 IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! AND WE ARE SURVIVORS!
Join us as we take on the challenge of membership!
Tribes Forming Now!
Contact the HBAGTA Office for more information. |
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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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September 29, 2010
October 1, 2010
Office Closed
October 2 & 3, 2010
October 11, 2010
October 12, 2010
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Traverse Area Association of REALTORS® Office
$10 donation requested
October 12 & 13, 2010
Membership Drive
It's a Jungle Out There!
October 13, 2010
9:00 am to Noon or
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
October 14, 2010
Public Relations Committee Meeting 8:00 am
October 19, 2010
Membership Committee Meeting
8:30 am
October 26, 2010
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am
October 28 & 29, 2010
To view the HBAGTA Calendar CLICK HERE |
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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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NEW PLUMBING & MECHANICAL CODES | |
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The 2009 Michigan Plumbing Code became effective August 20th, 2010. This code applies to multi-family (apartments & condos) and commercial structures. It does not apply to 1 & 2 family or townhouses.
The 2009 Michigan Mechanical Code will become effective October 21st, 2010. Applicability is the same as for the Michigan Plumbing Code.
The 2009 Michigan Residential Code which will contain the plumbing and mechanical requirements for 1 & 2 family/townhouses is expected to take effect early in 2011.
The 2009 MPC and MMC are available HERE. |
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 2010-2011
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Now's the time to mark your calendars! Our HBAGTA General Membership meetings are slated for:
October 11th
November 8th
December 13th
January 10th
February 14th
March 14th
April 11th
May 9th
We will again be looking for member sponsors who are interested in hosting a meeting at their place of business. If you would like the chance to host one, please contact Kathy at kathy@hbagta.com or call the office at 946-2305. The September meeting is currently being sponsored by First Place Bank and the October steak fry will be held at ProBuild again this year.
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SPONSORSHIPS AND CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING AVAILABLE FOR E-NEWS
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Sponsorships are available for our bi-weekly e-newsletter for $25 an issue. Get your name out in front of the HBAGTA Members and event participants. Sponsorship includes your logo prominently placed in the publication along with a link to your web site. Don't miss this unique opportunity! Sponsorships must be pre-paid. Go to your member profile to sign up for this service then send an email with your requested dates and graphic to jenny@hbagta.com.
Classified Advertising will be available beginning with the next issue of our e-newsletter. Each ad will be $10 and will be limited 30 Words and will not include graphics. Classified ads will be located at the bottom of the e-newsletter with a link in the table of contents. Go to your member profile to sign up for this service then send an email with your classified ad to jenny@hbagta.com.
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Greetings! ,
 Recently I read an anecdote attributed to a member of an association who asked an acquaintance why he was a member of this organization. Rather than answer directly, he shared this analogy. "When I was a youngster, my Dad once gave me a twig and said something like, 'Hey big guy, let's see how strong you are. See if you can break this!' To my delight I did so easily'. Then he handed me a big bunch of twigs bound together by twine and said, 'Okay, now try to break these.' The challenge proved to be more than I could handle; I just couldn't break them."
The point? Individually we aren't very strong but collectively we have a great deal of resilience. I want to remind you that as an HBA member, you are part of something bigger than yourself. Our members represent the twigs who are much stronger in that bound bundle. Whether you are a contractor, banker, sales representative or service provider, all of us benefit from this larger capacity as a bigger unit. Together we have greater buying power, more influence and more political clout to affect the legislative process that affects our industry.
I realize that business is challenging. We've heard sad stories about many tough decisions you've had to make. My heart goes out to you. But I want to point out that together, we have the power to positively contribute to each other's success. I realize that you may be loyal to a specific group of business associates. But where do you look when considering a new product or service? We hope you turn first to the HBA Membership Directory. These are the companies that are committed to the building industry, have invested a great deal in professional development and are here to build relationships for the long haul.
On Monday, Oct. 11th we kick off our annual Fall Membership Drive with a dinner at ProBuild. At that time, you are welcome to bring a potential new member for no charge. It's a great night of fun and networking. The only thing we require is an RSVP. This is a steak and chicken dinner complements of our gracious hosts. Please be courteous and let us know in advance that you are attending. You can easily RSVP online at www.hbagta.com or click here to reserve your spot.
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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SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES THIS WEEKEND
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 Want to get people excited about "possibilities" and ramp up your business as well? Then direct your clients and customers, friends and family members to come out and enjoy our 2nd annual Showcase of Remodeled Homes taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2nd and 3rd.
Seven fabulous properties have been extensively remodeled and are definitely worth the short drive to see them. Tickets and Showcase Guides are available at ProBuild, Floor Covering Brokers, VanDrie Home Furnishings, Brown Lumber, TC Convention & Visitors Center, the Oleson Food Stores, the HBA office and online at www.hbagta.com.
This year the homes will be hosted by these non-profit partners: Suttons Bay Congregational Church, Quota International, Friends of Peninsula Community Library and Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 12294. A small contribution will be provided by the HBA to each of these groups. Over the past 25 years, the HBA has given back nearly a quarter million dollars to area non-profit organizations in the Grand Traverse region.
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ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS OCTOBER 11TH | |
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 On Monday, October 11th, the Annual Meeting of the Membership and Board election new will be held. Currently, 6 HBA members have submitted themselves as candidates for the Board of Directors term which runs Jan. 2011-December 2013. They are:
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Mike Farrer - Associate (Traverse Area Title)
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Jody Fisk - Builder (Beacon Bay Construction)
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Natalie Foisie - Associate (VanDrie Home Furnishings)
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Victor Lisabeth - Builder ( Grand Bay Building & Remodeling, LLC)
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Sean McCardel - Builder (Sean McCardel Construction, Inc.)
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Junior VanDyke - Associate (Standard Kitchens)
An electronic ballot will be sent by October 1st to every HBA Master Member who has an email or fax number on file. Members may vote by email response, fax or in person at the meeting on October 11th.
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LEAD PAINT CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 30 | |
Remodelers and other contractors have until September 30, 2010 to apply to get their company certified and to also sign up for the training required to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. Under the rule, which went into effect on April 22, remodelers, window installers and other contractors who work in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 are required to use lead-safe work practices unless those homes are tested and found to be free of any lead paint. They also must conduct consumer education and verify the clean-up on projects that disturb lead paint in these buildings.
The EPA delayed enforcement of the rule from April to the end of this month due to a limited number of training opportunities. To be allowed to work in houses affected by the rule, remodelers have until Dec. 30 to complete the training, but until then the EPA may also require them to demonstrate that they have scheduled their training. The fines for infractions of the rule range up to $37,500 per violation per day. | |
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CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINARS
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The vast majority of builders and remodelers will notice that their licenses are due to expire in May, 2011. In an effort to help our members meet the new Continuing Competency requirements, our association is hosting eight 3-hour seminars Sept 29, Oct 13, Oct 27 & now, Dec 8 as well. These sessions cover the mandatory 1 hour each of Safety, Codes and Legal Issues required under the statute. They are conveniently scheduled both during the morning and afternoon. The HBA will keep attendance records and provide attendees with a Certificate of Completion. The cost is $59 for HBA members and $99 for non-members. To register, go to www.hbagta.com. Register soon since seating is limited to 24 students per session.
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PASSIVE HOUSE STANDARD PRESENTATION SLATED
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 The Passive House Standard is the highest building efficiency standard in the world, with the promise of reducing the energy consumption of buildings by up to 90% while providing superior comfort and air quality-all at minimized additional upfront cost. When coupled with renewable energy systems, such as solar, Passive House puts true zero energy buildings within reach.
Join Chicago Architect, Builder and Passive House Consultant Mark A. Miller for an hour and a half long presentation introducing you to the next giant step forward in energy efficient building design on Tuesday, October 12th at 11:30 a.m. The presentation is being held at Traverse Area Association of Realtors offices located at 852 Garfield Ave., Traverse City, MI. Bring a brown bag lunch, beverages and desserts will be provided.
There is no cost to attend but an RSVP would be appreciated. Register online at www.hbagta.com (go to Calendar on top menu bar) or call Lora at the TAAR office at 947-2050.
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ADVANCED GREEN COURSE
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 Interested in taking your green industry knowledge to a higher level? The HBA is hosting an Advanced Green Builders Course from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on October 28th and 29th. The course will be taught by Arn McIntyre, a Michigan native, professor at Ferris State University and long-time green advocate. He is one of only a handful of instructors in the Midwest certified to teach this new NAHB designation course.
The cost of this two-day course is $325 for members and $350 for non-members. Early bird registration will discount the price considerably if one registers and pays by October 1st. For more information or to register, go to www.hbagta.com. |
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LOOKING TO FINANCE A PROJECT? | |
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 It has been years since reasonable project financing has been available. Times may be changing! On Thursday, October 7th from 7pm to 9pm, HUNTINGTON BANK is sponsoring a Residential Construction & Remodeling Lending Forum at the Diamond Center at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. This is in conjunction with the MAHB Fall Board meeting which will take place there the next day.
Topics to be discussed at the forum include a presentation by Huntington Bank on:
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Construction and remodeling financing that is available now,
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New lending programs that work in today's business climate,
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What builders, remodelers and subcontractors need to do to obtain financing.
The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session and will afford the opportunity for builders and remodelers to meet with lending representatives on an individual basis.
Registration fees for the lending forum are $25 for BIA or Apartment Association of Michigan members and $45 for guests. Registration fees include entry to BIA's Table Top Display area at the same location before and after the presentation.
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NEW MEMBER INCENTIVES REQUESTED | |
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Do you have a product or service that you'd like more people to be aware of? Are you interested with connecting with a new group of potential customers? Consider providing a new member incentive for our Membership Drive which begins October 11th. This should be something of high perceived value but relatively low cost to your company. However, it should have no strings attached; it shouldn't be a percentage off a purchase or a "buy one, get one" offer. Previous incentives have included such things as: an oil change, health club membership, personal massage, legal service, design consultation, printing service, carpet cleaning, painting, carbon monoxide detector, HVAC check-up, and golf packages. We are finalizing our offerings now and would love to add you to the list. For more info, contact Jenny or Kathy at the HBA office at 946-2305.
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PAY ONLINE AND SAVE YOUR TIME!
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YES YOU CAN!
We are proud to announce that you can now pay your invoices and register for events on the HBAGTA web site!
It's this easy:
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Click on the "Members Only" Link on the top right hand corner of the Home Page.
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Log In with your User Name and Password.
If you haven't logged in to your account yet, your user name and password are:
User Name: First name initial with last name (jsmith)
Password: Fusion (this is a default password that should be changed.)
You won't believe what you see! Take a tour and see how much information is at your fingertips! |
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