Each of you may have your own version of this old saying, but mine is, "you can take the lady out of the school, but you can't take the school out of the lady!"  This point was underscored over the weekend when I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming over 100 students to our association office for classes.  The HBAGTA continues to be a leader in the region for builder and tradesmen education.  We strive to keep you educated and informed regarding issues that affect your livelihood.  (And doing that well and often makes this old school teacher really happy!)

The four sections of the 3-hour Continuing Competency offered April 22^nd and 23^rd filled fast.  Initially, I sensed that folks just felt obligated to attend.  However, at the conclusion of each seminar, I got the distinct feeling that the students really enjoyed their refresher course. And, yes, they had the satisfaction of being able to check off an important item on their "To Do" list!   I also suspect that many felt a sense of relief, too, knowing that they had met their licensing requirement.

Because the class rosters filled so quickly, we have opted to schedule two additional sections of the 3-hour Continuing Competency course on May 6^th.  The morning section is already full, but the afternoon slot, scheduled from 1-4 p.m. still has a few seats remaining.  If you are a builder or M&A contractor whose license expires in May, 2011, this is your opportunity to fulfill your legal obligation.  As a member service, the HBA will keep a record of your attendance.  In addition, you will be provided with a certificate of completion for your files. The fee for this class is $59 for members and $99 for non-members and must be paid at the time of registration. Click here to obtain a registration form for the May 6^th class.  www.hbagta.com. 

Our association staff is seeing an unprecedented demand for additional RRP classes.  (We held two in January.)  Perhaps this is the result of increased public awareness or the fact contractors realize now that the law actually was implemented on April 22^nd.  Regardless, our HBA has elected to host two additional RRP (Lead Safety) classes now to meet the needs of our members.  These will be offered Tuesday, May 25^th and Friday, June 11^th from 8 a.m. until 5 pm at the HBA office. 

The training is required of contractors who renovate for compensation any pre-1978 child occupied housing where more than six (6) square feel of interior paint or twenty (20) square feet of exterior paint are disturbed or when windows are replaced.  The cost is $135 for members and $165 for non-members. To obtain a registration form, click here.  

Additional information about the RRP Rule and Lead Safety will be provided at the Builder Forum on May 10^th. The Q&A session facilitated by Steve Smith, State of Michigan RRP Administrator, begins at 4:30 p.m. before our General Membership meeting at the Elks Lodge.  This is an outstanding opportunity for those who are certified, as well as those yet trained in Lead Safety to discuss the finer points of compliance with an "expert".  I strongly encourage you to attend this important Builder Forum. 

If there are specific NAHB designations, Continuing Competency instruction or business seminars that you would like presented, please let me know by contacting me at kmaisonville@hbagta.com or by calling 231-946-2305.