September 5, 2025

By Lane Kimble

MIDDLETON, Wis. — You can pack a lot of beneficial information into a one-hour meeting when you have the right group of people together.

The WTBA Associate Council both absorbed and shared a wealth of knowledge during its regular meeting Thursday morning at Bishops Bay Country Club.

WTBA’s Steve Baas and Elise Nelson provided the group with a thorough recap on industry wins in the 2025-27 state budget, including more than $200 million in new ongoing revenue, claims reform, and investments in work zone safety programs.

Events Manager Catherine DeMarco provided members with an early look at the new 2026 sponsorship opportunities, which will be available soon.  They also discussed ways to further connect with new members at large-scale events, such as the Contractor-Engineer Conference.

Associate Council members further strategized special “off-season” and WTBA PAC events, then showed their areas of expertise by offering market briefings ranging from insurance, workforce development, accounting, materials and equipment.

(Oh, and Hausmann Group’s Jeff Frey swatted not one but TWO pesky flies on the first try.  The stuff of legends…)

The Associates finished off their days with lunch and a round of golf at Bishops Bay.

Up next: the Council will gather in early winter to assist the WTBA of Tomorrow with gathering Scholarship Auction donations and pledges.