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| LR Swadley, President |
Hello Everyone!
The 2012 UP Builders Show is behind us now. All indications were it was well received with attendance similar to last year a little over 7,200. We had 219 booths from 132 Exhibitors. It was nice to see that 26 of the exhibitors were new to our show. Many exhibitors said that folks were generally more interested in getting estimates rather than just looking around. Thanks to everyone who participated as exhibitors, and all those UPBA Board and Exchange Board members who helped out with planning, layout, managing and the tear down of the show. The public really depends on our organizations to pull this show off each year, and once again everyone pulled it off. Given the incredibly mild weather the UP has been experiencing since the last major snowfall, I'm sure that spring fever has now definitely taken hold of everyone.
We were fortunate to host Colin Herren MAHB President up at our Marquette and Houghton general membership meetings last month. Collin is very knowledgeable about all the issues that phase our industry and gave us detailed updates on how we are doing around the State. He is a Home Builder in Mt. Pleasant and knows all too well the changes and support we need from Lansing. Given the countless hours and days one in this position volunteers on our behalf, Colin is an outstanding example of giving back to your profession and community. We are very fortunate to have him at the helm of MAHB.
Over the last month we have had some good news out of Lansing on our legislative agenda. The House passed HB 4134 the inventory home tax and it is now in the Senate. The Governor has stated that he will sign it into law once it reaches his desk. This will provide much needed relief and incentive on any Builder building spec homes or condos for sale in the State from paying full non- homestead rate on property taxes until the home is sold. We expect 2012 to continue at a fast pace with additional home building legislative success. You can see a list of successes and our 2012 legislative issues at www.buildmichigan.org under the legislative section of the member's only page.
Traditionally home building has been a major contributor to economic recovery and a significant share of those jobs comes from our associates. NAHB estimates that for every 1,000 homes built, 3,000 jobs are created directly. Half of those jobs are on site construction jobs such as framers, plumbers, electricians, drywaller installers, and the many other sub- contractors needed to complete a home. The other half of the jobs are created in the manufacturing and related industries that produce our products and professional services. Nearly half of NAHB associate members are subcontractors or specialty trades.
Do business with a Member! We appreciate your support of our associate members and one of our own, Tom Anderson of the Window Outfitters has stepped up to help our association and is sponsoring our next general membership meeting. Tom and his team will be hosting a Members showcase at the Window Outfitters at 230 US 41 East in Negaunee Township, on Wednesday April 18th, with the meeting, food, and drinks starting at 5:30. I encourage you to come out and support our organization,
Bring someone and network together.
All the Best,
LR Swadley
President
