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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
January 25, 2012
Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 am
Winter Board Pre-Meeting
January 26, 2012
MAHB Winter Board Meeting
Mt. Pleasant, MI
9 am - 3 pm
February 2, 2012
EXPO Committee 12:00 pm
February 4-5, 2012
Home Builders EXPO
Grand Traverse Resort
February 13, 2012
General Membership Meeting
Fireside, LLC
Builder Forum 4:30 pm
Networking 5:00 pm
February 14, 2012
Green Build Committee 11:30 am
February 15, 2012
Executive Committee
8:30 am
February 16, 2012
Residential Audit and Weatherization Program
7:30 am - 9:30 am
February 21, 2012
Membership Committee 8:00 am
February 22, 2012
Board of Directors 7:30 am |
BX AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS ANNOUNCED | |
Congrats to Signs Now and Team Elmers, both HBA members, were selected as winners of the Builders Exchange Awards of Excellence. The presentations will take place at the awards banquet slated for January 26th at Great Wolf Lodge. For more information or to obtain tickets for the event, contact Keely at 946-5531. | |
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REMODELER'S CONFERENCE
JANUARY 26 & 27
The 10th annual conference will be held this year at the Comfort Inn & Suites located at 2424 South Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
If you have never attended the Remodelers Workshop, you now can for free! Register Today!
Download the
REGISTRATION FORM
SCHEDULE & DETAILS | |
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Architectural Elements of Michigan is your source for JELD-WEN windows & doors. A locally owned company offering you quality products at affordable prices. Please contact Architectural Elements at 231-995-9700.
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HBAGTA PARTNERS WITH SAM'S CLUB FOR MEMBER SAVINGS | |
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Greetings!
 I picture a new commercial soon to air on TV . . .it is a take off on the old, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up." However, this time, it is a battered contractor buried under a cadre of code books, volumes of local, state and national ordinances, and endless compendia of rules . . . and the guy is yelling, "Help! - all I want to do is make a decent living!"
If that scenario hits somewhat close to home, I believe you will be impressed with what is happening now. A dedicated group of contractors, led by HBA Legislative Chairperson, Nick Agostinelli, met today to discuss what has been euphemistically termed "stupid rules" by our passionate Chair. On hand this morning to help us gain perspective about how very tedious and cumbersome the entire code promulgation process can be was MAHB's chief lobbyist, Lee Schwartz and Code Commissioner, Roger Papineau.
It was very apparent at the meeting that the only way we can affect change is to get involved. Therefore, please consider this an open invitation to meet to learn more about what your local and state HBAs plan to do. On Monday, February 13th, our General Membership meeting will be held at Fireside, LLC. The Builder Forum at 4:30 p.m. will afford contractors an opportunity to learn about the Legislative Committee's work and vision. . . . and how you can help.
It is crucial for builders, remodelers and contractors of all kinds to come together in support of the industry. Please save the date- Monday, February 13th! Your livelihood may depend on it.
Together, we are building a stronger association!
Kathy
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
kathy@hbagta.com
www.hbagta.com
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"YOU RANG"? | |
 The HBAGTA is proud to announce a new "Smart Phone" application for our members! "You Rang" was presented at the January General Membership Meeting at Waara Technology to rave reviews. This tool will afford homeowners' access to Certified HBA Contractors and Service Professionals through their iPhones or Androids. Participants will be able to choose at least one Business Category that their business will be listed under.
The application will be launched at the 2012 Home Builders EXPO to educate the public on this unique program to search for professionals throughout the State of Michigan.
Look for more information coming in the next couple of weeks on how you can participate in "You Rang". We look forward to launching this program with you! |
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2012 HOUSING ECONOMIC SUMMIT | |
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 On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, MAHB will be hosting an all day event in Lansing. We will kick off the day with a breakfast and a legislative update from your government affairs team. You will hear the accomplishments of 2011 and the legislative agenda for 2012.
We will be attending the House Tax Policy committee where they will be taking testimony on House Bill 4134 - Representative Margaret O'Briens (R-Portage, and MAHB member) legislation on the inventory tax legislation. This is the number one priority for the Michigan Association of Home Builders for 2012. It is crucial we have members in attendance to show the importance of this issue. If you are unable to attend, but would like your voice heard, you can fill out the attached testimony card and return it to Dawn Crandall at the Michigan Association of Home Builders - either by email ( crandall.dawn@mahb.com) or by fax at 517-322-3828. Please return it no later than Monday, January 30, 2012.
Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, Senior Economist for the National Association of Home Builders will be presenting our latest report on the impact residential construction has on Michigan's economy at both the House Tax Policy committee and hopefully at the Senate Finance committee.
A media roundtable is being planned for the afternoon - where we would encourage you to attend or take that time to meet with your individual legislators. We will wrap up the day with a reception.
We look forward to seeing you on February 1, 2012 in Lansing! |
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2012 EXPO | | |
 2012 Home Builders EXPO
February 4th and 5th
*SUPER BOWL WEEKEND!*
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
This year's SUPER Home Builders EXPO booth space is almost sold out! There has been excitement in the air as we prepare for this event in a NEW location and with NEW dates! We want you to come and share in the EXPO experience!
Help is needed! We are looking for workers who can help us out on Saturday or Sunday to assist with our "Plinko" game as well as small prizes that can be given out to Plinko participants. Look for anything you might keep stashed for give aways at your business...logo wear, gadgets...you get the idea!
Whether you are a vendor or whether you just want to stroll the isles to see what's new this year, we are counting on you to spread the SUPER EXPO frenzy! EXPO Posters are available for distribution - if you or your business are able to help distribute or display them, please let our office know.
Visit our EXPO page on Facebook! Share your thoughts and what you're looking forward to seeing at this year's event.
For more information, contact Kerry Gartland, Events and Marketing Coordinator at the HBA 231-946-2305 or kerry@hbagta.com.
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TAKE IT BACK RECYCLING PROGRAM "BUSINESS OF THE YEAR" AWARD | | |
Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery announced the recipient of the 2011 "Take It Back" Recycling Program "Business of the Year" on January 5th. The Michigan Green Consortium (MGC) was named as the winner. The Michigan Green Consortium is an association that works to promote the success of environmentally responsible businesses. Currently 60 local businesses are registered members including Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery (RecycleSmart).
The Michigan Green Consortium (MGC) organizes and conducts the Clean Up and Green Up recycling events that are held during the Daylight Savings Time spring and fall time change weekends. These recycling events have drawn thousands of participants and have collected material for recycling, reuse, and repurpose. The next Clean Up and Green Up event will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the American Waste Recycling Facility located at 280 Hughes Drive, Traverse City.
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VOTERS PLACE HIGH VALUE ON HOME OWNERSHIP,
OPPOSE POLICIES THAT MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO OWN A HOME | | |
January 11, 2012 - By an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters' attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues.
READ MORE >> |
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WEST MICHIGAN HOME & BUILDING SUMMIT 2012 JANUARY 31, 2012 | | |
 Back for a second year, the West Michigan Home & Building Summit will be a full-day event for home builders, remodelers, designers, homeowners other home and building industry professionals. Covering the same topic areas as the International Builder's Show, the Summit will offer exceptional learning opportunities, exclusive networking, and even an industry expo with the latest and greatest home & building products!
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Elliot Eisenberg - 12:45pm - 1:45pm
"Does Growth Pay for Itself? The Economic Impact of Home Building."
Additional presentations:
- Referral Magic: Proven Ways to Keep Your Customers Coming Back Again & Again
- Building Green in 2012 - Technology & Sustainability
- Mavericks, Misfits and Mavens - Leadership for Results...Creating an Incredible Organization
- Color Trends 2012
- Specialty Products for Home Accessibility and Independence
- Michigan Residential Energy Code
- The Keys to an Effective Energy Retrofit Building Your Brand by Telling Your Story
- Wearing Different Hard Hats: Moving Your Business from Builder to Remodeler
HBA members and friends of housing are encouraged to join our West Michigan colleagues in Grand Rapids for this incredible professional development opportunity. Click here to register!
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION PACKET
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MAHB PARTICIPATES IN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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 The MAHB is participating in an advisory rules committee (ARC) that will evaluate Michigan's state and local construction inspections and permitting regulatory systems including existing administrative rules, non-rule regulatory actions, regulatory processes and laws. This ARC will not be looking into any issues surrounding licensing. At the end of its 120-day duration the ARC will make recommendations to the Office of Regulatory Reinvention for changes to help improve the inspection and permitting process.
I am serving as the residential construction representative on the ARC and I want to make sure the concerns of everyone involved in our industry are considered.
Here's how you can have an impact:
Generalized grumbling and complaints will not be helpful. It's not enough for you to tell me it takes too long to get permits or inspections, that an individual you deal with may be the southbound end of an equine travelling north or that a code requirement may be ill-considered or cost too much. The following will help:
1. What problems are you running into in the construction process?
2. What do you see as the cause of those problems?3. What solutions would you propose to solve these problems?
4. Why doesn't the code requirement make sense or why isn't it needed. If it costs too much I need detailed specifics on the costs.
Knowing what building department the problems are occurring in will be helpful but I don't want specific names of officials. The ARC will be looking at the bigger picture but that bigger picture will be composed of many smaller pieces.
Your name will not be given to anyone. I will remove anything I think would identify you before using the information in the ARC. I may contact you to ask for clarification or additional information on your concern or solution.
If you have issues/concerns/suggestions please send them to me at schwartz.lee@mahb.com with "ARC INFORMATION" in the subject line. Using that subject line and only that subject line is important because these emails will be sent to a special folder.
To make sure discussions in the ARC are honest and candid, none of the members of the ARC are allowed to talk in any details about what is happening at the meetings or what happened on any specific issues but please be assured I will be bringing every issue I get the proper information to the ARC.
Lee Schwartz
Executive Vice President for Government Relations
Michigan Association of Home Builders | |
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PATHWAY OPENING NEW DOORS | |
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While Michigan's unemployment is still a major concern, some new doors are opening for a cadre of skilled tradesmen in Kent County by a local HBA member. Traverse City-based Pathway Homes announced recently that it has expanded its building operations into the Rockford/Greater Grand Rapids area and is subcontracting as many as 50-70 different home building jobs for industry tradesmen.
Gary Jurkovich, owner of Pathway Homes and a former Kentwood, Michigan resident, notes that, "the Michigan housing industry has been very soft since the start of the 2008 recession, but we are very excited about the growth we are experiencing and job opportunities we are creating with our expansion into Kent County." Pathway Homes is a Certified Green Builder and committed to utilizing the best building practices, energy efficient materials and design as well as implementing the latest discoveries in the world of building science.
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TRUCKERS TICKETED FOR CELL PHONE USE | |
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 Recently our State Association was asked if a new federal highway rule could impact HBA members who transport commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. According the MAHB's CEO, Bob Filka, there is a likelihood that some of our contractors may fall into this weight category. A pickup and trailer could easily exceed the limit, according to Filka. Therefore, contractors could find themselves ticketed for cell phone use in a commercial vehicle under the new rule. MAHB is not aware of any such ticketing yet in Michigan, however, if members discover such a case, they are asked to contact their local Executive Officer.
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BUILDING PLAN COPYRIGHT LITIGATION
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Another warning: MAHB has discovered lawyers pursuing HBA builder members, seeking damages from those who have allegedly violated copyrights on building plans. What is particularly bothersome, according to Filka, is that members are being pursued even if they purchased plans through another party who was thought (at the time of purchase) to have ownership rights to the copyright. MAHB plans to procure more detailed legal advice on this topic. However, HBA members should to check their insurance coverage for such suits and double check their building plans and where they came from. | |
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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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