The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association
Vol. 41, No.2, Spring 2011
Top 10 NCHBA Actions to Benefit Members Get More from Your Membership Regional Meeting Recap
FUNCTIONAL, AESTHETIC, LOGICAL
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Spring 2011
Features Visit us at booth #834
The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association
2005 Communicator Award Winner
Dedicated to the advancement of the home building industry, North Carolina Builder (ISSN 1552-8685) is published monthly for the members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, P.O. Box 99090, Raleigh, N.C. 27624-9090. (800) 662-7129 • http://www.nchba.com Mike Carpenter Executive Vice President and General Counsel
V ol . 41, N o . 2, S pring 2011
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mcarpenter@nchba.org
Lisa Martin Director of Government Affairs
lmartin@nchba.org
Robert Privott Director of Codes and Construction rprivott@nchba.org Jessica Hayes Director of Political Affairs Kathryn Atkinson Director of Membership Services Deborah Alford Director of Exhibitions and Education
jhayes@nchba.org katkinson@nchba.org dalford@nchba.org
Tracie Garrett Director of Exhibitor Services
tgarrett@nchba.org
Kep Paylor Vocational Education
kpaylor@nchba.org
Mike Elledge Controller
melledge@nchba.org
Erin Jones Manager of Political Operations
ejones@nchba.org
Heather Crews Director of Communications and Managing Editor
hcrews@nchba.org
Brittany Carter Assistant Education Coordinator
bcarter@nchba.org
Beth Gray Receptionist
bgray@nchba.org
Publisher Kevin Naughton Graphic Designer Jason Gabel Advertising Sales Manager Brenda Poe Advertising Sales Marsha Suwienski: (800) 935-1592, ext. 106 marshas@wildblue.net Brenda Poe: (800) 935-1592, ext. 115 bpoe@printcomm.com Published by:
Top 10 2010 NCHBA actions to benefit members
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Regional meetings set attendance record; produce excellent discussion
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Get the most out of your HBA membership
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Golf tournament raises funds for scholarships
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Contents 4. President’s Message 11. NC BUILD-PAC 12. NCHBA News On the cover: EFC Builders earned a 2010 STARS Award for the Earle residence outdoor living space. They added two levels of living and entertaining space to the rear of the home including two screened porches, an upper level deck with large hot tub and summer kitchen, and lower level paver patio with benches and a fire pit. In addition, EFC Builders, owned by Geoff and Deborah Bowen, was named the prestigious 2010 Distinguished Builder of the Year at the STARS Awards Gala. Photograph credit: Wes Stearns of Artist Eye Photography
2929 Davison Rd., Flint, MI 48506 • (810) 239-5763
Acceptance of advertising in North Carolina Builder does not imply endorsement of the product or service by NCHBA. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted and not necessarily those of NCHBA, nor does mention of specific products in editorial content imply endorsement by NCHBA. No material may be reproduced for further publication without the express permission of the association. North Carolina Builder is published for the principals and employees of all member firms of the North Carolina Home Builders Association and its receipt Affiliated with the Association is included in the membership fee. North Carolina National of Home Builders. Builder is published six times per year. Since the mailing list used by North Carolina Builder is compiled according to membership records, address corrections should be directed to your local association. Dues paid to NCHBA are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. NCHBA estimates that the nondeductible portion of your 2011 dues — the portion that is allocable to lobbying — is 31 percent.
Spring 2011
NCHBA Calendar 2011 Schedule of Events May 24 National Membership Day April 29 NCHBECF, Inc. Builder Classic Scholarship Golf Tournament Greensboro, N.C.
June 7-8 NCHBA Legislative Conference & 2nd Quarter Board Meeting Raleigh, N.C.
May 18-21 NAHB Spring Board Meeting Washington, DC North Carolina Builder 3
President’s Message
by Bill Daleure, 2011 NCHBA President
I
Helping Our Members Survive
hope your 2011 is off to a good start. The North Carolina These six key objectives are supported by 26 goals and Home Builders Association is off to a fast start this year and even more strategies to achieve each goal and thereby each is moving forward with a new strategic plan prepared by objective. But how does all this work get done? the NCHBA Executive Committee. The previous strategic All of these important objectives and supporting goals plan was done in 2002 in a very different environment and are being assigned to existing NCHBA committees and staff time for our industry. To support our theme of “Helping our members to develop the creative ideas and tactical measures Members Survive,” our new strategic plan is designed to better to achieve each objective. It’s not business as usual for our Daleure communicate with our members, provide better educational committees this year. Committee members will be able to classes, increase membership in the local HBAs and provide more flex their creative muscle to meet the challenges before us and make value to you, our members. All this and an aggressive legislative agenda significant accomplishments toward building strong local HBAs and will make 2011 both exciting and historic. hence maintaining a strong NCHBA. These objectives will guide us through the next two to five years, helping our members survive and The Plan preparing us for the housing boom that is sure to come. The six key objectives of our strategic plan are as follows: The People • Objective I—NCHBA will commit its energy and resources You can play an important role in these exciting and historic events. to providing valued services to all of the members, regardless of Commit to becoming involved in one or two NCHBA committees size, including home builders, remodelers, and associate members, that meet during the quarterly Board Meetings.Work with your fellow through effective communication of industry initiatives, leadership members to creatively accomplish some of these objectives and know training, and education. you had a part in the success of building a stronger, more sustainable • Objective II—NCHBA will be a political, legislative, regulatory, home builders association, while improving the industry that represents and legal advocate for its members to promote the financial our livelihood. sustainability and affordability of housing; the fair and unburdened Another way you can become involved and make a difference is to business practices for its members; and the identification and attend the NCHBA Legislative Conference June 7-8 in Raleigh. We’ll support of those seeking to be elected to government office who go to the Legislature and lobby our senators and representatives on support the mission of NCHBA. issues important to our industry. It is amazing what impact constituents • Objective III—NCHBA is committed to being the voice for have on their elected representatives when they meet them face to face environmentally conscious and affordable housing for the citizens with a group of their peers. of North Carolina. I encourage you to become involved in some way and be a • Objective IV—NCHBA is committed to maintaining and part of this dynamic organization. Please feel free to contact the supporting highly knowledgeable staff members for the purposes NCHBA office to do so or contact me directly. Together we can of carrying out its mission. help our members survive and be prepared for the bright future • Objective V—NCHBA is committed to financial soundness of that is ahead. its organization and to its subsidiary local associations. • Objective VI—NCHBA is committed to assisting its members in exploring business and housing alternatives in a shifting culture and unstable economy.
2011 NCHBA Leadership Bill Daleure, President Erik Anderson, President-Elect J. Gary Hill, First Vice President Lyle Gardner, Immediate Past President & NAHB Executive Committee State Rep. Buddy Hughes, NAHB Executive Committee Mike Carpenter, Executive Vice President Patrick Mann,Vice President, Region I Glenn Morrison,Vice President, Region II Chad D. Collins,Vice President, Region III Ralph Doggett,Vice President, Region IV Densel Williams,Vice President, Region V 4 North Carolina Builder
Brian Pace,Vice President, Region VI Marty Needham,Vice President, Region VII Brian Robinett,Vice President, Region VIII Kevin Annas,Vice President, Region IX Sean Sullivan,Vice President, Region X Barry Tutor, Secretary/Treasurer Elliot Mann, Presidential Appointee Mike Gerber, Presidential Appointee Jeff Stokley, Presidential Appointee Mary Ann Brafford, Associate Members Chair Natalie Woodbury, Executive Officers Chair Emilee Collins, NCPWB Chair Spring 2011
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Top 10 NCHBA Actions to Benefit Our Members in 2010
T
he North Carolina Home Builders Association works diligently to protect the interests of the home building industry. To summarize our most important work in 2010, we compiled a list of the “Top 10 NCHBA Actions to Benefit Our Members in 2010.” While it was difficult to narrow down the work NCHBA did in 2010 to just ten items, we feel these actions resulted in the biggest member benefit.
1. Stopped Residential Sprinkler Proposal NCHBA won a major victory in December when the NC Building Code Council rejected an effort to require residential sprinklers in single-family homes as called for by the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). Smoke detectors, which are already required by the Code, provide excellent protection for life; sprinklers merely protect property. As well the Council allowed builders who voluntarily choose to install sprinklers in townhomes to utilize a common 1-hour fire resistant instead of the required 2-hour fire resistant rated wall assembly. COST SAVINGS: $7,000-$21,000 per house from proposed sprinkler mandate.
2. Negotiated Compromise on Energy Efficiency Mandates Also in December, NCHBA won another major victory when the NC Building Code Council rejected a number of code changes designed to increase residential energyefficiency by 30%. Instead, the Council approved a compromise, which NCHBA had negotiated with Governor Beverly Perdue, which adopted the 2009 International Residential Energy Code requirements (with NC amendments) designed to increase residential energy efficiency by approximately 15% which costs are to be offset by elimination of unnecessary existing code requirements. NCHBA proposed a lengthy list of code provision candidates for elimination to achieve the estimated $3,687 cost of complying with the 15% requirement. COST SAVINGS in defeating the 30% mandate: $9,718 (on 1,600 sq. ft. house).
3. Led Effort to Make Solving the AD&C Credit Crisis NAHB’s Number One Priority In September, the NCHBA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution calling on NAHB to make solving the AD&C 6 North Carolina Builder
credit crisis NAHB’s number one priority. Lyle Gardner, 2010 NCHBA President, led a successful effort by a coalition of states (NC, TX, NJ & SC) during the NAHB Fall Board Meeting in New York to get this resolution enacted by the NAHB Board of Directors. In Washington, NCHBA worked closely with Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC-13th District) to amend HR 5297 (Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010) on the House Floor to provide builder access for AD&C loans as an eligible category of lending in this $30 billion loan fund authorized for community banks. Despite our best efforts, the Senate failed to include this provision in the final version of the bill. Subsequently, at our request, Congressman Miller got the House to pass HR 6191 in an effort to remedy this omission, but the Senate failed to act on the bill. Mike Carpenter was named to NAHB’s AD&C Task Force, which produced a priority list of possible solutions to the AD&C crisis to guide NAHB action in attacking this critical issue.
4. Repeal of the Unfair Merkley Provision NCHBA intensively and successfully lobbied our NC Congressional delegation to vote to pass the reconciliation bill that included a repeal of the so-called Merkley amendment contained in the Health Care Reform Act passed in 2009. This provision, added at the behest of the unions, would have required construction companies to provide health care coverage if they had 5 or more employees. Repeal of this provision returned our industry to the 50-employee small business threshold before such mandate takes effect. COST SAVINGS: Significant to
members with 5 or more employees who would have been required to provide coverage.
5. Won Final Victory Against Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFO) In October, the NC Supreme Court denied Union County’s petition for it to review the December 2009 decision of the NC Court of Appeals that struck down Union County’s APFO. The Court of Appeals ruled that the General Assembly had never authorized local governments to impose an APFO and to collect fees to allow development to proceed where alleged inadequacy was demonstrated. Citing the Union County decision as controlling authority, the Court of Appeals, in separate cases, also struck down similar ordinance adopted by Cabarrus County and the Town of Cary and required all fees collected to be refunded with interest.This final action by the Supreme Court caused Stanly and Franklin counties to refund fees exacted under their similar APFO schemes. The result of this litigation, initiated by the NCHBA Legal Action Fund, effectively stopped the spread of APFOs in NC, which also have become prevalent in other states. COST SAVINGS: Literally millions of current and future dollars as this ill-advised concept was spreading across NC; the cost savings in Union County alone was $16,000 per house.
6. Provided Critical Tax Relief and Assist With Builder Cash Flow NCHBA amended the law in 2010 that we first passed in 2009 to allow builders to defer local property taxes on unsold builder inventory to ensure that builders in business entities could utilize this tool.While the taxes on the improvements are only deferred and Spring 2011
will have to be paid when the property is transferred (or a maximum of 3 years after first receiving the deferral), this act will help with builder cash flow during this severe economic downturn and may allow the increased tax burden to be shared with the eventual purchaser of the residence. COST SAVINGS: Significant cost deferral for builders with homes in inventory for sale.
7. Preserving Housing Affordability by Extending Certain Development Approvals In 2010, NCHBA successfully added an additional year to the law that we passed in 2009 to extend required development approvals, at both the local and state level, to ensure that these approvals did not expire where current economic conditions would not support proceeding with the planned development. These approvals, from local building permits to various state environmental permits, carry a time certain for their execution. This new law provides that the running of the period of development approval for any approval that is current and valid at any point from January 1, 2008, until December 31, 2011, is suspended for the same time period. COST SAVINGS: Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars in costs to reapply for permits that otherwise would have expired.
8. Builders Mutual Policyholder Dividend NCHBA worked closely with the BMIC Board of Directors and BMIC staff to assure over $1.575 million in NCHBA member-policyholder dividends to be paid in 2011 based on 2010 policyholder experience. In many cases, the amount of this member dividend will more than pay for the policyholder to renew his or her HBA membership. In some cases, the dividend amounts were considerably more—welcome revenue in these difficult times and a return not available to those who insure with other companies. NCHBA is very proud to exclusively endorse the entire BMIC product line and we are appreciative of the wonderful support that BMIC provides to our association and to our members. COST SAVINGS:The historical policyholder refund over the last 3 years has averaged $344.33.
9. Preserve Housing Affordability by Fighting Efforts by the State Banking Commission to Limit Builder Assistance to Homebuyers Who Choose to Utilize Affiliated Builder Mortgage Lenders NCHBA led a successful effort that caused the State Banking Commission to Spring 2011
Member Dues During These Difficult Times
withdraw a proposed rule that would have prohibited builders from offering incentives to homebuyers who utilize a mortgage lender affiliated with the builder. The negotiations on this issue, led by NCHBA, produced a resolution that resulted in the proposed rule being withdrawn. COST SAVINGS: Hundreds of thousands of dollars for prospective homebuyers in incentives preserved and the safeguarding of sales arising from builders with affiliated mortgage lenders.
At its 2nd Quarter Meeting in Raleigh, the NCHBA Board of Directors adopted a resolution calling on NAHB not to raise member dues in 2011 or 2012 due to the difficult economic times facing our members. NCHBA led a coalition of state and local associations at the NAHB Fall Board Meeting in ensuring that no dues increase was included in the 2011 and 2012 NAHB budgets. COST SAVINGS: NAHB gave notice of a potential dues increase of $45 per year in $15 increments over a three year period.
10. Led Effort to Ensure That NAHB Did Not Raise
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North Carolina Builder 7
Region 6
Regional Meetings Set Attendance Record; Produce Excellent Discussion; Speaker of House Attends Region VI Meeting by Mike Carpenter, NCHBA Executive Vice President he North Carolina Home Builders Association held its most successful series of ten regional meetings, from Jan. 31-Feb. 4 across the state. Setting a new attendance record, a collective total of 325 persons attended all ten meetings. Some 51 of our 65 local associations were represented—also a new record. Timely information about NCHBA was imparted at each meeting locale followed by a discussion of statewide, regional and local issues of interest to the attendees. Special guests were featured at several meetings, headlined by a presentation from the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thom Tillis, at the Region VI meeting in Concord.
T
With Appreciation Before briefly summarizing the highlights of each meeting, I would like to extend NCHBA’s sincere appreciation to Builders Mutual Insurance Company for its sponsorship of these meetings and the participation of Mike Gerber, Brad Moock, John Parrish, Mel Whitener, Jerry Cowan, and Katie Mariani in one or more of them. Builders Mutual is our longstanding partner in providing the very best of services to our members, and these regional meetings are but the latest example of BMIC’s continuing commitment to this partnership. Also, I would like to thank the NCHBA senior officers—Bill Daleure, Erik Anderson, Gary Hill, Barry Tutor and Lyle Gardner—for devoting a week out of their busy schedules to help lead these meetings from the mountains to the coast. This year, for the most part, Bill and Lyle went East and Erik and Gary traveled West with Barry hitting meetings on both sides of the state. Their eager
Region I
8 North Carolina Builder
participation vividly demonstrated to our local HBAs the dedication to, and passion for, our association and industry that each of these gentlemen brings to their respective offices. I would also like to thank the NCHBA staff who traveled to one or more of the meetings: Kathryn Atkinson, Heather Crews, Lisa Martin, Erin Jones and Jessi Hayes. In particular, Kathryn and Heather deserve special recognition not only for traveling to the meetings, but also the many hours both spent in putting together the excellent regional notebook that each participant received. This notebook is a wonderful resource for our local HBA leadership to explain and categorize the many services NCHBA offers. Finally, I would also thank our outstanding group of 2011 Regional Vice Presidents for their planning and execution of these meetings.
Meeting Summaries At each meeting, NCHBA services available to local HBAs and members were discussed in detail along with the 2011 goals of the association. Updates on governmental affairs and upcoming events, including the 9th edition of 21st Century Building Expo & Conference and the STARS awards, were on the agenda of each meeting along with relevant material on all 2011 NCHBA events and programs. At Region I Vice President Patrick Mann’s meeting on Feb. 1 in Jacksonville at Logan’s Roadhouse, a total of 43 people attended (37 HBA members and 6 in the traveling party: officers, staff, and BMIC). All 7 of the region’s HBAs were represented: Onslow Co., Brunswick Co., Craven-Pamlico Cos. Carteret Co., Kinston, Wayne Co., and Wilmington-Cape Fear HBA. Among the major issues discussed were: coastal insurance; membership renewal dates in the NAHB system; the prospects for builder mandatory continuing education; and a specific membership concern. Region II Vice President Glenn Morrison reported that twenty people, including 7 in the traveling party, attended the meeting in Williamston on Jan. 31 at the Inn at Moratoc. Local HBAs represented were: Greenville-Pitt County, Northeastern North Carolina and Outer Banks. Major issues the group discussed included: the prospects for mandatory continuing education for contractors; coastal insurance; permitting process at NC DENR; and appraisal and lending matters. In Region III, Vice President Chad D. Collins reported that all but one of his region’s eight HBAs were represented at the meeting held Feb. 4 at the Builders First Center in Raleigh. A great crowd of fifty-two people attended from the HBAs of Durham, Orange & Chatham Cos., Franklin Co., Johnston Co., Raleigh-Wake Co., Sampson Co., Sanford, and Wilson Co. plus ten in the traveling party. Spring 2011
Region 3
Region 4 The issues generating the most discussion were prospects for a state tax credit for the sale of new homes and BUILD-PAC fundraising. The group also heard an excellent presentation from Meredith Oliver, who provided ideas on how an HBA could better communicate with its members. At Region IV Vice President Ralph Doggett’s meeting Feb. 3 at The Cutting Board in Burlington, all five of his region’s HBAs were represented: Alamance-Caswell Counties, Greensboro BA, High Point BA, Granville-Vance Counties, and Roxboro-Person County. A total of 24 attendees (16 HBA members plus 8 in the traveling party) gathered to discuss the following major issues: the proposed new home tax credit; mandatory continuing education for builders; and membership/retention issues. In Region V, Vice President Densel Williams reported that 35 attendees (29 members plus 6 in the traveling party) met at the offices of the Moore Co. HBA in Aberdeen on Feb. 2.Three of the region’s six HBAs were represented: Fayetteville, Richmond Co. and Moore Co. The group heard a special presentation on appraisal issues from Jerrell Coleman which sparked much discussion about that topic as well as conversations on regulatory matters (with emphasis on NC DENR) and the lending crisis. Six of the region’s seven HBAs were represented at the Region VI meeting, according to Vice President Brian Pace. Fortythree attendees including 36 HBA members from the Cabarrus Co., Charlotte, Gaston Co., Lake Norman, Salisbury-Rowan Co., and the Union Co. HBAs enjoyed the meeting on Feb. 4 in Concord at the Speedway Club. The meeting was highlighted by an address from Rep. Tom Tillis, who was recently elected the Speaker of the NC House of
Representatives. The Speaker discussed his goals for the current session and what the business community can expect from the new legislative leadership. Also speaking to the group was newly elected Senator Tommy Tucker, who is a member of the Union Co. and Charlotte HBAs. He shared his personal story of surviving in these difficult economic times. As well, Brian presented a brief market and membership overview for the region. In Region VII, Vice President Marty Needham welcomed the participation of four of his six locals: Davidson Co., Davie Co., Surry County and the Winston-Salem HBAs to the Pilot Knob Park County Club on Feb. 3.Thirteen HBA members joined six in the traveling party. Among the major issues discussed were: lead paint remediation requirements and the availability of a certification classes on that subject being offered by Surry Community College; the prospects for mandatory builder continuing education; unlicensed contractors; and the recently defeated residential sprinkler mandate. In addition, Steve Rayburn from Sandler Sales made a special presentation sharing tips on how to increase work productivity and success. Region VIII Vice President Chad Collins arranged this meeting at an excellent location: the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse in North Wilkesboro. Four out of the six locals in this region attended the meeting held on Feb 2. A total of 20 members from the HBAs of Ashe Co., Hickory-CatawbaValley, Lincoln Co. and Wilkes-Yadkin Counties joined 6 in the traveling party. Former state NCHBA President Sherill Faw (1979) noted that this is the first regional meeting ever to be held in Wilkes County. The proposed new home buyer state tax credit was prominent among the issues discussed by the participants. Also, excellent information was (See Regional Meetings on page 10)
Region 5
Spring 2011
North Carolina Builder 9
Region 7
Region 8
Regional Meetings (continued from page 11)
Region 9
Region 10
10 North Carolina Builder
shared by these HBAs on recent successful fundraisers that each had conducted. According to Region IX Vice President Kevin Annas, a total of 28 people attended his meeting at the Silver Creek Plantation near Morganton on Feb. 1 (twenty-two locals and six in the traveling party). For the second year in a row, members from all six of the region’s local associations (the HBAs of Cleveland Co., Caldwell Co., Rutherford Co., McDowell Co., High Country, and Western Piedmont) were represented. The group’s discussion focused on: issues surrounding the new energy code; the lack of AD&C financing and the credit crisis; local HBA fundraising ideas and success stories; and the lien law. Region X saw five of its seven local HBAs attend according to Vice President Sean Sullivan. Thirty-five attendees (30 HBA members and 5 in the traveling party) gathered for the meeting Jan. 31 at Lion’s Crest on the Biltmore Estate. The following HBAs were well represented at the meeting: Appalachian, Asheville, Haywood Co., Hendersonville, and Transylvania Co. The meeting began with remarks from, and a question and answer period by, newly elected State House member Tim Moffitt from Asheville. Tim is very familiar with
Spring 2011
our industry and is strongly committed to helping it succeed. Among the major issues discussed were: better regulation of unlicensed contractors and abuse of the owner’s exception to licensing; prospects for mandatory builder continuing education; BUILD-PAC; NAHB Builder Link; the new energy code; and AD&C lending issues.
Representation In summary, 51 of the sixty-five local HBAs (78%) were represented at the 10 regional meetings. More importantly, however, these 51 locals represented 92% of our statewide membership. Our leadership and staff will continue to work on the issues discussed at the meetings that require our further attention. Thanks to all who participated in these meetings. Your participation has helped us sharpen our focus on issues important to the grassroots. Now, we hope your participation will extend to the next level: attendance at one of our upcoming state quarterly meetings. If you will come once, I promise you that you will want to come back.
Donate to NC BUILD-PAC in May
M
ay is NC BUILD-PAC month! Throughout the month of May, local associations will be competing against each other to see who can raise the most money and have the highest participation for NC BUILD-PAC. Local associations are broken down into four groups based on their 2010 fundraising totals. This promotes friendly competition among similarly sized associations. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category in each group. The categories are: • Highest percentage of member participation between May 1-May 31 • Highest percentage of goal raised between May 1-May 31 • Most new contributors* between May 1-May 31 The winner in each of the four groups of local associations will have the option of receiving the prize money to go toward their local NC BUILD-PAC reserve or their general fund. This is a great way to earn some extra money for your association, especially during an election year when you can use the money to help support local candidates. Remember that for every dollar given to NC BUILD-PAC, 30 cents goes directly into the local reserve account of your local association. This year we are again focused on broadening participation in NC BUILD-PAC—it is our hope to get at least $10 from each member from every association for this important advocacy program. If you have ever thought about supporting NC BUILD-PAC, this is the month and the time to do it! Contact your local association to find out more about what they are doing to raise money for NC BUILD-PAC and how you can help! *A new NC BUILD-PAC contributor is defined as an individual who has not given to NC BUILD-PAC in the previous five years (May 1, 2006 – April 30, 2011). The NC State Board of Elections reporting software will be the source of information.
21st Century
Building Expo & Conference Door Prizes
Grand Prize
Golf Tournament
Conference: September 14-16, 2011 Exhibits: September 15-16, 2011 Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC STARS Awards Gala
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We make every minute count for YOU! Information and Registration: www.21BuildingExpo.com 1.800.662.7129 Spring 2011
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North Carolina Builder 11
NCHBA News IBS Brings Accolades to North Carolina Members Several members from North Carolina received high honors at the International Builders Show this past January: 1. Nicole Goolsby of the Lake Norman Home Builders Association won the 2010 NAHB Professional Women in Building “Woman of the Year” Award. 2. The Master Customer Service Professional of the Year award went to Tammie Smoot of the HBAs of RaleighWake Co. and Charlotte. 3. Rick Judson of the Charlotte Home Builders Association was elected NAHB 2nd Vice Chairman/Treasurer. Judson will serve as President of the federation in 2013. 4. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry received the Federal and State Plan OSHA Official of the Year Award. Berry, who leads the North Carolina Department of Labor, was nominated by Builders Mutual Insurance Co. for the NAHB Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) Program. Applicants in this award category consist of Federal or State Plan OSHA officials and staff who have made unique efforts to advance safety in the home building industry. 5. The Triangle Sales & Marketing Council won the Best Sales & Marketing Council Award for a third consecutive year at the SMC Nationals Awards. The TSMC has won the prestigious award for seven out of the last eleven years. Also at the Nationals, Huber Engineered Woods in Charlotte, N.C., received Best Marketing Promotion by a Supplier for its Educational Roadshow. 6. Gaye Orr, a member of the HBA of Raleigh-Wake Co., received the Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award at the SMC Nationals. This award is bestowed annually by the Institute of Residential Marketing to an individual who exemplifies these attributes and recognizes those who have committed extraordinary time and effort to IRM’s educational efforts, including instruction, course preparation, and committee involvement.
Educational and Charitable Foundation, Inc. Accepting Scholarship Applications The North Carolina Home Builders Educational Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships based on a combination of need and merit to fouryear college students entering their junior or senior year and technical school students entering their second year who have declared their major in a construction-related field. To be eligible a student must meet the following criteria: 1. Applicants must be nominated by a NCHBA member firm. 2. Nominees shall be immediate family members, related by blood, (i.e. children, step-children or grandchildren). 3. Students related by marriage, (i.e. son-in-law, daughter-inlaw, etc.) shall not be eligible. 4. Immediate family members of any current trustee of the foundation shall not be eligible. 5. Awards are for one year, but scholarship winners may submit a renewal application and be considered for renewal if they make satisfactory progress in their studies. 6. Only full-time students will be considered. NCHBA defines a full-time student as one taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
12 North Carolina Builder
s Members of the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council pick up their award for best S&M Council. Also pictured on top row, third from left, is Gaye Orr, winner of the Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award.
Deadline for entries: April 30, 2011 For a nomination form or an application packet, click on our website at www.nchba.com or contact the NCHBA office at (800) 662-7129.
Nominations Sought for Housing Hall of Fame The North Carolina Housing Hall of Fame Board of Governors honors the men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to housing in North Carolina, the building industry and to the North Carolina Home Builders Association. Each year local associations and individuals are given the opportunity to nominate a candidate. Applications are sent out each February and must be postmarked or emailed by April 15 to NCHBA. Candidates do not have to be active or current members and are selected from the categories below: • Builder/Developer • Subcontractors and Material Suppliers • Government • Housing Related (lenders, architects, land planners, manufacturers, researchers, media personnel, trade association staff, bankers, etc.) Induction into the NCHFF is a prestigious honor.All nominations will be carefully screened and given thorough consideration by the NCHHF Board of Governors. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Jones at NCHBA at (919) 676-9090 or by email at ejones@nchba.org.
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Jumpstart your business by advertising in North Carolina Builder! Contact Marsha Suwienski (800) 935-1592, extension 106 marshas@wildblue.net
Spring 2011
Plan to Get More from Your Membership by Joseph Jones ou’ve invested your money into the association. Now it’s time to invest your thoughts into how you’re going to make your dues dollars work best for you in return. In order to get more from your membership, you have to have a plan—a marketing plan. First, write down three to five things that you want to get from your HBA membership. HBA membership offers us opportunities to: • Increase our business. • Network with others in the building industry. • Learn how to be leaders. • Stay abreast of the current trends in the industry. • Get legal advice. • Become involved in the legislative or political process. • Learn how to reduce costs. • Hire and keep good people. • Create a marketing plan. • Obtain insurance, telephone, or other business services at a discounted price. • Attend training classes. • Make lifelong friends who share our interests and concerns. And those are just a few benefits of membership. So, from what the HBA offers, develop your list of three to five things you want to get from your membership over the next year. Let’s call these things your goals. Next, write each goal on a separate sheet of paper. Create a list of actions or activities for each goal that you’ll carry out in order to achieve them. At first, just write down everything that comes to mind under each goal. Then, go back and review your list and ask yourself: “Will I really do this? Will this action/activity really help me achieve this goal?” Keep the ones that end up with “YES” answers. Third, attach a deadline for each of the actions or activities on the lists. Personally, I’ve found that without deadlines, I can put things off indefinitely. Without deadlines we procrastinate and “procrastination is the thief of time.” It is also the thief of cash flow, business development, happiness, and a host of other wonderful things in life. Fourth, set a time aside each week to review your goals and the actions and activities you’ve written into your plan. Use this review as your planning session for the coming week and as a progress update on your goals from the previous week. Don’t let this session slide. It’s easy to let a week go by and then another and then another and before you know it, a month has slipped away and you are no closer to your goals than you were 30 days before. Make these planning and review sessions part of your routine.The law of the harvest teaches us that “as we sow, we reap.” In order to reap, we have to sow. We have to water and fertilize and weed to keep our crop alive and growing. In order to achieve our goals, we have to put the time into planning, reviewing, and taking action. Once each quarter, I also recommend taking stock of your overall goals and making sure you are going in the right direction. You may have to revise a goal or two, or add something. If you want your HBA membership to yield a harvest of good things for you and your business, this kind of work will be necessary. Having been involved in our association for nearly 20 years, I’ve had the good fortune of seeing the truth of what I’ve just shared with you exemplified by so many fellow members. Those who have gotten the most from the association have been those with a
Y
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plan. I’ve also found that their plans included a goal which essentially answers the questions, “What can I give to the association?” and “How can I serve my fellow members?” Those who get the most from the HBA are those who invest themselves in service to the association.And, they have a plan. It’s that simple. They’ve learned that we shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands.We need to be able to throw something back. In closing, I offer this bit of wisdom from my teachers: Failing to plan is a plan to fail. Put another way, “without dreams and visions, we perish.” Dreams and visions—goals and plans for their achievement— that really matter to us will affect almost everything we do all day long because everything we do becomes related to their achievement. Joseph Jones is the West Virginia Consumer Market Services Manager for American Electric Power. His articles on marketing have been published in several magazines including “Selling Power.” He can be reached at (304) 348-4741.
North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance Our energy goes into saving yours.
The NCEEA is conducting a marketing campaign aimed at new home buyers, creating awareness and demand for ENERGY STAR homes. We provide free home assessments to non-ENERGY STAR builders and free training to construction teams and sales staff for our NCEEA members.
Why build ENERGY STAR qualified homes? • A marketing advantage over competition • Quality assurance for you and your buyer • Fewer warranty call backs • Ability to offer home buyers healthier, more comfortable homes, with lower utility bills • Third-party verified, better-built homes that are more efficient than code-built homes
North Carolina Builder 13
Builder Classic Golf Tournament to raise money for college scholarships
T
he North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation will present the Builder Classic Golf Tournament April 29 at Bryan Park Golf Club in Greensboro. The tournament will raise funds for scholarships to college students majoring in a constructionrelated field. All proceeds from the annual Builder Classic Golf Tournament go towards scholarships for family members of NCHBA members. In 2010, the foundation awarded $21,000 to nine college students. The event will kick off Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. with a BBQ “Pig-nic” dinner sponsored by Builders Mutual Insurance Company. The chefs will square off to see who can cook the best BBQ, with the winner taking home the flying pig! All tournament golfers are invited to attend at no charge. For more information, contact Deborah Alford at dalford@nchba.org or 1-800-662-7129.
Your Sponsorship Is Needed for a Successful Tournament With many students taking advantage of the NCHBECF scholarship program during these difficult financial times, corporate sponsorships of the tournament are more important than ever. The foundation would greatly appreciate your financial support in the following ways: Hole Sponsors—Includes a sign at the hole of your choice and a company representative at the tee box to meet golfers. $250/hole Green Sponsors—Includes a sign at the green of your choice. $100/hole Door Prizes—Help us thank our golfers for their support with a door prize donation. Examples include gift cards, weekend getaways, golf equipment, tools, small appliances, etc. Goodie Bag Items—Each golfer will receive a goodie bag to thank them for their support. Examples include tees, golf balls, koozies, hats, fans, towels, etc. We ask that you consider a donation of 100 of each item. Contact Deborah Alford at dalford@nchba.org or 1-800-662-7129 for a donation form or download at www.nchba.org.
Download a registration form at www.nchba.org, or contact the NCHBA office at 1-800-662-7129.
Bryan Park Golf Club Greensboro, N.C.
April 29
8:30 a.m. shotgun start
**NEW LOCATION**
$100/player, which includes green fees, cart fees, beverages, Thursday dinner and Friday lunch
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North Carolina Builder 15
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