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SAVE MONEY WITH
MEMBER ADVANTAGE! | |
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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
OFFICE CLOSING FOR HOLIDAYS
The HBA office will be closed Monday September 5, 2011 for the Labor Day Holiday.


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
CLICK HERE to view the HBAGTA Calendar
August 11, 2011
Public Relations Committee
8:00 a.m.
August 16. 2011
Membership Committee
8:30 a.m.
August 26, 2011
"Builders Care!"
Garage Sale
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 12, 2011
General Membership Meeting
October 1-2, 2011
Showcase of Remodeled Homes
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SAVE THE DATES SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES TOUR October 1st & 2nd | |
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SUMMER STAFFING
In an effort to stretch our limited resources, both Jenny and Kerry have been given a summer hiatus. They are expected to return around Labor Day. In the meantime, Kathy is doing her best to provide needed services to members. Occasionally, you will find the office closed or phones on messaging until full staffing is restored. We apologize for the inconvenience. |
ARCHITECTUAL SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE | |
The Northern Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is offering a $1000 scholarship. This will be granted to a qualified student who resides in Northwest Lower Michigan and plans to attend a NAAB accredited architecture school. The application deadline is August 31, 2011. Any interested student is urged to contact the American Institute of Architecture at (231) 947-2700 or email sarah@sbourgeois.com. |
NAHB PRESIDENT ADDRESSES MAHB DELEGATES | |
Past President, Bob Jones, the well known and likeable "home town" boy addressed a ballroom packed with supportive housing industry leaders on Friday morning at the Grand Hotel during the MAHB Summer Conference on Mackinaw Island. He acknowledged the tremendous burden of the national and state regulatory environment but shared signs of optimism.
READ MORE |
TOP TEN NAHB ACTION BENEFIT MEMBERS | |
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Local HBA members sometimes forget that a large part of the value of membership lies in the efforts made on their behalf in Washington.The lobbying arm of our association is a watchdog that works to create a better business climate for the industry as a whole.Recently, NAHB published a summary of actions taken that directly impacts members of our federation.
READ MORE |
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A DECADE OF REMEMBRANCE
An evening to remember those who lost their lives and to honor those who protect and serve.
September 11, 2011
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
CLICK HERE
For more information
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Greetings!
Builders care! We have known that for a long time. Anyone who has been around HBA builders, remodelers and trades professionals realize that this group is some of the most dedicated helpful and compassionate people in our community.
As the sizzling summer days come to a close, our HBA members will come together to host a special fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for the Children's Advocacy Center. Many of you may have read the recent article in the TC Business News (August, 2011 p. 20-21) about the CAC and its mission to end child abuse in our region. This fledgling non-profit, founded in April 2010, provides an incredible service to traumatized kids and their families.
In an effort to spread the word about this worthy cause and to help raise revenue for both our association, dedicated to safe, affordable housing, and the Children's Advocacy Center, the HBA is sponsoring a "Builder's Care" community tent sale on Friday, August 26th. This event will take place in the parking lot of Floor Covering Brokers, 1794 Barlow in Traverse City.
What we need now to make this a big success are many more items. If you have housewares, furniture, sporting goods, toys, books, tools, or even building materials that you may be able to donate, please let us know. Also, if you have time to volunteer for a shift for a few hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., please contact the HBA at 946-2305.

Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
p: 231.946.2305
f: 231.946.1051
e: kathy@hbagta.com
w: www.hbagta.com |
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MAHB CONVENTION HELD
ON MACKINAW ISLAND JULY 20-22 | |
 | | RVP Roger Papineau and Executive Officer, Kathy Maisonville chat with delegates at MAHB's Summer Convention. |
Nearly 200 delegates and their family members enjoyed three hot and sunny days on Mackinaw Island. For the first time in several years a quorum was present so that additional delegates did not need to be contacted.
A number of issues were discussed relative to the challenges faced by MAHB and local associations. In the "Good News" department, representatives voted unanimously to bring the MAHB Summer Conference to Traverse City in 2014.
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FALL SHOWCASE TO FEATURE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES
The association is proud to announce the 3rd annual Showcase of Remodeled Homes to be held Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd. The SRH contract was mailed to all remodelers who had expressed an interest in participating. If you have a project you'd like to feature, please contact Kerry at 946-2305 or via email at kag@hbagta.com. The Early Bird deadline is August 15th. All applications must be received by September 2nd.
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We are looking for donations big and small. Items of special interest would be sporting equipment, children's toys, household items, furniture, tools, and garden implements. We would love to find a big item like a canoe, lawn mower or piano that someone may want to donate. We will take any good gently used or new item. However, clothing will not be accepted.
For more information or to make a donation, please call Kathy at 946-2305. |
MAKE MONEY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
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NAHB BuilderBooks recently released the second edition of Social Media for Home Builders 2.0: It's Easier Than You Think which teaches builders and residential construction professionals how to use social media tools such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to increase their visibility and improve their sales results.
The updated edition includes even more examples, details and strategies than the first edition, featuring examples of specific social media campaigns and their sales results by builder type; sample tweets and Twitter campaigns to draw foot traffic to homes and communities; and new research on how people are using social media.
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MAHB MEMBER REBATE PROGRAM | | |
No one likes to leave money on the table. So, what would you think if you could get a rebate for your loyalty to many of the nation's leading housing industry product suppliers? Well, now you can! MAHB's Member Rebate Program increases your bottom line. For the minimal effort of informing us about the home construction products you use and when you close on a home or project, you'll be putting money back in your pocket. Both Builder and Remodeler companies, no matter how large or small, qualify for the program, and you are not required to use products from every Manufacturer. Please note: Program is only available to current MAHB Members.
READ MORE
NEW! ASSOCIATES REBATE PROGRAM!
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MI HOUSING INDEX MAKES ENCOURAGING SECOND QUARTER GAINS | |
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(Lansing, MI) - A statewide survey of homebuilders covering the second quarter of 2011, showed sharp increases for new building and remodeling over the same period one year ago. The Michigan Housing Index (MHI) for new homebuilding activity has remained fairly steady in recent months, averaging a score of 36 for the quarter ending June 30, 2011. Though overall activity remains slow in the current economy, the MHI second quarter index is sharply ahead of the same period last year, when the index only registered a 26.
READ MORE |
SOLAR ENERGY AND THE MICHIGAN WORKFORCE | | |
Solar Energy Education will be the focus of an upcoming conference at Northwestern Michigan College on Monday, August 15, 2011. The Conference, "Solar Energy and the Michigan Workforce" will be held at the Parsons-Stulen Building on Aero Park Drive in Traverse City from 8:45 am - 5 pm.
The event will strengthen Michigan's capacity to deliver quality solar energy education and training. Participants will get up-to-date information on technology, research, curricula, as well as reports on the progress of Michigan's emerging solar industry and jobs market. Sessions include technology, program development, accreditation, instruction, certifications, curricula and lab resources, as well as secondary education activities. Vendors will be on hand to discuss products and services to support educators. The $125 cost includes lunch.
While the focus is on education, anyone involved in solar energy is encouraged to attend. Planners, legislators, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and renewable energy advocates will glean important information to aid their efforts and understanding of solar energy.
Post conference continuing education courses are available on Solar Energy Basics and Solar Technical Sales Training (NABCEP prerequisite).
For more information please call Northwestern Michigan College, Extended Education at 231-995-1701. View the full conference brochure on the web at www.nmc.edu/energy
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EPA REQUIREMENTS CHANGING
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The Environmental Protection Agency is advising home owners to test their homes for lead paint dust after getting any remodeling or renovation work done, and it is now requiring remodelers to inform home owners of that option through its newly revised"Renovate Right"pamphlet.
After pressure from Congress and an NAHB-led coalition forced the EPA to back away from clearance testing in its recent amendment to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, this revision appears to be the EPA's way of encouraging consumers to choose it anyway, rather than relying on the cleaning verification that professional remodelers are already required to perform, noted NAHB environmental policy analyst Matt Watkins.
Final Rule Published for Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (LRRP)
The August 5, 2011 edition of the Federal Register notes several changes made to the LRRP which will go into effect on October 4, 2011. The good news is: EPA will not require clearance and dust wipe testing!
This summary was provided by the Conner Institute.
- Certified Renovators may collect a paint chip, from the components to be disturbed, for laboratory analysis. This is an alternative to performing an EPA recognized test kit. EPA will be publishing guidance on how those renovators previously certified will be able to receive training on this option.
- Vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions in containing the work area must be used on exterior renovations performed within 10 feet of the property line. By incorporating the phrase "or equivalent extra precautions" EPA is allowing contractors to use the technique which best suits the situation in order to contain dust during an exterior renovation. EPA is additionally allowing the use of less than 10 feet (for exteriors) and less than 6 feet (for interiors) of plastic sheeting or other impermeable material to be placed on the ground/floor if used in conjunction with a vertical containment.
- EPA is clarifying that the prohibited practices apply to all painted surfaces, not just "lead-based paint." To do this EPA replaced the term" lead-based paint" with "painted surfaces" and added "painted surfaces" to the definitions within the regulation.
- HEPA vacuums must now be operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- EPA is clarifying that the on the job training required to be provided by the certified renovator refers to only those lead-safe work practices required by the LRRP.
- The recordkeeping and post renovation reporting requirements are modified to include paint chip sampling results similar to the previous requirements of recognized test kits.
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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. |
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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 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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