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Builders
utlook
2013 issue 2
El Paso members attend International Builders Show
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as Vegas, Nevada: The delegation from El Paso to the International Builders Show in Las Vegas represented a good segment of the home building industry. Led by President Edmundo Dena, Accent Homes, the various members witnessed a larger show with better attendance than seen the last three years. “ I can honestly tell you that I was exhausted after walking that show, but it was worth every step,” Dena told the Outlook. The floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center is huge with several exhibit halls that featured everything from international conglomerates to mom and pop shops trying to get their foot in the door. The event was kicked off with a week of meetings that included several involving the EPAB
members. Multifamily builders were in meetings prior to the show floor opening and again found Bobby Bowling and Demetrio Jimenez deep in discussion. “We have to remember that this show is also meeting time with the NAHB and we are honored to represent the El Paso Association as delegates to NAHB,” said Bowling IV. “Our group was going to a meeting on Sunday when one of our long time members, Ted Schlossman collapsed and died. That was shocking to all of us especially to those of us who have known Ted for such a long time at TAB and NAHB,” he continued. “We have great leadership who took the tragedy and helped with getting his family informed, informing the delegates, and helping where we could. Our deepest sympathies to his family and to the members,” Bobby continued.
Spring golf tournament becomes ‘Golf by the Rio’ presented by WestStar Bank
Golf by the Rio Wednesday, April 17 • 1 p.m. shotgun start
The show, as it is said, must go on and it did. The Texas Association of Builders met in an area meeting and heard from candidates looking to jump onto the executive ladder; talked about membership; and reviewed national legislative initiatives. Also a topic of discussion was the proposed increase in NAHB membership dues starting in 2014. A vote was scheduled for board action including delaying the increase for a year. This national increase may well be accompanied by an increase at the state level as well leaving a discussion for local associations in the coming months. The opening ceremony was highlighted with a visit and talk by Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO and responsible for such things as ESPN and Disney properties. Eisner took the stage and presented his talk on leadership, encouraging leaders to get deeply involved in day to day, hour to hour decisions in their businesses. He talked about reinventing the Disney brand and the need to include minute details that protect and enhance a brand. His demonstration of such meticulous attention to detail was a clip from the movie Lion King. In it the studio undertook an expensive editing process where a song was sung in a dozen languages with seamless transitions from English to Hebrew, to Greek and Portuguese, each word with the proper inflection and attached to the animation in perfect synchronicity. Lion King turned out to be Disney’s most profitable animated film in part because of the worldwide approach to a feature about a lion in Africa. Eisner told the crowd that Sam Shallenberger, chairman for the 2013 Spring golf tournament announced that the annual event will be held at Ascarate Golf Course and titled “Golf by the Rio”. The course, built in 1955, is located within view of the Mexico-US border and around El Paso’s biggest body of water, Ascarate Lake. WestStar Bank signed on as presenter. Larry Patton, President of WestStar Bank, was enthusiastic about the support the bank would give the tournament. “I am very pleased to put the WestStar Bank brand on this golf outing continuing our commitment to the El Paso Association of Builders and all you represent,” Patton told the Outlook. In making the announcement Shallenberger said the change in venue this year was going to be different and challenging. “Ascarate is often not considered for a tournament and that’s a shame because it’s a good course that challenges you in so many ways,” Sam said. “I honestly think that our players and advertisers will enjoy the change. I’m calling it a pachanga (party) and trying to
even the smallest detail sets you apart and to look for opportunities to do so in their business. At the end of the opening ceremony NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg announced that the IBS would be joined in 2014 by the Kitchen and Bath show, merging the two shows into one starting with next year’s event. Design and Construction Week will take over Las
Find more photos of the 2013 IBS on page 14 Vegas! The two events will remain separate and distinct shows held simultaneously at the Las Vegas Convention Center through 2016. That will be followed in 2015 by the concrete and stone show joining the IBS/KBIS in Las Vegas. That is good news for both shows that in recent years have seen a decline in attendance, many times conflicting both the exhibitor and the attendee. Make plans now to join us in Las Vegas, February 4-6, 2014.
make this more about the party than the golf,” he continued. Mike Smith, the head pro at Ascarate was excited about hosting the event. “I have to tell you that a year ago we wouldn’t have been able to host you because of the lack of carts for one, and other things. This year we got 100 new carts and the course is shaping up nicely,” he said. “I promise to make sure you have a great time at the old course,” Smith concluded. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Team entries for 4 players is $400 and will include dinner presented by Western Wholesale Supply. At press time El Paso Employee Benefits agreed to be the Hoyo en Uno (Hole in one) advertiser while HUNT Companies will do “el camion de bebidas” or drink cart. The event will include some unique and fun challenges including the “watcha on the green” and El Mas Largo Drive. Promotional advertising is available for other fun ways to get your business advertised at the Golf by the Rio. Contact EPAB at 915-778-5387.