HBAGTA
Tuesday Toolbox
"What's in YOUR Toolbox?"
September 9, 2008
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Visit our Sponsorh, Year - Vol 1, Issue 1
In This Issue
Associate Appreciation
Green Solutions 4
Pre-Licensure Education
Dates to Remember
Professional Development
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
MEMBER ADVANTAGE
Member Advantage

Member Advantage Announces The Addition of Omaha Steaks!
DID YOU KNOW...

The ICC Hearings on Sprinklers will be live starting Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 7:00 am EST.  Stay tuned to your Tuesday Toolbox for your link to stay updated on this very important issue!
EXPO 2009
EXPO 2009 is scheduled for February 14 & 15.  Contracts to participate will be sent to all HBAGTA members who participated in the 2008 event.  The contracts should be going out by the end of the month.  Contact Kris Guyot for more information on participating in the 2009 event.
MCIM ANNOUNCES CREDIT
MCIM has announced a new 2% Association Membership Credit!
  • Policyholders who are members of MCIM endorsing associations are eligible for a 2% policy credit.
  • Credit is effective September 1, 2008 on new and renewal policies.
Contact your MCIM Insurance Agent today!

For more information on MCIM endorsed Insurance Agencies call the HBAGTA at 231.946.2305 or 800.422.5166.

Kathy Maisonville
Hello Friends,

Thank you to all who attended the Builder Forum and General Membership Meeting at the Waterfront Conference Center last night.  We appreciate your efforts to stay informed and be involved in our Association.  We are also grateful to all who took the time to RSVP to attend the event.  It definitely helps our office to prepare accordingly and have enough room and meals for those in attendance.

Your involvement and support of the Home Builders Association is more important than ever right now.  We understand how the current economy has challenged our member businesses.  Many businesses have been  evaluating their costs and have cut back on unneccessary expenditures to survive.  At some point, the decision must be made on whether to continue membership in the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area.  We hope that you see value in the support and resources that the HBAGTA has to offer you and that you continue your membership in the association.

How do you make the most of your membership?  GET INVOLVED!   Take advantage of the networking opportunities that are available at any of the association events.  Bring your business cards to every event that you attend and give them out to everyone you meet.  Develop a "elevator pitch" (see last week's TT) to market your business.

Join a committee.  You cannot underestimate the value of the relationships that you build with your active participation.  You want your business to be the first that someone thinks of when they make a referral or need your type of service.

If you are a newer builder in the industry, consider working with a mentor.  The HBAGTA Business Growth and Development Committee has developed a mentorship program that will pair you with a more experienced builder to help guide and grow your business.  Feel free to call me for more information on this innovative program.

Participate in professional development.  By earning a designation from the National Association of Home Builders, you are distinguishing yourself from the competition.  In November, the HBAGTA is offering the assessments necessary to attain your designation...and they are being offered at a discounted price!   Education is not just about learning a specific topic.  It is an opportunity to spend time with other like-minded professionals to discuss and share ideas. 

Professional development is not just for builders!  Any Associate member can participate and earn a designation as well!  The Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) designation is an educational program that will help any Associate have a better understanding of the home building industry and will give that Associate greater confidence to work with builders.

Display the HBAGTA logo on all of your marketing materials.  When our members market their involvement in the association, it adds greater value to your membership. Be proud to show that your are a member of this association!

Save money with the NAHB Member Advantage discounts and MAHB discount programs.  Looks for cost cutting savings on shipping, office supplies, car purchases, and so much more!

Stay informed!  By working on the issues together, we have value.  There is strength in numbers.  You are represented by an association that has a  positive influence on codes and legislation and issues that affect affordable housing.

We are your resource for Codes, Licensing and Professional Development!

Together we are building a stronger Association!

Sincerely,

Kathy Signature
Kathleen G. Maisonville, Executive Officer
Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
P:  231.946.2305 Toll Free:  800.422.5166
F:  231.946.1051
kmaisonville@hbagta.com
www.hbagta.com
THANK YOU MCIM
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ASSOCIATE APPRECIATION
Picnic
Thank you to our Associate members who
contibute so much to the value of our Association!

In your honor, we would like to invite all members
to a picnic/barbeque on Friday, September 12 at the HBAGTA Office. 
Come and be served by builders!  Make a date for lunch and bring a friend!  Lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on the lower level.

We look forward to seeing you!
GREEN SOLUTIONS 4 WILL BE PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TAAR AND HBAGTA
Providing real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives, save money, reduce their ecological impact, and save our precious resources: Traverse Area Association of Realtors and Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. are proud to present the first annual:

Green Solutions 4:
  •   Home Building
  •   Commercial Construction
  •   Remodeling and Rehabilitation of Existing Homes
  •   Real Estate Development
            This family-friendly event will connect people with ideas and information to inspire them to make a positive difference both in their lives and that of the community. The Green Solutions 4: will highlight the latest in green products, services, and green housing developments; innovative technologies, and educational resources available in the green building marketplace today. This event is for everyone from the average homeowner to the savvy industry professional. It will interest those that want to know what green building is about as well as those deeply committed to a sustainable future.  Consumers will learn about green homes and communities.   Experts will be on hand to answer questions on going green.

            Seminars will be held throughout the day to inform the professional, and educate the public.  We will showcase our community partners who are committed to eco-solutions to enhance our unique and desirable region.

            Green Solutions 4, a collaborative effort between two vibrant associations, Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. (HBAGTA) and the Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR) are deeply committed to green building initiatives.  This event is an opportunity to educate the public regarding the legitimate local efforts being made to improve and sustain our environment for future generations as well as demonstrate how individuals can be better environmental stewards.

The event date and times are:
  • Saturday, October 25th, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm open to the General Public.
  • Media Tour 9:30 am
  • Educational Courses for TAAR and HBAGTA members will be held at 9:00 am & again at 4:00 pm
The event will be held at The Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686

Admission is $3.00 per person. 

Vendor applications are available at www.taar.com beginning Friday, Sept. 12th or by calling 231-947-2050. 

HBAGTA and TAAR members will be given priority with regard to vendor space.
HBAGTA TO OFFER PRE-LICENSURE EDUCATION COURSES IN SEPTEMBER

Do you know somebody that needs a State of Michigan Builders License or Maintenance and Alterations License and doesn't know where to begin?  Are they unable to apply for courses because they can't afford to pay the fees?  Are they looking for a qualified and professional location to take their required courses?  Are they looking for a program that will not only enhance their knowledge but prepare them for the required licensing exam as well?  The HBAGTA is partnering with Best of Michigan to provide that resource!

The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area will be offering Pre-Licensure Courses through BEST of Michigan on September 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. Courses will include the required categories as stated by the State of Michigan requirements for pre-licensure education:
  • Business Management, Estimating, and Job Costing
  • Design and Building Science
  • Contracts, Liability, and Risk Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Project Management and Scheduling
  • The Michigan Residential code
  • MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards
This series of courses will also include preparation for the State of Michigan licensing exam.

The HBAGTA is proud to be a regional center for BEST of Michigan, providing quality pre-licensure education opportunities to our state and local community.  The State of Michigan requires 60 hours of pre-licensure education before an individual can sit for their licensing exam.
      
Contact Cathy Robinson at MAHB and BEST of Michigan for more information on this program or to enroll in the pre-licensure courses call 800.748.0732 or visit www.bestofmi.org .  Cathy is also able to work with individuals to apply for the "No Worker Left Behind" grants administered through Michigan Works.

BEST of Michigan - One of Michigan's few approved providers of continuing and pre-licensure education and a division of the MAHB will continue to offer programs for the 60 hour Pre-licensure Education and Continuing Education Courses throughout the state of Michigan. 
DATES TO REMEMBER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
The Professional Development Calendar is in place with the following NAHB University of Housing courses.  Additional courses will be added as they become available:
 You must pre-register for these courses to ensure materials will be available for you.

**
The Green Building for Building Professionals Course is currently full, please contact the HBAGTA Office to be put on a waiting list for a future class.
Thank you for your membership and your participation in the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.

Sincerely,

The HBAGTA Staff

Kathy Maisonville, Executive Officer
Kris Guyot, Business Support Services
Jenny Hanrahan, Membership Support Services
Judy Gowan, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant 

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