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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
May 23, 2012
National Membership Day
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am
May 24, 2012
Deadline to register for Golf Outing
May 28, 2012
Memorial Day - Office Closed
May 31, 2012
Annual Golf Outing
Grand Traverse Resort
9:00 am shotgun start
June 7, 2012
Parade Committee 8:00 am
June 10 & June 11, 2012
Parade of Homes Pre-Judging
June 16 - 24, 2012
PARADE OF HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS
June 19, 2012
NO Membership Committee Meeting
June 20, 2012
NO Executive Board Meeting
June 27, 2012
NO Board of Directors Meeting
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NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOUGHT
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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. |
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. | |
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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
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HB 4561 GAINING WIDESPREAD SUPPORT
Flexible Building Code Legislation Will Protect Safety, Reduce Costs and Allow Homebuilders To Use The Latest Technologies and Energy Saving Materials In Construction
A broad-based coalition of groups in lining up in support legislation that will give state regulators more flexibility in updating Michigan's Building Construction Code. House Bill 4561, known as the Flexible Code Cycle Bill was approved on bipartisan 68-39 vote in the State House last fall, is currently before the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.
HB 4561 will bring Michigan in line with 35 other states and the District of Columbia by allowing state regulators the flexibility to update Michigan's Building Code on either a three-year or six-year code cycle. Current law requires the state of update the Code every three years, despite the fact that updates usually contain only minor changes. The three-year mandate cost industry and government officials more than $13 million in 2009, an expense that is particularly hard on cash-strapped local units of governments.
READ MORE |
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Greetings!
Today I feel compelled to write about something near and dear to my heart . . . common courtesy and gratitude! Why now? Because the memory is fresh and the "feel good" lingers.
This past weekend our HBA had the pleasure of participating in the 57th annual NMC barbecue. Our Green Build Grand Traverse Committee volunteered to man a serving line at this community picnic, as they have for the last 6 years. It is a festive affair enjoyed by nearly 10,000 attendees and a truly class act of community collaboration.
 In the blistering heat of 90+ degree temps, we dutifully dished out the standard fare of buffalo burgers, potato salad, baked beans and condiments. As the heat index rose, you would think that the revelers might get a little crabby. But this was not the case! Nearly everyone who came through said something encouraging. Without exception, young and old said "thank you" - thank you for being here today . . . . thank you for supporting our community! Nearly every child I served also said "Yes, please." and "No, thank you". Wow! I found myself smiling for reasons unapparent to our guests.
The fact that we got recognition and were appreciated for something like this was incredibly reaffirming. It made me and my colleagues proud to be part of something bigger than ourselves. To all of you who stopped to say a kind word and acknowledge our volunteers, "Thank YOU!"
I also wish to acknowledge our outstanding HBA line crew: Max Strickland, Scott and Cathan Wright, Dan Harris, Ryan Bishoff, Jim and Wendy Anderson, Steve and Pam Doty-Nation, and Steve Eveleigh.
Kathy
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
kathy@hbagta.com
www.hbagta.com
231.946.2305
To view additional photos visit the HBAGTA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hbagta |
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ARE YOU TEE'D OFF? | |
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 this Thursday, May 24th. Click below to get an entry form.
GOLF REGISTRATION FORM
Contact Kerry Gartland @ 946-2305 for more information.
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ATTEND JULY 20TH RALLY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP | | | |
 Some have suggested that homeownership has lost its importance as a stabilizing force for families and our local, state and national economies. This shortsighted view needs to be countered and the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) is working to do just that by staging an important Rally for Homeownership this summer-and you're invited. The rally will be held on July 20th from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at the Gardenview Estates development near the corner of Joy Rd. and the Ford Freeway in the City of Detroit. Lunch will be provided and invited speakers will include various local, state and federal officials. This non-partisan event is being organized by the National Association of Home Builders in partnership with the MAHB and the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan. It is open to any and all who are interested in protecting homeownership. To register for the rally and/or to sign a petition on this important topic, click here.
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CPR, AED AND FIRST AID FOR COMMUNITY HELPERS | | |
 Contractors are required by law to have trained personnel on their job sites. The HBA is sponsoring a 2 ½ training on Thursday, June 28th. The cost is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. At the conclusion of the class, students will receive their OSHA First Aid card and reference text.
For more information or to register, click here. |
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FLOWERS BLOOM IN SPRING AND SO DO SCAMS
 Several MAHB members across the state have recently received solicitations to buy, at an outrageous price, a copy of the OSHA Fall Protection rules. Once again this is a case of a company trying to sell you something you can get for free.
Go to www.michigan.gov/mioshaand click on the Residential Fall Protection Initiative link at the bottom of the page. You may download everything you need, as well as some good advice, for free from MIOSHA's website.
You should always exercise caution when you receive offers to buy forms/signs/anything else needed to comply with the law. In many cases these are available at no cost from the regulatory agency. | |
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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.
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FOUR RECEIVE HBA TOP HONORS | |
Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area Inc. recently announced their Annual Association Award Winners. Eric Palmer, of Traverse Reproduction & Supply was recognized as the Outstanding Support Member of the Year for his work with the annual Home EXPO. He was given the Jim Alpers Award.
Gretchen Knoblock and Carol Buck of New Leaf Interiors were co-honored for their work with the Children's Advocacy Center. They received the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Doug Priest of Priest Painting and Wallpapering was honored as the Emerging Leader of the Year. Awards were presented recently at a membership meeting held at T.C. Millworks in Traverse City. |
 | | Left to Right: Eric Palmer, Gretchen Knoblock, Carol Buck and Doug Priest |
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HEADS UP ON "VOLUNTARY AUDITS" BY MAHB | |
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 The State Department of Treasury is sending out a number of voluntary audits on unpaid use taxes. Given the increasing amount of purchases being made online by businesses, they are attempting to get businesses to "come clean" on past purchases where they may have inadvertently not paid the state use tax. If you receive a voluntary audit request, MAHB strongly encourages you to take the time to respond. We have had cases of members undergoing full blown audits on this issue and in those situations, if Treasury finds errors in reporting unpaid use taxes, they will and are going back as many as ten years. Our understanding is that this voluntary audit request is asking businesses to go back four years. MAHB will be posing some questions to the Treasury Department on this topic, but wanted to give everyone.
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YOUR STRONG VOICE OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY STATEWIDE | |
As a member of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. you're automatically a member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB), one of the most powerful trade associations in the state.
With a strong voice for the home building industry statewide, MAHB promotes home ownership and fights legislation that would result in cost increases to the residential buyer. Through its lobbying efforts, the MAHB Friends of Housing speaks for you in Lansing, educating elected officials about the realities of the home building industry, promoting sound, positive legislation, and keeping you informed of new laws and regulations that can critically affect your profitability and the way you do business.
READ MORE
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THE EXCELLENCE CLUB FOR HBA MEMBERS | | |
The HBA is pleased to be able to offer to all members a webinar-based Marketing & Sales Training Program. The program has been underwritten by MAHB and features Kyle Hunt of Remodel Your Marketing, Inc.
THERE IS NO COST TO YOU TO PARTICIPATE!
The first of twelve monthly sessions begins in June.
The first 45 Minute Lesson is on June 21st from 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.: What You Must Do to Make a Great First Impression. WATCH THIS VIDEO to see a brief preview.
Every month there will also be a 1-hour Q & A phone call. You can call in and ask your questions directly to Kyle or listen to what other members are asking. This is your opportunity to ask ANY marketing, sales or business related question you have. We'll have a great, value-packed call each month. The first Marketing & Sales Question & Answer Call will be: June 28th from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
To attend the webinar on June 21st and Q & A on June 28th
Call This Number: 559-726-1300
Enter Participant Code: 524986 |
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS HONORED | | |
The HBA presented their annual Scholarship Awards at a meeting of the membership on May 14th. Steffanie Priest, daughter of Doug and Janet Priest, (Priest Painting & Wallpapering) and Cody Wooters son of Natalie Foisie (Van Drie Home Furnishings) and Dave Foisie (Pella Windows and Doors by Horne) received HBA/NMC "Home-in-a-Day" Scholarships. Christopher Doerr was the recipient of the HBA Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Award. He was nominated by HBA member, Sarah Bourgeois, Architect. He intends to pursue a degree in Architecture at the University of Michigan this fall.
 | | Pictured (Left to Right) -Pat Woods, mother of Christopher Doerr, Cody Wooters and Steffanie Priest |
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TOGETHER WE STRENGTHEN & PROTECT | |
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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. |
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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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