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OFFICE HOURS |
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Monday
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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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Parade of Homes Meeting for Non-Profit Hosts 6:00 pm
May 13, 2010
Public Relations Committee
8:00 am
May 18, 2010
Membership Committee Meeting 8:30 am
May 20, 2010
Parade of Homes Committee 9:00 am
May 25, 2010
Board of Directors 7:30 am
MEMORIAL DAY - OFFICE CLOSED
June 4, 2010
Annual Golf Outing
Crown Golf Course
Parade of Homes & Developments
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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 | |
FLAG DONATION
Thank you to Bill Packer who recently purchased a new flag for the association office.
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REMEMBER TO ADD THE HBAGTA! |
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When developing your marketing plan, whether it be EXPO participation, a web site design, coupons to consumers, stationary...just about anything your company participates in or distributes, be sure to add the HBAGTA logo and display your pride in being a member of the Home Builders Association!
Did you know? If you provide a link to the HBAGTA on your business web site - your company's web site link is activated for free? We will waive the $50 annual service fee! - Just ask how.
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TOOL DRIVE TO SUPPORT HABITAT | |
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Habitat for Humanity-Grand Traverse Region in partnership with the Home Builders Association is holding a Tool Drive through May 10th. Your donation of new and used tools will help HFH-GTR change the lives of area families by providing Habitat the means to build affordable housing in our area.
Hammers, drills, squares, tape measures, power saws, tin snips, ladders, extension cords, utility knives, 4 & 6 foot levels and safety equipment are needed.
Donations can be dropped off at the Home Builders Association located at 3040 Sunset Lane, Traverse City or at the Habitat for Humanity-ReStore, off of Barlow Street next to Deering's Market, during business hours.
For more information, please contact Carrie at: 231-941-4663 or at: cullerysmith@habitatgtr.org
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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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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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BRIAN MEISTE BUILDERS, INC
BRIAN MEISTE
JAMES ANDERSON BUILDERS, INC
JIM ANDERSON
PINE BLUFF DEVELOPMENT, LLC
QUERCUS ALBA, LLC
ROBERT FOULKES |
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Greetings! ,
Let's Celebrate!
There's a term that's been tossed around a bit lately and that is, "New Normal!" Is this just an optimist's interpretation of a bad situation? I don't think so. There are some significant positive signs emerging in the housing market these days. Perhaps we will never again return to the building heyday of a decade or so ago, but let's be realistic. We are just coming out of one of the most devastating economic downturns ever experienced in our country since the Great Depression. It's going to take time, energy and resourcefulness to get back into balance now. However, out of every crisis comes opportunity!
Many of our members have taken this opportunity to think critically about their revenue expectations and reframed their marketing and business plans accordingly. Others have invested a great deal of time and money into enhancing their professional development. Still others have resized their organizations and are coming back "leaner and meaner" than before.
The HBA staff works exceedingly hard to meet the diverse needs of our members. We try to be responsive and helpful providing information and answering the a myriad of questions for you (and our community members) about certifications, designations, licensing, liabilities, qualifications and lots of others issues too varied to categorize. Our staff has explored new ways to get your name out through our EXPO, Parade and Showcase publications and through our printed directory and website. We are tweaking our website to better meet your needs and to help those seeking your products and services to find you more easily.
But sadly, we still often hear, "I didn't get anything out of my membership!" Putting your name on a membership application or simply sending in your dues payment and then sitting back expecting the business to roll your way is sort of like still believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy or Easter Bunny. They are wonderful childhood fantasies. Who really delivers that special holiday present with the big red bow, a coin under your pillow or a basket full of goodies is you! Please remember that the staff and association leadership is only half the equation. We need you to get out, get known to make it happen. Your professional association is your vehicle, but you need to get in the driver's seat.
The next big opportunity to do so is coming up June 4th at our annual Golf Outing which will be held at The Crown. Whether you're a pro or a duffer, there's a place for you in this fun scramble. Please join us for this wonderful networking opportunity. To register go to www.hbagta.com.
Together, we are building a stronger association.
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
3040 Sunset Lane
Traverse City, MI 49684
p: 231.946.2305
f: 231.946.1051
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LEAD RULE OPT OUT WAIVER EXPIRES | |
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On April 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced release of an amendment to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that removes the opt-out provision for pre-1978 homes without pregnant women or children under age six in residence. The amendment also instructs contractors to provide a copy of the records required under the rule to be shared with home owners within 30 days of completing the remodeling work. The amendment goes into force 60 days from its publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred. NAHB expects publication in the Federal Register sometime in the next few weeks, so the estimated effective date to remove the opt-out is the beginning of July. Once the exact date is determined, NAHB will update members. Nevertheless, all provisions of the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule went into effect on April 22, which requires remodelers and other contractors disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes attend the required training and submit firm certification. The rule also dictates lead-safe work practices, pre-renovation consumer education, and record keeping practices. In an effort to better serve our members who have not taken the RRP class, two additional sessions have been established, May 25th and June 11th at the HBA office. The cost is $135 for members and $165 for non-members. Registration forms are available at: www.hbagta.com. |
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GRAND TRAVERSE REGION CELEBRATES 19 PARADE ENTRIES | |
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The 21st Annual Parade of Homes & Developments begins June 19th and will showcase 15 new homes and 4 developments. The Parade route extends from Frankfort to Empire and Suttons Bay to Williamsburg. The route actually doesn't look quite as circuitous as in the past. According to map specialist, Paul Reiss of LIAA who developed the maps, it's more like a spider or octopus this year! But regardless of where the visitors begin, they no doubt are going to see some spectacular properties.
Tickets will go on sale in early June and will be available at 15 locations throughout the Grand Traverse region. Advance sale tickets are $8.00. Once the Parade begins, the tickets are $10 and available from the non-profit hosts at each Parade home.
If you'd like to showcase your products and services to the public, consider advertising in our beautiful 2010 Parade Plan Book. The deadline is May 7th. For more information, contact Kerry at kag@hbagta.com or call 231-946-2305 ext 15. |
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TO TEE OR NOT TO TEE? | |
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We Want You "Tee'd Off" June 4th
 Join us for the HBA Golf Outing to be held at the Crown, Friday June 4th. The cost is only $75 per person this year for 18 holes, a cart and dinner. Anyone who signs up to play in our annual event will also receive an additional FREE round of golf at the Crown to be used anytime!
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$100 Hole sponsorships are available... -
or "Sponsor + Play" , a package deal of golf, cart, dinner and hole sponsorship is available for only $125 - a full $50 savings!
For more information,
contact Kerry at 231-946-2305 ext. 15.
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PARADE ROYALE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP! | |
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 CHERRY ROYALE PARADE ENTRY
The HBA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To bring attention to this fact and the enormous impact housing has on this community, the association has partnered with NMC students to create a special float for the Cherry Royale Parade to be held July 10th.
Under the leadership of HBA member and Adjunct Professor, Devin Hill, over 30 1st year students from NMC's carpentry program have worked for the past 6 months on a miniature replica of Eric Olson's 2009 Parade home in Empire. Without architectural drawings or blueprints, the students created the tiny house to scale with nothing more than the Parade Planbook photo. This mini-home will be the featured attraction on the HBA float.
However, we would also like to include many of the HBA's founding members on that float. We are proud of them and what they created four decades ago. If anyone knows where we can find some of those charter members, we would appreciate you contacting the office at 946-2305. |
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CONTINUING COMPETENCY, LEAD SAFETY & CODES | |
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In an effort to meet the needs of our members requiring continuing education, the HBA has planned additional training opportunities. Two new RRP classes are being hosted at the association office on May 25th and June 11th. The cost is $135 for members and $165 for non-members. To register go to our website: www.hbagta.com.
The six 3-hour Continuing Competency seminars filled quickly last month. The association is now taking a break from hosting more of these until fall. However, sessions are slated for September 15th and 29th and October 13th and 27th. Undoubtedly, many whose licenses expire in May 2011 will want to save one of these dates. The cost is $59 for members and $99 for non-members. Registration forms are available in the office or on our website.
A recent order of MRC (Michigan Residential Code) books has arrived. The law requires every licensed contractor to have one. If you do not have one, please call the office to get your copy.
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SAVE THE DATES | |
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Mark Your Calendars Now - Save the Dates
Annual Showcase of Remodeled Homes
Saturday and Sunday, October 2nd and 3rd |
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS HONORED
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Four outstanding young men and women were recognized Monday evening at an HBA Awards Dinner held at the Elks Lodge. The recipients were selected by the Scholarship Committee of the HBA. President Whims had the honor of introducing each scholar to the membership and presenting them their awards.
Craig Flood who received a $500 scholarship intends to complete his Plumbing, HVAC and Facilities Maintenance Program at NMC. David Hanrahan, son of Jenny Hanrahan, the HBA's Director of Membership, Education and Technology, also received $500. He will pursue a degree in Business Management at MSU. The third $500 recipient, Olivia Jeffs, intends to work toward a degree in education.
Nicole Aboudib was awarded two scholarships, one of $500 from the NMC Foundation and a second for $1000 from the GTRCF. Ms. Aboudib intends to pursue Facilities Managements/Construction Technology. She is working on certificates in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical and eventually intends to procure her builder's license.
Two local foundations provide funding for these scholarships. The NMC "Home-in-a-Day" Scholarship was established in 1984. Hundreds of volunteer HBA tradesmen came together to build a home in a day and in doing so, also made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The $20,000 raised from the sale of the home provided the seed money for NMC Foundation. A second fund was established in 1994 through a $30,000 grant from the HBA to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
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NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MONTH | |
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May is National Membership Month
Special membership incentives are in place during the month of May. What does that mean for you? If you are a member, for every person you sponsor, you will receive a $25 certificate good for association activities and events. Sponsor three and golf for free? Sponsor one and get a guest meal for free. Want to take a Continuing ed class for $9 - sponsor two new members! It is that easy.
New members who join this month are also in for a treat! Anyone who has taken an educational class from us in the last six months is entitled to a refund of the fees they paid in excess of the member rate. For example, non-members who paid $99 for a continuing competency course will get $40 back toward membership dues. In addition, they will get a $25 gift card from Menards and a chance to play in our annual golf outing for free! The annual registration fee is also waived so membership has never been more affordable than now.
Builders, now is the time to look at your subcontractors and ask the question, "Are you a member of the HBA?" And associates, you need to tell your clients and customers, that we prefer to do business with a member of our HBA. Here's how you join . . .
Click here for the special New Member application good this month.
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OUTSTANDING MEMBERS | |
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 Each year the association recognizes members who have made significant contributions to their community, industry or association. Thirty individual HBA members were nominated for one or more of the five annual awards this year by their colleagues. They included:
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Dean Adams |
Victor Lisabeth | |
Nick Agostinelli |
Patrick Machin | |
Dendra Best |
Sean McCardel | |
Marc Burkholder |
Bill Packer | |
Dale Bush |
Eric Palmer | |
Pat Cline |
Dan Paulson | |
Julie Courtade |
Marv Saxton | |
Chad Craker |
Kendall Smith | |
Jeff Dufort |
BJ Stark | |
Mike Ferraro |
Max Strickland | |
Kevin Jaeger |
Jason Trowbridge | |
Gary Jurkovich |
Matt Vajda | |
Rod Koehler |
David Webster | |
Denny Lauterbach |
Donn Westman | |
Nancy Lisabeth |
Rob Whims |
The Distinguished Builder of the Year was presented to Dean Adams of Bay Area Contracting, Inc. This award is given to a builder member who demonstrates a true sense of professionalism and ethical business practice. The Jim Alpers Award recognizes an Associate member who exhibits a high level of participation and professional commitment to the association. Julie Courtade of First Bank was honored with the award this year. The Humanitarian/Community Award is typically given to either a builder, associate or support member for making outstanding, dedicated contributions to the betterment of the greater community. This year the association selected Denny Lauterbach of Floor Covering Brokers for this recognition. The Outstanding Member of the Year is given to any member of the association for extensive involvement and enthusiastic participation in association activities. Victor Lisabeth was chosen to receive this award.
The Emerging Leader, formerly termed "The Rookie" Award is given to a new member of the association for his or her immediate and consistent participation. This year, Jason Trowbridge of Tru-Bridge Contracting was named.
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DOES THE NEW RRP LEAD RULE CREATE FUTURE LEGAL LIABILITIES FOR REMODELERS? | |
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Opinion Article by Doug Carr, Executive Officer, Greater Lansing HBA
I thought about this question in depth after I received a phone call from a remodeler who posed a "what if" question. That is, 'What if a renovator does everything right and a child still gets lead poisoning years after a project is complete. Can the renovator still be held responsible? Possibly the lead poisoning came from another part of the pre-1978 home that was not included in the renovation project. Who knows, maybe the child acquired the lead poisoning at another location. Will the renovator be held responsible by the State? The Federal Government? The homeowner?
I called a compliance officer with the State of Michigan to get his take on what would occur. But before I give his answer, I should remind you that the new rules that went into effect last month are currently enforced by the Federal government. The State of Michigan intends to assume responsibility for enforcement once it has been approved by the Federal government. However, that approval is not expected to come until late in 2010.
Under my proposed scenario, the compliance officer said that the State would track down the contractor, ask them to produce the documentation related to the renovated home in question and demonstrate that all of the State's guidelines were followed. As a side note, the officer noted that pictures taken of compliance on the site are worth a thousand words and suggested that lots of pictures be taken and kept with the written records. Once the State determined that all proper steps were taken and that the laws had been followed, the State would sign off on the fact that no laws were broken.
At the same time, the officer acknowledged that this would not prevent an aggrieved homeowner from filing a lawsuit against the renovator as the potential cause of the harm to the child. When I checked with an attorney he noted that the burden proof would be on the homeowner to demonstrate that the renovator's negligence to follow the Federal guidelines caused the illness. He added, even though this would probably be difficult to prove, it would not stop people from suing anyway in our litigious culture. Thus, the renovator would still have to defend himself in a potentially costly suit.
The bottom line here is that all renovators should take steps to make sure that they comply with the rules, document everything, including photos and be prepared to defend yourself, just in case! For more information from the National Association of Home Builders on legal templates for your contracts visit NAHB.org.
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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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