|
SAVE MONEY WITH
MEMBER ADVANTAGE! | |
CLICK HERE
FOR A LIST OF MEMBER ADVANTAGE OPPORTUNITIES |
|
OFFICE HOURS | |
Monday
through
Thursday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
For more information on Association Events please visit the HBAGTA website at
 |
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
CLICK HERE
to view the HBAGTA Calendar
May 14, 2012
Parade of Homes Committee
9:00 am
General Membership Meeting
TC Millworks
"Subs and Suds"
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Outstanding Member Awards
HBA Scholarship Recipients
RSVP
May 15, 2012
Membership Committee 8:00 am
May 16, 2012
Executive Committee Meeting
8:30 am
Non-Profit Parade Host Meeting 6:00 - 7:30 pm
May 22, 2012
"Picture This" Photo Seminar
7:30 - 9:00 am
May 23, 2012
National Membership Day
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am
May 28, 2012
Memorial Day - Office Closed
May 31, 2012
Annual Golf Outing
Grand Traverse Resort
9:00 am shotgun start
PARADE OF HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS:
June 16 - 24, 2012 |
TIGER TICKETS OFFERED AS MAHB CONVENTION PERK | |
Directors attending the Summer Convention in Dearborn this coming July will have an opportunity to see the Tigers play the Angels on Thursday, July 19th. The cost is $40 and includes bus transportation, lunch, the game ticket and a souvenir hat.
For more information, contact Frankenberger.pam@mahb.com or download the flyer HERE. Advance purchase is required and seats are limited. | |
|
NMC BARBECUE
The 57th annual event is slated for Sunday, May 20th. This year a drawing will be held for 2 years of tuition at NMC. Tickets are $6.00. For more information about the NMC Barbecue, call 995-1020. If you are interested in working the HBA serving line from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. that day, please call Kathy at 946-2305 or email kathy@hbagta.com.
|
|
NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOUGHT
|
The HBA thrives due to the commitment of dedicated members who give their time to make association events successful. At this time, we are looking for people who would like to get more involved and try out an HBA committee.
New members are needed to keep fresh perspective and generate new ideas. We are looking for one or two more for each of the following committees: Parade of Homes, Showcase of Remodeled Homes, and a new Fundraising Committee to begin work this summer. Also, we would value additional builders on our Membership Committee. If you are interested in serving on a committee, or just trying one out, contact Kathy at kathy@hbagta.com or call the office at 231-946-2305. |
|
WELCOME NEW BUILDER MEMBERS
Joe Millward
Millward Custom Homes
(231) 946-9029
Joel Peterson
Insignia Homes
(616) 291-1816
|
|
NEW MAHB WEBSITE
MAHB has gone to a new format for our website www.buildingmichigan.org. The site will continue to undergo some changes in the weeks ahead, but the idea is to have the main page be consumer oriented. The idea is also to raise a few advertising dollars and keep our website costs down. We still have all the same member information on the site; it just won't be the main page focus. Also, members will have to login and create a new login and password for the site. Members can contact Diana Dixon at the MAHB (517) 646-2553 if they are having any difficulty logging in.
Bob Filka, CEO
| |
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
It was an honor this morning to attend the Chamber's Top Ten Small Business Award breakfast at the Hagerty Center. Over 200 companies applied for this Chamber distinction. The judges have now narrowed the field to ten diverse, local Traverse City companies.
It was a privilege to share the morning with all the honorees, but especially with three of them who are dedicated HBA members. We were so excited for them that we closed the office this morning so the entire staff could say kudos to them personally! Congratulations and best wishes to Pure Water Works, Signs Now and Traverse Repro!
As the program unfolded, each entrepreneur had a story to tell - not so much of success, but often of failures and the lessons learned. They spoke of vision and passion and persistence. When others didn't believe . . . they chose to believe in themselves!
Isn't this truly what separates winners from losers? It isn't so much about special aptitude or innate talent, but rather finding and using the right tools. Your toolbox is certainly full of neat little gadgets that perhaps you haven't tried in years. Why don't you dust them off and give them a try!
Kathy
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
kathy@hbagta.com
www.hbagta.com
231.946.2305
|
WE WANT YOU TEE'D OFF IN MAY! | |
Don't miss this year's annual HBA Golf Outing scheduled for Thursday, May 31st at the Grand Traverse Resort. Traditionally, this annual event occurs on the first Friday in June - but this year it is one day earlier and falls into May which may catch folks off guard. Now is the time to make your reservations. The cost is $85 per person and includes, golf, cart, and dinner.
Foursomes are filling up fast so make your reservations soon. The deadline is May 24th. To get an entry form, click below:
GOLF REGISTRATION FORM
Contact Kerry Gartland @ 946-2305 for more information. |
|
ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION HELD MONDAY | |
 On May 14th, at the final General Membership meeting of the spring, the HBA will have the honor of recognizing several members who have exemplified their leadership, dedication and commitment to the organization and their community. We hope that you will be on hand at 6 p.m. when past president, Rob Whims, announces this year's winners of the Humanitarian of the Year, Support Member of the Year, and the Emerging Leader of the Year.
President Burkholder will also recognize the recipients of the 2012 HBA Scholarships. This year $2500 was awarded. Steffanie Priest, daughter of Doug and Janet Priest and Cody Wooters, son of Natalie and Dave Foisie, will receive HBA/NMC "Home-in-a-Day" Scholarships to attend NMC. Christopher Doerr, a senior at Traverse City West will receive the HBA Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Award. He intends to pursue a degree in Architecture at the University of Michigan this fall. | |
RSVP |
|
BIG MONEY, BIG FIRMS WEIGH IN AGAINST FLEXIBLE CODE CYCLE | | |
 The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee held its first hearing on House Bill 4561 this past Thursday, April 26th and the hearing room was packed with opponents of the measure who continued to engage in a campaign of misinformation designed to undermine the sound public policy approach offered by the bill.
Company after company, many with financial incentives to oppose the bill, stepped to the microphone to predict the collapse of Michigan's economy and a reduction in public safety in Michigan if the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affair was given the authority to update the codes either every three or every six years as appropriate.
READ MORE |
|
PICTURE THIS
 Are you looking for ways to promote your properties or projects more effectively? Would you like to have professional photos to post on your website or put in a brochure?
If so, please consider attending a special seminar, "Picture This" with Jim Blue of BlueLaVa Media on Tuesday, May 22nd from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the HBA office. The cost is $10. Learn more about using your own SLR camera and about the wonderful panoramic photos Jim can provide.
To RSVP, click here or call the HBA office at 231-946-2305
| |
| |
|
PARADE OF HOMES 2012 | |
Each year the premier showcase of the HBAGTA is our summer event, the Parade of Homes and Developments. This year will feature 15 fabulous homes located as far east as Torch Lake and as far north as Leland.
Tickets can be purchased with a credit card online at www.hbagta.com. Advance sale tickets are $10 and $12 once the Parade begins. Ticket Outlet locations are available on our website or CLICK HERE to view the local businesses who are supporting the association by selling this year's Parade tickets
Information on this year's Parade Homes will be available soon on our website at www.hbagta.com.
 Thank you to our generous Corporate Sponsor, TBA Credit Union! Stop by any TBACU branch or visit their website at www.tbacu.com to find out about their Mortgage Lending Programs.
| |
|
"BUILDER'S FOR" EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS
| | |
 The NAHB leadership would like to take this opportunity to answer some of the questions that have been raised by concerned members regarding email communications that many of you received from the respective chairmen of the "Builders for Romney" effort on April 4 and of the "Builders for Obama" effort on May 3.
First and foremost, we want to reaffirm that NAHB does not endorse or support any candidate for President of the United States. That said, it is essential for our membership to be politically engaged and educated about the candidates in this election season, and that was the impetus behind the "Builders for" program. This program allows the designated chairman of a member group supporting a given presidential candidate to send an informational email to fellow members about that candidate.
READ MORE |
CELL PHONE BAN TO REMAIN | |
| |
 House Bill 5228 exempts INTRASTATE Commercial Motor Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,000 pounds or less from selected provisions within the Motor Carrier Safety Act including from annual vehicle inspections, "spot" inspections during traffic stops, the requirement that the vehicles display boldly their USDOT numbers, minimum bonding requirements and others. The Michigan Association of Home Builders has supported this bill which passed the House 110-0 and is now in the Senate.
However, because of the potential loss of federal transportation funds, the DOT ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones will continue to apply to vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
For a Q&A sheet on what is and isn't allowed click here.
|
FREE WEBINAR TO ADDRESS APPRAISAL ISSUES
| |
If you're one of the many NAHB members who've encountered serious challenges in obtaining accurate appraisals on new construction, you might want to check out our upcoming Builders' Guide to Appraisalswebinar. The discussion will focus on recent changes in appraisal standards and practices, ways to improve communication with lenders and appraisers, tips on dealing with appraisals in distressed markets and ways to address appraisal errors, among other subjects. This webinar also counts as one hour of continuing education credit for NAHB professional designations. Below is all the information you need to register:
What: Builders' Guide to Appraisals webinar
When: May 16, 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
WEBINAR REGISTRATION
Contact: Steve Linville (800-368-5242 x8597)
| |
|
WHAT DO YOU DO?
| | |
 This is a question most associates and builders are asked at General Membership meeting after introductions are made. How do you respond when asked?
- I sell lumber
- I provide insurance
- I am a sales rep for lighting fixtures
- I am a mortgage broker
- I am a builder and remodeler
Those are just a few of the many disciplines in the member ranks and those are typical answers to the question, "What do you do?" Quite honestly, nothing very exciting there!
Usually folks have about 30 seconds to present themselves. Each person has their own uniqueness, their own brand. However, chances are most of us have not given it much thought. So let's begin with some basics:
- Who are you?
- What is your company?
- What product or service do you offer?
- What type of customers do you serve?
- How are you different from the competition?
Seems like more than 30 seconds worth of information, but you will be able to streamline it if you give it some thought. Take the above information and write it down. Rehearse the answers and blend them together. Consider making a 30 second commercial and even recording or videotaping yourself. Maybe practice in front of a mirror so that you can see how others "hear" and "see" you.
On behalf of NAHB Mike Kurpiel, CGA, CGP |
THE SENATE REGULATORY REFORM COMMITTEE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU TODAY! | |
| |
Executive Vice President for Government Relations
MAHB
With a second hearing scheduled (but no vote) on House Bill 4561, the Flexible Code Cycle bill, in the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee for this Thursday, May 10th, opponents of the measure, including major international companies and the private companies that write and publish the codes, are spending big money, hundreds of thousands of dollars, in their campaign of misinformation, spin, half-truths and outright falsehoods to gain allies and to swing votes against this common-sense regulatory reform. They're counting on your silence to help them win.
Lead by those with financial incentives to oppose the bill, they would like postpone or even prevent a vote on HB 4561 in the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee. Failing that they hope to prevent the bill from gaining the four votes needed to send it to the floor for a vote by the entire 38-member Senate.
One of the methods they are using is to pack the committee room with allies, each of whom submits a card in opposition to the bill, counting on sheer numbers to defeat the bill. We know you can't take the time away from work to attend these committee meetings but you don't need to.
With a mouse click, you can help set the record straight on HB 4561 and make sure Michigan's Construction Code is in place to protect public safety-not to help companies sell products.
Click on the link below and complete the simple email form. You don't need a name or password. Just fill in your name, address and email in the form directly under the message. You don't need to fill in the business information unless you want to. If you do fill it in and if your business address is in another district then an email will be generated to that legislator as well. Your email will be sent to every member of the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee asking them to support House Bill 4561.
Remember, the people who want to use the code to create a market for their products don't want you to contact the committee. They don't want the committee to see the widespread support for this simple reform. And they don't want the committee to know the truth about what HB 4561 does and doesn't do.
Don't give them what they want. Click on the link below and then scroll down to send an email to the committee today.
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
SEND MESSAGE
Lee Schwartz |
|
| | |
NMC Energy Center Events
May 21st - 6-9 p.m. Parson-Stulen Room 222-224. Free of Charge
"Distributed Combined Heat and Power Systems".
Upcoming Tours
June 9th - 1-5 p.m. Wind Energy Tour. Cost $19
For more information call: NMC Extended Education (231) 995-1700 or www.nmc.edu/energy.
|
TOGETHER WE STRENGTHEN & PROTECT | |
|
Membership in the local, state and national association has benefits that strengthen and protect your business. Take advantage of the affinity programs through NAHB Member Advantage, MAHB Membership Pays and our local Member to Member Program along with these other options:
Networking - One of the most valuable benefits of membership is networking. Business relationships are built on trust and credibility. Members network at numerous association events with other builders, subcontractors and others doing business in the building industry.
Continuing Education - From changing codes to the ever-changing market, members owe it to themselves and their customers to educate themselves on what's new and what's necessary in the industry. Contact your local association or the national association for classes or designation programs.
Legislative - From tax increases to building code changes, results of many legislative decisions impact your livelihood. MAHB is the only statewide association representing the residential building industry at the Capitol. Are your business interests worth protecting?
Political Affairs - Who are the people that make decisions on the laws and regulations that affect your business? Contribute to Friends of Housing to support and endorse candidates that vote to support small businesses and the building industry. |
|
"DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER"
| |
| |
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.
|
|
SPONSORSHIPS AND ADVERTISING AVAILABLE FOR E-NEWS
| |
|
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.
|
|
PAY ONLINE AND SAVE YOUR TIME!
| |
| |
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:
-
-
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! |
|
