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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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Public Relations Committee 8 am
Parade of Homes Committee
9 am
June 11, 2010
June 15, 2010
Membership Committee 8:30 am
June 17, 2010
Parade of Homes Committee
9 am
June 18, 2010
Office Closed
June 19 through 27, 2010
June 30, 2010
Office Closed for Staff Training
PLEASE NOTE:
No Board Meeting will be held in the month of June.
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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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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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SUMMER CONVENTION
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The Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) Summer Convention this year will be held at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan. A full schedule of events and the registration form has been posted at buildingmichigan.org. All MAHB members are encouraged to attend this two-day event. The Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 23, 2010 from 1:30 - 4:30 PM. Contact Pam Frankenberger at 517-646-2572 for more details. |
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CONGRESS APPROVES HOME STAR ENERGY RETROFIT BILL - JOBS ARE COMING! | |
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Dubbed by the press as "Cash for Caulkers," the Home Star energy bill is moving forward with plenty of bi-partisan support. It has been approved by the House and now must be approved by the Senate. President Obama has promised to sign it. The bill, expected to be in place by July 4, provides financial incentives for consumers who install energy-saving measures in their homes. Remodelers should note that the bill includes a provision for contractors to be certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). More details about the Home Star bill are available at efficiencyfirst.org. Once the bill is signed by the President it will become effective immediately and is expected to generate consumer activity this fall.
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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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COBURN CONSTRUCTION, INC
Dennis Coburn
CRAIG WECKLER, ENERGY RATER
Craig Weckler
ENERGY MATTERS
Mark Leugers
GARY THORPE, BUILDER
Gary Thorpe
IDEA STREAM
Marsha Stratton
MONSMA MARKETING
Joe Randall
PICKLE PRINT & MARKETING, LLC
Marcus Christiam |
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Greetings! ,
As many mornings as I can, I step out onto my deck, fresh coffee in hand, and relish dawn's warmth and the symphony of summer sounds that surround my little piece of paradise right here in Traverse City. I am grateful for every day spent in this gorgeous part of northern Michigan. I realize that many people find a great deal wrong with Michigan - its economy, business climate, tax base and the like; but for me, I just continue to be thankful for this region's bounty and what we don't have to deal with . . . . Hurricanes, earthquakes, mud slides or disastrous oil spills fouling our pristine lakeshores.
The tragedy in the Gulf continues to evolve into an unimaginable crisis, creating perhaps the greatest economic and environmental devastation our contemporary nation has ever experienced. Just when these Gulf Coast residents were beginning to repair their lives from the devastation of Katrina, they are dealt another catastrophe. The tortured wildlife, dripping with disgusting gunk, the fouled marshes and tainted beaches are heart-wrenching reminders of what we do still have that others have sadly lost - perhaps for a decade or a generation or more!
We need to be vigilant stewards of our environment and involved stakeholders in order to prevent man-made environmental catastrophes here. The good news is that many in our region already make this one of their top priorities.
On June 19th, we commence our 21st annual Parade of Homes & Developments. During this 8-day venue, we will showcase not only the outstanding craftsmanship of our HBA builder members, but also the vision and commitment our dedicated developers who work hard to sustain the best of our region. I encourage all of you to invite your friends, neighbors and business associates to take time to visit our 18 properties and to celebrate the beauty, tranquility and harmony of nature surrounding our northern Michigan homes. I promise the vistas you experience will be extremely gratifying.
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 PAINT PRE-RENOVATION EDUCATION AUDIT | |
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MAHB has received about a half dozen calls the last few weeks from members who have received an "official request for records" from the Department of Community Health regarding their compliance with Pre-Renovation Education requirements which, by the way, have been State requirements since 2005. We have made an inquiry with the department to determine what may have triggered this recent flurry of audit investigations. Please remind your members that they were and are required to keep paperwork for three years on any pre-1978 homes they've worked on. Since '05 the law has required contractors doing such work, to provide an EPA pamphlet to the occupants before work begins. Further, the law requires them to get a signed and dated acknowledgement from the occupants confirming receipt of the pamphlet. If you hear of other inquiries from your members, please bring them to the attention of Lee Schwartz at schwartz.lee@mahb.com. |
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PARADE TO BEGIN JUNE 19 | |
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Tickets will go on sale this week 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.
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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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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.
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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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ANNUAL EVENT BRINGS OVER 100 GOLFERS TO THE CROWN | |
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Although the weather was threatening, it never dampened the spirits of the 100+ golfers who ventured on to the soggy links throughout the day last Friday. The Crown's General Manager, Bill Balderach, was a gracious host and provided our players with some wonderful prizes plus a round of golf later this summer for every player.
Coordinating this year's event, along with our outstanding Events and Marketing staff member, Kerry Gartland, were Jeremy Orth (Morse Moving and Storage), BJ Stark (ProBuild), Randy Travis (Michigan Mobile Glass) and Victor Lisabeth (Grand Bay Builers and Remodelers).
Top honors were taken by 1st place Mixed Team represented by Ken McCardel, Keith McCardel, Meganne McCardel and Cameron McCardel. The 1st place Men's Team included Randy Travis, Miles Guy, Steve Stocking and Mark Newhouse They each received a $50 gift card from Macy's.
Winning the prize for the Longest Drive as well as the Closest to the Pin, was Jen McDonnell of McDonnell Insurance. Tom Brayton received top honors for Men's Longest Drive while Brad Neigarth captured Men's Closest to the Pin.
The grand prize of a gas grill was won by Jeremy Orth, and the round of golf for 4 at the Crown was taken by Dave Triplett of EPS.
The HBA is deeply appreciative of Holton's Tri-Gas for sponsoring the brats throughout the day and donating the gas grill for the grand prize. We are also grateful to Cherryland Electric for their sponsorship of the dinner and to Peninsula Title for sponsoring the beverage cart.
 View more pictures on the HBAGTA Facebook Page: CLICK HERE |
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DOE RULE CHANGE COULD BAN MULTIPLE OUTLET SHOWER SYSTEMS | |
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A newly issued draft interpretive rule from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that changes the definition of "shower heads" to "shower valves" has sparked significant concern among NAHB members, members of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute and other groups. The problem is that this change in definition, which was published in the Federal Register on May 19, may conflict with the applicability of current water conservation standards for showerheads, and could therefore effectively lead to a ban on multiple outlet shower systems such as hand showers, body sprays, gang showers and others that have become very popular in some market segments. Although DOE has labeled its showerhead rule as an "interpretive" rule (which could be implemented without public comment), NAHB believes that the proposed definition rule is substantive in nature and should therefore be subject to the traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures set forth in the U.S. Administrative Procedures Act. That said, NAHB's legal affairs, regulatory policy and codes and standards experts are now evaluating the notice in preparation for filing our comments to DOE by the June 18 deadline. For more information, please read DOE's draft of the interpretive rule and the Federal Register notice. Comments to the DOE can be emailed directly to the agency at: Showerhead_Guidance_Comments@hq.doe.gov. Your NAHB contact is Larry Brown, 800-368-5242, x8565.
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MAHB MEMBER REBATE PROGRAM ADDS FOUR NEW MANUFACTURERS | |
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The MAHB Member Rebate program has added four new manufacturers: Boise Cascade, Closet Maid, HB&G Porch Columns and Sears Commercial Marketplace. GLHB&RA members can get rebates from numerous companies when they purchase their products. Average rebates last year were $860.54 per member!! It's easy to file for a rebate using these claim forms. All details are explained on this special MAHB website. If you're a builder, don't leave money on the table!
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SOURCES OF MONEY THAT EVERY REMODELER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
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By Doug Carr, LAHB
If Remodelers, in our current market want to close deals, they should know where to "find the money." By that I mean money to help your customers pay for their project. There are several sources of money that you will want to pass on to your customers. Many are on the increase and most are constantly changing. Here's an overview.
Energy Star Tax Credits that cover up to 30% of the cost are outlined on this energy star website. Roofing, water heaters, windows & doors and more are all included in these incentives for home owners through the end of 2010. Some special items are covered until 2016. Another great web site to check out is energytaxincentives.org.
Home Star Incentives are coming soon and will amount to thousands of dollars. As I write this, the legislation is being passed at the Federal level. It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama soon. To get in on the action for the greatest savings/incentives contractors will have to be BPI certified.
Utility Company Rebates are on the rise. Detroit Edison (DTE) has a program for new home builders that helps cover the cost of an energy audit. The audit then shows the builder/homeowner specific ways to reduce energy use and helps pay for them! DTE also helps on remodel projects by paying for window replacement, insulation and more. Their 3-page application covers the details. Consumers Energy's program is not as robust, but does offer rebates on specified HVAC systems and water heaters when designated contractors are used for installation. The utility programs are expected to continue growing and expanding as the Michigan Public Service Commission continues to put pressure on the utilities to save through reducing energy use rather than building new generating capacity. Another good website to keep an eye on is MichiganSaves.org. As more programs are made available this site will get the word out.
There are some other minor sources of money that add up when combined, like the State of Michigan Tax Credits for energy efficiency and MSHDA's Low Interest Property Improvement Loan Program. These should not be overlooked because they may help the right customer in the right situation.
The bottom line is that sources of money for property improvements are sprouting everywhere. The remodelers who can help their customers find the money to pay for the project will be the one's who capture the sales.
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THE MOST DANGEROUS SEASON | |
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Tips for Staying Safe in Summer, When Crime Rates Soar
By Andrew Wooten, president of S.A.F.E. |
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With summer comes baseball games, beach time, barbecues and vacations. But summer also brings more dangerous situations than any other time of the year. The FBI reports that violent crime rates are highest in the July and August. New York Police Department states that crime is heaviest in the summer because hot weather and school closures draw more people into the street, leading to greater potential for crime. Home invasions increase during the summer months due to lighter security-namely, open windows and homes left empty during vacations. So how do you protect yourself, your belongings and your office during the most dangerous season of the year?
Step One: Be Aware!
In the summer we all tend to relax our attitudes. Days are longer and we stay so busy that we tend to forget simple things. Stay alert and remember the basics:
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Lock your doors and windows. Don't forget to keep the door from your garage to your home locked, especially if you keep your garage door open.
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Keep your car locked at all times and don't forget to close your sunroof!
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Put things away in your car. Don't leave anything of value in sight (purse, wallet, laptop, camera, iPod, GPS, etc.).
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Park in a well lit area. Even if you arrive during daylight, it might be dark when you leave.
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Keep your car serviced and always has at least a half tank of gas.
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Prepare your roadside emergency kit and keep it handy in your car.
Safety During Vacations
We all look forward to our summer vacations. But whether you are going on a cruise, staying at a resort or just heading to the next state, you must take precautions before you leave and while you're away from home.
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Securing Your Home
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Install motion sensor lights around the outside of your home.
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Put indoor lights on timers so they come on at different times, making it appear as if someone is home.
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Have a trusted neighbor or friend collect your mail and newspapers.
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Pay someone to cut your lawn and pick-up any litter or trash.
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Engage the garage door lock before you leave (use the lock on the wall box or on the main device overhead).
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Lock up or shred papers with any sensitive information before you leave, including bank statements, credit reports, receipts, credit card statements and tax returns.
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Be sure your trusted neighbors know you are away so they can keep an eye on your home.
Staying Safe While Away
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Never show large amounts of cash or traveler's checks. If you must carry it, keep it hidden
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When using Wi-Fi in a hotel or other public place, be careful with what information you are transmitting-and what information might be accessed on your laptop or mobile device while your Internet connection is open. Remember these are public airwaves. Anyone could be tapping into them.
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Use the hotel safe. There is no need to carry more cash, traveler's checks or jewelry than needed. If it will fit, you can also secure your laptop inside the safe.
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Be aware of pick pocketing. It does still happen! Be sure you secure your wallet and purse at all times.
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Hold onto all your receipts. Match them with your credit card and bank statements when you get home and watch for any charges or withdrawals you did not make.
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Be aware of your social media posts while away. You may be letting a criminal know there's no one home to prevent a break-in.
Safety at the Office
You've heard most of my office safety tips, but they are worth repeating and repeating again:
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Keep the blinds closed in your office windows. Criminals won't know all the treasures inside if they can't see anything. (Plus, it will help keep those air conditioning bills lower!)
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Outer office doors and windows should be kept closed and locked. I know we want to open them to let in the fresh summer air, but safety must come first.
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Lock all file cabinets that hold staff or clients' personal information. During summertime there are more people coming and going in your office, so it's important to keep files locked at all times.
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"Lock" computers by requiring a password to log on. Also require a different set of passwords to access documents or programs with sensitive information.
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Use your shredder!
Above all else, trust your instincts. If a situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If that walk through the parking lot is giving you a shiver down your spine, turn around and go back inside the restaurant or hotel lobby. No matter how busy you are, you are never too busy to be safe!
We hope this article is helpful to you. Please feel free to share this information with your staff, family and friends. For additional information on training classes, seminars, keynote speeches or consulting please visit SAFE at www.justbesafe.com. If you would like to reprint this article in your publication, please feel free. Just send us a copy or link to your published work.
Andrew Wooten is a certified crime prevention practitioner and the president of S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Firearms Education). He has been in the safety and security industry for over 25 years. |
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Used with Permission from Andrew Wooten |
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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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