WINTER HOLIDAYS
The HBAGTA Office will be closed December 21
and will reopen
January 4 | |
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OFFICE HOURS |
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Monday
through
Thursday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
For more information on Association Events please visit the HBAGTA website at
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CALENDAR AND
EVENT LINKS |
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General Membership Meeting
Waterfront Conference Center
Installation of Officers and Annual Awards
December 21, 2009
Office Closed
January 4, 2010
Office Re-opens
January 12 & 13, 2010
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HBAGTA COMMITTEES
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Participation in any HBAGTA Committee is open to all members of the Association!
Want to get more from your membership?
JOIN A COMMITTEE!
Call the HBAGTA Office for more information:
(231) 946-2305 |
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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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BUILDER HELPER
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ARE LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY?
(exclusive to HBAGTA Members)
NO MORE EXTRA DRIVING
& DISTRIBUTING YOUR PLANS TO ALL OF YOUR SUBS! POST YOUR PLANS ONLINE AND REQUEST BIDS.
The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area is looking for sponsors for our Builder Helper Sponsorship.
Please call Kathy at the Association Office for more information.
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NAHB UNIVERSITY OF HOUSING OFFERS CUSTOMER SERVICE WEBCAST
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Webcast Course on Dec. 10 to Teach Customer Service Skills
For the first time, The NAHB University of Housing is offering a webcast of its Customer Service course on Thursday, Dec. 10. The course will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. Participants can attend the course in person or watch it during the live webcast by registering on the NAHB Web site at www.nahb.org/Customer
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PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE HBAGTA FACEBOOK PAGE |
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The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area invites all members to post information regarding your business on the HBAGTA Facebook Page:
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Do you have a newsletter you can share?
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Do you have important information regarding your industry?
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Does your business have a special event that you would like to promote?
Tell us about it on the HBAGTA Facebook Fan Page!
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REMODELING MARKETS ARE STABILIZING
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Although residential remodeling remained relatively weak during the third quarter of 2009, remodelers are starting to report that conditions in their markets are stabilizing, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions index rose slightly to 39.8 from 38.1 in the second quarter. The index of future indicators jumped to 38.7 from 34.2 in the previous quarter. Although this marked the third straight quarter of improvement, both indices remain well below the break-even point of 50.
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Greetings! ,
As we approach this blessed holiday season, one of our greatest wishes for all of you is Peace and Prosperity in the coming year. I certainly believe that better days are ahead. There are many hopeful signs of recovery! Please plan to attend the final HBAGTA General Membership Dinner on Monday evening, December 14th at the Waterfront Conference Center to celebrate and reminisce. We will be honoring many special people that evening. Outgoing Directors Chuck Drouillard, Steve Merten and Donn Westman will be recognized for their years of service. Tom Barber, 2010 MAHB President will be on hand to provide some insight about our state organization and also install our new Board of Directors and HBA officers. Each year the HBA selects a charity of choice to support. This year we are hosting a special "Warm Hearts - Warm Hands" campaign for Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan. We ask that you look through your closets at work and home this week to see if you might have new or used coats, hats, mittens and gloves for children or adults that you wish to donate to those who lack such winter necessities. The need for such items is greater than ever in our region. You may bring these items to the meeting on Monday evening or feel free to drop them off at the HBA office prior to December 18th. Also Goodwill will accept cash donations.  As always, we ask that you please let us know if you are planning to attend. It only takes a minute to call us at 946-2305 or email us at mailbox@hbagta.com with your reservations. The deadline is noon, Friday, December 11th. I don't want to steal the joy of the season by being the Grinch at the door that has to tell you "there's no room in the inn!" Now if that's not some mixed metaphors, I don't know what is!
Together, 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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SEASON'S CELEBRATION SLATED FOR DECEMBER 14 |
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 The HBA will host the final General Membership meeting of 2009 on December 14th at the Waterfront Conference Center. As many of you know, the Waterfront is changing hands soon and our event will be the very last for the conference center staff that has been so accommodating and gracious to us over the years. They will be rolling out the red carpet for us that night and offering us some very special fare for our buffet dinner.
RSVPs are required!
Joe Williams' (Williams Pumping Service) combo called "Three Hour Tour" will be providing the entertainment during the pre-dinner hour.
The Builder Forum preceding the General Membership Meeting will feature Steve Smith, Industrial Hygienist who is responsible for Michigan's RRP Administration. Contractors, electricians, HVAC specialists and remodelers who work on pre-1978 housing will be required to be certified by April 22, 1010. Mr. Smith is the most knowledgeable spokesperson in the state on this issue and will be on hand to inform and educate our members about the new legislation.
Our new HBA officers will be also installed by MAHB president, Tom Barber that evening. The 2010 officers include Rob Whims, President; Marc Burkholder, First VP; Denny Lauterbach, 2nd VP; BJ Stark, Secretary and Mike Farrer, Treasurer. In addition, the oath will be given to our newly elected Board Members: Scott Duensing, Mike Bartkowiak, BJ Stark, Denny Lauterbach, Dale Bush and Matt Vajda.
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WARM HANDS FROM WARM HEARTS |
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 The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. is asking our members and friends of the Association to donate new or gently used (waterproof) mittens or gloves, hats, scarves  and coats for children, teens and adults to those in need this season. We will be collecting those items for Goodwill's "Holiday Needs Program" at our office from now until December 14th. There is a critical need in our community for such items. For those who are attending the General Membership Meeting on December 14th, you may bring your donations to the Waterfront that evening.
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2010 HOME BUILDERS EXPO |
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FEBRUARY 27 & 28, 2010
 Do you want to market your product or business more effectively?
Do you want to get more "Bang for Your Buck" with your marketing dollars?
Booth Rentals are now open to ALL interested Vendors!
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING WHAT OUR REGION'S HOUSING INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER!
If you would like to participate in this Premier Event hosted by the HBAGTA, contact Kerry Gartland at 231.946.2305 or kag@hbagta.com
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PRESIDENT VICTOR LISABETH PRESENTS CHECK TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY |
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President Victor Lisabeth (left) proudly presents a check to the Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse representatives Nancy Kiogima (left) and Carrie Ullery-Smith. This donation to our local Habitat organization resulted from a portion of the Fall Showcase of Remodeled Homes ticket sales being set aside to help this organization.
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BEST WISHES TO CHUCK DROUILLARD |
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Best Wishes on Your Retirement
 Long time Board member and HBAGTA past president (2002 and 2003) Chuck Drouillard, has officially "hung up his tool belt." In a letter last month to the Board, Chuck noted that at his age it was time to stop climbing ladders! He officially retired as an active builder on November 30th but will keep his builder's license active . . just in case. We wish him luck in the future and deeply appreciate the service he has provided the association over many years. |
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BUILDER RESOURCES ON CHINESE DRYWALL |
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Drywall imported from China that was used in home construction in the United States is causing some concern for homeowners and home builders. Home owners have reported foul odors and air conditioning-related problems in homes constructed with some of the drywall imported from China. Additionally, copper components, and certain electrical and plumbing components might have a blackened appearance. It is believed the drywall was imported into the U.S. between 2004 and 2008. Some of this drywall is alleged to contain high levels of sulfur and/or other contaminants, which it is emitting or off-gassing. Governmental agencies are investigating the potential adverse health consequences of exposure to the sulfur gases.
READ MORE>>
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ARE YOU AWARE OF THE NEW EPA LEAD PAINT REGULATIONS? |
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 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently enacted new regulations affecting contractors performing renovation work in residential dwellings or child-occupied facilities built before 1978. This regulation is called "Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)".
Beginning in April 2010, any renovation work (including painting) done for compensation, which disturbs painted surfaces in residential dwellings or child-occupied facilities before 1978, must be performed by an EPA certified company, using persons trained in lead-safe work practices. Each job is required to have a Certified Renovator on-site to perform specific responsibilities.
To become a Certified Renovator, a person must attend an 8-hour EPA approved training course.
For those individuals who are already certified as a Lead Abatement Supervisor, or have successfully completed an 8-hour Lead-Safe Work Practices (LSWP) course and who wish to become a Certified Renovator, completion of a 4-hour supplemental training course dealing with RRP topics is required.
The HBAGTA is hosting two 8-hour RRP Courses on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 12 and 13, 2010 at the Home Builders Association Office. Cost of the course is $135 for HBAGTA Members and $165 for non-members.
LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY NOW!
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MIOSHA CLASSES TO BE HELD IN TRAVERSE CITY
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Construction Safety Training Classes currently scheduled in Traverse City include:
FALL PROTECTION
December 10, 2009 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: $90
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
December 17, 2009 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: $60
EXCAVATION SAFETY
December 18, 2009 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $60
These courses are offered by AGC of Michigan. Visit their website at www.agcmichigan.org for more information.
Scholarships may be available. |
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NAHB BENEFIT - ENDLESS VACATION RENTALS
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Thank you for your membership and support of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
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Copyright 2009 Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. All rights reserved.
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