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"One of the main reasons I joined the HBA is because of all the training, classes, and updates that they offer. I really feel the HBA puts professionalism and training at the forefront."
Jay Tomaszewski
Jay's Painting & Remodeling | |
Tell us why you are a member of the HBAGTA!
Send an email with your testimonial to Kathy and let us know why you are a member! |
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The HBAGTA is proud to announce their partnership with Constant Contact. This partnership could save you up to 25% on your email marketing campaigns! Try it free for 60 days!
Whether you currently have a Constant Contact account, or you are interested in getting started, contact Jenny at 946-2305 and find out how you can save more by working with the HBAGTA! |
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OFFICE HOURS |
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 | |
To view the HBAGTA Calendar
January 20, 2010
Parade of Homes Committee 8:00 am
January 21, 2010
Budget Committee 1:00 pm
January 26, 2010
Board of Directors 7:30 am
February 12, 2010
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CONTINUING COMPETENCY FOR LICENSED BUILDERS
SESSIONS AVAILABLE:
APRIL 27, 2011
MAY 6, 2011
9:00 AM - NOON
1:00 - 4:00 PM
OR
MAY 18, 2010 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 2011
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Now's the time to mark your calendars! Our HBAGTA General Membership meetings are slated for:
April 11th
May 9th
We are always 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. |
SAVE THE DATE | |
Save the Date
Michigan Energy Conference
April 13-14th
Ferris State University
For more information call Shanee Ramsey at 231-591-5811 or email mec@ferris.edu.
Registration Form
Information
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ANNUAL MICHIGAN REMODELER WORKSHOP SLATED The Michigan Association of Home Builders will be hosting its annual Remodeler Workshop in Mt. Pleasant on February 24-25th. It's a great time network with other remodelers from across the state and learn what new opportunities exist to build your business. Seminars are planned on marketing, customer service and related industry topics. The registration form can be found on the MAHB website. Or by contacting Pam Frankenburger for more information: 517-646-2572.
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The Home Builders Association wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Floor Covering Brokers, owners, Kathy and Denny Lauterbach, and their staff for hosting a fantastic General Membership meeting, Monday, January 10th.
Over one hundred HBA members and guests enjoyed the fabulous catered fare provided by Phil's on Front. Hastings Mutual representatives were on hand to share information about the new contractor insurance programs available. And DTE reps Christine Cole, Courtney Robertson and Doug Koessel shared valuable information regarding the new construction heat and rebate programs.
Floor Covering Brokers offered two whole house carpet cleanings door prizes which were won by John Kittle of Design Depot, Inc., and Bill Keane, Goudrie-Fraser and Associates, Inc. The HBA provided a Sony AM/FM Clock radio won by Ted Roerhrich, The Concrete Service, Inc. |
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| Greetings! ,
Sentiments About Valentine's Day - Sharing the Love
There is a lot of talk on the airways these days about groups of individuals with disparate ideas coming together in "kinder, gentler ways" . . . of reinventing a culture of civility that has somehow lost it's meaning in today's society and of teaching tolerance and appreciation for varying perspectives.
As my mother used to preach to me as a youngster, "There's a lot of meanness in the world". I don't doubt that there is. Our own recent Traverse City tragedy tells such a tale. However, perhaps it's my Polyanna-ish perspective, but I see mostly people's goodness, courtesy and helpfulness-demonstrated in countless ways. And giving of oneself for 'the greater good' is what people in this community are doing every day in many unsung ways.
An example this: On February 12th, three vibrant, committed housing-related organizations are coming together to help raise funds to rehab a home for a family who lacks quality housing. The Home Builders Association and the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS®, along with Habitat for Humanity, are working to raise a large sum of money to retrofit a home. However, rather than do so at the barest level, these dedicated professionals are working to create a home that qualifies as green, sustainable and energy efficient! This newly refurbished home will be of value and quality.
There is no hidden agenda for these association volunteers who are working to improve the living standard of the one family who will benefit from their collaboration. There is no commission, nor advertising advantage. There is no pay for work performed or time spent raising awareness, raising funds or making a difference. The payback is the "feel good" part and knowing that those who work for the betterment of another ultimately earn the most. And that is the goodness, courtesy and helpfulness that makes our corner of the world so special.
We are reaching out to our members today to ask for help to ensure this event is a success. If you would be interested in attending the special dinner and theater production at the Williamsburg Dinner Theater on February 12th, call me at the HBA office. If you have an item of value that we can auction or raffle, please let us know. It will do your heart good.
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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EXPO 2011 | |
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 FEBRUARY 26 & 27, 2011
TRAVERSE CITY EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Here is your opportunity! You won't want to miss out on this valuable marketing event to showcase your business. This premier event in our community brings in thousands of pre-qualified buyers who will be coming to you to help them plan their dream projects. Don't miss out!
A "Wheel of Dreams" will give participants an opportunity to "Spin to Win" great prizes and cash for their dream projects.
So let's Help Build A Dream during the 2011 Home Builders EXPO.
If you would like to participate, please contact Kerry at 231-046-2305 or email kerry@hbagta.com. Booth rentals are open to both members and non-members.
Help us spread the word! DOWNLOAD the EXPO flyer and post in your place of business. |
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HABITAT REHAB FUNDRAISER
VALENTINES DAY WEEKEND
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 On Saturday, February 12th, the Williamsburg Dinner Theatre will host the 2nd annual Habitat for Humanity dinner theater. There will be great food, a brand new show performed by the Williamsburg Dinner Theatre Staff, and many wonderful live and silent auction items
Northwest Michigan is often referred to as "God's Country", but for many families it is anything but pleasant to live here. Poverty and homelessness do exist in our area. The Traverse Area Association of REALTORS® in partnership with The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area and Habitat for Humanity plan to change such living conditions for a family from our area.
 These organizations are sponsoring a home renovation project in the calendar year 2011. In order to meet our goal of providing a safe, economically feasible home for one family, we need to raise $80,000.00 in a combination of cash, and material and labor donations.
If you would like to participate, please contact any committee member for additional information, to provide a donation or procure a ticket: Stephen Karas-342-4686; Kim Pontius- 947-2050; Debi Dechow-645-0044; Julie Courtade-409-1564; Victor Lisabeth-995-9057, Pam Doty-Nation-941-4663 or Kathy Maisonville-946-2305. Tickets are $55 each or two for $100.
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NEW HBA MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM LAUNCHED
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 In an effort to promote our "Do Business with a Member", the association has launched a new initiative called "HBA Member Discounts" that we hope will further encourage members to seek other HBA professionals when they are looking for products and services. All HBA members were recently mailed a new HBA membership card that will serve as their "ticket" to receive these discounts and free services. This is a local program which promises to be a lot more than a yellow pages-type advertising directory! These offerings promise real and immediate value to HBA members.
If you would like to offer a free or discounted service or product to your HBA colleagues, please complete the application you received in the mail or print another one here. You may mail it or fax it to the HBA office. There is no charge for this opportunity. It is an exclusive member service which we will be promoting in our Tuesday Toolbox and also online throughout the year.
In our January 1st letter, we shared an offer from Days Inn and Wyndham Hotels for 20% off the best available rates. The minimum savings would be $15 but with resort packages could be substantially more. Anyone interested in a spring break vacation? Consider this offer and save!
IdeaStream just let us know that they are offering a FREE one hour marketing consultation (value $95) to any HBA member. In addition, any projects booked as a result of the meeting will be discounted an additional 15%.
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CODE CONFUSION
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The Michigan Residential Code takes effect on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.
 Code books are now available for purchase from the ICC. The book price is $115.00 for non-members. However, as an HBA member, you can buy your 2009 MRC book from us at the discounted price of $95.00. In an effort to better plan our shipment, we ask that contractors interested in pre-ordering their 2009 MRC book to complete a CODE BOOK ORDER FORM or contact Kathy at 946-2305.
Past HBA President, Roger Papineau, a widely recognized code expert, will provide a one-hour overview on the major 2009 MRC code changes at the Builder Forum prior to our February 14th General Membership meeting. Your pre-ordered books will be available that evening.
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CONCERNED ABOUT LEAD PAINT RULE LIABILITY?
USE THESE RESOURCES | |
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 NAHB is providing online resources for remodelers who are concerned about how their businesses will be affected by new requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and how to best protect themselves from possible legal prosecution and exposure to potential lawsuits. The rule covers many of the activities that remodelers undertake when performing their job - including certification, insurance, contract language, job pricing, work practices and record keeping. Remodelers can ensure that they are properly instituting the requirements of the rule and protecting their business by knowing the liability issues and the best ways to address them. An extensive list of frequently-asked questions that is posted on NAHB's website provides this information.
One of the major liabilities may rest with the remodeler's contract, which will need to be updated to reflect the rule requirements. To help with this, the NAHB legal team has developed members-only template contract language that can be used for this purpose. Remodelers should also consult with an experienced local attorney for assistance in drafting contracts, because some states vary in their lead regulation and other legal requirements. For more information on the lead rule, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint; or contact Matt Watkins at 800-368-5242, x8327. For information on legal and liability concerns, contact Amy Chai at x8232.
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MAHB ON TOP OF RECENT ALLEGED SCAM
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Lee Schwartz, Executive VP of MAHB recently reported that there are builder "education" companies circulating misleading information regarding the Continuing Competency requirements for residential builders and maintenance & alteration contractors. The printed materials suggest that there is only one source, their company, for continuing competency. This is untrue. The state provides a great deal of flexibility regarding how a contractor may obtain his or her required education. The minimum requirement for experienced contractors, whose licenses expire this May, is one hour each of safety, legal and codes instruction.
In order to simplify the process and provide an expedient means for contractors to meet their requirements under the law, the HBA will be hosting 5 additional continuing competency courses at our association office on April 27th and May 6th, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon or 1-4 p.m. and on May 18th from 6-9 p.m. Attendees may register online at www.hbagta.com. The cost is $59 for HBA members and $99 for non-members.
If you have questions about the continuing competency requirements, review the information posted at www.hbagta.com or call us at 946-2305.
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2010 RECYCLESMART "TAKE IT BACK" RECYCLING PROGRAM
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 Introduced at the February 2008 Home Builders EXPO, the "Take It Back" recycling program is a convenient product return infrastructure that allows consumers to return unwanted products. Computers, televisions, old medications, used motor oil, plastic bags, CFL bulbs, tires and planting pots are just a few of the many products that can be returned and recycled at participating "Take It Back" recycling program businesses.
The "Take It Back" recycling program is beginning its fourth year and continues to grow with products and business participants. Products that are accepted for reuse, recycling and proper disposal can be viewed at www.RecycleSmart.info or by contacting the RecycleSmart Hotline at 941-5555. Please stop by booth #121 at the Home EXPO this year and see what we can do to help you recycle unwanted items.
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TIPS FOR EXPO MARKETING | |
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Trade shows (such as the HBA's upcoming Home EXPO) are a perfect way for business owners and entrepreneurs to showcase their products or services and reach their target market. Why not increase traffic to your booth even further by contacting these potential clients or customers prior to the show?
Offer an incentive for guests to stop by and let them know beforehand where they can find you.There's no better way to promote yourself or your business' appearance at a trade show than with a series of postcards. Several weeks out, send a pre-show "Save the date" card to potential customers. When the trade show is two weeks out, give potential customers another reminder and also offer them reason to visit your booth.
Have a drawing for a prize. Offer a prize that compliments your business and appeals to everyone. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill out a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fish bowl. You can then use that gathered information at a later date to make follow-up contact. Be sure to have plenty of giveaways on stock - pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company's name or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies.
Immediately after the show, send out a fourth set of cards. It might be a "It was nice meeting you" card, or a "Sorry I missed you" card. But either way, it's a great way to keep your name on the minds of potential customers and maximize your trade show appearance. |
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BREAKFAST SEMINAR SERIES
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 The Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan, Inc. in conjunction with Larkin Group is hosting three free insurance seminars at the Chamber of Commerce over the next several months. These are particularly relevant to contractors and are offered at no charge. Each session will be from 8-9:30 a.m.
January 26, 2011
"How to Obtain and Maximize Your Surety Bond Credit"
Presenter: Ross Sinclair, Senior Surety Underwriter
NSI/West Bend Mutual Insurance Company
March 9, 2011
"Answers to Top 10 Construction Safety Violations"
Presenter: Joe Hunold, CPCU, ALCM-Commercial Field Operations Manager
Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
June 8, 2011
"Work Comp Injuries 101 - Treatment of Injuries and Expected Outcomes"
Presenter: Darryl Lesoski, M.D.
Munson Occupational Healthy & Medicine |
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING | |
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Dupont Corian® fabrication, installation and repair now available through Architectural Elements of Michigan. Welcome Jay Bourdon to our staff as the solid surface expert for northern Michigan.
Call 231 995 9700 |
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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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SPONSORSHIPS AND 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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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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