Lincoln Business Builder (October 2015)

The LINCOLN BUSINESS BUILDER October 2015

Published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Vol. 52 No. 10

Eighth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Friday, October 16

Morning Session | Rules 8:30 a.m. | Shoot 9:00 a.m.

BBQ Lunch | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon Session | Rules 12:30 p.m. | Shoot 1:00 p.m.

See pages 6-7 for more information.

Also in this issue...

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view the Lincoln Business Builder on the go!

Need a QR code scanner? It’s easy and free to download an application from your service provider.

• Santa Cop Project page 8 • Award Nominations pages 10-11 • 2016 HBAL Directory Advertising page 13

National Association of Home Builders

Put your membership to work now.

Money-saving you, your business, and your family

Recreated PMS

nahb.org/MA

President’s Message October 2015 Vol. 52, No. 10

Contents President’s Message

3

Calendar of Events

4

Parade of Homes Selfie Contest

4

Fall Parade of Homes

5

Sporting Clay Shoot

6-7

Member News

8

HBAL Membership Drive

8

Santa Cop Project

8

HBAL Educational Opportunity Award Nominations

President’s Message Mike May HBAL President

9 10-11

2016 Directory Advertising

13

September General Membership Meeting

14

Remodelers Council Golf Tournament

15

NAHB Study Reveals What “Green” Means to Home Buyers

16

New Downpayment Program Expands Homeownership Opportunities

17

Smart Strategies to Sell Your Home this Fall

18

Industry Expert in Customer Service to Speak at November Meeting, Educational Sessions

19

Young Building Professionals Council 20-22 Improving Immigration

23

New Member

24

Renewals

25

Directory Changes

25

The Fall Parade of Homes is quickly approaching and we are excited to see the many homes on display. We are adding something new this time around and will award one lucky Parade attendee with a $100 VISA gift card. To enter the contest, just take a selfie at one of the participating Parade entries and post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag, #LNK2015FallParade. For more details, see page 5.

The Eighth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot is scheduled for Friday, October 16.

We are trying something new this year by offering a morning and afternoon session. Even if you’re like me and are not a hunter, this is a great opportunity to give it a try.

As you all know by now, Roger Reynolds was recently named Interim Executive Vice President of the Association. Roger has been a loyal member for over 29 years and has served not once, but twice as President of HBAL. We are thankful for his willingness to step in as we go through the process to select our new Executive Vice President. Our experienced and dedicated staff, along with an engaged Board of Directors and volunteer members are working hard to ensure a smooth transition.

Cancellations 25 Crime Prevention Month

26

Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 (402) 423-4225 phone • (402) 423-4251 fax www.hbal.org • info@hbal.org The Lincoln Business Builder is published 12 times per year by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516. The Lincoln Business Builder is mailed to all members of the HBAL. The Home Builders Association does not accept responsibility for or endorse any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles.

The annual subscription rate is included with your membership dues.

Jennie Korth

Editor, Photographer, Design

HBAL Staff Michaela Harrison & Jennie Korth

Executive Committee

National Directors

Mike May, President Justin Johnson, President Elect Matt Kleinschmit, 1st Vice President Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Secretary Bob Bryant, Treasurer Mike Kinning, Immediate Past President Roger Reynolds, Interim Exec. Vice President

Justin Johnson Mike Kinning Mike May Perry Haralson, Alternate Dan Klein, Sr., Alternate Lori Wellman, Alternate

Board of Directors Taylor Ashburn, Jess Baker, CGP, Jeff Bielenberg, Ruth Hietbrink, Bo Jones, Matt Karl, Tim Kenny, Jerry Maher, CGP, CAPS, CGB, Linda Potter, Lance Roach, Marlene Stroup, Ken Svoboda

Remodelers Council Mark Aksamit

Young Building Professionals Council

National Life Directors Jim Christo, CGR, CGB, Steve Fulton, CGP, Joe Hampton, Duane Helmink, John Hoppe, Jr., Ward Fred Hoppe, Joe McKee, J. Greg Schwinn, Bob Stephens

Past Presidents Jerry Boyce, Mike Goings, Rick Krueger, Dan Kubr, Donn Mann, Sam Manzitto, Roger Reynolds, Mike Rezac, Greg Shinaut

Matt Kinning

3  Lincoln Business Builder

Calendar of Events | Parade of Homes Selfie Contest

Calendar of Events Oct. 4-11

Oct. 8

Fall Parade of Homes Board of Directors Meeting HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 14

Remodelers Council After Hours Bath & Kitchen Idea Center by Lincoln Winnelson 700 Pioneers Blvd.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. • Cost: FREE

Oct. 16

Sporting Clay Shoot Oak Creek Sporting Club Morning Session • 8:30 a.m. rules, 9:00 a.m. start BBQ Lunch • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon Session • 12:30 p.m. rules, 1:00 p.m. start Cost: $75 per person

Oct. 27

Get More Leads with Pay Per Click HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 8:00 a.m. • FREE for HBAL Members

Post a Selfie

from a participating Parade Entry and Enter to Win a $100 VISA Gift Card!

Sponsored by the Parade of Homes Committee How to Enter: • Take a selfie at participating Parade entries with the designated selfie contest sign.

Be sure to include your favorite feature in the photo.

• Post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag, #LNK2015FallParade (remember your post must be marked public so the Parade Committee can view it).

• If you aren’t on any of the social media sites above, email it to info@hbal.org and we’ll post it for you!

• One winner will be randomly drawn from all of the pictures we find on Monday, October 12 at 12:00 p.m. The winner will be notified via the method they entered the contest.

4  Lincoln Business Builder

Fall Parade of Homes

PLACE THE LINCOLN

FEDERAL SAVINGS

BANK AD HERE

October 4-11, 2015 Weeknights: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. & Weekends: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ASPEN GROVE

VILLAGE MEADOWS

THE BRIDGES

16. 7419 S. 66th Street Woita Homes, Inc.

1. 1311 SW Kelsey Circle Remington Homes, LLC 2. 3175 W. Bow Bridge Road Tru-Built Construction

THE RIDGE

3. 6436 Lone Tree Drive Manzitto Bros. Residential & Commercial Construction

GRANGER HEIGHTS

4. 3841 Pablo Lane Craig Bauer Construction Co.

WILDERNESS HILLS

5. 9109 S. 28th Street Manion Construction, Inc. 6. 3010 Whispering Wind Blvd.

Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC 7.

8.

OLD n 3011 Valley StreamSDrive e Rybak Homes, Inc. Not Op 3001 South Creek Road SOLDen Ironwood Builders Not Op

SCOTT’S CREEK, HICKMAN

9. 931 Scott’s Creek Court Vantage Pointe Homes, Inc.

GRANDVIEW ESTATES 10. 9642 S. 71st Street Pine Crest Homes

11. 9509 S. 72nd Street Prairie Home Builders, Inc.

ANNUAL FALL PARA DE OF HOMES OCTOBER 4-11, 2015

PROVIDING HOMES FOR

A GREAT COMMUNITY

15. 7429 S. 66th Street Aspen Builders, Inc.

17. 6252 Thompson Creek Circle Kinning Design Build, Inc.

JOSHUA’S GLEN

18. 6560 S. 59th Street Manzitto Bros. Residential & Commercial Construction

GRAND TERRACE

19. 7610 S. 77th Street Lewis Homes

BOULDER RIDGE

20. 6610 Boulder Ridge Road Timber Ridge Homes

HARRISON HEIGHTS

30. 9210 Eagleton Lane Richland Homes, Inc.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE NORTH 31 3151 N. 91st Court Lewis Homes

32. 9020 Stetson Drive Prairie Home Builders, Inc. 33. 3221 N. 89th Street Tuscany Townhomes

BEAUTIFUL DAY ACRES

34. 4030 and 4040 N. 38th Street Schmieding Homebuilders

ACREAGE, DAVEY

21. 6509 Boulder Ridge Road Mann Customs, Inc.

35. 641 Davey Road Goings Homes, LLC

22. 6500 Boulder Ridge Road R & D Custom Homes

GARDEN VALLEY

STONE CREEK

36. 1145 Humphrey Avenue Legacy Homes

23. 5639 Barrington Circle Prairie Home Builders, Inc.

37. 1139 Humphrey Avenue Legacy Homes

FIRETHORN TERRACE

38. 1131 Humphrey Avenue Legacy Homes

24. 3401 Firethorn Terrace Wilderness Construction, Inc. 25. 3427 Firethorn Terrace Murray Custom Homes

WATERFORD ESTATES

FALLBROOK

39. 6910 Wildrye Road Manzitto Bros. Residential & Commercial Construction

26. 508 Half Moon Bay Old City Homes

40. 6710 NW 8th Street Deprez Custom Homes

12. 7345 Irene Court Third Generation Builder

27. 521 White Cap Bay MK Builders, Inc.

HIGHLAND VIEW

13. 7365 Andy Drive Third Generation Builder

28. 540 White Cap Bay MK Builders, Inc.

THE WOODLANDS AT YANKEE HILL

14. 7343 Andy Drive SOLD Third Generation Builder t Open

No

29. 1215 N. 97th Street Synergy Homes, Inc.

41. 1444 W. Silverado Drive Lewis Homes

View the online flipbook at www.HBAL.org.

5  Lincoln Business Builder

Sporting Clay Shoot

Eighth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot

Sponsorship Registration If you’re interested in being a sponsor, complete the following registration form and mail it with payment to:

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C • Lincoln, NE 68516 l BBQ Sponsor............................................................. $400 l Target & Ammo Sponsor........................................... $300

Friday, October 16, 2015

l Elite Station Sponsor................................................. $200

Oak Creek Sporting Club

Representation is encouraged to meet and greet the shooters and keep score at that station.

2890 W Road • Brainard, NE

l Station Sponsor......................................................... $100

Morning Session Rules at 8:30 a.m. • Shoot at 9:00 a.m.

Representation is encouraged to meet and greet the shooters and keep score at that station.

BBQ Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

l Prize Sponsor.............. $75 (or equivalent value in prizes) l I do not wish to be a sponsor, but I do want to support the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution of $______.

Afternoon Session Rules at 12:30 p.m. • Shoot at 1:00 p.m.

The proceeds from this event will go to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Its mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry, and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs. Gifts are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Name: Company: E-mail: Total Amount Due: $

l Check enclosed

Sponsors

BBQ Sponsors

(as of 9/25/15)

Target & Ammo Sponsor

Elite Station Sponsors Christensen Lumber Co. Stephens & Smith Construction Co.

Station Sponsors

LINCOLN

Prize Sponsors

84 Lumber Lincoln Winair Company Action Plumbing & Murphy Tractor & Heating, Inc. Equipment Co. Action Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Millard Lumber Big Red Tire Pros Nebraska Furniture Mart Oak Creek Sporting Club Nebraska Building Products Frontier Bank Outdoor Solutions Custom Countertop, Inc. Nebraska Title Co. Gana Trucking & Excavating Sadoff Iron & Metal Dworak Plumbing Union Title Company Hans Electric, Inc. Special thanks to Culligan Water Conditioning for providing the bottled water.

6  Lincoln Business Builder

Sporting Clay Shoot

Shooter Registration Please register my team for the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s Sporting Clay Shoot Name: Company: Phone: E-mail: l Morning Session (9:00 a.m.) l Afternoon Session (1:00 p.m.)

My other team members are:

Don’t have a full team? No problem! We’ll team you up!

l Enclosed is $75 per shooter.

l Enclosed is $_____ for the Deck of Cards Raffle (1 card for $10 or 3 for $20).

Prize CZ USA 612 12-gauge pump shotgun.

Pre-payment is required to shoot.

Send registration form and check made payable to: Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C • Lincoln, NE 68516 Fax: 402-423-4251 • Email: info@hbal.org • Cost is $75 per shooter and includes 100 rounds (12 gauge) per person, course fees and BBQ. • Bring 12 gauge shot gun (limited number available at club house if needed).

• Eye protection and ear plugs required (available at club house if needed).

• Must be present for Rules & Regulations to shoot.

• Teams of approximately 5 will complete the 20-station course shooting “true pairs,” “report pairs,” etc.

• Warm-up rounds can be purchased for $10.

• Raffle prizes will be awarded following each session.

Final results will be announced after the afternoon session and in the November issue of the Lincoln Business Builder.

• Dress appropriately for the weather and lots of walking.

• No alcoholic beverages allowed.

Volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact Jennie Korth at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org if interested.

7  Lincoln Business Builder

Member News | HBAL Membership Drive | Santa Cop Project

Congratulations Ramsey & Hallie Yousif Ramco Enterprises, LLC They are the proud parents of a baby boy

Francis R. Yousif Born September 4, 2015 5 lbs. 11 oz. • 19 in.

HBAL’s Toys for Santa Cop Project Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:00 a.m. ~ Until Completion Lincoln Northeast High School Shop 2635 N. 63rd Street • west side of school

HBAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The 2015 HBAL Membership Drive has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 5.

More information will be in your November Business Builder and future HBAL e-newsletter.

Annual Coat Drive It’s time again for HBAL’s Annual Coat Drive. Bring your coats, mittens, hats, other warm clothing or blankets to the HBAL office or the November General Membership Meeting. HBAL will take all donations to the People’s City Mission in November.

Our members have been so generous the last few years, we hope to once again provide warm clothing for many of Lincoln’s needy citizens.

Toy Donations Although we have discontinued the Dolls vs.

Wheels toy drive, HBAL will be happy to accept your donation. Any toys dropped off at the HBAL office will be distributed to local charitable organizations in time for Christmas. Please contact the HBAL office at 402-423-4225 for more information.

8  Lincoln Business Builder

Thanks for all you do to make this annual project a great success!

Donations to help pay for the materials may be sent to: Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C • Lincoln, NE 68516 RSVP to 402-423-4225 or fax 402-423-4251 ____ I cannot attend, but here is my donation of $_____ to the Santa Cop Project. ____ Yes, I will be there.

My guests: ________________________

__________________________________ ____ No, I can’t attend.

Name: _____________________________________ Company: _________________________________

You don’t have to be a carpenter to help. We have lots of jobs for the inexperienced but willing workers!

HBAL Educational Opportunity

ibs 2016 discover the building universe january 19-21

Las Vegas

Educational Opportunity Get More Leads with Pay Per Click This presentation will show how proper set up of a Google and Bing Pay-Per-Click Campaign in the beginning results in more leads for less money and thus a higher ROI. Presentation by Wayne Boesiger, Tomorrow’s Online Marketing Tuesday, October 27 • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C Cost: FREE for HBAL Members RSVP to info@hbal.org by October 23 Name__________________________________________ Company_______________________________________ Address_________________________________________ City____________________________________________ State______________________ Zip______________

Improve your busIness In just 3 days at Ibs 2016!

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BuildersShow.com

Phone__________________________________________ E-mail__________________________________________ Return this form to HBAL via

Fax: 402-423-4251 E-mail: info@hbal.org

Mail: HBAL 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C Lincoln, NE 68516

HBAL’s 2015 Educational Opportunities are made possible thanks to

#IBSVEGAS AD1016

9  Lincoln Business Builder

Award Nominations

Associate of the Year Award Send in your nomination by November 2 Purpose The purpose of the “Associate of the Year” program is to recognize an outstanding Associate member of the association who has conducted themselves in an exemplary manner so as to bring credit to the building industry, community and HBAL.

Eligibility Each nominee shall be an active Associate member of HBAL and must have been a member for a minimum of three years on January 1, 2015.

Deadline Submit your nomination by filling out the form and returning it to HBAL before November 2. If you need additional space, please attach a separate sheet of paper to the nominating form. From the nominations received, the winner of the award will be chosen by the selection committee.

Selection Committee The committee will have a minimum of five members.

The committee shall consist of the President, President Elect, First Vice President, Immediate Past President and the 2014 “Associate of the Year” winner Ruth Hietbrink.

Basis of Selection The basis for selection shall include the following criteria: 1. Business conduct and experience (25 percent) 2. HBAL activities/involvement (50 percent) 3. Civic and volunteer activity (25 percent)

Presentation The 2015 “Associate of the Year” will receive a personal award at the installation meeting in January 2016. The presentation will be made by the outgoing President, Mike May, or the previous “Associate of the Year” winner. The recipient’s name will be added to a permanent trophy on display at the HBAL office.

One Nomination Needed A single nomination assures the nominee’s consideration by the selection committee. Each nominee will be considered on the basis of the criteria, not on the number of nominations. Call the HBAL Office at 402-423-4225 if you have any questions.

10  Lincoln Business Builder

Associate of the Year Nomination Form Name ________________________________________ Company ______________________________________ Nominee’s background: (Involvement in HBAL, business, community, etc.) _______________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ I nominate this Associate for the following reasons: __ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Signed ________________________________________ Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C • Lincoln, NE 68516 Fax: 402-423-4251

Past Associates of the Year Below is a list of past “Associate of the Year” winners.

Their contributions have helped to make the Home Builders Association of Lincoln the vital organization it is today.

1983 - L.D. “Bud” Robinson 1984 - Robert Gabriel 1985 - Robert Knuth 1986 - Jim Crawford 1987 - Vince Collura 1988 - Cheryl Haecker 1989 - Robert Marshall 1990 - Larry Kness 1991 - Mike Stranathan 1992 - Duane Helmink 1993 - Roger Reynolds 1994 - Ron Brooks 1995 - Paul Schaer 1996 - Dan Walker 1997 - Lanny Ash 1998 - Jo Lewis

1999 - Ardy Mendenhall 2000 - Bill Fuelling 2001 - Doug Porter 2002 - Doug Gates 2003 - Delrae Hirschman 2004 - Greg Shinaut 2005 - Connie Strohmyer 2006 - Mike Gray 2007 - Perry Haralson 2008 - Bob Bryant 2009 - Eric Hoke 2010 - Dave Rainforth 2011 - Greg Shinaut 2012 - Mark Aksamit 2013 - Ken Jones & Tyson Vogt 2014 - Ruth Hietbrink

Award Nominations

Nominations Wanted

Development Services Center Outstanding Employee (formerly Building & Safety Department Outstanding Employee)

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln will present a plaque at the January 2016 Installation & Award Ceremony to an employee of the City of Lincoln Development Services Center. The employee shall have provided outstanding service, either in the field or at the counter, to assist a member of the association in keeping their project(s) on schedule.

Please call or send in your nomination for this award to the HBAL office.

I nominate ________________________________________, an employee of the City of Lincoln Development Services Center, to receive this annual award for outstanding service presented by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.

Nominated by: _____________________________________ Return to HBAL Phone: 402-423-4225 • Fax: 402-423-4251 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516

Almost Any Brick You Use Can Last for Hundreds of Years.

So Be Particular.

Past Recipients 1998 - Dale Stertz 1999 - Lana Tolbert 2000 - Michele Williamson 2001 - Mike Petersen 2002 - Rick Dunn 2003 - Ron Peery 2004 - Wilma McCamley 2005 - Gordon McGill 2006 - Allen Gilbert 2007 - Shawn Johnson 2008 - Ray Paulson 2009 - Steve Weiss 2010 - Steve Weiss 2011 - Terry Ullsperger 2013 - Michelle Leaver 2014 - Geri Rorabaugh

Your Building Envelope Specialist!

Y

ANKEE HILL BRICK manufactures the highest quality FBX brick in a color palette ranging from the traditional reds and buffs to the innovative pinks, maroons, and lavenders.

Standard and custom color ranges, sizes, and shapes are our specialty. Brick murals and ornamentation are brought to a new level of sophistication at Yankee Hill Brick.

Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the finest of materials.  Face brick  Paving brick  Thin brick veneer  Pool Coping

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(402) 477-6663

   

Keystones Address & entry signs Brick mural & ornamentation Crushed landscape brick

13840 C Plaza Omaha, NE 68144

• Solving problems for contractors with Icynene foam since 1995.

• Spray foam is only as good as the installers.

• Both open cell and closed cell insulation available.

Contact Rick McConnell

402-643-2340 or 402-641-1254 rickmcconnell@inebraska.com www.mcconnellthermalservicesllc.com

(402) 330-2751

11  Lincoln Business Builder

Bob Nohavec Plumbing

420-1552

Service • Remodeling • New Construction Free Estimates Bob Nohavec, Master Plumber 3400 S. 6th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502

• Furniture • Flooring • Appliances • Electronics

Give Your Customers

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Your contracting solutions are just a phone call away.

Contractor Sales Division

See our factory-trained Contractor Sales staff or call our Contract Appliance pros at: 800-776-5066

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©2015 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

© 2014 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

12  Lincoln Business Builder

2016 Directory Advertising

DIRECTORY AD SPACE AVAILABLE There is space available in the 2016 Membership Directory.

This publication is distributed to all HBAL members (over 600 people).

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Please contact HBAL no later than Friday, November 6 if you are interested in advertising.

2016 Membership Directory and Buyers Guide Directory Pricing        

Full Page (5" W x 8" H; black & white) .....................................$475 Half Page (5" W x 4" H; black & white) ....................................$250 Fourth Page (2-1/4” W x 3-3/4” H; black & white) ....................$150 Back Cover Full Page (5” W x 8” H; full color) .........................$750 Inside Front Cover Full Page (5” W x 8” H; full color) ...............$650 Inside Back Cover Full Page (5” W x 8” H; full color) ...............$650 Inside Front Cover Half Page (5” W x 4” H; full color) ..............$375 Inside Back Cover Half Page (5” W x 4” H; full color) ..............$375 Previous advertisers receive first right of refusal.

Check one

 Use last year’s ad  Ad enclosed Company: ____________________________________ Name: _______________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________ Phone: ___________________ Fax: ________________________ E-mail: _____________________________

CONTACT JENNIE

BY NOVEMBER 6 TO ADVERTISE! Please return to: Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: 402.423.4225 Fax: 402.423.4251 info@hbal.org 13  Lincoln Business Builder

September General Membership Meeting

Husker Night

September General Membership Meeting

14 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Remodelers Council Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament

See more photos in the Step by Step Newsletter or online at www.HBAL.org.

15 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

NAHB Study Reveals What “Green” Means to Home Buyers

NAHB Study Reveals What “Green” Means to Home Buyers

What do consumers think of green homes? And, what are the most important elements of a green-built home? Builders and other industry professionals now have an opportunity to find out what green means to home buyers with a new publication from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

NAHB’s publishing arm, BuilderBooks, recently released What Green Means to Home Buyers: Perceptions and Preferences, a study of consumer preferences focusing exclusively on green/high-performance features in the home and the community. The study examines consumers’ attitudes of various green features, concepts or terminologies, the resonance of those terms as potential marketing tools, and the likelihood that the home purchase decision may be influenced by any of these features or terms.

The study was conducted by NAHB in 2015 and is based on a survey of home buyers nationwide. Results from the study are available by age, income, race and Census division, among other demographic characteristics.

“This new study is an incredibly useful tool to help builders and remodelers determine not only consumer attitudes towards green homes, but also which green features consumers care most about,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “We have seen incredible growth in green and sustainable building over the years, and the results of this survey only further solidify the continued consumer interest in green building, and which attributes matter most to these buyers.”

Among the key findings, include: Top Influencers in a Home Purchase Decision • 90% Safe community • 88% Energy efficient • 85% Low maintenance • 85% Lower operating costs • 84% Durable/Resilient Common Words Home Buyers Use to Describe Green Homes • 32%: Efficient, Energy Efficient, Water Efficient, High Efficiency • 15%: Eco-friendly, Environmentally-friendly, Environmentally-responsible, Environmentally-safe, Environmentally-conscious • 8%: Solar, Solar Power, Solar Energy, Solar Panels • 4%: Lower Costs, Lower Utility Bills, Saves Money What Green Means to Home Buyers: Perceptions and Preferences is available for purchase ($115.95 Retail/$79.95 NAHB Member, ISBN 978-0-86718-739-7) at BuilderBooks.com or by calling 800-223-2665. The eBook is available at ebooks. builderbooks.com ($89.99 Retail/$55.99 for NAHB Members).

The NAHB webinar, What Does ‘Green’ Mean to Home Buyers is also available for purchase ($64.95 Retail/$44.95 NAHB Member) at NAHB.org.

Editor’s Note: Editors who are interested in receiving a complimentary copy of What Green Means to Home Buyers: Perceptions and Preferences to review for their publications should contact Patricia Potts at 202-266-8224 or ppotts@nahb.org.

16  Lincoln Business Builder

local lending

Bank Local. Local Decisions. Local Mortgage Servicing.

When your mortgage loan is with West Gate Bank®, we have something many banks can’t offer— local decision-making, local processing and local servicing.

That means that during the entire mortgage process and after closing, we’re here to assist you in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Let West Gate Bank® guide you through the entire buying or building process to finance your dream home.

westgatebank.com | 402-434-3456 | member FDIC | Lincoln’s Bank

New Downpayment Program Expands Homeownership Opportunities

New Downpayment Program Expands Homeownership Opportunities Even as the housing market continues its slow and steady recovery, many potential buyers find that qualifying for a mortgage and saving for a downpayment remain high hurdles to homeownership.

The good news is that while lenders are looking more closely at borrowers today than in recent years, there are options for purchasing your home without a 20% downpayment.

In fact, creditworthy borrowers with moderate to low incomes will be able to purchase a home with a downpayment as low as 3% through Fannie Mae’s new HomeReady™ mortgage program.

HomeReady will expand and replace Fannie Mae’s current affordable lending program, MyCommunityMortgage®, to include both first-time and repeat home buyers. By increasing access to affordable mortgages, more borrowers should be able to purchase homes.

In an effort to increase the types of households that qualify for the mortgage program, more flexible sources of funds can be used for the downpayment and closing costs. For example, income from a non-borrower household member can be considered to determine an appropriate debt-to-income ratio for the loan. This should help multigenerational and extended households qualify for these mortgages.

Your Hometown Source For • House Beams • Columns • Brick Lintels • Joists & Deck

Multigenerational households or family households consisting of three or more generations have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the most recent Census, approximately 4.4 million American homes had three generations or more living under one roof in 2010, a 15 percent increase from two years earlier.

There are many reasons for this trend. The recession caused many adult children to return home after college, either because they weren’t able to get jobs that would cover rent, or they wanted to save up to buy homes of their own.

Multigenerational households also form so that grandparents can help take care of their grandchildren, and as they age, their children can care for them. This type of arrangement can ease financial burdens as well, with several generations contributing to the mortgage payment and not having to incur the expenses of childcare, retirement housing or professional care-giving environments.

Fannie Mae’s research indicates that these types of extended households tend to have incomes that are as stable or more stable than other households at similar income levels, positioning them well for homeownership.

The new mortgage program also allows income from nonoccupant borrowers, such as parents, and rental payments, such as from a basement apartment, to supplement the borrower’s qualifying income.

Borrowers will be required to complete an online education course about the buying process and the responsibilities of homeownership. In addition, the program will offer homeowners support through the life of the loan to help ensure sustainable homeownership.

More information about the HomeReady program can be found at www.fanniemae.com/singlefamily/homeready.

For more information on home buying resources, visit nahb.org/forconsumers.

• Miscellaneous Plate, Angle, Pipe & Tubing

APOLLO STEEL COMPANY Fabricating The Future of Nebraska 7200 Amanda Road, Lincoln, NE 68507 Phone: 402-466-8587 • Fax: 402-466-0594 17  Lincoln Business Builder

Smart Strategies to Sell Your Home this Fall

Smart Strategies to Sell Your Home this Fall Conventional wisdom may say that spring is the best time to put your house on the market, but there are advantages to selling in the fall, too. If you’re ready to move into a new home of your dreams, don’t let the cooler weather and shorter days deter from putting a For Sale sign in your yard.

In fact, with fewer homes on the market, your home may get even more attention from potential home buyers this time of year.

While families may prefer to move in the spring and summer, before the start of the school year, Millennials and seniors are more open to moving in the fall before the holiday season and cold weather approach. Appealing to these potential home buyers while marketing your home could help you seal the deal.

What Millennials Want

Research from the National Association of Home Builders indicates that most Millennials want to live in a single-family home in the suburbs. In terms of home features, they are especially interested in a separate laundry room, Energy Star certifications and storage – including a linen closet, walk-in pantry and garage storage. If your home includes any of these features, be sure to include their pictures and descriptions in your listing. Also be sure to list any technology features in your home, which appeal to this younger generation of buyers.

18  Lincoln Business Builder

With limited cash on hand, Millennials also seek less expensive, low-maintenance choices like a brightly painted front door, strings of garden lights, and landscaping that needs less watering and mowing, like succulent plants and larger patios.

Millennials are conducting their home searches online, so be sure your listing pictures tell your home’s story in the best possible light. Include separate pictures of the features that appeal to Millennials, such as your laundry room and linen closet.

Encourage Empty-Nesters to Take a Look

On the other hand, empty-nesters who may be looking to downsize will be attracted to homes with flexible spaces to accommodate their changing lifestyles. For example, you can stage a bedroom as an office or multimedia room.

Increasingly, empty-nesters are returning to the cities, leaving behind the larger house, yard maintenance and the lengthy commute to downtown offices. More of these buyers are looking for a townhouse or condo that is located near shopping, dining and entertainment. If your home falls in this category, be sure to also include lifestyle-friendly features that your development offers – such as swimming pools, fitness centers and media rooms – in your listing.

For more information on buying and selling a home, visit nahb.org/forconsumers.

Industry Expert in Customer Service to Speak at November Meeting, Educational Sessions

Industry Expert in Customer Service to Speak at November Meeting, Educational Sessions Carol Smith, Home Address, is scheduled to speak at the November 9 General Membership Meeting at the Champions Club. In addition, she will hold two classes the following day at the HBAL office. For over 30 years Carol Smith has provided companies with practical insights and proven techniques that cut to the heart of any service issue.

When you hear a Carol Smith anecdote you think she has a microphone hidden in your office. When you see a form she developed or a letter she wrote, you wish she worked beside you. As you read one of her books, you know you’ve found a compatriot in the fight for business and customer loyalty.

Experience is a wonderful teacher and it is apparent from her first words that Carol Smith has experience–in warranty, construction, sales, and even mortgages. Her 40 years of working with customers are immediately apparent in her realistic and practical approach to customer relations.

Having worked herself in each of these areas qualifies her to be recognized by four countries as the leading expert on customer service in the home building profession.

A much sought-after and revered speaker, Carol has presented hundreds of educational programs to builders and associates in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia both privately and through their professional associations.

She has been a featured speaker at the annual International Builders Show every year since 1986.

Over the years the National Association of Home Builders (U.S.) has published all of Carol’s books on customer service. Published by builderbooks.com in Washington D.C. the titles include-• Beyond Warranty: Building Your Referral Business • Customer Service for Home Builders (2nd edition) • Homeowner Manual TEMPLATE (2nd edition) • BUILDING YOUR HOME: An Insider’s Guide (2nd edition) • Meetings with Clients: A Self-Study Guide • Dear Homeowner: a Book of Customer Service Letters • Warranty Service for Home Builders (2nd edition) • Customer Relations Handbook for Builders, Volumes I & II • The Positive Walk Through She’s also written hundreds of articles for industry periodicals and association publications including Custom Home Magazine, Builders Management Journal, Premier Homes, Building Homes and Profits, BUILDER, and Professional Builder magazines.

General Membership Meeting

Monday, November 9 6:00 pm Social • 7:00 pm Dinner Nebraska Champions Club 707 Stadium Drive Cost: $10 for HBAL Members, $20 for guests • • • • • • • • •

Home Buyer Expectations Define, Align & Reinforce Tuesday, November 10 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Cost: $60 for HBAL Members, $120 for non-members In today’s competitive environment, securing a sale without overpromising your product, process, or service is challenging. Meeting that challenge requires a forthright system that combines accurate information, diplomacy and subtle repetition. The front line personnel who apply this system need appropriate attitudes, skills and tools to bring realistic expectations to life for customers. This class shows how to develop the practices and documents to achieve these goals.

Suggested Audience: Management and Front Line Personnel • • • • • • • • •

Challenging Home Buyers From Picky to Predatory Tuesday, November 10 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Cost: $60 for HBAL Members, $120 for non-members You strive to align expectations, deliver a complete and clean home and respond promptly to warranty issues. Yet you can still face serious problems with some homeowners due to situations outside of your control, unintentional errors, or the customers’ personalities.

This class provides tips for successfully managing honest customers who’ve become angry, controlling unusual customer behaviors, and protecting your company from the rare but potentially dishonest customer.

Suggested Audience: Management and Front Line Personnel

19  Lincoln Business Builder

Young Building Professionals Council

20 Pieces of Advice Every Young Professional Should Follow This story originally ran on PR Daily in June 2013.

May 23 marked the 30th anniversary of my first day in the working world.

We had a great turnout at our recent Lunch & Learn at the HBAL Office. Trey Pittenger from Pittenger & Anderson presented “Find the Balance: Saving For the Future While Enjoying the Present.” Fourteen YBP’s enjoyed the conversation as well as lunch provided by NIFA. The very next day we celebrated the first anniversary of YBP’s Launch with Matt Kinning a Hard Hat Happy Hour. Thanks to YBP President IBS, we enjoyed free food and drinks and discussed how much fun it would be to attend the 2016 International Builders Show in Vegas. A few individuals also took advantage of their September special and registered for the Free Expo Pass. If you are planning to attend the building industry’s biggest event, be sure to check out the IBS House Party on January 19 or the Young Professional After Hours Party on January 20.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the first year of YBP events. Whether it’s a fundraiser, educational class or social gathering, these events would not be possible without the help of our great committees. If you are interested in getting more involved in YBP, please contact Jennie at the HBAL office at jennie@hbal.org.

Welcome to YBP! Bryce Bornemeier

Marvin Window & Door Store

Mike Hauge

Reimers-Kaufman Concrete Products Co.

Mike Modrcin

Window Innovations Want to be a YBP? Contact Jennie Korth at jennie@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.

20  Lincoln Business Builder

That day in 1983, I started my job as a receptionist on Capitol Hill after a local congressman hired me, sight unseen, over the phone three weeks earlier. I had a head full of big permed hair, big expectations, and little idea of what I was supposed to do as an employed and responsible adult.

Looking back, I didn’t have specific career goals in mind at that point, but I did know what I was good at and the type of work I wanted to pursue. Here, 30 years later, I’ve been fortunate to have a rewarding career that gave me 10 great years on Capitol Hill and took me back to my home state of South Carolina for jobs that combined my love of writing, communications, and politics with my curiosity about people and places.

In 1983, I never dreamed my work would give me the chance to travel with a congressional delegation to Taiwan; raise money for causes I believe in; lobby the legislature and Congress for millions of dollars; ride in a fire truck; bike the Golden Gate Bridge; get published in national magazines; pick tobacco; work with great South Carolina mayors; have my picture taken with famous people like Tip O’Neill and Mister Rogers; visit 38 states; work on national, state, and local campaigns; stand at the podium in the White House press room; or be in the State House dome the day the Confederate flag came down.

I’ve figured out a few things along the way that I wish someone had told that 22-year-old with big hair walking into her first day on the job. Maybe the thoughts below will help others just starting out. I write this with huge thanks to all the bosses, mentors, friends, family, and colleagues I have had the privilege to work with and learn from over these 30 years.

1. Establish your personal brand. Decide what you want your reputation in the workplace to be, and let your actions define you. Keep promises, and make deadlines.

Under-promise and over-deliver. Avoid behavior in your personal life that could hurt your professional life (even more true today with all the risks of social media in the mix). Remember that details count, especially when getting the details right sets you apart from others.

2. Seek out a mentor. I’m guessing many busy professionals may say, “I don’t have time to be a mentor,” but most mentor relationships happen naturally rather than being established formally. Be on the lookout for them. I bet my best mentors probably don’t know they even served in that role.

Continued on page 22.

Young Building Professionals Council

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21 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Young Building Professionals Council Continued from page 20.

3. Keep up with the news every day. Read the paper, check news websites and blogs, listen to NPR on the way to work. Know what’s in the news about your organization or industry before your boss or client asks.

4. Get away from your desk, and walk outside. Even if it’s just to walk around the block or grab a sandwich, at some point during the day your brain needs natural light and a whiff of fresh air, and your body needs to stretch.

5. Plan the work before you work the plan. Having no plan gets you nowhere. Plans will change either by force or circumstance. Be flexible, but have a plan regardless of whether it’s a work project, a trip, a major purchase, or an important life decision.

6. Don’t pass up a chance to learn. Find out what your boss or leaders in your profession are reading (books, professional publications, websites, etc). Seek out professional development opportunities; pay for them yourself, if necessary. Join professional organizations, and get involved.

7. Go to your boss with a solution, not a problem. Your boss is solving problems all day. Make her life easier by presenting a solution when you present a problem. Even if it’s not the solution that ultimately solves the problem, it keeps your boss from dreading the sight of you at the door.

8. Write thank-you and follow-up notes (handwritten, not emailed). Collect cards from people you meet at events, in meetings, or just out and about. A handwritten “nice to meet you” note will set you apart and help the people you meet remember you. Technology is good, but the personal touch still matters.

9. Travel any chance you get. Travel to small towns and big cities across the country and around the world. Don’t put off travel. You’ll never tell your grandchildren about that great trip you didn’t take because you were too busy at work.

10. Be interested and inquisitive. Ask good questions, and ask them often. Young professionals have a great deal to offer a work environment. Speak up when you have something to offer, but remember to balance your enthusiasm with senior-level colleagues’ experience.

11. Remember that everyone carries their own sack of rocks. You never know what type of personal issues the co-worker who missed a deadline is dealing with at home or with his family.

12. Create your own personal style. That doesn’t mean wearing flip-flops in a formal corporate environment.

However, you can set yourself apart from the pack with a twist on the ordinary. To each his own, but just find your own.

13. Stay in the loop, but avoid the gossip. Be a “boundary spanner”—someone who is respected and trusted by people in all parts and at all levels of the organization.

22  Lincoln Business Builder

14. Look for “reverse mentoring” opportunities. You can be a resource to your older colleagues. Seasoned professionals can learn a great deal from their younger peers.

15. Looking busy doesn’t equal being productive. The coworker who crows about his heavy workload and long hours is probably much less productive than the one who is organized and prioritizes his days.

16. A good editor will make you shine. Don’t look at having your writing edited as you would look at a teacher correcting a paper. Editing is a collaborative process, and there’s always room for improvement in your writing.

17. Don’t come to work sick. No one appreciates the stuffynosed martyr. That’s why you’re afforded sick days.

18. Cultivate contacts outside work. Your next job will probably come from someone you know through church, nonprofits, alumni groups, friends, and professional organizations.

19. Take risks. It’s OK to mess up occasionally. No one can expect perfection. You can often learn more from mistakes than successes. Yes, really, you can.

20. Strive for work/life balance. The “balance” will probably fluctuate daily, but creative outlets, exercise, and hobbies make you a more valuable (and saner) employee.

Reba Hull Campbell promotes the interests of South Carolina cities and towns as deputy executive director of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. She can be reached at rebahcampbell@gmail.com.

402.483.7575 3133 S. 7th Street • Suite D

Fax 402.483.7577 info@pioneerprintinginc.com www.pioneerprintinginc.com Multi Color Printing Graphic Design Ad Specialties Bindery Services

Digital Color Copies Digital Black & White Engineering Copies Personalized Service

Providing Offset Printing & Digital Services in Lincoln since 1980.

Improving Immigration

Improving Immigration

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. • GraphsandLaughs, LLC The current US immigration system not only doesn’t work but is not being fixed. That said, given that the race to the White House is on, immigration is sure to play a starring role in the unfolding presidential drama. Rather than rehash stale ideas - anchor babies, border patrols, and the like below are several proposals that use market forces and not bureaucratic solutions to solve several different immigration problems in ways that not only improve our competiveness but also our balance sheet.

businesses need temporary workers, they should get them after showing that there are insufficient workers currently available.

Depriving firms of workers benefits no one. As for concerns that these new workers will depress wages of existing workers, that concern is not borne out by research. Moreover, by allocating visas based on employment shortages, unanticipated downward wage pressure should be reduced.

At present, the majority of legal immigrants who arrive do so on the basis of family reunification. Fewer than 20% of immigrants obtain green cards based on marketable skills. Instead, allocate immigration visas based primarily on occupational needs. Observe which occupations and industries are experiencing a combination of fast wage growth, lowest unemployment rates and high vacancy rates and allocate entry visas accordingly while keeping existing caps. In this way visas will go to those who skills are in shortest supply.

Next, create a new visa, a U-Visa, for those who are here but undocumented. The visa would allow the holder and their family to stay and work here. The catch, the visa would not lead to citizenship and would have an annual fee. I suspect that a fair price would be about $500 to $700/ year. Assuming a few million were bought, this program would bring in $1 to $2 billion annually. Charging for the visa discourages those without jobs from staying. Moreover, this approach would be bundled with severe penalties for employers caught knowingly employing illegals. Absent a job, illegals will find it difficult to remain here.

As for temporary H-2B non-agricultural worker visas and H-1B (high tech) visas, eliminate the quotas on them as is the case with H-2A agricultural visas. If American

Lastly, abolish the EB-5 program that allows foreigners

More models. More options. We don't call it the Ultimate Casement Collection for nothing.

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NEgetting, 68516 While you may or may not agree with these proposed headache-free installation? The Casement Lincoln, collection Get a closerjust look keeps at the Ultimate Casement when Get 402-432-4122 a closer lookour at product the Ultimate Casement when you visit designer at Marvin.com/tools. getting, well,Store more ultimate. solutions, the point is markets and market signals can The Window and Door

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Lincoln, NEwebsite 68516at marvinwindowstore.com.

402-432-4122 2012 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

The Window and Door Store The Window and Door Store 5930 S. 57th St. Suite A 5930 S. 57th St. Suite A Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-432-4122 402-432-4122

©

©

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www.econ70.com. ®

2012 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors. ©

© 2012 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

2012 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

23  Lincoln Business Builder

New Member

Welcome New Member Window Innovations Mike Modrcin

11941 Centennial Road, La Vista, NE 68128 Phone: 402-905-9100 Cellular: 402-658-5485 Fax: 402-590-2646 Email: mikem@windowinnovations.com Website: www.windowinnovations.com

The Builders Choice for High Quality Landscaping

Reason I joined HBAL: We are new to the Lincoln market, but have been in the window business for 15 years. I thought it would be a good way to introduce ourselves to the Lincoln building community.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Networking opportunities and Home Show participation.

Think

• Brick Paver Patios • Trees/Shrubs/Perennials • Mulch/River Rock • Flagstone • Landscape Lighting

• Retaining Walls • Berms/Boulders • Firepits • Outdoor Kitchens • Commercial Snow Removal

Kurt Ramaekers, President

402.580.1805

www.miraclelandscapes.com

First

BEFORE THE FIRST SIDING IS

Nailed,

THE FIRST SHINGLE

Laid,

OR THE FIRST WINDOW

Installed,

TAKE A SECOND TO KNOW

Norandex.

Ask your local branch for a copy of the new Norandex Product Guide or view it online at norandexpro.com/catalog.

Visit oNe oF our loCatioNs: 12201 Cary CirCle laVista, Ne 68128 (402) 334-8286 (800) 999-1494 Fax (402) 334-7994

24  Lincoln Business Builder

5601 N. 57th street liNColN, Ne 68507 (402) 464-7433 (800) 927-7969 Fax (402) 464-7437

www.norandex.com

Renewals | Directory Changes | Cancellations

Thanks for Renewing Your Membership!

(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)

Artz & Sons Construction, 14 years Bielenberg Builders, Inc., 5 years Block & Beam Construction, Inc., 13 years Buhr Homes, Inc., 28 years Chet’s Transfer, Inc., 2 years Cornhusker Bank, 25 years Endicott Clay Products Co., 53 years Eric’s Electric, Inc., 14 years Ernie’s in Ceresco, 21 years Fireplace Center, 25 years

Directory Changes • Matt Swanson is the new principle contact for Nebraska Bank of Commerce. Phone: 402-420-8364.

Email: matt.swanson@thenbcbank.com.

• John Davis, Woods Bros. Realty, is no longer an affiliate member.

• Miranda Soulliere replaces Angie Loomer as an affiliate member with Union Bank & Trust Co. Email: miranda.soulliere@ubt.com.

• New email for Eric’s Electric, Inc. is erichoke@ericselectriclincoln.com.

• Mike Hauge is a new affiliate member with ReimersKaufman Concrete Products Co. Phone: 402-217-0901.

Email: mikeha@reimerskaufman.com.

The Garage Floor Company, 1 year General Excavating, 31 years Hickman Area Economic Development Association, 7 years Home Innovations Spas, Inc., 22 years Innovations Siding & Windows, 5 years Ken Koch Design - Drafting, 10 years

Sorry to See You Go! If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY! Sterling Construction Corporation

KLKN-TV 8, 19 years Lincoln Concrete Specialists, 16 years Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, 52 years Lincoln Public Schools, 2 years Lincoln Underground Sprinkler Systems, Inc., 28 years Loeck Designs, 31 years Millard Lumber, Inc., 28 years The Minnow Project, 15 years Nebraskaland Siding & Windows, 22 years NeighborWorks Lincoln, 8 years Oak Creek Sporting Club, 4 years Olsson Associates, 22 years R & T Poured Walls, 4 years Ray’s Lawn & Home Care, 18 years Ray’s Remodeling, 18 years Raymond Contracting, Inc., 14 years RDM Landscapes, 1 year Reynolds Design & Remodeling, 29 years Sunroom Designs of Nebraska, 10 years

Local service for the life of your mortgage loan.

At Cornhusker Bank, we believe when you come to us for a mortgage loan, you expect to continue to work with us well beyond closing.

This is why we offer to service your mortgage right here in Lincoln.*

Life is good when banking is simple.

Stop by, call, or visit us online to learn more.

56th & South St.

|

CornhuskerBank.com

|

402-434-2265

Tomasek Homes, Inc., 9 years Union Bank & Trust Co., 26 years Usher Custom Cabinets, Inc., 37 years Wolfe Electric Co., Inc., 38 years

* Not all mortgage loans qualify for the local servicing program.

Please contact a mortgage lender for details.

Member FDIC

|

25  Lincoln Business Builder

Crime Prevention Month

Crime Prevention Month

October is a special time to recognize the achievements of the last 12 months and plan new ways to keep communities safe.

Each October, Americans of all ages, incomes, walks of life, and fields of expertise celebrate Crime Prevention Month.

It’s a special time of year when everyone engaged in crime prevention recognizes the past year’s crime prevention successes and starts laying the groundwork for the next year’s activities.

Everyone can contribute to crime prevention. There are big and small ways to do it. Everything from cleaning up graffiti to providing extracurricular activities for at-risk youth or even keeping an eye on an older person who lives alone is practicing crime prevention. Crime prevention keeps people—and their communities—safe and helps ensure individuals live up to their potential no matter their way of life or where they live. It’s all about helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime.

• Host an event about preventing investment fraud because many investment crimes take place online.

• Present the material in NCPC’s publication Preventing Identity Theft: A Guide for Consumers to community audiences.

Week Three: School Safety and Security • Organize a PTA membership drive.

• Host an event with McGruff the Crime Dog® to teach children about ways to stay safe.

• Implement NCPC’s Be Safe and Sound in School program.

• Teach NCPC’s Community Works curriculum.

• Work to establish a drug-free zone on and near the school grounds.

During Crime Prevention Month, people across the country organize Celebrate Safe Communities events to spread the word about crime prevention, encourage new crime prevention activities, and make sure their communities stay safe. Usually, organizers work with their local law enforcement agencies and other civic groups. Once they’re ready, they register their plan at CelebrateSafeCommunities.org. Then they’re good to go!

• Advocate a zero tolerance policy for school violence.

Crime Prevention Month is dedicated to four themes—one theme per week. Here are some suggested activities:

• Arrange with NCPC for a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) evaluation of the school to help make sure it’s designed for safety.

Week One: Protecting Your Personal Property

• Work with a local key maker to educate people about the importance of having good locks—and using them effectively.

• Organize a meeting between local law enforcement and residents to discuss how together they can improve community safety.

• Paint out graffiti and clean up the neighborhood to make it less attractive to loiterers, vandals, and thieves.

• Publicize ways to keep bicycles safe from theft.

• Hold a “take back the streets” march.

• Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group.

• Arrange a week of home safety audits by local law enforcement.

Week Two: Staying Safe in a High-Tech World

• Organize a program for teens about sexting and how it isn’t cool—and how it’s against the law.

• Talk to a class at school about ways children and teens can prevent cyberbullying and how to respond to it.

• Work with law enforcement to organize a campaign to educate the community about ways to prevent identity theft.

• Arrange for a local educator or counselor to present NCPC’s podcast on cyberbullying.

26  Lincoln Business Builder

• Sponsor extracurricular activities so youth will have a positive outlet for their energy and not commit acts of vandalism or violence in or near the school.

• Organize a career fair so at-risk youth can set their sights on positive goals.

Week Four: Safety in the Golden Years

• Present the FINRA Foundation’s Outsmarting Investment Fraud curriculum at your library, a senior center, or a local community center.

• Show the FINRA Foundation’s movie Trick$ of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud or hand out free DVDs of the program in locations throughout your community.

• Teach seniors how to say “No” to a range of threatening situations—investment proposals, get-rich-quick schemes, attempts to steal their identities.

• Teach citizens to “ask and check” before they consider working with an investment professional or buying an investment product.

• Arrange a meeting at a community center, faith congregation, or seniors’ residence to discuss ways seniors can keep from becoming victims of telemarketing fraud and distribute NCPC’s Seniors and Telemarketing Fraud 101 publication.

• Hand out investor alerts, Fighting Fraud 101 brochures, and other publications at all your community events.

• Hold a class on how to prevent identity theft.

• Distribute NCPC’s new materials on spotting elder abuse.

National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org

Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN NE PERMIT NO 51

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

402-310-4362 5 FREE leads for HBAL Members

interested in our marketing programs!

It’s your electricity.

Own it.

It pays to build more energy-efficient homes.

Just let us know where to send the check.

The LES Sustainable Energy Program provides homebuilders significant incentives for installing high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment — up to $900 per ton on air conditioners, air source and ground source heat pumps. Whether you keep the incentives or pass them on to clients, you’ll help save energy, reduce environmental impact and delay the need to build expensive power plants. Help keep Lincoln’s electric rates among the lowest in the nation. Visit les.com/SEP or call 402.473.3275 for complete details.

Reimers Kaufman Concrete Products

Reimers Kaufman Now Stocks Natural Thin Veneer

Stone | Brick | Block | Outdoor Living

Stop by our remodeled designer showroom at Reimers Kaufman Visit Our Showroom at 6200 Cornhusker Hwy.

Open Mon-Fri 7am-5pm

ReimersKaufman.com