The Buzz October 2008

North American Deck And Railing Association

October 2008

The BUZZ October 2008

From the Deck of the President

Dear Members and Prospective Members:

As you look around at the fall colors I wish you could see the view from here. I know a lot of you are feeling the pinch of the latest economic issues and the Presidential election but here at NADRA we are seeing some amazing things happening. We continue to grow and change to meet the needs of the industry. I know it is hard to believe that there is anything positive happening right now but with all that is happening here you have to see the view to believe it.

One of the reasons for our initial formation was from the forced change from pressure treated lumber to ACQ. It was realized that deck builders did not have a voice as individuals but as a group could stand together as one. With the efforts of the code committee we now have a voice in the ICC meetings and are working closely with them on several projects. This relationship is growing and the possibilities are very exciting. NADRA has become the voice we were all looking for and we are beginning to see the results of these efforts.

Another area of concern at that first meeting was Industry Education (or lack of) and we have made great strides forward in this area as well. NADRA 's work in this important area has lead to over 60 educational courses in just the last three years. With NADRA Chapters now in over 7 major markets and another dozen forming, we have 14 regional educational events scheduled for 2009.

The last item I will mention is the growth we are seeing in local chapters. This has been an explosion and with the help of companies like Parksite we have seen chapters up and running in fairly short order. The local builders are seeing the results of working together to make everyone better. A couple local chapters have completed projects in the Deck for a SoldierŽ
(D4S) program. Just ask anyone involved if helping with a D4S project affected them personally, you really want to be around this type of energy. The sky really is the limit in these local chapters and the way NADRA can really make a difference in your market. Each area of the country has its own issues and ways of doing business. There is not one overall model where NADRA can be the answer to every issue you face but as individual chapters you can address your local needs and help NADRA be more and maybe reach that goal of helping every builder be more profitable and run better businesses. We are the best of the best in this industry and we can shine as bright as any star in the sky. Yes, the view from here is great and I would like to show you what I can see. Join me as we grow and watch your view of what is happening around you change as well.

Sincerely,

Shawn Miller

NADRA President

Deck Photo of The Month

Built By: American Deck
Baltimore, MD

NADRA Events

NADRA On The Road This Fall

NADRA HQ has been busy on the road this Fall season. Our schedule was filled with setting up booths and meeting and greeting current and prospective NADRA members at regional events here on the east coast.

The Remodeling Show: September 12 - 12, 2008 Baltimore, MD

The 2008 Remodeling Show was held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland, September 10 - 12. The three-day event gave remodeling professionals the opportunity to build their business by networking with top manufacturers. More than 300 companies filled the trade show floor, providing attendees with 88,000+ square feet of practical information and business opportunities. NADRA was the co-sponsor of the Deck Competition. All competitors started the build the minute the show began. By noon on the 3rd day 5 beautiful decks were built. Featured below is the winner of the Deck Competition sponsored by NADRA members Tiger Claw & Viance. Also participating were Azek, Moisture Shield, TAMKO and Dry Joist.

Parksite Open House: September 24 - 25, 2008
North Brunswick, NJ

Deck and Rail Challenge
Ralph Udall, Sales Manager, NJ

On September 24th and 25th, North Brunswick Parksite hosted over 200 dealers and contractors for their first Rail and Deck open house. Product seminars were given on AZEKŽ Building Products, Fiber Composites deck and railing along with a presentation on the features and benefits of NADRA. In addition, a hands-on demonstration showing how to install both the AZEK and FC railings was provided by Parksite's Deck Specialists Lainie Sleppin, John May and Tom Englander. The feedback received from all who attended was great!

Parksite Open House 2008

Wolftoberfest: October 8-9th, 2008 Allentown, PA

On October 8th and 9th, the Building Products Group hosted the company's 5th annual Wolftoberfest. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Allentown, PA attended by 250 customers from 150 different dealer locations. 20 vendor booths featuring product information and displays were the main attraction.

In addition to product booths, Wolf provided information on "Green Building," showcasing which Wolf products meet Green standards.

The Kitchen and Bath Group was also on hand to preview a new line of metal cabinetry for garage and outdoor kitchen use that will be available in March 2009.

After the show, customers were invited to participate in a little
relaxation with Golf at the Old Homestead Golf Course or Skeet shooting at Lehigh Valley Clay. Good times were had by all!

Wolftoberfest Photo 1

Codes & Standards Committee:

NADRA to participate in FAH

Your Codes and Standards committee worked hard in preparation for the Final Action Hearings of the International Code Council September 17 - 25, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Committee Chairman, Diana Hanson (Woodpile Construction), as well as, Committee Member - Mark Guthrie (Fastenmaster) were attendance and participated for the benefit of consumer and industry related interests in the deck, dock, and railing industry. Look for new Codes and Standards page on www.nadra.org for full report (expected to be live next week).

We Need Your Input:

In a short couple of months, the 2009 - 2010 code cycle begins for the IRC and IBC model codes (ICC - International Code Council). In keeping with NADRA's efforts to improve building code, we would like to hear from you! Your Codes and Standards committee is gearing up to represent our industry, and we need your input.

Attention Builders:
Please tell us your experiences with your local building department and code enforcement officials. Please tell us about code sections that you interpret one way, and the building inspector interprets another. If we could make an area of the building code clearer - what would you ask for? Please send an email to codes@nadra.org and tell us your concerns.

Attention Manufacturers/Suppliers:
Please tell us specific areas of the model codes (IRC, IBC, IFC, etc.) that you feel could be made clearer. Are there sections that directly affect your business that could be improved to be more effective? Email codes@nadra.org

Attention Code Officials:

Are there areas of the code that you consistently interpret differently than the builders in your area? Tell us what they are - Email

coded@nadra.org

NADRA Codes and Standards Committee will evaluate submissions for ways in which the code might be improved for deck safety and the benefit of our industry. Do your part! Talk to us! Email codes@nadra.org.

NADRA Benefit Highlight

Website Marketing Program:

NADRA encourages its members to take advantage of member benefits.

As a NADRA member - receive your company webpage on the NADRA website. This is included in your NADRA membership! Receive a direct link from NADRA's "Find a Builder / Suppliers" pages to your own personal webpage.
     ˇ Description of your products and
        services and photo
     ˇ Your full color company logo
     ˇ Phone number/fax, toll free number,
        sales contact and years in business
     ˇ Search engine optimization
     ˇ Lead generation form processing
     ˇ Set up Fee: NONE
     ˇ Recurring Annual Maintenance and
        Marketing Fee: NONE
     ˇ Lead Processing: $2.50/Qualified Lead (for webmaster)

*View website for additional Upgrade Packages under the members only section of the website!

This allows us to drive traffic to your business and generate quality leads, creating an improved internet presence for your company.

If you have not yet taken advantage of this NADRA benefit, call today. 1.888.623.7248.
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