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"I'm a member because of all the great networking and relationship building opportunities!"
Dan Brady
Dan Brady Restoration & Painting | |
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
February 3, 2011
Parade of Homes Sub-Committee 8:30 am
February 8, 2011
Green Build Grand Traverse
11:30 am
February 10, 2011
EXPO Committee 12:00 pm
February 12, 2011
Habitat Rehab Fundraiser
February 14, 2011
General Membership Meeting Hosted by Morse Moving & Storage
February 15, 2011 Membership Committee Meeting 8:30 am
February 17, 2011 Parade of Homes Committee 8:00 am
February 24, 2011 MAHB Winter Board
Mt. Pleasant, MIchigan
February 25, 2011 EXPO Set Up
February 26 & 27, 2011Home Builders EXPO
March 3, 2011 Cook-Out & Codes 4:00 - 7:30 pm March 4, 2011 Cook-Out & Codes 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
SAVE THE DATES:
2011 PARADE OF HOMES
June 18 - 26, 2011
2011 SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES
October 1 & 2, 2011
COMING SOON!
LOOK FOR UPDATED RULES FOR THE 2011 PARADE OF HOMES! |
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THE MAY 31ST DEADLINE IS NEAR!
NEW SESSIONS ADDED!
CONTINUING COMPETENCY FOR LICENSED BUILDERS
SESSIONS AVAILABLE:
APRIL 8, 2011
APRIL 9, 2011
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. |
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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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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THANK YOU TO BILL PACKER, PACKER BUILDERS, INC FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE ASSOCIATION!
BILL RECENTLY REPLACED OUR OLD BROKEN HBAGTA MAILBOX WITH A NEW ONE TO KEEP OUR MAIL SAFE AND DRY.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! | |
Fox Grand Traverse
Vernon D LaLone, CPA, PC
Watson Benzie Chrysler Dodge Jeep
WELCOME BACK!
Kerkstra Precast
Ankerson Construction |
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Greetings! ,
Leaders sometimes have to make tough decisions, propose bold strategies or just be willing to change the rules a bit to accommodate a new reality. And that's what recently happened. But before I reveal what change was proposed and accepted, let me preface my comments: One of the challenges we have had with our Parade of Homes each year relates to the issue of "timing". HBA builders, who sincerely want to showcase their craftsmanship to the community, are understandably hesitant about withholding occupancy of a new home from an anxious new home owner. On the other hand, once a home is "occupied", according to current contract language, the builder's "new" home wasn't eligible as a Parade home. Therefore after debating this issue for more than a year, the Parade Committee drafted a innovative proposal which was approved after length discussion at the January 26th Board of Directors meeting. This proposal is now termed the "90 days clause" and it will be added to the 2011 Parade Contract.
What does this "90 day clause" mean? In simple terms, homes that are "new" but have been occupied for 90 days or less will be eligible to be entered into this year's Parade of Homes. We understand that there may be a lot of convincing to be done and open-minded discussions between the builder and homeowner. However, we hope this new contract language will provide some flexibility where there has been little before.
Builders will ultimately have to work out the specifics with homeowners and find some sort of enticement for them to relinquish their home for a time and open it up to the public. Obviously, the homeowner will have to sign some form of waiver releasing the builder and HBA from liability relative to their personal property that remains in the home. There are still many specifics that need to be discussed. However, what we hope to accomplish by amending the Parade contract is greater opportunities for builders, subcontractors and housing professionals to show their stuff! We need to stoke the fires of this economic engine called housing - and that's what we aim to do. We hope that you will understand and support this "experiment". And builders, now is the time to start the dialogue!
The new contract language is being drafted now and will shortly be reviewed by counsel. Our goal is to have the 2011 Parade Contract online by Valentine's Day. It's a sweet opportunity!
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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ONLY 10 BOOTHS LEFT!
FEBRUARY 26 & 27, 2011
T C 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.
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ARE YOU A PROCRASTINATOR? | |
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Are you a procrastinator? Did you make a resolution last month to stop putting things off? Not to worry! The good news is that your HBA has you covered. If you have not yet fulfilled your 3 clock hour requirement for Continuing Competency, more seminars are scheduled at our office this spring, just prior to the deadline. While we realize there are multiple ways contractors can fulfill this obligation, we think our solution is one of the simplest. The dates available are April 8, 9, and 27 as well as May 6 and 18th. To register go to our website at www.hbagta.com or click here for a registration form. Seating at each session is limited. |
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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
 The Traverse Area Association of REALTORS® in partnership with The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area and Habitat for Humanity  are sponsoring a home renovation project in the calendar year 2011. 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 GROWING
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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.
We are now boasting 12 member participants - you can view the list by simply clicking on the HBA Member Discount logo on any page of the HBAGTA website.
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COOK-OUT & CODES | |
JOIN OUR LOCAL "CODE GURU" ROGER PAPINEAU FOR
"COOK-OUT & CODES"
at the
HBAGTA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
March 3, 2011: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM with Dinner
March 4, 2011: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM with Lunch
COST: $59/MEMBERS or $99/NON-MEMBERS
LEARN ABOUT THE CRUCIAL CHANGES IN THE
2009 MICHIGAN RESIDENTIAL CODE BOOK BEFORE YOU PULL A PERMIT!
REGISTRATION FORM | |
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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 $105.00 for non-members. However, as an HBA member, you can buy your 2009 MRC book from us at the discounted price of $85.00. 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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THE WATER PIPES ARE FREEZING
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Water expands as it freezes, which puts tremendous pressure on metal or plastic pipes. No matter how strong a pipe is expanding water can cause them to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hoses, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply lines in unheated interior areas. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are subject to freezing. An eighth-inch (three millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes can burst.
READ MORE
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FOR SALE | | |
Williamsburg, MI: Investor special, 5 remaining duplex bldg sites in the Millbrook Subdivision, one mile from the Casino and 7 miles from Traverse City. All 5 lots for one low price - $39, 900. Land contract terms available: negotiable. Also, build to suit option available (certain requirements). Nice community, very well maintained and little to no vacancy in present units. Contact Listing agent Nick L. Tomkins for more info, Cell #989-390-0985 Email: nick.tompkins@cbgreatlakes.com 218 S Cedar Street, Kalkaska, MI. |
HELP EXPAND AWARENESS OF THE CREDIT CRUNCH | |
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 NAHB is encouraging small builder members to take advantage of an important new opportunity to help address the ongoing problems that many are facing in accessing acquisition, development and construction financing.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) has opened a new channel through which small business owners can weigh in directly with the agency about concerns and problems they have had with regard to specific lending institutions and the scarcity of credit available for housing production. The toll-free number to call is 866-924-6242, and operating hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday. Please note that when you call, you will be talking to a live FDIC representative, so you should have all of your relevant information near at hand.
NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen sent a letter to all members this week alerting you to this new opportunity to help expand regulators' awareness of the extent of the credit crunch for small home builders. Any home builder, developer or associate who is unable to obtain financing, is having a hard time with an outstanding AD&C loan or feels that they have been treated unfairly by their lending institution should alert the FDIC either through the hotline or, if you prefer, by accessing the dedicated FDIC website at www.fdic.gov/smallbusiness and using the Business Assistance Form at the bottom of the page. It is our hope that the FDIC will follow through and respond to any inquiries it receives about specific issues pertaining to the lending institutions it regulates.
NAHB is launching new initiatives to combat the AD&C credit crisis, and a strong member response to the FDIC hotline will help raise greater awareness of the AD&C credit problems builders are facing and support our efforts to find constructive solutions that will restore the flow of credit to our industry. So please contact the FDIC today! |
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