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HBAGTA LOOKING FOR "EXPERTS" IN THE FIELD |
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The HBAGTA publication that will be distributed during the upcoming Showcase of Remodeled Homes will also be an opportunity for our members to showcase their special niche or knowledge in the Home Building Industry. Our mission with the Showcase guide is to educate our community on the diverse resources and experts available to them through our Association. Instead of using "canned" articles from national sources, we would like to focus on our local membership and services that they offer our community.
We would like YOU, our members to submit your articles for publication. There will not be a charge for this opportunity (There are other advertising opportunities available), however, the HBAGTA reserves the right of editorial priviledges. The articles will be reviewed by an editorial committee and will be chosen on content, validity as well as special interest and space available.
The articles are not intended to promote a specific product or business, however, it should educate and inform consumers on a topic that would be of interest in the Home Building Industry.
Contact Kerry regarding advertising opportunities in the "Showcase of Remodeled Homes" publication.
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CALENDAR AND
EVENT LINKS |
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August 12, 2009
National Green Standard Users Group
Pre-registration required.
August 18, 2009
Membership Committee 9:30 am
Green Build Grand Traverse Committee 11:30 am
August 19, 2009
Showcase of Remodeled Homes Committee 9:00 am
August 20, 2009
Public Relations Committee 8:00 am
August 26, 2009
Board of Directors Meeting
August 28 & 29, 2009
September 23, 2009
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
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Sponsor Link
CONTACT THE HBAGTA TO BECOME A TUESDAY TOOLBOX SPONSOR!
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NEW MEMBER BENEFIT COMING TO THE HBAGTA
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The HBAGTA is proud to announce a new member benefit coming this fall!
BuilderHelper.com is an Internet-based construction management software that will allow our builders to post their plans online for bids. This is normally a $1,200 product, but will be offered free of charge to our Builder Members!
We'll keep you posted as we get ready to launch this new benefit.
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WORKING ON A HOME BUILT BEFORE 1978? |
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BE AWARE OF NEW LAWS/RULES
The EPA's new Renovation Repair and Painting Rule, known as RRP, is a comprehensive rule intended to regulate all renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb paint in homes constructed before 1978 and in child occupied facilities such as day care centers, schools, etc. This rule primarily impacts remodeling and home improvement contractors and rental property owners. This Rule was approved by Congress in April 2008. Portions of the rule are now in effect and by April 22, 2010 the entire Rule goes into effect, which includes contractor certification among other things. Click here for more information.
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REGISTRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW OPENS ON AUGUST 3 |
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Registration and housing for the 2010 IBS in Las Vegas opens on Monday, August 3, 2009. NAHB has secured some great rates at most of the Las Vegas hotels. But for many properties, these rates will only be guaranteed if you register for the show and book your room before August 31, 2009.
Michigan has room blocks at the Las Vegas Hilton ($109 per night) and Ballys ($44 weekday/$96 weekend). Your charge card will not be charged until December 2009.
www.buildersshow.com.
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| Greetings! ,
 With the recent success of the grass roots campaign to prohibit the mandate of sprinklers in one- and two-family homes, we are reminded that there is strength in numbers. No one alone could have created the critical mass and strong voice that we did as a group of dedicated industry professionals. This point underscores more than ever the value of working together and of being part of a professional association. Many of you in these challenging times may hesitate before authorizing payment for dues or in fact writing the check for $395. Some think that the only thing they "get" is a "free" meal once a month. However, please consider the value of the more important and tangible products and services that your HBAGTA provides. Most of you are listed in the Membership Directory. Over 2500 of these hard copies are distributed throughout the region and beyond. Thousands more look online each quarter of the year. What is that worth? Even if it was worth only 25 cents per reader, the value would be more than a few hundred dollars! What would you pay for resource materials that provide you with up-to-date information and industry specific tips on a weekly or monthly basis? Weekly publications at the newsstand, whether relevant or not, still cost the average consumer $4 or more each. If you purchased one weekly, that would cost you close to $50. Committee membership and even participation affords you more opportunity than most anything to network and establish contacts that result in real business-real sales-real contracts. What is one of those worth to you today? I'd venture that a solid lead that results in a sale is worth more than a few hundred dollars! General Membership meetings are the place where the greatest opportunity for establishing and cultivating long-term relationships are established. These contacts can and do have a direct impact on your bottom line. So what is that worth? Would you have the same opportunity if you hung out for an evening at a popular restaurant or club? We think not! If you were to purchase in separate units the advertising, promotion, advocacy, networking and industry related knowledge, what might it cost? Think about these benefits that perhaps you couldn't or wouldn't choose to buy as an individual. We know that what your association provides to you as a member far exceeds the cost of 9 chicken dinners a year! As always, we are building a stronger Association!
Kathy
Kathleen Maisonville
Executive Officer
p: 231.946.2305
f: 231.946.1051
toll free: 800.422.5166
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SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES |
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SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER 3 & 4
12pm to 6pm each day |
The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area announced they are planning a new event this year showcasing Remodeling Projects. The event is scheduled for October 3 & 4, 2009 in the Greater Grand Traverse Region and is open to all types of remodel projects including kitchens, bathrooms, home additions and more. Residential remodel projects completed after January 1, 2006 and before September 4, 2009 are eligible to participate. Builders and Remodelers are encouraged to include "Before" and "After" pictures of the remodel project for publication. For more information, contact the HBAGTA at 231-946-2305.
Think this event is "Just for Builders"? ABSOLUTELY NOT! This event is open to all of our members, including our Associates! Are you a Landscape Architect, Kitchen Design Company, Designer, OR...(your business here)....If you have worked on a project that fits the requirements of the contract, indoors or outdoors, you should be showcasing your work in this event!
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Plan for an opportunity to have your business and work showcased in this exciting premier event!
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EARN YOUR CERTIFIED GREEN PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION (CGP) |
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2-Day Course Instructor: Bruce Frost Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day Location: Roger Papineau Professional Development Center - Lower level of the HBAGTA Office Cost: $325 Members / $375 Non-Members Early Bird Discount: Register and pay on or before August 14, 2009 and save $30  Learn how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value. This 2-day course for building professionals discusses strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction. You will learn how green homes provide buyers lower maintenance, better indoor air quality and better long-term value. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency. CLICK HERE For More Information |
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FACTS ON THE ENERGY-EFFICIENCY TAX CREDIT |
 Take advantage of improved tax credits available for a number of energy-efficient home improvements. Find a professional remodeler in your neighborhood at www.nahb.org/remodel to get excellent advice - and your assurance of a project well done. The Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit (Tax Code Section 25C): Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to a $1,500 lifetime limit, for installation in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) of these products: |
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BUILDER RADIO WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS NEW TRENDS IN HOME DESIGN |
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What if every plan in your portfolio was suddenly out of date?
In the period of just one year - from April 2008 to April 2009, economics have caused buyers to reassess and reprioritize their aspirations, wants... even their needs. Buyers still want maximum livability, but they're demanding that it be delivered in ever-smaller packages.
Join architect Anne Olson and model merchandiser Doris Pearlman for a very special live webinar titled Perfect, Yet Pragmatic: Design Trends for 2009... And Beyond! In this one-hour presentation Pearlman and Olson will document the dynamic changes in homebuyer preferences and how these are impacting current home sales, and how you can position your company with the right product, size, options, space, and price to meet current - and future - demand.
Make plans now to attend the live presentation, or register to view or download the recorded video of the entire presentation.
Topic: Perfect, Yet Pragmatic: Design Trends for 2009... And Beyond!
Date: Wednesday, August 12 - 2:00p Eastern time.
Price: $37 per computer connection.
Register here.
Pearlman and Olson will share case studies of common sense solutions to use of space and how new technology is changing how people live in their homes. Examples of flexible, design savvy floorplans will be featured, and new trends such as Universal Design will be explained.
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GOODWILL INN PANTRY IS BARE |
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"The Goodwill Inn food pantries bare shelves are a reflection of critical needs individuals and families in the community are facing. Requests for food and basic needs have increased 242% this year. In the past three months alone requests were just shy of the requests for all of 2007 before the economy really began to change. Despite the generosity of the community during our spring food drive our pantry is literally bare. Our shortfall is worse than we have ever seen and the need greater." - Cecil McNally, Executive Director.
Urgently Needed Items Include:
Tuna or canned meat
Pancake Mix and Syrup
Macaroni and Cheese
Stews / Soup
Juice / Cereal
Rice / Pasta
Hamburger Helper
Spaghetti sauces
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter/Jelly
Baby Food
All non-perishable foods
Hygiene Items - Deodorant, Shampoo, Diapers, etc.
According to today's Record-Eagle front page our friends are under stress as their community food pantry stocks are depleted. There are a lot of people in our regional community that need some help, and some of them could be family, friends or peers. To help ease their burden the TAAR office has started a food drive to help "Restock the Pantry". Please bring non-perishable food items (preferably dry goods and canned items) to the TAAR office between now and August 20th. Pick up some extra food items when you shop and we will see that they get over to the pantry. |
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LEARNING/NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
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 Want to learn more about green tax credits and how they can help sell your products and/or services? Do you know everything you need to about the latest green building and remodeling standards? Are you interested in networking with leading green building experts from across the state? As a professional in the building industry, it is vitally important to stay up to speed on the latest trends, products, services and best practices in green building and remodeling. The Michigan Association of Home Builders, in partnership with Green Built Michigan, is offering just such an opportunity for you at an August 21st day long conference called Great Lakes Green at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids . . . all for the low price of $35. That's some 3 dozen educational seminars, lunch and networking opportunities with experts for $35. For more information, please visit our conference website at or contact Pam Frankenberger, CMP at (800) 748-0432 or by e-mail frankenberger.pam@mahb.com. Sign up on-line by August 14th and receive a $5 discount on your registration! | |
SAVE THE DATES! The following courses have been scheduled for this fall in the Roger Papineau Professional Development Center: 