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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
SAVE MONEY WITH
MEMBER ADVANTAGE! | |
CLICK HERE
FOR A LIST OF MEMBER ADVANTAGE OPPORTUNITIES |
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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 OF EVENTS | |
CLICK HERE
to view the HBAGTA Calendar
April 6, 2011
Golf Committee Meeting
12:00 pm
April 8, 2011
Continuing Competency Course
9:00-12:00 - CLOSED
1:00 - 4:00 Register
HBAGTA SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
April 9, 2011
Continuing Competency Course
9:00 - 12:00 Register
April 11, 2011
General Membership Meeting
Watson Benzie Chrysler Dodge Jeep
4:30 - 5:30 Ride & Drive
5:30 - Networking & Dinner
6:00 - Builder Forum - Upfit Truck Equipment
RSVP
April 12, 2011
Parade of Homes Committee
8:00 am
April 14, 2011
Public Relations Committee
8:00 am
Scholarship Committee 9:00 am
April 15, 2011
Cook-Out & Codes
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
April 19, 2011
Membership Committee Meeting 8:30 am
Green Build Committee Meeting 11:30 am
April 20, 2011
Board of Directors 7:30 am
April 27, 2011
Continuing Competency Course
9:00 - 12:00 Register
1:00 - 4:00 Register |
SAVE THE DATES
PARADE OF HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS
June 18th to 26th
SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES TOUR
October 1st & 2nd | |
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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. |
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MCIM SCHEDULES CONSTRUCTION SAFETY SEMINARS
Traverse City
(Grand Traverse Resort)
April 13th
MCIM policyholders and their employees are encouraged to attend one of the free Safety Seminars for free. These are required if a contractor has the Safety Rewards endorsement on their policy. The sessions run from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. For information or to register: 888-886-1619 or lpss@mcim.com.
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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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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE |
Each year, the HBAGTA offers scholarships to students who will be attending college. These scholarship applications are now available to those students who will be enrolled in the 2011-2012 school year. |
The first scholarship to Northwestern Michigan College is funded by the proceeds of the "Home In A Day" Project undertaken by the Association many years ago.
The second scholarship is funded through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation with an online application. It can be used towards the college of the student's choice and is dedicated to students who are pursuing a career that relates to the Home Building Industry. For more information
CLICK HERE
The deadline for completion of the scholarship applications is April 8, 2011 and will be presented to the students at the HBAGTA May General Membership Meeting.
Please call the Association office at 231.946.2305 with any questions. |
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DID YOU KNOW?
FREE HOUSING NEWS | |
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NAHB wants to make sure HBA members know they can get access to three of the top NAHB newsletters at no cost. Nation's Building News, Monday Morning Briefing and Eye on the Economy provide the latest news and information on topics such as new legislation, government regulations, upcoming educational seminars and marketing and sales techniques that directly affect your business and the housing industry overall.
NAHB has created resources to help HBA members. Visit www.nahb.org/GreatReads to find a breakdown of the three publications. NAHB also publishes more than 30 specialty publications for niche home builders, remodelers, developers and educational designation holders. See a list and sign up at www.nahb.org/enewsletters.
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CLEAN OUT YOUR FILES WEEK
Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery is sponsoring two no cost opportunities for businesses to dispose of unwanted paper material.A recycling container will be available at the Sarah Hardy Farmers Market parking lot at the corner of Cass and Union from April 24-30th.
In addition, Profile, located at 3820 Cass Road will provide FREE shredding/recycling of paper documents and files from April 25-29th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
For more information about the shredding, call Profile at 947-4717. |
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Greetings!
Continuing Comp Courses Filling Fast
Licenses for most Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors expire May 31st of this year. Part of the requirement under the law is that individuals take 3 hours of continuing competency education and obtain a 2009 MRC prior to submitting their renewal application.
Our association was way ahead of the curve on professional development. In fact, many of our members fulfilled their requirements with us over a year ago. However, our association is still hosting Continuing Competency seminars for those who have waited until the last minute! On April 8th, 9th and 27th and May 6th and 18th Bruce Frost, named the outstanding professor at CMU in 2009, will teach morning and afternoon seminars. On April 15th, Roger Papineau, a well-respected code guru, and newly appointed State Code Commission representative will facilitate "Cook-out and Codes", a comprehensive update on the Michigan Residential Code changes that took effect March 9th. This course will also fulfill your continuing competency requirements. These two are well-respected experts in their fields who have years of experience with the topics.
Many potential students have called our office inquiring about the cost of the class (which is $59 for members and $99 for non-members). The query often goes, "Why should I take it from the HBA when I can get it cheaper elsewhere?" The response I often provide goes something like this: "In the market place there are many competitors who will do anything to undercut you. If you were the customer, wouldn't you wonder about the quality of the products and services of the outlier? As a contractor, you know the difference! Your HBA is dedicated to providing you quality instructors who have distinguished themselves as professionals as well. We provide transcripts and certificates which can be easily replicated if lost."
If you care about quality, service and professionalism - stick with your HBA. We've been pulling the industry wagon on your behalf for over 40 years!
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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IT'S IN THE CARDS
 It's in the Cards . . . Your HBA Wants to Deal You a Winning Hand!
Join us for a fun, change-of-pace, HBA General Membership Meeting on Monday, April 11th at Watson Benzie, located at 1514 Benzie Highway, Benzonia. The evening is themed "Cards and Cars" and will provide members and guests with a unique opportunity to test drive all sorts of fabulous new cars and trucks on their lot. Plus for RV enthusiasts, there are also lots of new models.
The "Ride and Drive" component will begin at 4:30 p.m. with networking, a picnic style dinner and adult beverages to follow at 5:30 p.m. Every member of the association was recently mailed three playing cards to start their winning poker hand. (If you didn't receive yours, please stop by the office to pick up a packet.) Extra playing cards will be awarded at the event to those who register on line or bring a guest. Bonus cards will also be hidden in the vehicles on the lot.
The Builder Forum, "How to Upfit Your Construction Vehicles" presented by Knopheide Truck Equipment will be held at 6 p.m. Gus Batsikouras, Business Link Manager of Watson Benzie will also share some of the tremendous vehicle incentives now available to HBA members. At the conclusion of the Forum, door prizes will be awarded and the winning 5-card poker hand will be determined. The grand prize for the winner will be a golf package for four at Lochenheath. To register for the event, go to www.hbagta.com. Click on the Calendar button at the top of the page.
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COOK-OUT & CODES | |
"COOK-OUT & CODES"
Presented by Roger Papineau
HBAGTA Professional Development Center
April 15, 2011
10:00 AM to 1:30 PM with Lunch
COST: $59/members or $99/non-members
 Before the new building season gets underway, take this opportunity to become familiar with 2009 MRC Code. This course also qualifies for 3 hours of Continuing Competency.
REGISTRATION FORM |
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FALL PROTECTION SEMINARS SLATED LOCALLY | |
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New federally-mandated residential fall protection requirements will go into effect June 16, 2011. This enforcement policy change will require builders and remodelers to take additional steps to ensure worker safety when working six feet or more above a lower level.
The changes in the fall protection rules were the result of advocacy by the NAHB. NAHB pushed OSHA to make the changes in the fall protection rules. NAHB believes the changes will "make it easier for home builders to understand what's necessary to achieve compliance, to ensure safer worksites and to reduce the occurrence of costly accidents."
Since late January the MAHB has been working with MIOHSA and its Consultation, Education and Training division (CET) to create a two- to three-hour course they will put on for local HBAs. The current plan is for MIOHSA to start conducting these courses right around mid-April. These seminars will count toward the safety portion of the continuing competency requirements.
Our HBA will host a Fall Protection Seminar sometime in the late spring. More information will be available as soon as the date is confirmed.
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COURSES ARE SCHEDULED FOR CONTINUING COMP REQUIREMENTS | |
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 Don't Hesitate! Those of you who have not yet fulfilled your 3 clock hour requirement for Continuing Competency, you can still complete the state mandate in time to renew your license in May! While we realize there are multiple ways contractors can fulfill this obligation, we think our solution is one of the simplest. The HBAGTA has more seminars scheduled at our Professional Development Center beginning April 8th. 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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ROGER PAPINEAU APPOINTED TO STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION
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 Congratulations are in order for our HBA's own Construction Code Guru, Roger Papineau, who was recently appointed to represent residential builders on the State Construction Code Commission.
Roger has been active in the creation, promulgation and enforcement of codes on the national, state and local levels, serving several times as the Chair of MAHB's Building Code Committee. As a member of the Building Officials Code Administrators International, and its successor, the International Code Council (ICC), Roger has attended and testified at almost every public hearing and final action hearing held by the ICC since 2001.
On the state level, Roger represented home builders on three state-appointed Building Code Review Committees and two Energy Code Review Committees, serving as the Chairman for the 2009-2010 Energy Code Review Committee.
Roger will be presenting a seminar "Cook-Out and Codes" which highlights the changes to the 2009 MRC, on Friday, April 15th from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the HBA Professional Development Center. The cost for members is $59 and $99 for non-members. To register, go to www.hbagta.com. |
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"DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER"
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CHECK THE HBAGTA WEBSITE BEFORE YOU MAKE A PURCHASE to take advantage of the Member Discounts that are available to you! We now boast 17 participants that are offering discounts to our members and it's never too late to get involved!
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.
To take advantage of these discounts simply show your current HBAGTA Membership Card to the provider at the time of purchase. |
IT'S SO EASY, EVEN A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT! | | |
 Join us June 3rd at Lochenheath Golf Course for our annual HBA Golf Outing. The number of foursomes is limited so be sure to register early. Hole sponsors, as well as cart and food sponsors, are available. If you have any questions email Kerry at kerry@hbagta.com or call 231-946-2305. Announcements regarding this fabulous venue will be mailed soon. Registration is available now online at www.hbagta.com.
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PROTECT THE MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION
SPREAD THE WORD | | |
NAHB needs your help to spread the word to HBA members and the public to help save the mortgage interest deduction (MID).
The MID is at risk of being scaled back or totally eliminated as Congress and the Administration move forward with proposals to reduce the federal deficit. This important tax deduction is critical for millions of middle-class home owners and families who aspire to own their own home, and tampering with it would have a devastating effect on home sales and prices.
NAHB has set up a website:
www.SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com
that features the latest reports, analysis and news on the benefits of preserving the MID, and encourages visitors to sign up to receive important updates.
We urge you to visit this site, sign up for alerts and encourage your members, consumers and friends of the industry to sign up as well and join us in this important campaign.
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HELP CUSTOMERS FINANCE ENERGY PROJECTS WITH MICHIGAN SAVES | |
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 Todd Parker of Michigan Saves, our special guest at the March General Membership meeting held at Pella Window and Doors, provided important information for contractors about financing options now available for energy saving projects.
Michigan Saves, a nonprofit organization, developed the Home Energy Loan Program to make it easy for homeowners to finance qualifying energy efficiency improvements. The Home Energy Loan is an unsecured loan, up to $12,500, with a fixed interest rate of 7% APR and loan terms out to 10 years.
A key feature of the Home Energy Loan Program is the application center, which accepts loan applications from customers and provides an immediate decision. Unlike merchant lending systems, the Michigan Saves program does not require contractors to manage sensitive customer information or originate loans. The builder or remodeler initiates the call to our one-stop loan processing center, and then passes the phone to the customer. The loan application center and authorized Michigan Saves lenders will handle the rest. The Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program is an exclusive program that can be promoted only by contractors authorized by Michigan Saves. Homeowners cannot obtain a Home Energy Loan on their own; they must work with an authorized contractor. To become an authorized contractor, please visit www.michigansaves.org to complete an application. |
INDUSTRY CONVENTION RETURNS TO THE GRAND HOTEL | |
 The MAHB summer Convention scheduled for July 20-22, 2011 will return to Mackinac Island. The Convention Planning Committee has developed a family friendly program agenda which includes a free afternoon on July 21st to give families an opportunity to enjoy some of the special activities on the island.
Registrants this year will be provided with a $25 Speedway Gas Card, free lunch and dinner on Thursday and a free grand reception on the porch.
The fee this year is lower than it has been in years - only $50 for members and $25 for spouses. The first 50 people who register and pay by the close of business on May 2nd, 2011 will have their names entered into a drawing to win one free night stay at the Grand Hotel.
For more information, check out the details in the Spring 2011 Michigan Builder magazine or go to www.buildingmichigan.org. |
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INDUSTRY LOSES A SPECIAL FRIEND | |
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 Our association recently lost a dear friend and avid housing advocate. Many will recall Jerry from the November 2009 General Membership meeting at the Waterfront where he was our special guest speaker. As some may know, Jerry Rouleau, founder of Builder Radio, battled cancer for the past two years. On March 15, 2011, Jerry's struggle ended. He died surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital in Connecticut.
Few people have touched as many lives in such a gracious and endearing way as Jerry Rouleau. Wherever Jerry went, he had a way of inspiring those around him. You rarely left Jerry's presence without feeling better about yourself, and that is a truly remarkable characteristic, one worth emulating.
After having lost his wife, Jan, to cancer 10 years ago, Jerry created Jan's House of Hope, a fund raising project which involved building a 3,100 sq. ft. home on a barge - complete with 3 car garage, car in the driveway and fenced in landscaped yard which toured seven cities on the east coast. The tour generated over $15 million of publicity for cancer awareness in a two-month period. |
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING | |
Vinyl windows, Wood windows, Aluminum Clad Windows, Patio doors and Swing doors all from one company, Jeld-Wen. Call Architectural Elements for Jeld-Wen family of products. 231.995.9700 |
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WANTED MEMBERS TO COLLECT STORM WATER DATA
Severity of Proposed New EPA Regulation Depends Upon It!
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NAHB needs help from HBA members with active construction sites who can assist in data collection efforts on the turbidity (or cloudiness) of storm water discharges from their construction sites. The field data will enable NAHB to more accurately assess whether a numeric turbidity limit expected to be proposed shortly by the EPA, and finalized in June, can be consistently achieved by builders and developers using passive control systems.
Any turbidity limit set by the EPA will require builders and developers to significantly change how they currently plan, design and operate their construction sites and manage storm water discharges.
Collecting the Data Is Easy and Quick
Here is a link to a two-minute video on how to collect the data. Collecting the data won't take much longer than it does to watch the video. NAHB will provide storm water collection kits to those who volunteer. Instructions and the sampling protocol will be included. For more information, e-mail Larissa Mark, or call her at 800-368-5242 x 8124. | |
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Top
 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. -
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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