April 2014 reporter

Volume 7, No. 4 • April 2014

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com Spring has sprung and now it’s time to spring into action by joining us with a night filled with fun and fellowship.

Dates to Remember

When: April 10, 2014 6:30 P.M. Where: Good Times Party Barn, 3136 Arena Road, provided by Rick Belz

• May 1, 2014 Deadline for Scholarship Applications

There will be a bounce house and barrel ride for the kids and we will have games for the adults.

The meal will be provided by First Bank Please RSVP by April 7, 2014 4:00 P.M.

• June 6, 2014 Parade of Homes Kick-Off Lunch – Sikes Lake Center sponsored by Landmark Title • June 7-15, 2014 Parade of Homes • July 23-24, 2014 Sunbelt Builders Show – San Antonio Texas • July 22-25, 2014 TAB Summer Board Meetings – San Antonio Texas • July 28, 2014 Deadline for Housing Hall of Honor Nominations All members are encouraged to attend any and all events & meetings conducted by TAB and NAHB. Information can be found at www.texasbuilders.org and www.nahb.org.

New Members Precision Frame..................................Larry Holding

Welcome!

Renewals City Concrete............................................Tim Foley David Bedingfield Homes...........David Bedingfield MWH Group P.C. ..........................Charles P. Salter Rhone Building Corporation.........Dorothy Rhone Texas Carpet Outlet............................Lane Landes

Thanks for Renewing!

April Birthdays Cassie Ahearn.................................................02 Rick Belz..........................................................18 Judy Garrett...................................................30

From the President Dear Members, John Harmon, Jose Garcia, and I attended the Texas Association of Builders meetings in Austin, February 26-27, 2014.

There is so much happening, that I will keep everyone informed with a two part article.

It was a very exciting time in the TAB format. Getting involved is the “Name of the Game�. John Harmon is on the Codes and Standards Committee, while I am a member of the Bylaws and the Finance Committees. Jose Garcia is our Director to TAB. The Finance Committee approved the 2014 Budget, as well as, the Sunbelt Builders Show budget. This year’s show will be larger and better than the previous shows.

This year it will be held in San Antonio, in July, please contact Teri for details.

Home Pac, our Political Action Committee, made great strides this year in keeping many proposals from becoming law, things such as residential sprinkler systems, additional fees, and more. They also are fighting several lawsuits to prevent the Builders from spending addition dollars on wasted issues, while contributing to candidates that are Builder friendly.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN MAKING A DONATION TO HOME PAC. It’s simply amazing what all they accomplish on our behalf. I was proud that The North Texas Home Builders Association received an award for being one of the top associations in increasing and surpassing its HOME PAC goals.

As always, if you want something to change, then get involved. If you need help in doing so, don’t hesitate to contact me. There are plenty of items to work on.

Happy Birthday!

Delinda Dodd Mortgage Team Member

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Calendar of Events Builders Meeting at the .........................................April 1, 2014 NTHBA Office...........................................................5:30-7:30PM Membership Meetings &..........................................April 8, 2014 Education Committee Meeting.....................................10:00AM Publications & Communications............................April 8, 2014 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Parade of Homes & Special.....................................April 9, 2014 Events Committee Meeting...........................................10:00AM Government Affairs................................................April 10, 2014 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Family Night.............................................................April 10, 2014 Good Times Party Barn.....................................................6:30PM Budget & By-Laws...................................................April 15, 2014 Committee Meeting..........................................................9:15AM Board of Directors.................................................April 16, 2014 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM

2013 /2014 Officers & Directors President - Barney Brock Vice President - John Harmon Associate Vice President - Johnny McClane Treasurer - Martin Litteken Secretary - Tim Sawyer Immediate Past President - Steven Hinson Builder Directors David Bedingfield - 1yr Steven Klasse - 1yr Bobby Rowland - 2yr Troy Thompson - 2yr

Assoicate Directors Randy Schaffner - 1yr Sharon Tucker - 2yr

State Director - Jose Garcia Alternate State Director - Steven Hinson Life Director - Chuck Dennis Executive Vice President - Teri Gibson

Meet Your Members ABSOLUTE INSULATION PRODUCTS (AIP)

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Serving Archer, Clay and Wichita Counties

AIP Absolute Insulation Products was 1920 Elmwood North Ave • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 established because there are so many people (940) 720-5200 • (940) 691-3199 Fax who want to save energy but are not sure Jean Taylor, CESA Bobby Faulkner how to accomplish this. Justin Jones knew Vice President / Escrow Officer Escrow Officer jeant@archertitle.com bobbyf@archertitle.com that he had to form a company to make energy saving strategies clear and easily available to every homeowner. In 2007, after a lot of in-depth research, Absolute Insulation Products was created servicing the Wichita Falls area.Business with Association Members!

Always Remember to do Today, Absolute Insulation Products services Texas and BRYAN WAGGONER Oklahoma, to assist commercial, small business owners and homeowners save on the energy bills while being “earth friendly�. We are passionate about energy efficiency and green 3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 remodeling. We practice a “full envelope� approach to assess (940) 691-3641 each home or business as an individual system making for the Continued on pg 12 )D[ ‡

perfect and custom solution. We specialize in doing energy and E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com comfort assessments quickly and efficiently. But Absolute Insulation Products doesn’t stop with the assessment, they also do the work, enabling homeowners and business owners to get Commercial Services the maximum energy and cost saving results with minimum John Thompson hassle.

Mike Sharp Continues on page 4

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Mark Miller

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Absolute Insulation Products have full line of products such as Foam Insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, Cellulose Insulation and Radiant Barrier. Call Justin Jones at 940-642-4487 for a complete energy assessment for your home or business and let him help you decide which product is best for you. Or visit the web site at www.aipgreen.com for detailed information and videos about Absolute Insulation Products.

OZONA NATIONAL BANK On June 1, 1905, a group of West Texas ranchers joined forces to open Crockett County’s first bank in Ozona, Texas. Local citizens of Ozona – use to entrusting their funds to the town mercantile’s safe – lined up to make deposits at the new banking institution.

Descendants of those founders still direct employees to come to know customers by name, not just by number.

Around 1848, the Winters and Wimberley families settled between the banks of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, and founded the quaint Hill Country village of Wimberley. The Wimberley Bank was opened in 1972 by local merchants as the population surged. By 1990, the far-sighted folks of Ozona National Bank acquired the bank and entered the prosperous Central Texas market.

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Mortgage Lending NMLS: 463255

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NTHBA Member since 1972

Vice President Report I recently attended the TAB Winter Board Meetings in Austin February 26-27, 2014. The individual meetings I attended were the Government Relations Committee, HomePAC, Membership and Codes & Standards Committee.

In the Codes & Standards Committee there were three topics I felt were noteworthy: 1. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) used for gas piping in residential homes is under a lot of scrutiny concerning fires related to lightning strikes. This topic has come to the forefront for the Lubbock HBA after a fatal accident last year when a home was apparently struck by lightning. Firefighters believe the lightning arced onto the CSST which punctured tiny holes in the thin walls of the tubes that released and ignited the gas, creating mini blow torches then quickly engulfed the house in flames. TAB and the Lubbock HBA are doing extensive research on this product. CSST was used wide spread across the nation.

There has been 750 million feet of CSST made and installed in the United States over the last 20 year. (Statistics from the Omega Flex Corporation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014.) If you would like a slide presentation regarding the CSST please email John Harmon at jharmon@harmonholcombhomes.com and ask for the CSST slide presentation.

2. TAB and the San Antonio HBA are in a lawsuit with the city of Helotes near San Antonio over Extra Territorial Jurisdiction or (ETJ). This issue will have pervasive consequences if they are not successful in defeating the lawsuit. ETJ will be able to set fees and enforce city rules and regulations on land in the proximity to the city limits where no city services are provided. Fees are estimated to be $2000.00 - $3000.00 per home permit for a home or lot in the ETJ. 3. The Code and Standards Committee is organizing a subcommittee to address and give recommendations regarding the 2015 Energy Code. The committee believes regulation changes will require a home to be tested at a 50 HERS score. The goal is to make recommendations that will help the city approve a more realistic HERS score. If we are regulated based on a 50 HERS score the cost increase per home will negatively impact homeownership throughout Texas. I have volunteered to sit on the sub-committee.

Keep in mind the outcome of these three items are of great importance to our industry. These are the reasons your membership, contributions to HomePAC & Build PAC and your involvement are important.

The power of three, local, state and national, standing as one, helps us to be noticed when it counts the most.

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1300 Hatton Road Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Phone: (940) 767-2506

Fax: (940) 761-5563 (888) 266-1387 www.ferguson.com

We are blessed to report: Dorothy Rhone is having a successful recovery from her hip surgery. She is able to be out and about while taking her outpatient therapy twice a week. Doug McCulloch is back on his feet from his recent surgery on his ACL. Johnny McClane is still recovering from his back surgery but is able to do light duty work. It is great to know you are all doing well.

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NTHBA-WFAR March Luncheon

Continued from page 5

The Texas Primary is over and a few state wide runoffs are underway. TAB is strongly supporting incumbent Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to keep his position and Attorney General Gregg Abbott as Governor. Both of these gentlemen have been helpful to TAB and the Texas building industry for years. They deserve your vote.

March 6, 2014 NTHBA sponsored an event with the city of Wichita Falls Building Permit & Inspection Department. There were approximately 140 people who attended. Bobby Teague along with Danny Mummer, Ricky Horton, Matt Rogers, Joe Davis, Mike Roach, Brad Scates and City Assistant Manager Kevin Hugman presented the top 10 Code Violations. There was a Question & Answer session after the presentation. One topic that was mention and is soon to be enforced is carbon monoxide detectors. For more information contact Building & Code Administrator/Assistant Director Bobby Teague at bobby.teague@wichitafallstx.gov or call 940-761-7459.

A special Thanks to Rick Belz for the use of his Good Times Party Barn. It was the perfect location and atmosphere for this event. Also, a special Thanks to Sharon Tucker and the Atmos Energy Crew who provided and served a fantastic Catfish dinner.

Thank you both for your continued support for the North Texas Home Builders Association.

PRAY for RAIN!!!

The North Texas Home Builders Association and the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors held a joint luncheon meeting on Thursday, March 6, at the Kemp Center for the Arts. A panel discussion question-answer forum was held to answer all questions concerning home loans, interest rates, credit scores, and more.

Among those serving on the panel were Bill Franklin, Scott Flynn, Kathie Davis, Paul Graham, Jerry Phillips, Cathy Roberts, Diana Hunt and Linda Taylor.

Jerry Phillips was asked to explain how Dodd-Frank affects marginal borrowers with lower credit scores. John Wilson asked if it was possible to get a home loan with a credit score below 640.

The question was asked of the panel if they thought interest rates would rise during the next 12 months. The consensus was that rates will continue to “creep up.”

The question was asked about how difficult is it to get a home loan if one is self-employed with wildly fluctuating yearly income.

Bill Franklin answered that he didn’t think it would affect getting a loan too much. He said they would look at the average income over the past two or three years.

Other questions included “Will seller contributions be counted against the buyer? Should property be insured at

Monday, February 17, 2014

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We ask for special prayer for James and Mary McKie. Continue to pray for our members’ health, families and businesses as well as the armed forces, our leaders and our country.

Most of all pray for the much needed RAIN!!

The Original Since 1921

Commercial/Residential Sales, Service, Installation

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WICHITA FALLS 601 Central Freeway East Wichita Falls, Texas 76302

Phone (940) 767-7788 Fax (940) 687-3677

CHRI6 DOCKMA1 COMPANY 2071 FM 171 Wichita Falls, Texas 76305 Phone & Fax (940) 767-9710 Cell (940) 704-3471 Jerry Fillmon, Owner/Manager

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Martin Litteken, Jr., P.E.

940-782-3805

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2406 Kell Boulevard Wichita Falls, Texas 76309-5326 Phone: (940) 322-6450 Fax: (940) 723-6006

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replacement value? How are first-time homebuyers’ affected by changes in mortgage banking laws? If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac disappear will the 30-year mortgage disappear?”

In other business, WFAR President Penny Riordan announced that the Chili Cook-off will be held April 11. John Harmon, vice president of the NTHBA lenders are shown during the said he and President Barney Brock Mortgage question-answer program at the joint March luncheon of the Wichita Falls recently attended the International Association of Realtors and the North Texas Home Builders Association.

Builders Show in Las Vegas and were told that new housing starts in 2013 were up 13 percent with Texas leading all 50 states in housing starts.

The 2014 Parade of Homes starts June 7. The NTHBA expects about 15 entries. Landmark title will sponsor the kick-off luncheon for the Parade.

Nine years later in 1999, ONB opened its third location in nearby San Marcos, a historic and energetic community that has thrived on the San Marcos and Blanco Rivers since the 1840’s. It is known for its historic homes and being home to Texas State University and the Prime Outlet Mall.

ONB further expanded its Central Texas locations in 2002 by opening a Loan Production Office in San Antonio, which is the 8th largest city in the USA. It has become an international city lying at the crossroad where north meets south. Despite its size, San Antonio is still a city where small town friendliness and service are cherished, making it a perfect location for a community bank in a city atmosphere.

Bowie, Texas was incorporated in 1883 with a population of 1,100 settlers and 50 local businesses. That population has increased to 5,400 today and hosts an abundance of businesses ranging from apparel and athletic goods manufacturing to energy, agriculture, machine manufacturing, and retail. The community still expresses a strong pioneer spirit making it an ideal location for ONB to open its 5th location in 2007.

The original bank in Ozona and its locations in Wimberley, San Marcos, San Antonio, and Bowie, have seen their customers through floods and droughts, lean times and boom times for over a century now. As Ozona National Bank has grown, its services have also grown to reflect current technology in the banking industry. Ozona National Bank offers many personal and business banking services including free personal and business checking, online banking and bill pay, CD’s, IRA’s, mortgage services, loan services, merchant services, safe deposit boxes, and much more.

In addition, Ozona National Bank has its own in-house Investment Executive who can advise individuals about portfolio strategy, insurance needs, asset allocation, retirement planning, college funding, and other services.

Ozona National Bank is proud of its past and continues to be recognized as a community bank that will stand by its customers with the same reliable, friendly, personal service that people have trusted for the last century. Strong, independent, and progressive – ONB offers modern banking conveniences and investment opportunities while remaining firmly rooted in its old-fashioned commitment to customers. We’re growing with Texas…for the future of Texans! Contact Karlon Cox at 872-8450 or drop by 1301 Hwy 59, Bowie, Tx. 76230 to discuss your banking needs.

1204 28th Street Wichita Falls

(940) 766-3291

Happy Easter “For God so lover the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” ~ John 3:16 April 20, 2014

Kathy Gregory 940.249.5293

Jerry Phillips 940.249.5288

Nicki Bomer 940.249.5291

Karen Anderson 940.249.5292

4245 KEMP BLVD., STE. 420 • WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS 76308

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EPA Drops Plans for New Post-Construction Storm water Rule

8

In a major win for the home building industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and common sense â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will jettison plans for a National Post Construction Storm water Rulemaking, plans that NAHB repeatedly told the agency would have added onerous, costly and in many cases impractical steps to the residential development process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a five-year bureaucratic battle, but we won. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a victory for our buyers as well,â&#x20AC;? said Kevin Kelly, NAHB chairman and a home builder and developer from Wilmington, Del. Since EPA first announced its plans in December 2009, NAHB staff and members have submitted comments and letters, testified at hearings, served on small-business panels and met with appointed and elected officials to explain why EPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposal was an incursion into land-use regulations and plain wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. In essence, a rule would have required all builders to retain a certain volume of storm water onsite by using low-impact development techniques such as rain gardens, pervious pavements and other methods that often add money especially on sites with soil types that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easily infiltrate.

Some of the technologies EPA was considering would be almost impossible in many urban areas, making smart-growth and redevelopment projects less likely to succeed. They are also expensive: Builders who employ these practices have estimated they add at least 10-15% to the cost of a developed lot, depending on location and soil type.

EPA was also considering expensive retrofit requirements that would saddle municipalities and taxpayers with huge additional bills during a time when many cannot keep up with current infrastructure demands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green infrastructure systems are still a work in progress, and as technology progresses, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover solutions that work better and are less expensive,â&#x20AC;? Kelly said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad that EPA has decided to concentrate on education programs rather than proposing this rule, and I am proud of the role we played to make that happen.â&#x20AC;?

NAHB is talking to EPA about assisting with its low-impact development education efforts, and such practices already are part of the voluntary ICC 700 National Green Building Standard.

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Home Builders host dinner Most frequent code violations discussed The 10 most frequent building code violations was the topic of a dinner meeting Thursday, March 6, hosted by the North Texas Home Builders Association.

A fried catfish dinner was City Inspector Bobby Teague speaks to the gathering. provided by Atmos Energy.

Bobby Teague, head of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building inspection department, led the presentation. He was assisted by the other members of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building inspection department. They included Danny Mummert, Ricky Horton, Matt Rogers, Joe Davis, Mike Roach, Eric Spears, and Brad Scotes.

Assistant City Manager Kevin Hugman also was on Atmos Energy cooked for hand to answer questions. the meeting.

About 140 subcontractors including framers, plumbers, brick layers, and concrete personnel attended the dinner.

The most frequent code violations include plumbing (water heaters and pressure relief valves), gas-fired appliance vents, duct sealant, breaker boxes, anchor bolts, sheathing nail patterns, and carbon monoxide detectors A large crowd attended the evening meeting. and protection.

Also discussed was how Stage 5 water restrictions would affect home building and the effect of water wells on the city water supplies and effect on aquifers.

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES AD SIZE FULL PAGE AD...................................................$300.00 HALF PAGE AD..................................................$150.00 QUARTER PAGE AD...........................................$75.00 3 1/2 X 3..................................................................$50.00 3 1/2 X 2 1/2............................................................$45.00 3 1/2 X 2.....................................................................40.00 3 1/2 X 1 3/4.............................................................$30.00 3 1/2 X 1..................................................................$20.00 1 3/4 X 1..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

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9

The Publications & Communications Committee is proud to announce the 2014/2015 Membership Directory (The Tool Belt) is complete and many members and other establishments already have some in hand. These publications are available at the NTHBA office for any of you who do not have one or need more to hand out to your clients, friends and family members who could use them. Please call and we will make arrangements to deliver some to you or come by the NTHBA office and pick them up. Other ways of distribution are through the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. Since we have become a member, they will be sending out several of the publications each month in information packets they mail to people requesting information about Wichita Falls and are looking to relocate to the area. They will also have some available at the chamber office for walk-ins and will be sending a link to the electronic version which is on the NTHBA web site under Quick Links.

Sheppard Air Force Housing Office and the Texas Tourist Bureau will have

some available at their offices as well.

We want to say Thank You to all the members who purchased advertising and enhanced listings in the directory which helped pay for the production and printing and allowing us to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce which is a great outreach source. We look forward to using the directory as a tool to create business, increase membership, and to let everyone know the NTHBA is working for the betterment of the home building industry.

Thank you Publications & Communication Committee, (Chairman Tim Sawyer, Wayne Pharries, Jerry Phillips & Cassie Ahearn & Graphics designer, Jennifer Blackwell) for a great job on producing such a high quality product.

SCOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Please help spread the word.

Applications Available online:

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"X,Y, BOOM'"

"The Times They Are a-Changin'" was released in 1964 which, coincidentally, is the same year as the end of the baby boomer births. I happen to be part of that generation and as I race towards my 54th birthday (June 8th: cards and gifts appreciated), I notice a lot more gray spreading through my hair. My facial hair, if I allowed it to grow out, would make me literally a gray beard. After more than a quarter of a century as a member, spending some of those years engaged in leadership roles, I am figuratively and literally a gray beard. I remember, like it was yesterday, my first day on my local's board of directors, age 34. I was "that" group of membership, the new kid on the block, but still, I was a baby boomer. As one of the new and younger board members, my thoughts and ideas were heard, but not truly listened to by my elder statesman (and one woman which was another issue back then!) on the board.

Well, here I am almost 20 year later and I'm the elder statesman. I realized something along the way; I was taught to mentor, to listen to other, fresher points of view and to make sure I did my part to prepare the association for the future, well after I was gone.

The association wasn't meant for me to rule. The association was meant to protect my industry and safeguard it to the best of my volunteer abilities. The one thing I did not do was think about the next generation.

Lately, over the past 5-6 years, I self-taught social media mechanics and application, created Facebook pages and LinkedIn groups as well as engaged on Twitter. What I didn't realize was the next generation, X and Y, were already here in full force on social media. The millenniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are as well. I then look around our federation and realize we are not making inroads towards the future of NAHB. When we get married and start families, we are setting the course for our family's continued growth. We raise our children into adults, preparing them to start their own families perhaps. And on it goes. This is the way it has been for life, but why would we think our association is different from life? Are we preparing our "family" for its future or are we living in the here and now and letting the next generation fend for themselves?

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703 E. Scott Wichita Falls, TX 76308

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Just so you know the average age of an NAHB member is now 56 years old with the average age of our board over 60 years old. Where is the youth? Where will the future protectors of NAHB come from? We can certainly try and invite Gen X & Y, but they need to have a focused purpose.

They have young families that take away or limit their volunteer time. X & Y have a dramatically different business climate to navigate and it's extremely difficult to break free for extended periods of time. Even if X & Y could participate, would they be listened to by the 50 plus year old NAHB leaders, who sometimes could be set in their ways and have no appetite for change, in discussions of association direction?

Change is going to happen whether the current NAHB leaders believe that or not. They just have to remember back when they were the new kids on the block. If we don't begin to incorporate the next generation everything we baby boomers worked for within NAHB will be in jeopardy of fading away. If you believe what you are currently doing as a volunteer is for the greater good of our industry, you would be derelict in your role as an NAHB leader not to embrace the inevitable; we must bring in the next generation, now.

Gen X & Y will not; • participate if the purpose is not clearly defined • engage if meetings are long and not settled with a clear cut decision of action • will not leave their families for full weeks at a time • will not want to be involved with political positioning of others

WINDOWS, DOORS AND MORE!

NAHB Membership committee is currently forming a 522 Beverly Drive 723-1436 Wichita Falls, Texas 76309 working group to start looking at tools to help the locals recruit Gen X & Y into the local, as members first, and then mentor to bring them into association leaders. This working group will not have the traditional members or Always to do Business Association Members! staff, meaningRemember those who have been around. with No, this BRYAN WAGGONER working group is being comprised of, wait for it... gen X & Y members and staff. Hopefully, when all is said and done, 3907 Kell BoulevarE t WJDIJUB 'BMMT t Texas 76308 the findings of this group will be sent out for discussion.

Generational change starts at the grass roots level which is the local HBAs. This gray beard fully understands that change will come. I won't resist, I'll embrace. What say you?

Submitted by Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP 2014 National Membership Chairman at National Association of Home Builders