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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
www.hbagta.comThe HBAGTA office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 24 and Friday November 25. 
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
CLICK HERE
to view the HBAGTA Calendar
October 26-28, 2011
MEOC Conference Crystal Mountan
November 2, 2011
Board of Directors 7:30 am
November 3, 2011
MAHB Fall Board of Directors Meeting
Frankenmuth, MI
November 7, 2011
"Chili Cook Off"
VanDries
4:30 - 7:30
November 8, 2011
Green Build Grand Traverse 11:30 am
November 10, 2011
Public Relations Committee 8:00 am
EXPO Committee
12:00 pm
November 15, 2011
Membership Committee CANCELLED
November 30, 2011
Board of Directors 7:30 am
Strategic Planning
8:00 - 10:00 am |
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SAVE THE DATES! |
NEW DATES!
2012 EXPO |
The 2012 EXPO will be held on February 4th & 5th at the Grand Traverse Resort! Exhibitor contracts will be available in October. For more information, contact Kerry at kerry@hbagta.com or call 946-2305 extension 15. |
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TILECRAFT SHOWS OFF NEW SHOWROOM
Members of the HBA are cordially invited to an open house featuring TileCraft's new showroom located at the corner of Hammond and Lafrainer in Traverse City. Food, fun and spirits will be provided from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Friday, October 28th. Enter to win one of their many giveaways. For more information, call 929-7207. |
GM DISCOUNT FOR HBA MEMBERS, NOT BUSINESS BUDDIES
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A recent communication from Lakisha Campbell, VP of Publishing & Affinity Programs at NAHB asked that we share information with our local members about an issue that has repeatedly surfaced with the General Motors Program. GM has noted an increase in business associates of an HBA member attempting to purchase GM vehicles with the anticipation that the affiliation with the HBA member will make the purchaser eligible for the discount. Unfortunately, this program does not extend to those individuals. The purchaser of the vehicle must be the person listed in the NAHB database and named on the form. GM uses the NAHB database to verify the $500 offer.
To get the necessary form and Proof of Membership, go to www.nahb.org/matoolkit.
This must be presented to the dealership at the time of purchase or lease. The offer is valid for most new 2010, 2011 or 2012 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models. Delivery must be taken by January 3, 2012.
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HOLIDAY PARTY RETURNS TO CENTER POINTE
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The HBA Board of Directors cordially invites you to a Holiday Dinner Dance to celebrate the season on Friday, December 9th. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided as well as a cash bar beginning at 6 p.m. The three course buffet dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with the installation of new officers and Directors to follow. Dancing to the music of the Graystone DJ will continue until midnight.
The cost is $45 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.hbagta.com. A formal invitation will be sent in the next two weeks. The deadline for reservations is December 2nd. |
MEMBER ADVANTAGE + SAVINGS
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HBA members can save lots of money with the NAHB Member Advantage Program. Want a discount on the purchase or lease of a GM car or truck? How about a discount on a leased business vehicle with Budget or Avis? Interested in upgrading to a new HP computer - we've got discounts for you. Need office supplies? Check out your savings at Office Depot. Steaks for the backyard barbecue, perks at your spring break vacation spot, savings on flowers for that special person? All this is available to you as a member of the HBA. For more info, CLICK HERE. |
Thank you to our e-News Sponsor, Floor Covering Brokers!
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Greetings!
 WHO ARE YOU GIVING YOUR BUSINESS TO?
I've always been very careful to quote my sources and credit the authors when I've borrowed an idea not fully my own. However, I am unable to follow my guideline on this one. I saved this article written by a "Larry Chimenti, a Membership Director" in an electronic file recently. However, I failed to note his affiliation, nor to accurately identify his HBA. My apologies to the author and this limited citation. However, this message is worth repeating and I feel fairly certain that he's got our best interests at heart.
"Most of our member's businesses, and that probably includes yours, are struggling during this down economic cycle. They are working harder than ever and some have been forced to think outside the box, to develop new markets, as old market opportunities disappear. We are all looking for new customers. If it's any comfort, we know we're not alone but it should also remind us to think of the other people that are in the same situation. A new contract or the next sale could influence the future of their business too."
"Imagine if all 300+ of our members agreed that they would buy only from other members. It seems to me that it would create instant prosperity for us all. Whether you need a new deck, a roof, a vehicle, home remodel, car insurance, a new driveway, etc., it's all in your Membership Directory. And it would mean more business for you too."
"We've tossed around the "Do Business with Members" catch phrase long enough. Today there is every reason to give your business to a member. Take a look at your vendor list and move your business from non-members to members. Look in your Membership Directory before you give your business away. Your business could depend on it."
Thanks, Larry. I hope our membership takes your message to heart!
Together, we are building a stronger Association!
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
kathy@hbagta.com
www.hbagta.com
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CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW HBAGTA BOARD MEMBER | |
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 Julie Courtade was elected by the membership at the General Membership meeting October 10th to fill the seat which will be vacated by HBA past president, Rob Whims in December. Julie, who is with First Place Bank, has been a mortgage broker for over 25 years. She brings to the Director's table a wealth of knowledge about the region, a special brand of creativity, enthusiasm, experience and industry knowledge. As an active community volunteer, Julie has also worked at nearly every Home EXPO since 1986.
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2012 EXPO MOVING TO GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT | | |
 If you missed the announcement last week, we're rebroadcasting the good news. Our leadership team recently brokered a deal with the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa to house the show in February of 2012 and 2013. The entire event will take place in the Governor's Hall. The booth rental fees will remain the same, even with the upscale location.
The committee is thrilled that they can abandon this tedium of tape and tarp, mullion removal, laying cable and firing up the generator. The whole set up will be expedited because of the tasks taken on by personnel at the Resort and Art Craft Display. In addition, the vendors will be able to set up beginning at noon on Friday, February 3rd. There will be no need to wait for school to conclude and athletic practices to end. The place will be ours exclusively - and much earlier.
The EXPO layout, booth rental application and Vendor Contracts will be online shortly. Those interested in getting the best spots are encouraged to apply early. The rates will remain the same until the end of November. Included this year is access to Wi-Fi and a nice package of accessories.
For more information, go to www.hbagta.com or call Kerry, Events and Marketing Coordinator at 231-946-2305.
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GRAND TRAVERSE WELCOMES 15 NEW HBA MEMBERS
 Mike Pascarelli - Embroid Me
Jack Lynch - All-Tile Inc.
Sarah Bourgeois - Sarah Bourgeois Architect, Inc.
Kevin Buhr - Buhr Electric
Bill Hutchins - Hutch Construction and Services, LLC
Jeff Williams - Amerhart
Robert Parker - Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge, PC
John Finch - FlorStar Sales
Amy Dagenhart - Contractor's Rental Corp/CRC
Alan Luedtke - The Honor State Bank
Gary Mott - North Shore Enterprises of GT, LLC
Caleb P. Luibrand - Caleb P. Luibrand Architect, PC
Barb Klingelsmith - Garfield Reproduction & Graphics
Dean Weflen - Shaw Industries | | |
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RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ONLINE OFFERINGS
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Alpena Community College is offering an Online Residential Builders Course for those who wish the convenience of online learning to prepare for their builder's license examination. The cost is $575.00 per person and includes the 2009 Michigan Residential Code book and the Guide to Starting a Small Business. For more information, contact Don MacMaster at macmastd@alpenacc.edu or call 989-358-7344. Make sure you mention our HBA. |
THE WINNING HAND DEALS IN 15 NEW MEMBERS | | |
 Congratulations to the HBA Membership Committee and their five teams of recruiters who successfully sponsored 15 new Master Members last week.
The "Deuces Wild" took top prize at the conclusion of the campaign on Friday. The team made up of Marc Burkholder, Denny Lauterbach and Jim Valesano sponsored 5 new members and ended up the winner of the recruiting campaign. For their efforts, they will receive a round of golf each at Lochenheath.
"Three Thorns and a Rose", comprised of Victor Lisabeth, Jim May, Matt Vajda and Natalie Foisie sponsored 4 new members. "The Packers", whose members were Bill Packer Scott Duensing, Jeff DuFort and Rick MacKinnon sponsored 3 new members, as did the "Spades Dig Deep" crew composed of BJ Stark, Mike Farrer, Jane Lutz and Julie Courtade.
The "Kings and Queens", Dale Bush, Bill Dowswell, Junior VanDyke, Shawn Gregg, Gretchen Knoblock and Carol Buck worked diligently but new members were just not "in the cards" for this enthusiastic group.
On Tuesday, the Membership Team identified other prize winners. BJ Stark will receive a fleece HBA jacket for bringing in the first completed and paid new member application.
Every sponsor will receive a $25 HBA coupon that may be used for educational programs, the holiday party, the golf outing or to defray membership dues. The association is deeply indebted to everyone who participated in this year's Fall Membership Drive.
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NOT ENOUGH COOKS IN THE KITCHEN | |
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 The now "famous" HBA Chili Cook-Off is slated for Monday, November 7th at VanDrie Home Furnishings. Store manager and event hostess, Natalie Foisie, is seeking more "cooks for her kitchen". She needs at least a dozen chili chefs to prepare the evening fare. Whether your specialty is a hot Southwestern dish, or something milder with chicken or no meat at all, she would like you sponsor a crock of your favorite.
The coveted Wooden Spoon and Chef's Apron will be awarded to the Chef Du Jour - elected by the taste testers from the ranks of our membership. Whether or not you can cook, please mark your calendars to join us for this fabulous fun evening of networking and catching up with colleagues.
To sign up as a Chili Chef, contact her at 943-7662.
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TAAR HOSTS MICHIGAN SAVES SEMINAR | | |
 The Michigan Saves Home Mortgage Program makes it easy and affordable to package energy-saving improvements with home renovations. The best time to make these home improvements is when customers are buying or refinancing a home for remodeling. New windows, doors, insulation, appliances, heating and air conditioning, as well as many other remodeling projects can be financed.
To learn more, attend the special Michigan Saves Seminar on Wednesday, October 19th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the TAAR office, 852 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686. To register, email lora@taar.com or call 947-2050. |
MANUFACTURER'S REBATE PROGRAM EXTENSION | |
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HBA builders and remodelers who register by the November deadline will discover that their MAHB Rebate Membership will be made retroactive to April 2011! Members can submit for any home, remodeling project, or multi-family units completed between April and September 2011 that used any of the Participating Manufacturers. The 3rd Quarter 2011 deadline is November 23rd.
The Fall MAHB Newsletter provided information about the program and included a brochure about the program, a registration form (lets us know where to mail their check) and our current rebate claim forms (how to participate).
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD INFO.
For more information, call toll-free: 866-849-8400 or via email at: info@hbarebates.com.
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MIOSHA SAFETY SEMINARS TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER | | |
December 2, 9 and 16th from 8:30 -11:30 a.m.- MIOSHA 10-Hour Safety Seminar. This educational program will be offered on three consecutive Fridays. The cost of the series will be $140 and include continental breakfast and a light lunch each day. The brochure is in production and should be available soon. For more information, contact Paul Griggs at GriggsP@Michigan.gov. |
GREAT DEAL! |
10 Condo Building Sites in Williamsburg. 80% of Development is done. All ready to build. $3,400 per site. Land Contract/Call Paul at (231) 590-2708 |
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MAHB COMPILING QUARTERLY HOUSING INDEX
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Your input matters and I am, once again, asking you to take less than 2 minutes to help your association get your confidential perspective on the state of the housing industry in your region. Your answers to our monthly survey and those of others across the state go, into the formulation of Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB's) Michigan Housing Index. The Michigan Housing Index is available on the MAHB website at www.buildingmichigan.org.
The MAHB's Michigan Housing Index is reported quarterly and is shared with media and policy leaders across the state. The report has been featured in dozens of local print media reports and has been featured on the Michigan Radio Network and other outlets.
New Home Construction Index Activity Survey - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M5HQ7RG
Remodelers Index Activity Survey - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XKKRYHC
Thanks for your help and as always, don't ever hesitate in contacting me directly if you have a question or need assistance on anything we at the MAHB can help you with.
Bob Filka
CEO
Michigan Association of Home Builders
buildingmichigan.org
(517) 646-2555 Direct |
EPA PAINT CHIP GUIDE FOR REMODELERS | |
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Remodelers who conduct work in homes built prior to 1978 may want to consider the EPA's newly published "Paint Chip Sample Collection Guide" as required reading, according to an informative article in the Oct. 17 edition of Nation's Building News. The guide provides a detailed description of how to properly take a paint chip sample that can be sent to a certified testing lab to ascertain whether lead-safe work practices are necessary in your client's home. This procedure is allowed by the EPA in accordance with its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule due to the fact that there currently is no inexpensive, reliable lead paint test kit available on the market. Without the paint chip test, in homes built before 1978 the remodeler must assume that lead paint is present and work accordingly. The NBN article, which will be published this Monday evening, also provides additional key information pertaining to EPA's amended LRRP rule, including links to the agency's publication titled "Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting" and a Small Business Compliance Guide to Renovate Right brochure, plus information on recent amendments to the LRRP regarding vertical containment requirements, HEPA vacuums and surface coatings. For all the details, be sure to check out this Monday's edition of Nation's Building News when it arrives in your email. Look for the article titled "New EPA Paint Chip Guide 'Essential' for Determining if Lead Is in Homes." Contact: Matt Watkins (800-368-5242 x8327) |
SUPPORT NEEDED FOR FLEX CODE BILL SAYS MAHB | |
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Last Monday HBA members with email addresses should have received an email from Lee Schwartz, the MAHB's Vice President for Government Relations with the subject line "URGENT! The MAHB needs your help to pass the Flexible Code Cycle bill, HB 4561." If you did not receive that email please either click on the link below of copy and paste it into your browser.
http://www.votervoice.net/Groups/MAHB/Advocacy/?IssueID=26334&SiteID=-1
Clicking on the link will take you to the MAHB's Grassroot Action Center. You do not need to use the member log-in.
This Flex Code bill will save builders and contractors thousands of dollars both in time (training) and money (new code books) by giving the State the flexibility to promulgate new building codes every 6 years.
If you support this legislation, please send an e-mail to your representative. Members don't need to know who their representative is, since the auto fill function will identify him. MAHB is working hard for the on your behalf and would appreciate your support and voice. |
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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. |
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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