In 1989, the MBA's very successful Retro program was merged with BIAW's. But declining ROII refunds, a lack of transparency and a need to increase returns have caused us to restart our own Retro program. Don't be fooled by BIAW claims  you have a choice in Retro programs. GRIP, our new insurance program, offers lower enrollment fees, greater transparency and eliminates BIAW's 10% fee. If you enjoyed BIAW's 9% ROII refund last year and think you got enough information about what they spent their 10% share of the money on, stick with them. If you feel you deserve better, click here and get a better "GRIP" on your insurance. You can enroll in GRIP anytime up to June 1 (even if you have already signed up with ROII).

Do you have a remodeling project that is your pride and joy or a project that has received overwhelmingly positive feedback? If so, you should enter that project into the Remodeling Excellence Awards! The REX Awards are open to Remodelors™ Council and the Design Professional Council members. The entry deadline is 1 p.m. on Friday, April 30. It is always nice to be recognized for your hard work!

Come out to Belltown Billiards in Seattle on Tuesday, March 23, for this month's Associates Council After-Hours Social. There will be free pool, appetizers and dozens of fellow members and friends. This no-host gathering will bring many current and future members together for socializing, networking and business referrals.

zHome is a revolutionary 10-unit townhome development that uses smart design and cutting edge technologies to radically reduce its environmental impacts. Join the Design Professionals Council on Thursday, March 18, to hear zHome project manager Brad Liljequist, AICP, LEED-AP, City of Issaquah, to hear about his current zHome project.

Professional Women in Building is all about creating lasting relationships that build on trust, support and regular connections. Join us on Tuesday, Mar. 16, for fun and dynamic activities that will help us learn about each other and connect in unexpected ways. Our informal and structured games will get you out of your chair. You'll laugh, make friends and be engaged. You'll probably reveal something you wish you hadn't, but so will everyone else! And, as an added bonus, we'll be serving lunch.

Join us for happy hour at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle on Tuesday, Mar. 30, to mingle and network with fellow association members. Sponsored by the Professional Women in Building Council, this no-host event is a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Everyone is welcome.

Did you know there's an additional way you can be up to date and in the know? We encourage you to follow us on Facebook. From there, you can connect and network with councils and special interest groups. Be sure to share this official association page with co-workers, colleagues and friends who might be interested in our association and its programs by inviting them to be fans too!

Are you ready for the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule to go into effect on April 22? Due to high demand for this mandatory training, we've been adding additional sessions of this mandatory training. The next available session is Thursday, March 25.