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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 20, 2011
Board of Directors 7:30 am
April 27, 2011
Continuing Competency Course for Licensed Builders
9:00 am - Noon
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
May 6, 2011
Continuing Competency for Licensed Builders
9:00 am to Noon or
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
May 9, 2011
General Membership Meeting
Northwoods Paint & Supply
4:30 - 8:00 pm
RSVP
May 10, 2011
Green Build Grand Traverse Committee Meeting 11:30 am
May 12, 2011
Public Relations Committee 8:00 am
EXPO Committee 12:00 pm
May 17, 2011
Membership Committee Meeting 8:30 am
May 18, 2011
Continuing Competency for Licensed Builders
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
May 19, 2011
Parade of Homes Committee 9:00 am
May 20, 2011
Fall Protection Safety Seminar 8:00 am to 10:00 am
May 25, 2011
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am
May 30, 2011
Memorial Day |
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:
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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HAWK HOLLOW TO HOST FOH GOLF
"Spring has sprung and it's time to dust off those golf clubs" says, MAHB Political Affairs Director, Dawn Crandall. The 10th annual Friends of Housing Golf Outing in Lansing is scheduled for Monday, June 20th. The early bird rate is $99 per golfer. The proceeds, she notes, go to "support those legislators who are taking the tough votes needed to turn Michigan around." For more information or to register, email Dawn Crandall or call 517-646-2567.
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NEW CODES EVERY SIX, NOT THREE PLEASE! | |
At the request of the MAHB, State Representative Joe Haveman {R} introduced House Bill 4561 which would move Michigan from a three-year cycle of adopting construction codes to a six-year cycle.
Last fall, well before the 2009 Michigan Construction codes went into effect on March 9, 2011, plans were underway to appoint the five review committees to begin work on the 2012 codes. The code promulgation process, on both the state and national levels has become a never-ending effort costing the state, local units of government and contractors millions of dollars while yielding very few critical changes to the previous edition of the code, according to MAHB.
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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!
With spring just around the corner, we are often startled to see once again the myriad shades of green that dot our northern landscape. Green! The color of spring, renewal, and rebirth. As winter thaws the landscape, I can't help but be impressed by the fragile green spikes of vegetation that valiantly push their tendrils through the icy dew. And to some degree, I'm reminded of the warmer days ahead by the slippery, fake grass that provides a resting place for all the Easter Bunny's special treats. Whatever - green gets noticed this time of year. It obviously stirs the emotions.
According to my very cursory research, green takes up more space in the light spectrum than any other color visible to the human eye. It is the pervasive color in the natural world; greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing. It also symbolizes self-respect, well being and balance. And green is often used to signify power and wealth.
So green gets my vote this month. I'm definitely up for a rebirth (of the housing industry), some renewal (of our beleaguered spirits) and some green in our pockets (in the form of cash!)
On May 9th, I encourage you to join us in a celebration of spring at our final General Membership meeting until fall. Our kind sponsor and host, Northwood Paint & Supply, will help us bolster our spirits and provide the venue for the camaraderie with our colleagues. The Builder Forum at 4:30 p.m. will feature some new green products offered by Pittsburgh Paint.
That evening we will also be recognizing some very special people. Bud Hierlihy, HBA President in 1972 will be honored as an Honorary Lifetime Member of our association. Seven NAHB green projects will be showcased and we'll be awarding a little bit of green to our scholarship recipients. Please join us as we kick off our much anticipated green season! To register for this event, click here.
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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THE EAGLE HAS LANDED...
 "The Eagle Has Landed" . . . Well, perhaps it wasn't quite that monumental, but the FedEx truck did arrive Friday, April 15th with 25 more boxes of the 2009 MRC Code Books. Over 100 pre-ordered books await pick-up. However, there are currently only 25 available at the HBA office for sale. The price is $85 for HBA members or those who have taken their Continuing Competency from this association, and $105 for non-members. Spread the word - they won't last long!
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TIRED OF WINTER? | |
 Are you tired of the winter? Maybe you need some iron! Join us at Lochenheath for the 2011 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 her at 231-946-2305. Announcements regarding this fabulous venue were mailed last week. Registration is available now online at www.hbagta.com.
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FALL PROTECTION SEMINARS SET FOR MAY 20TH | |
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According to an April 4th DELEG press release, the number one cause of death and serious injury at residential construction sites is falls by employees working above the ground on roofs, ladders and scaffolding.
At the request of the National Association of Home Builders, the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) changed its requirements for residential fall protection. These changes which must also be adopted by MIOSHA go into effect June 16, 2011.
In order to better prepare our members and other contractors working in the area, the HBA will host two "Fall Protection" seminars on May 20th and again on June 30th. There is no cost for members. Non-members may attend for $15.00.
The class will be facilitated by Paul Griggs, MIOSHA Construction Safety Consultant and Roger Papineau, newly appointed State Construction Code Commissioner and residential code consultant. The sessions will be held at the HBA office's lower level from 8-10 a.m.
Registration is available online at www.hbagta.com. Or you may click here to obtain the form.
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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, 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 dates available are April 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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IS YOUR HIGH EFFICIENCY HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM REALLY EFFICIENT?
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This article is to help consumers make informed decisions about their air conditioning and heating system purchases so they can achieve the comfort, safety and performance they desire. This may be one of your biggest investments that will provide comfort to you and your family in your home for the next 20 years.
Equipment Purchases and Efficiency:
Your air conditioning and heating equipment are purchased separately. Similar to the way you would purchase a washer and dryer or a refrigerator and stove. But they are NOT stand alone appliances. Once connected to ductwork, they become a "SYSTEM". When or if you purchase a 95+ efficiency furnace, does not mean it will deliver 95% efficiency when connected to the "SYSTEM". Depending on how well the components are engineered and assembled will determine how efficient the system will perform. It is important to understand that the equipment ratings are only the potential of the equipment under ideal conditions.
Read More |
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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. |
CHAMBER REPORTS MICHIGAN TAX PLAN PENNED | | |
 On Tuesday, April 12th, Governor Snyder, Senate Majority Leader Richardville, and House Speaker Bolger reached an agreement on Tax Reform.
The following elements are part of this plan based on the original framework as proposed by Governor Snyder:
· Repeal the MBT while honoring commitments to those with "certificated" credits.
· Individual Income Tax Rate will be frozen at 4.35% and roll-back to 4.25% on 1/1/13.
· Corporate Tax of 6%
· Flow-through entities will continue to pay Individual Income Tax (4.35% until phase-down to 4.25%)
Read More |
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NATIONAL GREEN AWARD RECIPIENTS HONORED IN MAY
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 The outstanding efforts of an elite group of HBA members will be showcased at the next General Membership meeting hosted at Northwood Paint and Supply on Monday, May 9th. Matt Vajda, Chairman of the Green Build Grand Traverse Committee and Energy Rater, Max Strickland, will provide an overview of the nationally certified projects. Daniel S. Paulson, Builder will be recognized for his 4-Star Cedar Valley Ridge Development. Additional honorees include Salisbury and May Construction, LLC, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region, Northwest Carpentry, LLC, James Anderson Builders, Inc. and Peterson Homes, LLC. Photographs of their projects and their national awards will be on display during the meeting.
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NMC BBQ | |
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HBA members are stepping up to the plate again this year . . . and they will be dishing it out during the 56th annual NMC barbecue scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd. This has become a tradition with the GBGT Committee which has hosted a serving line for the last five years. Tickets for this year's barbecue are still only $5 in advance and may be purchased online at www.nmc.edu/bbq or by calling 995-1020. The NMC Barbecue remains an enduring community tradition and helps provide needed funds for students and college programs. |
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HELP HOUSING GET OFF THE GROUND! | |
 Want to help housing get off the ground this year? Then consider supporting our 27th annual Parade of Homes & Developments slated for June 18-26th.
Our Parade Planbook is on the drawing board right now. If you have a product or service you want the public to know about, then this is the venue. Typically thousands of people from all over Michigan make the Parade part of their summer tradition. The Planbooks have a great shelf life and are saved by customers for years until the time is right to begin their dream project.
For more information about how to advertise, contact Kerry at 946-2305 or email kerry@hbagta.com.
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NETWORKING AS A SOLE MARKETING VEHICLE | |
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As people realize that we like them and respect their opinions, they share information about themselves that can be helpful in analyzing whether they can use our products or services.
So says Canadian businessman Michael J. Hughes, who is known as "THE Networking Guru." Hughes runs a highly successful consulting business that works with Fortune 500 companies and international associations across North America.
The most interesting thing about Hughes' business? . . . He built it using networking as his sole marketing vehicle.
Networking is simply one of the most important activities in which professionals engage. As Hughes says, the opportunity to create, nurture and develop relationships is one of the most rewarding processes of human activity. If we capitalize on networking opportunities properly, they can be quite profitable for us while making the world a better place for everyone else.
Read More
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING | |
Let Architectural Elements open the window of opportunity for you with the Jeld-Wen family of product. Vinyl, Wood and Aluminum clad windows and doors. Call 231 995 9700 |
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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 is now available. 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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