your insurance costs, no matter which state you're in and whether you have insurance or not. :)

Visit eHealthInsurance soon !!

back to top

6. Contractors & Builders, don't lose your right to lien

It's hard enough making sure you collect monies owed to you, and when the economy is down it's even harder. Now more than ever you must make sure that you've perfected and protected your mechanic's lien rights.

We utilize Levy & Associates for all of our prelim and mechanic's lien needs. They process our paperwork faster than we can, and it costs less too! We pay them only $31 to do the preliminary notice on a job.

We can use them for as many or as few jobs as we'd like to (although beware that in California your lien rights usually are not protected without the preliminary notice having been processed).

Plus, Levy & Associates has the resources at their fingertips to chase down information, making sure it's accurate and thereby making sure your rights are protected.

Visit Levy's website soon
and/or call Ted Levy at 206-626-5444

Levy & Associates handles all 50 states and D.C., and the peace of mind that comes along with having them on your team is priceless!

Protect your rights and therefore your payments due, contact Levy today!
At their prices, you really can't afford not to....

Visit Levy's website soon

back to top

7. Free Seminar: Barker Walter Briefing on Employment Law

Specific Guidelines For Effective Hiring

When hiring new employees, it is important that everyone involved in the process understands ways to avoid liability. An improved hiring process is important in preventing employment litigation.

It is also important from an economic standpoint since it is expensive to hire, train and then lose an employee. It is imperative to conduct a comprehensive audit of your practices to ensure they are not discriminatory.

Topics to be covered at this free seminar include:

• Recruiting and Ad Placement
• Applications
• The Interview Process
• Pre-Employment Testing
• Background and Reference Checks and more

Barker Walters Briefing on Employment Law: The Hiring Process

• DATE: Thursday, March 27th
• TIME: 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m.
• COST: Free
• LOCATION: Barker Walters 444 West Beech 4th Floor San Diego,
  California 92101

Please RSVP by March 24th to Lauren McNelly, Director of Client Relations by calling (619) 682-4862 or via email.

Barker Walters would like you to know that this offer is extended to additional guests you feel would benefit from attending.

back to top

8. 1000's of Leads for Builders

Builders and Contractors, get FREE access to a private area where you can view 1000's of fresh residential home building project leads in the USA. My friend Francois told me that they've got so many leads they're scrambling to get the word out to contractors.

The leads are classified by area. You get to freely review each and every lead online that you'd like to, and then decide which of those leads you'd like to pursue. You can choose as many or as few as you'd like.

How much? Leads start at $5 and you pay only for those you choose to pursue! Plus, you can stop whenever you want as there is no contract or obligation.

For Instant Access to Fresh Home Building Leads,
please click here.

back to top

9. Industry Links Galore

Have you visited our Industry Links page lately? It's growing every day with new additions. I remember three years ago when I started our web site and newsletter, there was so little online for us contractors, our Industry Links page had hardly anything.

Now however, the page is "busting out at the seams", there are so many sites out there for us now. What's really amazing though, our Links page is but a mere reflection of the quantity of sites available. Swing on by sometime, there's really quite a lot that has been added.

Industry Links Galore

back to top

10. Free Magazines !!

Here's a quick and easy method of applying for over 100 free trade publication subscriptions! It is so easy to qualify for these free construction magazine subscriptions that you may want to consider subscribing to more than one. You can select specialized trade magazines covering the following areas of interest (click on any of the links below):

Architecture	Materials Handling & Distribution
Building	Motor Trucks & Accessories
Building Mgt. & Real Estate	Paint & Wallcoverings
Draperies & Curtains	Plant Engineering Electrical
Product Design Engineering	Engineering & Construction
Floor Coverings	Rental & Leasing Equip.
Furniture & Upholstery	Safety & Accident Prevention
Heavy Construction	Stone Products
Tech. Landscape & Gardening	Telecommunications
Maintenance	Woodworking Waste Management

back to top

11. QuickBooks Giveaway Winner Announcement

Congratulations to Nicole Gushwa, out of 17 entrants her name was the one "pulled out of the hat". Nicole will get her choice of one of several different variations of Intuit's QuickBooks accounting programs, compliments of Cherri Wise, Certified Quick Books Expert. We've had difficulties reaching Nicole and if she doesn't claim her prize by Friday March 21, then Gita's will hold a second-chance drawing out fo the remaining 16 entrants. Watch our newsletter for future announcements. :)

Thank you Cherri!!

back to top

12. Learn about your equipment at SecurityCosmos.com, for free!

SecurityCosmos.com is the number one online resource support site for security products and furnishings. Even if you didn't purchase your items from SecurityCosmos, you can still use their online resource guide, for free! They've got a page dedicated to "Renovations and Retro-fit Applications" and another dedicated to "Maintenance Guides".

If you work with security products in your business, take a look at SecurityCosmos.com. Some of their products include locks, doors, controls, fasteners and hardware. Many items are available for quick delivery.

Free, yes FREE, information on retro-fitting, installation, and maintenance is available on their website. In addition to their website, you can also obtain free support by phone! Call 1-800-308-3627 with any questions you may have.

Keep up to date by visiting their website today, and subscribing to their free
newsletter.

back to top

13. Exclusive Dell Computer Special Offers

Here is an exclusive discount to readers of our newsletters and website. I've created a small page here which has a couple links to these exclusive offers. The offers can change quite often, even as often as every day, so you may want to bookmark the webpage and visit it often to see what the current deals
are.

Well, that's about it for now. Have an outstanding day!!
Take care, Diane
--
Diane Dennis
TheContractorsGroup.com
[why no phone]
866-480-7105 fax
diane@thecontractorsgroup.com

TheContractorsGroup was created to support construction professionals with their day to day administrative functions. Thank you for being our
subscriber.