High-Quality, American-Built Skylights and Other Products

Established in 1982, CrystaLite is a Northwest manufacturer of high-quality skylights, roof glazing, sun rooms, and railing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Based in Everett, Washington, CrystaLite has additional distribution and sales locations in Spokane and Salem, Oregon, and employs 60 total employees. Materials are sourced in America and all products are manufactured in the Pacific Northwest. The company sells its products across the United States.

Lots of Hats

Cathy Hieb is Controller and Secretary/Treasurer of CrystaLite, but assumes other roles. "My background is in finance. I started 13 years ago as the company Controller and have just recently assumed the corporate responsibility as Secretary/Treasurer. I handle the company finances, like quarterly/monthly reporting, financial statements, payroll, AR, and AP. But I wear a lot of other hats. I'm also personal secretary to the President and Vice President."

Big Cost Savings From the MBA Trust

CrystaLite has been a member of the MBA Health Trust for 12 years. "Cost savings is the big advantage to being in the Trust," Cathy says. "These days, keeping health insurance costs down but still providing employees what they need is a challenge. We pay 100 percent of our employees' premiums and that's something we want to continue to do if it's affordable."

Significant Savings Compared to Other Plans

Cathy says CrystaLite goes out for bid every year for health insurance but always finds the best options with the MBA. "We've even had other insurance companies approach us for our business and then tell us that the MBA Health Trust is way better, the savings are so significant, that we should just stay with them. Only once did we go to another plan, but then we came back to the Trust."

The MBA Trust Gives Crystalite Plan Flexibility

CrystaLite employees have the choice between two plan options, depending on their personal needs and circumstances. "About seven years ago, the high-deductible HSA program came on the scene and we were the first company to jump on board," Cathy relates. "We offer our employees two programs: a traditional plan for those who use more doctor visits and the high-deductible health-savings account for those who just want to make sure they have catastrophic coverage. Now we have 90 percent on the HSA program. You can still see any doctor you want and all the major hospitals in Seattle are covered. The HSA plan is affordable for us but still offers major benefits for our employees when they really need it."

Strong Broker Relationship

"Our administrator is EPK," says Cathy. "They're very good. They know our company very well and what our goals are. If I have a question, they are giving me answers right on the first phone call. Adding or terminating employees is accomplished pretty much the same day. They are really good at that."

We encourage you to invite your staff, subcontractors, homeowner clients, as well as friends and business partners to enjoy the evening with you. We especially encourage you to make sure your T-REX recipients attend. This is an opportunity for all to show their appreciation and support for the exceptional group of remodelers who are part of the oldest Remodelers Council in the nation.

I look forward to celebrating with you on May 13!

Your 2017 REX/T-REX Chair,

Luellen Smith
Rhino Wine Cellars & Cooling Systems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

37 Ramps to Be Built in One Day in the Largest Rampathon Ever

Seattle—May 21, 2016—On May 21, the lives of 37 families will change just a little bit, thanks to local builders volunteering their time to build ramps for Rampathon in King and Snohomish counties. Many families with disabilities have difficulties getting in and out of their homes. The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, along with its members, want to make the lives of families facing disabilities a little easier.

Recipients of a few of those ramps include 6-year-old Colby, a tiny house village serving homeless individuals and families, and a WWII veteran. This year, 37 ramps will be built during Rampathon. In the 23 years of the event, this is the largest Rampathon ever. Since its inception in 1993, more than 370 ramps have been built with $1.7 million in in-kind donations.

Colby

Colby was a typical nine-month-old when his mother received a phone call that changed their lives. Colby is a victim of abusive head trauma. He was assaulted by his babysitter, who couldn't deal with his crying. The result was a traumatic brain injury that left him in a lifelong non-ambulatory state. He is now a permanent wheelchair user. His family is devoting themselves to educating care givers and new parents on the effects of frustrated behaviors and development of understanding that babies cry for many reasons and sometimes for no reason we can understand or fix.

Colby is now 6 years old; Rampathon happens the day after the sixth anniversary of this tragedy. Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau will be building Colby's ramp.

Nickelsville Tiny Home Village

Sawhorse Revolution worked with a coalition of organizations to create Seattle's first tiny house village. It' is designed to provide a safe space and transitional services to those experiencing homelessness. Opened in January 2016, it featured plumbed bathroom facilities. Now, they're building a ramp to provide access to bathroom and shower facilities for those individuals who struggle with homelessness and disabilities.

Sawhorse Revolution works with high school students of diverse backgrounds from Seattle and surrounding areas. Under the tutelage of mentors, professional builders, architects, and cross-disciplinary educators, they offer students a widely applicable skill set, opportunities for character development, and confidence in their abilities to engage and improve their communities.

WWII Veteran Hideyoshi Horikawa

95-year-old Hideyoshi has been in a care facility four times due to complications from falls. He has hemiparesis (weakness or inability to move) in his upper and lower extremities. His left calf muscle is weak due to a WWII gunshot wound from his time in the U.S. Army during the European campaign. He has reduced sensation in his feet due to frostbite he received during the war. He currently has to use Tri-Med services to enter and exit his home. His wife is his primary care giver.

Carlisle Classic Homes will be building Hideyoshi's ramp.

About the MBA

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With 2,800 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, government advocacy, financial stewardship, and promoting the residential building industry in the Puget Sound region. The association and its members address many of the concerns and issues affecting the residential housing industry. If you are looking to buy, build, remodel or maintain your home, trust MBA for industry professional referrals and practical information to get the job done. mbaks.com

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