September 2017 reporter

NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

4410 Fairway Boulevard Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Volume 10, No. 9 • September 2017

www.nthba.com

From the President The weather sure has been crazy over the last month in North Texas and across the rest of the State. Having temps in the 80’s and ample rainfall in August is far from common for our area. However, our fellow Texans in the southeast areas of the State were not as fortunate with the arrival of Hurricane Harvey. It is wonderful to see the compassion fellow Texans have for each other and the amazing strength of the Texas spirit.

Mayor Santellana was gracious enough to speak to us about key items the City of Wichita Falls is trying to accomplish. I think we are very fortunate to have a Mayor that is so passionate about our community and determined to make life better for all Wichitians.

We held our annual golf tournament at the WF Country Club and we could not have asked for better weather. It was a sold out event and everyone had a wonderful time.

A big Thank you to everyone who played, had a sponsorship, donated prizes, and volunteered their time to make this year’s golf tournament such a success.

Welcome New Members Brazos Windows & Doors...............Blake Seyler Brazos windows & Doors...............Roger Vann National Wholesale Supply...Jason Sternadel R.J. Wachsman Homes................Judy Garrett Welcome!

P: 940.692.2211 F: 940.692.2214 Special Thanks to our 2017 NTHBA Partners: Diamond Atmos Energy Platinum Union Square Credit Union Gold First National Bank of Wichita Falls

What’s

INSIDE • Dates To Remember • 363 TRS Hosts Hotter ’N Hell Rest Stop • 2018 International Builders Registration • Golf Tournament • TAB Rebuild with Confidence

363 TRS hosts Hotter'N Hell Rest Stop

By Staff Reports, 363rd Training Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas

Team Sheppard’s 363rd Training Squadron hosted their very own rest stop for the Hotter’N Hell Hundred cycling event, Saturday, August 26, 2017.

The base itself has become a favorite rest stop for riders during the annual event but the 363rd TRS took it upon themselves to go the extra mile for this year’s ride.

Nearly 50 military and civilian volunteers utilized their off-duty time to make the Star Wars-themed rest stop a success.

Hosting a rest stop requires a great deal of effort to organize and operate in order to effectively assist the riders. The 363rd TRS not only provided the manpower for U.S. Air Force courtesy photo creating the Star Wars back drop but also built bike stands and arranged hydration supplies at the location prior to the day of the race.

Proper preparation ensured the team had the necessary number of volunteers available to take care of the riders the day of the race.

Along with local U.S. Air Force courtesy photo fundraising efforts, the 363rd TRS was proud to have the North Texas Home Builders Association as a partner to assist in making the rest stop a success.

U.S. Air Force courtesy photo

2017 Calendar of Events Parade of Homes & Special Events ..................Sept. 13 Committee Meeting...........................................11:00AM Budget & By-Laws................................................Sept. 20 Committee Meeting...........................................10:15AM Board of Directors................................................Sept. 20 Meeting................................................................11:00AM

The Original Since 1921

Commercial/Residential Sales, Service, Installation

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

2

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

September Birthdays Mark Hind..........................................2 David Bedingfield.............................5 David Shoop.....................................7 Boyd Branch......................................8 Scott Hollars.....................................10 Bill Holstead.....................................18 Justin Jones.....................................18 Felix Castillo.....................................20 Shane Fitzhenry...............................20 Jesse Guadalcazar........................25 Randy Pebworth.............................27 Kolter Lukert.....................................29 Happy Birthday!

Renewals ABC Supply............................Victoria Longo Allen Leek Air Conditioning......Allen Moore American National Bank...Caroline Groves American National Bank.........Donna Adair American National Bank..........Chris Rogers American National Bank......Brad Davidson American National Bank....Micha Lambeth Breegle Abbey Carpet & Floor...Bob Hayes Builders Lumber Company.......Scott Hollars Builders Wholesale...........................Rick Belz Kelly Moore Paint..........Jesse Guadalcazar Landmark Title Company.........Cindy David R.J. Wachsman Homes...Tanner Wachsman Times Record News.........................Kim Holly Woodco Building Supply...Charles Vergauwen Thanks for Renewing!

2017 Dates to Remember October 5, General Membership Meeting November 2, General Membership Meeting November 16-17, TAB Committee & Board Meetings, Austin, TX. November 23, Thanksgiving December 7, Annual Christmas Party, Coyote Ranch Resort December 24, Christmas Eve December 25, Christmas Day

State of Wichita Falls was the Mayor’s topic at the August 10th General Membership Meeting Mayor Santellana told members of the NTHBA there is a lot happening in Wichita Falls and in his opinion it is all good; even when you take in account the two police cruisers that were stolen in the prior two weeks, the bright side is, no one was injured.

He reported the city has done many things in the short time he has been Mayor.

The convention center was turned over to Spectra, a company who are experts in hosting and managing entertainment. With their vast area of operations, they are able to obtain big names in all types of entertainment such as concerts, sports events, performing arts etc. The status for Spectra at this point is as good as the city had benchmarked for. One of the best things is the employees are now the responsibility of Spectra. Just after the take over from Spectra, the city dodged a bullet when there was a mishap at the gun show and three employees were shot. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

Spectra has been able to bring big name concerts and events to town and will be focusing on more sponsorships to continue those efforts. The Night Hawks will be returning but under a different team name.

They will concentrate on better advertising to SAFB and area schools with the hopes of gaining bigger crowds. The MPEC did lose the Hockey team because it was not supported well. It is possible it could be brought back with a different team but it is not for known if or when. In the mean while it may sit idle for some time.

Mayor Santellano mentioned he isn’t always everyone’s favorite when it comes to some decisions made for Wichita Falls but he will always look out for what is best for the citizens. His continued stand on having a balanced budget can cause a little tension but he is proud to say he has not been forced to raise taxes for two years in a row when putting together the budget. The only time he would be in favor of new taxes is when it determines whether the city is able to keep enough emergency personnel hired to run the city efficiently or not. He said it could eventually be an issue. The city has to keep 200 police officers employed and is constantly in fear of losing them to the metroplex due to salaries. Another concern is the number of graduates from the

academy. Each year it becomes fewer and fewer.

The academy was graduating 12 each time and the last graduating class only had 7.

Mayor also mentioned how aggravating it is when people do not realize the city and county are not one entity and want to blame the city for the raise in the county taxes. He said the county is in charge of their own budget and decisions to raise taxes.

He mentioned how proud he is of what Henry Florsheim and the Chamber of Commerce have been doing with the Choose Wichita Falls and Economic Development. There is a huge push for economic development and the staff and council are working together with a steering committee to promote the downtown area.

With new entertainment venues, living quarters and businesses revitalizing downtown, opens up a whole new area for MSU students, SAFB and citizens to patronize. He said the city is behind economic growth and f the committees focused on revitalization of Wichita Falls sees the need to spend time and resources on something then that is what the city will do.

Continues on pg 4

ACME BRICK COMPANY (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office (940) 691-9678 fax hnewton@acmebrick.com

Harold Newton Branch Manager

6701 Seymour Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76310

Serving Archer, Clay and Wichita Counties &MNXPPE /PSUI "WF t 8JDIJUB 'BMMT 5FYBT

t 'BY

3

Continued from page 3

Downtown is the heart of the city and everyone is wanting to be a part of it. It will take money and public and private partnerships are necessary.

The city is still working on the determination to help fund a hotel near the MPEC or not. Wichita Falls is losing out on a lot of big conventions because people want to be on premises with their meeting and exhibit rooms. Wichita Falls is not equipped at this time and it will take outside dollars coming into Wichita to make it grow.

The Chamber has been instrumental in helping to draw the Top of Texas Market Antique show to Wichita Falls as well as the National Horseshoe Pitching Tournament which will take place in 2019.

This will be thousands of people spending money in Wichita Falls.

Another big happening is Lake Wichita Revitalization committee receiving their 404 permit which allows them to start dredging the lake.

Stephen Garner and Tom Lang had a dream and began action on that dream and now it is becoming a reality.

The CEC Center is another vision that has come to fruition and one of the first steps Wichita Falls has taken hoping to help stimulate growth. We still need new high schools as well as junior high and grade schools but we have to take one step at a time.

Businesses look at all of these thing when making their decisions to relocate.

On another note, the mayor along with other city officials have been doing their share of traveling to Austin during the legislative session to do their part in trying to keep wind farms from being an issue to SAFB. Mayor said the wind farm companies had 24 lobbyist to the 3-4 city officials Wichita Falls had. With wind farms being a billion dollar industry, they don’t want any legislation going against them.

Congressman Mac Thornberry, Senator Craig Estes and Representative James Frank are all aboard to help fight to keep Wind Farms out of the 25 mile radius that would effect SAFB. Military installations are the 2nd largest economy in Texas with installations all over the state. Wichita Falls would be divested if anything was to happen to SAFB. Other topics that were a concern to the Mayor were Tax Caps. The state is wanting one master formula to cap taxes. Wichita Falls doesn’t really fall into the one size fits all system. Where many places in Texas are growing in double digits, Wichita Falls is growing less than 1% per year. With a cap in taxes as the state wants, it could lead to the city having to cut services to be able to maintain.

Continues on page 5

4

LET UNION SQUARE WELCOME YOU HOME! CALL US TODAY AT 940.720.8100 OR VISIT WWW.UNIONSQUARE.ORG.

MORE LIKE FAMILY.

Continued from page 4

Annexation was another item. The state is wanting dictate on how municipalities can annex around their city. Mayor mentioned Wichita Falls is having a hard enough time growing and doesn’t need Austin hindering our growth.

A question was asked on were Wichita Falls stands on the water projects even though the lakes continue to be full. The update on the water is: the pipeline is in the testing phase and the city continues to move forward on Lake Ringold. There is a lot of red tape with projects such as Lake Ringold which inhibit us from being able to get outside funding. If this wasn’t the case, we would’ve had someone else that was willing to fund it.

In conclusion the Mayor told the audience he wants to be an active mayor, not passive. He said, you can drown in negativity all day long but he refuses to do it. Growth is the ultimate goal for Wichita Falls. We have, SAFB, MSU and Vernon College other towns with these entities continue to grow. Wichita Falls can too.

Along with the Mayor addressing the crowd, the NTHBA had a few housekeeping items Kolter Lukert gave announcements and opened the floor for nominations for the 2017/2018 officers and directors.

No nominations were given.

Barney also addressed the crowd and gave report on the summer TAB committee and board meetings attended by members of the NTHBA during the Sunbelt Builders Show the previous week.

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY

DON WRIGHT - President Cell: (940) 636-5641 2606 GRANT STREET WICHITA FALLS, TX 76309 Tel: (940) 696-2758 fax: (940) 691-3757

2801 Kell East

Phone (940) 692-5734

Wichita Falls

Fax (940) 692-0391

Texas 76308

The total number of new home permits pulled in the city of Wichita Falls through August is 57.

August had 9 pulled, 45 of the permits pulled to date are from NTHBA builder members!

Let Us Check Your Shorts

Lane Landes, Owner

tco@wf.net

Continues on page 7

5

TAB Rebuild with Confidence Just a friendly reminder! Many of us have some connection with family, friends or acquaintances affected by Hurricane Harvey and are familiar with the fly by night out of towners trying to make big bucks and scam people. Please read the press release below with information on how to choose a builder or remodeler as well as disaster relief resources you can direct them to. This is one way we can be of tremendous help if we’re not able to help any other way.

We will also be periodically updating our web site and posting on Facebook information received from TAB and fellow Executive Officers in and around the affected areas on ways to help.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - On behalf of the building and remodeling industry in texas, the members of the texas Association of Builders, want to express their heartfelt sympathies to anyone affected by the tropical storm and Hurricane Harvey that hit the Texas gulf over the weekend. The processional building and remodedling community stands ready to assist our neighbors as we work to rebuild the homes and communities that heave been destroyed or damaged.

As you begin to assess the damage to your home and property, we would like to help you make an informed decision regarding your contractor choice. Before you hire a contractor, we strongly encourage you to do your homework to ensure that you are hiring a reputable, qualified individual or company to help you rebuild your home or business. Here are a few important guidelines to help you select a competent builder or remodeler: • Make sure the contractor has a permanent business location and a good reputation with a local bank and suppliers.

• Find out how long they have been in the building business. You want to know that your contractor will be around after construction is complete to fulfill any warranty obligations.

• Check with you local Better Business Bureau to 6

learn if any complaints have been filed against your contractor.

• Some Texas cities require that builders are registered and bonded. Check with your city’s building permits department in this regard.

• Ask for, and verify, references.

• Enter into a complete and clearly written contract with your builder or remodeler.

• Do not pay for the entire job up front or pay in cash. In fact, state law prohibits contractors in disaster areas from taking up front money unless they have held a physical business address in the county or adjacent county for at least one year.

• Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids or a hard-sell to “sign today” for a low price.

• Visit the online resources available to you at http://www.texasbuilders.org/about-us/consum er-information.html.

We also want to remind you that some recovery-related expenses are exempt from state and local taxes. Please keep these in mind as you review any bills or invoices that you receive from your contractor: • Texas never imposes sales tax on labor for residential repairs.

Continues on page 7

RWP SERVICES

OCE of Texas &HUWL¿HG &RQVWUXFWLRQ (OHYDWLRQ 6XUYH\

Fencing

Custom Gates Randy Pebworth 2 ) UZSHE #JPDLO FRP Landscaping

Commercial Services

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

John Thompson Mike Sharp Robert Masters 940-447-9050

Continued from page 6

WINDOWS, DOORS • Arborists’ services, such as cutting down or AND MORE! cutting up a damaged or dead tree in a 522 Beverly Drive declared disaster area, are not taxable.

723-1436 Wichita Falls, Texas 76309 • Hauling away branches, limbs, or trees are waste removal services and are taxable. • Goods and taxable services may be purchased tax free with Salvation Army, Always Remember to FEMA, do Business with Association Members! or Red Cross debit cards for vouchers.

BRYAN WAGGONER TAB remains committed to providing support, information, and resources to the citizens and home building industry affected by the recent hurricane. As you begin to repair your home, make sure your contractor is an experienced professional.

LANDMARK

TITLE COMPANY Your title needs handled promptly (XUHND &LUOFH ‡ :LFKLWD )DOOV 7;

3907 Kell BoulevarE t WJDIJUB 'BMMT t Texas 76308

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

C JO 20

Your family deserves the comfort of natural gas.

TR LI BL C

PU H C Sh sh 94

Natural gas is comfortable energy. It heats your water faster and keeps your home warmer. And you’ll cook like a professional chef on a natural gas range.

It’s also the most efficient and safest traditional energy source. For your home, choose responsible energy from Atmos Energy, your natural gas company.

bsky_product_flyinggirl_8_5x5_5_01ed.indd 1

RE IN

7

12/7/16 11:54 AM

Another Successful Golf Tournament

Picture perfect weather made the day for the North Texas Home Builders Association’s 8th Annual 4 Person Scramble Golf Tournament on Monday, August 28th... It was hosted at the Wichita Falls Country Club again for the 3rd year with 30 teams signed up and 73 hole sponsors.

Volunteers Dianne Brock of Lance Friday Homes, Lindsey Shepherd of First National Bank, Troy Bynum of PPG Paints and Mindy Schroeder of Archer Title along with members of the Parade of Homes Committee chairman Barney Brock of Lance Friday Homes, co-chair Sharon Tucker of Atmos Energy, Jean Taylor of Archer Title and Jeff Boyd of Lonestar Wastewater prepared for the tournament setting up for registration by hanging sponsorship banners, setting out goody bags and putting out hole sponsor signs sponsored by: Acme Brick, Allen Leek, American National Bank, Arrowhead Roofing, Atmos Energy, Bishop Realtor Group-LaDonna Smith, Bishop Realtor Group, Taz Ellett, Breegles, Brian's Plumbing, Builders Lumber, Builder Wholesale, Butler Electrical & Alarm, Century-21 Gold Coat Realtors, Linda Trotter, Classic Builders, Clark Design & Renovation, Corlett Probst & Boyd, Cornerstone Custom Homes, David Bedingfield Homes, Decorator Outlet, Dennis Company, Douglass Custom Homes, Dutch Watson Cabinets (2), Ferguson Enterprise, Inc. Ferguson-Veresh, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, First National Bank, Forsgren Plumbing, Guarantee Title Company, Hamilton Bryan, Harmon & Holcomb Homes, Higginbotham, Homes for Hero's,- Kim Roark, Ingram Concrete, Hirschi Realtors-Carla Rogers, Hirschi Realtors- Danny Steed, Hirschi Realtors-Tanya Ruff, J and C Electric, Kelly Moore Paint Center,

8

Lance Friday Homes, Lance Stewart Heating & Air, Landmark Title Company, Legend Bank, Lonestar Wastewater, Luz Lerma Construction, McBride's Steakhouse, Miller Realtor Group- Linda Miller, Morrison Supply Company, Murant Construction, Mountain Construction, OK Concrete, Overhead Door, R.J. Wachsman Homes, S&H Granite, Samsung, Sawyer Printing & Promo, Servpro, Servicemaster of Wichita Falls (2), Shoop's Texas Termite, Skyline Developers, Stewart Title Company, Strucsure Home Warranty, Texas Carpet Outlet, Texoma Community, The Ember Shop, Union Square CU, Waggoner Carpet, Woodco, 363rd TRS. Golfers began signing in around 11:30 receiving cooler bags donated by Guarantee Title Company and OK Concrete that were filled with fans that connect to you smart phone donated by Morrison Supply and Samsung, golf balls donated by Archer Title and Morrison Supply and Wells Fargo, golf tees donated by Oncor and Strucsure Home Warranty, chap stick, pens, key chains, night lights and coozies donated by Oncor, Pilgrim Bank, Stewart Title and Strucsure Home Warranty and snacks.

Everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a hamburger buffet lunch, sponsored by Morrison Supply and shoot a few range balls sponsored by Lonestar Wastewater before the tournament got off with a shotgun start at 1 PM. While golfers were out on the greens soaking up the sun and a few suds using drink tickets sponsored by Samsung, volunteers were setting out door prizes donated by Archer Title, Atmos Energy, First National Bank, Lance Friday Homes, Lowes, Morrison Supply, Oncor, Pilgrim Bank and Union Square Credit Union. After the door prizes were set out, volunteers drew the winning tickets and placed on each prize so golfers could match their ticket to see if they were a lucky winner.

During the tournament Kelly Moore Paints, Samsung and Servpro set up tents handing out refreshments and promotional items. Samsung gave golfers an opportunity to put their name in a drawing Continues on pg 9

Continued from pg 8

for a Samsung Powerbot Vacuum cleaner and Kelly Moore Paints sold chances for a 30 can Soft Pac Artic Cooler with proceeds going to the Red Cross to help with Hurricane Harvey on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders.

After each team completed the course, they gathered in the Veranda Room and fellowshipped with one another until the final team turned in their score sheet. The scores were tallied and winners were determined. The first place team consisted of Jason Curtis, Bryce Berryman, Blake Thomason and Ross Tucker. Second Place was Brandon Litteken, Randy Camp, Stewart Cox and Ron Kephart. 3rd Place was Steve Fairchild, David Bedingfield, Steven Reynolds and Mark Kyle. Last place or what we like to call good sportsmanship team consisted of Randy West, Kelly Coats, Debbie West and Matt Neal. All teams were awarded various amounts of cash sponsored

by Tanya Ruff of Hirschi Realtors.

The Young Professionals Prize Hole, hole #6 winner was Ryan Ayres who won a driver donated by Legend Bank for the Longest Drive. Other hole winners were Robert Stahler for Closest to the Hole on #2 and #4, Landon Rowe for Longest Drive on #3, Steven Reynolds for Straightest Drive on #5, Ron Kephart for Closest to the Hole on #11, Tim Sawyer for Closest to the Hole on #13, Eric Simpson for Longest Putt Made on #15 and it was tied for Closest 2nd Shot on #16 by Justin Holcomb and Ricky Harlan who both made Eagles.

We would like to thank each and every one who participated with a sponsorship and donated items listed above along with the following companies who entered teams and those who signed up as an individual player to come together as a team: ABC Supply (2), Acme Brick, Archer Title, Atmos Energy, Builders Lumber, Carla Dowlen, Classic Builders, Dennis Company, Ferguson Enterprise, Inc., Fidelity Bank, First Bank, First National Bank, Guarantee Title Company, Hamilton Bryan, Higginbotham, Ingram Concrete, Jason Curtis, Lance Friday Homes, Legend Bank, Lonestar Wastewater, Morrison Supply, Continues on pg 10

9

Continued from pg 9

OK Concrete, Oncor, Pilgrim Bank, Samsung, Sawyer Printing & Promo, Servpro, Superior Pipeline Service, Union Square Credit Union, Woodco and our 363rd Training Squadron and those who volunteered as well as the Parade of Homes & Special Events Committee who organized the event. The golf tournament is the NTHBA’s 2nd largest fund raising event and it couldn’t be a success without you!

703 E. Scott Wichita Falls, TX 76308

2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 940.763.2100 (main line) 940.763.2101 (fax) lcannedy@fidelitybankwf.com

10

Lance Cannedy

Commercial/Residential Plumbing, Builder Sales, Appliances, Lighting

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

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

NTHBA Member since 1972 7+(

The Ember Shop

Wood Burning & Gas Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens and Supplies

Featuring Fireplaces by

;WURUGLQDLU ‡ 'D9LQFFL ‡ /RSL ‡ $YDORQ

Service and Installation

JOHNNY McCLANE 0F1LHO $YHQXH :LFKLWD )DOOV 7; WKHHPEHUVKRS#ZI QHW We also carry fireplaces by: Superior, Golden Blount, Isokern, & Stone Age

Serving Texas & Oklahoma since 1971

www.TheEmberShop.com

Every Year Thousands Save Millions

Helping Build Our Community Since 1907

Put Your NAHB Membership to Work Now.





and many more.

Money-saving discounts that benefit you, your business, and your family

nahb.org/MA

Member FDIC

11