What a fantastic celebration we had last night at the Crown Golf Club to honor all those that helped to make our 20th anniversary Parade of Homes so very special. Congratulations to all the builders and trades contractors who contributed significantly to the success of our annual event.  We are grateful to our member participants, our dedicated Parade Committee chairperson, Chad Craker and non-profit coordinator, Angie Glynn and all the other outstanding committee members who gave unselfishly of their time and talent.
 
Forty-three individual awards were presented by Chairperson Craker at the Awards party.  Congratulations to all our category winners.  For more information, please check out the details on our web site at www.hbagta.com/paradeofhomes.  However, everyone who participated this year was a winner!  By taking part these dedicated professionals have demonstrated their commitment to the industry and the health of our region.  For that we are extremely grateful.  Also, one of the biggest winners was Kevin Ellis of East Bay Builders who sold his Parade home during the event!
  
Although most of us are in a celebratory mode right now, we must not forget that one of the greatest challenges to our industry looms large.  That involves the potential mandate of fire sprinklers in one and two-family residential structures.  Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has proposed a code change to R313 that will allow the voluntary installation of fire sprinklers at the discretion of the homeowner.  We are asking for builders to be present in large numbers at the July 22nd Forum to be held in Lansing and support Habitat's proposal.  I realize that many builders are taking advantage of the work they have presently and are committed to tight time schedules.  However, I want to stress that if this change is allowed to occur, the impact on housing will be devastating.  If you can clear your calendar and travel to Lansing on July 22nd with our HBAGTA contingency, this has the potential of being one of the most important travel excursions of your professional life.  Should you want more information, please feel free to contact  me at 946-2305, Victor Lisabeth, President at 218-0995 or Nick Agostinelli, Legislative Chair at 883-6223.

Together we are building a stronger Association.