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B U I L D I N G E L PA S O ’ S F U T U R E S I N C E 19 4 6

Builders Outlook Issue 1 2012

Building El Paso’s tomorrow today

EPAB parade float finds new home at Fort Bliss

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429

The El Paso Association of Builders never thought that a parade float would bring as many smiles as it has. Nor did they anticipate that the float would live well past the ride down the parade but it has. The float was built for the 75th annual First Light FCU Sun Bowl Parade held each year at Thanksgiving Day. The association thought that incorporating a float into the parade would be a good way to kick off their own 65th anniversary celebration. The theme for the parade was “Under the Sun”. The association executive officer Ray Adauto drew up a conceptual rendering of a gingerbread house float, presented it to his executive team and work got started. The concept soon turned into a design, then into the build. Construction crews built a 10 foot by 12 foot wood structure on top of a trailer. Over a two week period the float was decorated with oversize candy canes, licorice sticks, candy corn, and lollipops. A four foot tall gingerbread man greeted everyone at the front door. The oversize shimmering sun piñata was hung over the house as it road down the parade route. Over 40 members of the association and their children or grandchildren rode and walked alongside on the 3 mile route. The float won an honorable mention from the parade judges and was featured on the live parade telecast. After the parade the gingerbread house float was put in storage while a decision was made on what to do with it. Because it had been constructed so well it was felt like it

could have a second life, one in which the association hoped could be used in its themed condition. Several considerations were made but one kept coming up over and over again. Fort Bliss, Texas and the soldier’s kids. Contact with the Garrison Commander, Colonel Joseph Simonelli, Jr. got the association on track with the potential donation. The colonel was candid saying that because it was a donation that certain steps had to be processed for an approval, including a letter to the Department of the Army.

Notification of acceptance was received by the EPAB and the gift delivery was worked out. On January 8, 2012 the United States Army, and in particular the US Army Installation Management Command, Headquarters, Untied States Army Garrison, Fort Bliss, Texas accepted the gingerbread house on behalf of the Child and Youth Services Skies Unlimited Program. The gingerbread house was now in the Army. The gingerbread house was immediately swarmed on by waiting

pre-school children whose parents are active duty military, some on duty in Afghanistan and other hot spots around the globe. In making the presentation on behalf of the association 2012 President Frank Arroyos told the crowd and media that this gift is just another symbol of the support and love the association has for our military community. With the smiles and laughter coming out from inside the gingerbread house we knew that was all the thanks needed. More photos page 8

Builders applaud fed report on housing The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) concurs with a finding by the Federal Reserve that excessively tight mortgage lending standards are hampering a housing and economic recovery. “The Federal Reserve’s report to Congress confirms what we have been saying for some time: That extraordinarily tight credit conditions are preventing creditworthy borrowers from obtaining home loans and this is harming the housing market and the broader economy,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. Nielsen added that the lack of credit extends to housing construction loans as well, which is crippling the housing industry and preventing construction of new homes in markets that need and want them. “In scores of markets across the country that are exhibiting signs of job growth and where the inventory of

new homes is nearly exhausted, builders should be hiring workers to break ground on new housing developments,” he said.

Housing can act as a job catalyst if regulators and lending institutions return to prudent underwriting standards that do not exclude creditworthy borrowers and if they move to restore the flow of credit to viable home building projects. In its message to Congress, the Fed said that “restoring the health of the housing market is a necessary part of a broader strategy for economic recovery.” Housing can act as a job catalyst if regulators and lending institutions return to prudent underwriting standards that do not exclude creditworthy borrowers and if they

move to restore the flow of credit to viable home building projects. In normal times, housing accounts for more than 17 percent of the nation’s economic output. Constructing 100 new homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs, $23.1 million in wage and business income and $8.9 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. With cash-strapped municipalities across the land desperately searching for new revenue sources, home building can increase the property tax base that supports local schools and communities. “Removing the obstacles limiting access to mortgage credit and enabling builders to obtain construction loans to build in markets where demand is firming is imperative to get housing back on track, to put our nation back to work and to keep the economy moving forward,” said Nielsen.

2 ISSUE 1  2012

Builders Outlook

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Builders Outlook

President’s Message Frank Arroyos President, El Paso Association of Builders

Starting a new year always lends itself to ponder and analyze what and how and with whom we spent our energies on last year. What did we accomplish in our personal, business and spiritual lives? What could I have done differently? What am I going to do this time around to adjust and correct those actions that weren’t to my benefit? All these things come to mind or should come to mind to be acted upon. 2012 will be a monumental year in our generation due to the fact that we continue to tread onto uncharted territory, with unemployment at an alarming high; tensions around the world high mostly caused by frail economies and strife. Economic problems continue at home with continued home foreclosures, excessive regulations on lending, and some lack of confidence by consumers. With the presidential elections coming in November and all the lack of leadership in Congress confuse an already confused populace. We are bombarded with so many negatives that sometimes we lose sight of the most important things in life, family and friends. My goals and hopes for this year are to earn the leadership role that you have entrusted me with. Keeping open the communication lines with our city leadership and our related business

associations is a priority of mine. We must keep housing affordable and available in El Paso. We will continue our efforts to lower bond requirements, less permit fees, smaller government involvement in our businesses and working to bring about reform in lending. All these things need attention from our association. Most importantly you need to know that it cannot be done by one or two people, but it can be done by coming together in a united front to bring forward solutions and ideas to combat these issues. I ask for you to get involved in the association this year, bring your energy to us, and give the El Paso Association of Builders a fighting chance for change. We will do our best to represent you and your interests but we need your help and input. Are you up for the challenge? Good things happen when you bring the strength of numbers to the fight. Happy New Year and prosperity to you and yours.

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Builders Outlook

Perspective Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB

The month of January is usually a time of change, a time when we take stock over what we accomplished or left undone the previous year. Looking over at 2011 I have to say that as an association we took some steps forward. The locomotion should continue into 2012, at least from what it looks like today. Here’s how I rate our accomplishments last year: • City elections. Without a doubt the election pitted pro-business candidates talking about how anti-business the city was. That resounded with the voters and two newcomers were elected. • City council. Efforts by the EPAB to bring a fact filled face to face meeting with city council, the mayor and the

Guest Perspective

Chente Quintanilla State Representative During the weekly County Commissioners Court meeting, the county attorney's office and the elections office gave the court a briefing about the current status of our elections. Monday the 9th was the day that the Supreme Court was to hear arguments on the proposed interim maps for House, Senate and Congressional districts. In a nutshell, all agreed that the election process today is a mess. The commissioners pointed out several specific problems with the delay and confusion: candidates don’t know what political district to run in; voters don’t know

New year, new reasons to benefit from your membership city manager proved fruitful. We called it our local Rally day and we plan on doing it annually. • Residential codes. Efforts by our members resulted in local changes to the 2009 Codes the city implemented. Input from builders and suppliers gave the city options that they agreed to resulting in substantial savings to the industry. • Construction Bond reduction. After making the issue of the highest permit bond in Texas during the city elections city staff worked with the association and followed a recommendation to reduce the increase by half. • Fire Sprinkler option. Enacted and signed into Texas law was the agreement to make fire sprinklers in new home construction optional rather than mandatory as in other states. Savings to home builders and consumers in the millions of dollars annually in costs and inspections. • Staying in business. A number of home builder associations closed in 2011 but El Paso remains open. Substantial loss of revenues caused us

those in the related real estate industries like mortgage, banking, or title businesses just to name a few) can’t “value” membership. Really? But I won’t waste valuable space talking about those who don’t see it, and I’d rather spend time with those who do. Take for instance Joe Bernal, or Ken Wade, or Javier Ruiz. Or how about Bill Word, Debbie Bowen or Gerald Miller? May you know Kathy Carrillo, Bob Kotarski, or Burt Blacksher? Art Garcia, Art Gamboa, or Jamie Zubiate? Cecil O’Hagan, Sharon Drury or John Romero, Lorraine Huit, Rob Tollen, or any myriad of names of members. These diverse business people know the value of membership and they support the industry efforts by supporting the builder members here. They know that not supporting the trade association would cause there to be a void in the political and business landscape of El Paso. So let me say thank you to all of our members who through difficult times have seen the value of renewal and joining. We will continue the good fight with your help and support. Let’s have a good year.

Election process is a mess the specific date of the election; and voters don’t even know where they are going to vote. There are two reasons for this situation. The first finds its origin in the 2003-2004 fight that we had when Tom Delay came to Texas to push redistricting legislation. The second is more recent: the failure of too many communities, especially where Hispanics are the majority population, to have good voter turnouts. In 2001, the previous census/redistricting year, the legislature created a bi-partisan map that was approved in both houses with little debate. Certain state leaders were not happy with the maps calling the "incumbent friendly maps." Subsequently, the house and senate maps were re-drawn by the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house, land commissioner, comptroller and the attorney general. This group is referred to as the Legislative Redistricting Board. The work of the Board resulted in creating a very partisan statewide plan as opposed to the partisan plan. Of course, from this came a lopsided majority. You

Showroom: 2131 Missouri 915 • 533 • 6045

to tighten the belt but still offer core services while not compromising the networking aspect of belonging to an association. Leadership took lead in maintaining the connections at the state and national associations. Looking these over again begs the question as to why someone would question whether being a member of the El Paso Association of Builders has value. It is somewhat irritating to hear that but mostly it’s more from a lack of involvement that those who leave the organization fail to associate with their value of membership. One needs to remember that this isn’t a social club, a hangout, or a money making venture. It’s a trade association and it involves politicking. It involves giving a voice to issues plaguing the members. It affectively challenges those in authority to do the right thing for every business that is even remotely connected to new home construction. What some business people don’t connect is that if a regulation, code or rule hampers the construction of new homes then it hampers their businesses as well. I wonder why someone who is smart enough to conduct business (especially

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Thomas R. Brown, Owner

may recall that Delay was convicted in 2010 of laundering campaign money that helped elect that majority. Then came the other fiasco with Tom Delay who forcefully pushed that majority to create similar congressional districts. Delay started to live in Austin, as opposed to tending to Congressional duties. The power of his questionable campaign funds controlled the agenda in the house. When his redistricting plan came to the floor for a vote, the famous quorum busting Democrats went to Ardmore and killed the bill. After three very expensive special sessions, the districts that Delay wanted became law. That is how we arrived at this position. In 2008, the focus of Texans was electing a new president. The spirited race between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama motivated voters who hadn’t voted regularly. In the general election of November 2008, the voters once again created a balanced house. Unfortunately, it only lasted two years as the absence of voters gave the advantage to the Tea Party

movement. With a super majority, the conservative leadership created districts that eventually were unacceptable to the U.S. Department of Justice and to the federal courts. I think Texas would have been better off if the original bi-partisan redistricting plans had been accepted and put into place. The huge amount of money spent to buy new redistricting maps cost communities like El Paso millions in reduced revenues from the state; perhaps billions. One funding project of over $50 million in 2003 was removed from El Paso to Midland; the seat of the speaker. More recently, average daily attendance funding to El Paso school districts were stifled at about $5400 per student as opposed to as much as $11,000 per student in wealthier communities. We can't stop corrupt leaders from controlling agendas. But we can deny them the power they need by voting in strength in all elections in the best interest of our community.

Builders Outlook

Issue 1 2012

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Voters Place High Value on Homeownership Oppose Policies That Make It More Difficult to Own a Home By an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters’ attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues. “The American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream and preserving a federal commitment to homeownership is essential to maintain a thriving middle class and get housing and the economy back on track,” said Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies. Conducted on Jan. 2-5 on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders by the Republican and Democratic polling firms of Public Opinion Strategies in Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners in Washington, D.C., the comprehensive survey of 1,500 likely voters includes data from key political “swing areas,” including National Journal political analyst Charlie Cook’s swing House and Senate seats and Stuart Rothenberg’s presidential swing states. The survey, which has a margin of error of ±2.5 percent, is a follow-up to a similar national poll conducted last May. The poll shows that three out of four voters – both owners and renters -- believe it is appropriate and reasonable for the federal government to provide tax

incentives to promote homeownership. This sentiment cuts across regional and party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Independents agreeing with this statement. Also, two-thirds of respondents say that the federal government should help home buyers to afford a long-term or 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Moreover, 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction. These figures held firm across the political spectrum, with 77 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Independents against doing away with the mortgage interest deduction. Meanwhile, 68 percent would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to abolish the deduction, a figure that was virtually identical across all party affiliations (69 percent of Independents and 68 percent of Democrats and Republicans). A majority of voters are also against proposals to reduce the mortgage interest deduction, eliminate the deduction for interest paid for a second home, limit the deduction for those earning more than $250,000 per year, scale back the deduction for home owners with mortgages above $500,000 and do away with the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans. “With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White

House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage homeownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction,” said Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. Among the poll’s other key findings: • 96 percent of home owners are happy with their decision to own and 84 percent who are “underwater,” or owe more on their mortgages than their home is worth, expressed the same sentiment. • 79 percent of home owners would advise a family member or close friend just starting out to buy a home, and 69 percent of those who are underwater on their mortgage would offer the same advice. • 74 percent said that despite the ups and downs in the housing market, owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make. • Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best long-term investments. • 78 percent of respondents said that owning their own home is very important to them. • Nearly seven out of 10 voters who are not currently home owners (68 percent)

said it was a goal of theirs to buy a home. • Job uncertainty and saving for a downpayment and closing costs are the biggest barriers to buying a home. The survey findings are consistent with the results of other public opinion surveys. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in June, 89 percent said that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream and more than 90 percent indicated that it is important for the federal government to continue the mortgage interest deduction. According to a Pew Research Study conducted last March, 81 percent of respondents agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make and 81 percent of renters surveyed said they would like to buy a house. “Even in a down housing market, homeownership remains a core American value, with the vast majority of citizens who do not currently own a home saying they want to buy a home,” said Bob Nielsen, president of the National Association of Home Builders and a home builder from Reno, Nev. “Those running for office in November need to understand that voters will not look kindly on any candidates who seek to dismantle the nation’s long-term commitment to homeownership.” Poll results can be downloaded at www.nahb.org/homeownershippoll.

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6 ISSUE 1 2012

Builders Outlook

Has Obama's housing policy failed? By Tami Luhby @CNNMoney NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The president's efforts to revive the housing market have largely failed. But is that entirely Obama's fault? “I don't think anyone could have done anything to stabilize the housing market,” said Ed Jacob, executive director of NHS Chicago, which provides homeownership and foreclosure prevention services. “This housing market was in far worse shape than anyone knew.” Obama took office in 2009, promising swift action to address the mortgage crisis. He quickly unveiled his signature foreclosure prevention program, known as HAMP, and his refinance program, known as HARP. But the HAMP program, which was designed to lower troubled borrowers' mortgage rates to no more than 31% of their monthly income, ran into problems almost immediately. Many lenders lost documents, and many borrowers didn't qualify. Three years later, it has helped a scant 910,000 homeowners -- a far cry from the promised 4 million. HARP, which was intended to reach 5 million borrowers, has yielded about the same results. Through October, when it was revamped and expanded, the program had assisted 962,000. Meanwhile, more than 3.5 million people remain behind in their mortgage payments and more than 1.9 million

homes are in foreclosure. And home prices have fallen for six months straight. One of the main problems with Obama's foreclosure prevention program was that the housing crisis had already spiraled beyond unaffordable mortgage rates. Homeowners were defaulting because they didn't have jobs -- and the administration's effort did little to help them. In response, Obama rolled out a multitude of initiatives designed to help the underwater and the unemployed. But few of them have had much impact. “He focused his gun in the wrong place,” said Anthony Sanders, a real estate finance professor at George Mason University. “The administration's approach is to kick the can down the road. That doesn't lead to a recovery and just strings the problem along.” But the president deserves points for having the Federal Housing Administration step in to provide mortgages for homeowners and for spurring homebuying with a tax credit, said John Burns, head of John Burns Real Estate Consulting. They staunched the bleeding in home sales and values. The Federal Reserve has also tried to help by keeping mortgage rates at record lows. At the same time, though, the economy has remained weak. Unemployment is still high, consumer

confidence is still low and banks are still hesitant to lend. And Congress and the president remain at odds over how to spur job creation, which many say is the key to stabilizing the housing market. “Obama was in many ways hemmed in as to how to effectively and positively affect the housing crisis,” said Gabriel Stuart, director of UCLA's Ziman Center for Real Estate. “The economy was moving under their feet.” Missed opportunities One thing some experts say Obama could have done is required servicers, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to write down the principal balance on loans. This, however, has been a very controversial step because it would have forced large losses on banks and the government-controlled mortgage finance

companies. But at least the administration could have come down harder on the mortgage servicers, forcing them to expand and improve their foreclosure prevention processing procedures more quickly, experts said. In Phoenix, Obama's foreclosure programs are helping some people, but many more could take advantage of them if the administration had taken a harder line with servicers, said Patricia Garcia Duarte, chief executive of NHSPhoenix, which counseled 1,800 delinquent homeowners last year. “The missing ingredient was that it was a voluntary program,” she said. “If it hadn't been, we would have had much better results.”

Builders Outlook

ISSUE 1 2012

Guest Perspective

By R. Alan Shubert, P.E., C.B.O.

Two key strides in place to enhance processes The City of El Paso is undertaking two important initiatives to improve its service to the homebuilding industry. The first is a rebidding of third party contracts which provide inspection services to homebuilders as an option to City inspectors. A previous effort to expand this third party option to plan review was only partially successful. In mid October the City suspended the requirement that plan review include the zoning and land development reviews, leaving that task to City plan reviewers.

empty bowls el paso

2.11.12

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger a 501 (c) (3) organization (Formerly known as the West Texas Food Bank in El Paso)

Event to be held at El Paso Community College Administrative facility 9050 Viscount Building A February 11, 2012 12:00-4:00PM

The City of El Paso remains committed to permit the building of residential homes under the Third Party scheme as fast as practical in an appropriate and equitable manner. The current rebid has been carefully crafted to allow third parties to keep the current scheme and level of service in place for homebuilders who prefer the status quo. Once successfully bid, the bid solicitation will also permit third party providers to offer inspection services, complete plan review, or the partial plan

You are invited to help people in need Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests pay $15 for a ticket and are invited to sample soups made by culinary students and are given a bowl to keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger. (Formerly known as the West Texas Food Bank.) Each individual or group organizing an event designs it around the needs of their own community and is responsible for their own event. This is where we are asking for help. Please consider making a corporate contribution to help end hunger in our region. Statistics show that 1 out of 8 Americans struggle with food insecurity every day. Millions of people have lost their jobs during the most recent recession and the number of food stamp recipients has increased dramatically. Your help is needed now more than ever. Please find the time, make the commitment, get involved. Your single effort can have a profound impact. Please join us February 11, 2012, your help is needed!

review. Additionally, the scope of services is clarified so third party providers will know City requirements. A scope of services for commercial structures is also being developed in a separate solicitation. Any inquires regarding the bid solicitation process should be directed to the Purchasing Department of the City. Inclusively, in an effort to maintain a continuous flow of projects and prevent backlogs in the plan review and inspection of private projects, the Building Permits & Inspections Division recently altered the plan review process for all new residential projects. Plans that require minor revisions will be returned for revisions, however, permits will now be issued simultaneously. In this manner, minor revisions to plans can be conducted concurrently with permit issuance to prevent delays in initiating projects. Inspection staff will conduct their inspections with knowledge of the revisions and/or alterations required in the field. If projects require major or significant revisions, those revisions will still need to be completed prior to the issuance of a permit. As part of this process, all corrections must still be made by final inspections. As we move forward in implementing these service improvements, we ask for your continued cooperation to address this important transition. However, immediate improvement in turn around of plan times and permit issuance are anticipated in a significant number of cases.

Your EPAB Membership computes to Big sAvings Members of the El Paso Association of Builders enjoy many exclusive discounts from some of the finest merchants in the country. For Example:

Dell - Up to 30% off on top of the line Dell computers. Call 800.695.8133 and Mention NAHB or visit www.dell.com/mpp/nahb For information go to: www.nahb/ma.org call 778-5387

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EPAB

ON THE SCENE Float donation to Ft. Bliss

January Board of Directors Meeting The first regular board of directors meeting was held on January 10 at the EPAB office. President Frank Arroyos led the meeting with his executive team and the members intently listening to reports from committees. The board approved the budget for 2012 and took on the recommendation from the executive board and finance committee to increase associate dues beginning in February, 2012. The adjustment in dues comes after over 15 years of holding the amount while the costs of doing business increased. Associate members who have not renewed this year will be sent the increase which works out to a little over $8 dollars a month. In other action the board has sent the Land Use committee the assignment to oversee the recently published Plan for El Paso from the City of El Paso. There are wide ranging implications for the residential and commercial builders who plan to build in the future El Paso.

10 ISSUE 1 2012 New-Home Sales Rise in November Sales of newly built, single-family homes edged up 1.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 315,000 units in November, according to newly released figures by the U.S. Commerce Department. This marks the third consecutive monthly gain in new-home sales and the fastest pace of such activity since April. “With today’s report, we have now seen three straight months of modest gains in sales, starts and builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, Nev. “While the numbers are still quite low on a historic basis, this upward trend indicates that the market is slowly finding its footing and bodes well for the months ahead. Our concern is that overly restrictive lending conditions for both builders and buyers will constrain this growth and postpone the arrival of a recovery in housing and the overall economy.” “Extremely favorable mortgage rates and prices are starting to lure buyers back to the market in select areas of the country where the economy is strengthening,” said NAHB Senior Economist Robert Denk. “As a result of this improving demand and the limited amount of new construction that is taking place, inventories of new homes for sale continued to fall to another all-time record low in November. Such limited supplies should eventually lead to some greater building activity in those improving markets, which in turn will boost job growth and further economic gains.” Regionally, new-home sales were mixed in November. The South and Midwest posted gains of 12.9 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively, while the Northeast and West posted respective declines of 26.3 percent and 16.9 percent. The inventory of new homes for sale fell 1.3 percent to 158,000 units in November. This is a new record low and represents a six-month supply at the current sales pace.

Unionize Poster Rule Delayed The National Labor Relations Board <http://www.mmsend1.com/link.cfm?r=134551 713&amp;sid=17017249&amp;m=1696242&a mp;u=frmem&amp;j=8455441&amp;s=http:// www.nlrb.gov/> has agreed to postpone the effective implementation date of its employee collective bargaining rights poster requirement — which includes a right to unionize notice — to April 30, 2012, depending upon the outcome of several legal challenges. The requirement was to go in effect on Jan. 31, 2012, but at least three lawsuits have been filed seeking to block the posting requirement — including one by the U.S. Chamber of C o m m e r c e <http://www.mmsend1.com/link.cfm?r=134551 713&amp;sid=17017250&amp;m=1696242&a mp;u=frmem&amp;j=8455441&amp;s=http:// www.courthousenews.com/2011/09/21/NLRB. pdf> . A federal court in Washington, D.C., has delayed its implementation until after hearing legal challenges to the new rule. The collective bargaining rights poster is available free for download on the NLRB w e b s i t e <http://www.mmsend1.com/link.cfm?r=134551 713&amp;sid=17017251&amp;m=1696242&a mp;u=frmem&amp;j=8455441&amp;s=http:// www.nlrb.gov/poster> . If the rule is implemented, the poster must be hung in a conspicuous place with other workplace rights notices. The rule will apply to all employers with a gross annual business volume of $500,000 or more, whether or not the employer operates a non-union shop or conducts business in a “right to work” state. The NLRB has indicated that it will not conduct inspections to determine if the poster is in place, but it may take action if an unfair labor practices complaint is filed. The NLRB states on its website that it expects such complaints to be resolved if the employer subsequently agrees to hang the poster, but the agency could take further action if the employer refuses to hang the poster. For more information, please visit https://www.nlrb.gov/faq/poster

Builders Outlook

Builders Outlook

issue 1 2012

SENERCON

Southwest Energy Conservation, LLC

Change the World... One Home at a Time...

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Ph. (915) 613-4168 Fx. (915-833-6437

www.energystarelpaso.com

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12issue 1 2012

Builders Outlook

A look back... Moments in our 65 year history

The year was 2002. Ten years ago this association was being led by Herschel Stringfield of Winton Homes. His presidency produced one of the top Parade of Homes and it featured some of the most innovative designs in home construction up to that point. In his welcome to the Parade attendees Herschel thanked the sponsors including BMC West, 84 Lumber, Jobe Concrete and Stewart Title of El Paso. He also thanked the developer, Southwest Land Development on whose property twelve member builders showcased their latest plans. The builders were Gaddy Construction with plan Casa Maria, touted as a Transitional plan with the California touch. Natural stone was the material of choice and Gaddy offered the three bedrooms home accentuated with a “stunning” stone fireplace mantel. Cardel Homes offered the Tuscan, a three car garage, three bedroom home was “designed to fit the need of today’s lifestyle. Oeste Homes brought us the Vista Del Norte plan, a home in the Santa Fe charm and beauty with New Mexico vigas and a kiva fireplace. It was N. H. Designs that brought the Casa Rebecca to the Parade, a Mediterranean two story home “with natural light, high ceilings and a gracious place to welcome friends and family”. This home featured three bedrooms and five bathrooms, an exercise room and covered patio. Winton Homes presented The Michelangelo, a 3752 square foot two story home with Mediterranean styling with columns, arches and niches. Winton touted its ISO 9001 certification with this home. Cullers & Caldwell Builders showed the Parade attendees Hacienda Desierto, “a residence as rich and beautiful as its desert mountain home.” The home featured Saltillo tiled floors, wood vigas and lintels, and an earthy selection of granite and colorful tiles. Curved walls were also a part of the floor plan. Porter Homes presented Casa De Vista, a home with “vivid colors, bold simplicity, granite, tile, stucco and stone.” Porter was committed to provide innovation and exceptional value. These builders are but seven of the original twelve with five of them still building homes in El Paso. Cardel has since transitioned into Cardel Designs and offers design services while still doing some construction. N.H. Designs belonged to Naji Hajjar, a gifted home builder who tragically was lost to us in a motorcycle accident, ironically just prior to another Parade of Homes. Gaddy, Winton/Flair, Oeste Homes, Cullers & Caldwell as well as Porter continue their membership in the association. Many of the suppliers and vendors to the builders continue to be members as well. Southwest Land Development still develops land in and around the city with developments west, Northeast, and east El Paso. 2002 seems like a long time ago, but these past ten years are witness to the ever changing landscape of home construction and associated businesses in El Paso. Our plans for 2012 include a Parade of Homes and we are hopeful that many of these 2002 builders and vendors will join us in it. By Ray Adauto

A Look Back is a monthly feature of the El Paso Association of Builders publication the Builders Outlook. Look for more history of the El Paso Association of Builders in coming editions.

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R u o Y

Plumbing Supply Source in El Paso 4 3 0 0 R o s a S t. E l Pa s o, T X 7 9 9 0 5

( 9 1 5 ) 5 32 -3 9 1 7 • Fa x : ( 9 1 5 ) 5 32 -3 9 1 9

Builders Outlook

ISSUE 1 2012

EL PASo

ASSoCIATIon

years

13

oF

BUILDERS

www.elpasobuilders.com

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Membership news UPCoMInG EVEnTS JANUARY 20-22 HOME SHOW El Paso Convention Center

Save the Date! Join Us March 27

FEBRUARY 8 -11 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW ORLANDO, FL

FEBRUARY 8-11 NAHB WINTER BOARD MEETINGS ORLANDO, FL

nEW MEMBERS

REnEWALS AETNA

GMF CUSTOM HOMES

ANN’S HOME SOLUTIONS OF EL PASO, LLC

GRAY-JANSING & ASSOCIATES KINGS AIRE

BASKIND & HOSFORD, P.C. C & L PLUMBING

MASSEY JOHNSON ASSOCIATES

CEA ENGINEERING GROUP

RASSETTE HOMES

CLASSIC AMERICAN HOMES

REBATH OF EL PASO/LAS CRUCES

CQC TESTING AND ENGINEERING, LLC

FBRUARY 8 BOARD MEETING 11:00 GENERAL MEETING 12:00 EL PASO CLUB CHASE BUILDING

TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

EMSER TILE & NATURAL STONE

CARPET WAREHOUSE Contact: David Fenigan 930 Raynolds El Paso, Texas 79903 915-565-7847

SoDA SPonSoR Thanks to our JANUARY SODA  SPONSOR: PALO VERDE HOMES

ConDoLEnCES

VISTA SERENA HOMES LLC FIRST LIGHT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

WINTON FLAIR HOMES

To EH Baeza on loss of his sister

El Paso Association of Builders Young Designers Golf Tournament Painted Dunes 12:30PM Call 778-5387 for information

11395 James Watt, Suite A-11 79936 915-633-8002

14 ISSUE 1 2012

Builders Outlook

Industry Reports AssociatesCouncil

SamShallenberger WesternWholesale Supply Happy New Year to all of my fellow associate members. It seems just last week we were starting 2011 and here it is 2012

and we need to plan for another successful year by the associates council . The associates council is the fund raising back bone of our association, in other words just like in our own businesses we need to make money to keep the association strong and doing the political work that keeps us all working. I would invite all of you to become active in our associates council and attend our meetings. We have a whole slate of functions planned for this year but we

need new ideas and we need your help with the events that we will be doing. In the planning stages are the following. January 20th through 22 Home and garden show – call the office for details February – Winter bowling tournament date to be announced April – spring Golf outing details to follow. This is the fun tournament even if you don’t play golf you need to be in this one.

March- Probably a speed networking date to be determined. I think I will stop now as we all get the Idea. We are working on some new projects that prove to be fun and some that are educational. Please attend our associates council meeting which will be announced soon .

El Paso Disposal

772-7495

Jaime’s Courier Service, Inc. 915-549-4533 or

915-478-2404

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Look what’s in store for you! Introducing our special EPAB 65th anniversary commemorative apparel

Men’s Ultra Mesh Polos

Lightweight Wind Shirts

Two tone soft shell fleece

Lightweight Soft Shell Jacket

EL PASO

ASSOCIATION

Women’s Dry Mesh Polos

years

OF

BUILDERS

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Limited Quantities, get yours today! call 778-5387 or visit us during regular business hours: 6046 Surety Drive