Home Builders Bulletin2008-07-05T18:59:33Zhttp://blog.swmhba.com/atom.aspxQuick BlogHome Builders Bulletin, 5-30-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-06-09:22d3e923-7314-44b1-bc14-c13d3e12871dEO23052008-06-09T09:37:49Z2008-06-09T09:20:00ZMay 30, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

  Happy Friday!  Tomorrow is our surplus sale.  We will be at the Habitat Restore on Plaza Dr. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Some of the surplus items that have been donated include:  doors, patio doors, screens, windows, cabinets, cabinet fixtures, tile, hardwood flooring, a refrigerator, tools, paint and more!  Come down and see us!
 Calendar of Events
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot   
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/24/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course
9/18/08 General Membership Meeting


  • There is only 1 week left until the Harley raffle!!  We will be drawing next Friday, June 6th at 5p.m. here in the SWMHBA office.  If you have not purchased your ticket yet, there’s not much time left!  Visit www.swmhba.comor call the office.

  • Our office is in need of some TLC so we are planning a “Day of Caring” for the SWMHBA office.  The following items need to be done, so please let me know if you can volunteer a little time to get us fixed up.
    • Repair cracks & water damage
    • Clean carpets
    • Paint the office & common areas
    • Replace water stained ceiling tiles & kitchen sprayer
    • Rearrange filing cabinets
    • Install smoke detectors & fire extinguishers
  •   If you would like to donate supplies, we could really use Kilz, paint & supplies, a carpet cleaner, a no smoking sign for the front door & interior wall, replacement ceiling tiles (7), replacement sprayer for kitchen sink and cleaning products

      •  

  • I had a phone call this week from a graduate of architecture from Notre Dame.  He is looking for an internship.  If anyone is interested, let me know and I will give you his number

    Valerie Krause
    Executive Officer
    SMWHBA
    269-473-5035 office
    269-473-3643 fax
    swmhba@att.net

    Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 5-23-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-06-09:e667bc39-3d7d-43b2-b664-f83ba29be59dEO23052008-06-09T08:21:44Z2008-06-09T08:11:00ZMay 23, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday!  There are only 2 weeks left before our drawing for the Harley Davidson.  This is a fund raising event for YOUR association, and we need your help to get these tickets moving!!  Please send an email out to all your contacts with the Harley information.  I will be happy to provide the email content if you don’t want to write it out!
 Calendar of Events
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot   
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/24/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course
9/18/08 General Membership Meeting


  • The SMWHBA currently has 220 members.  Of that 220, roughly 50 regularly participate in things like the general membership meetings.  Of that 50, there is an even smaller number of people who regularly volunteer, whether they serve on a committee or the board of directors, attending events, staffing events and even selling raffle tickets.  Every once in a while, you will get someone who takes it just a step further, and goes above and beyond what has been asked of them.  Last month during the membership drive I had 2 such people.  During the membership drive, we asked for a 2 hour block of time where you would call your business contacts & acquaintances who were not members and talk to them about becoming a member.  I had 6 people volunteer to work the membership drive.  4 of them came to the office to make their calls, and of those 4, 2 worked all day, for both days of the membership drive.  Because of their efforts these 2 volunteers have been awarded the first ever President’s Award.  Congratulations Patti Badner & Dave Marcade.

  • The Harley-Davidson we are raffling is on site today!  We are on the sidewalk in front of our building selling raffle tickets.  Stop by to see this beautiful bike.

 

  •   We still need volunteers for the Surplus Sale on the 31st.  We could use help getting the truck loaded Friday evening, and we also need the following times filled.
    • 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.             3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.             5:00 p.m. for tear down

      •  

Valerie Krause
Executive Officer
SMWHBA
269-473-5035 office
269-473-3643 fax
swmhba@att.net

Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 5-16-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-05-22:2b5e4cb6-86ee-4f81-bc5f-8463024cda01EO23052008-05-22T12:08:22Z2008-05-22T10:57:00ZMay 16, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

  I am off to the Blessing of the Bikes today!  Let’s hope we sell all our raffle tickets!  Wish me luck!
 Calendar of Events
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot   
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/24/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course
9/18/08 General Membership Meeting


  • The NAHB lobbying team has been busy monitoring the housing stimulus package.  I have included the update I received so we can all stay informed

      • As expected, it has been a busy couple of days on the Hill.  The House finally wrapped up votes on H.R. 3221, the broad housing stimulus package.  The House considered only three amendments, and, according to House procedure, there was no vote on final passage.  Now that the amendments are adopted, H.R. 3221, as amended by the House, returns to the Senate.  We do not anticipate that the Senate will take up the bill right away.  Rather, we expect the beginning of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the House and Senate in an effort to resolve different provisions in the bills.  We remain hopeful that a bill will be ready for the President's signature by May 23 (the beginning of the congressional Memorial Day recess).  However, it is more likely that it will take until the end of June before a final bill is ready.   More information about the amendments acted upon today can be found at:http://www.magnetmail.net/images/clients/poam/attach/EOCUpdateonLegislation5908.pdf.  You should be able to copy and paste this link in your browsers address bar

     

  •   If you have items you would like to donate, please call the SWMHBA office.

      •  

  • We need volunteers for the Surplus Sale at the end of this month.  Please let me know if you are available.

    Valerie Krause
    Executive Officer
    SMWHBA
    269-473-5035 office
    269-473-3643 fax
    swmhba@att.net

    Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 5-09-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-05-12:3bd2da7c-8b31-4522-a000-5b970efcd697EO23052008-05-12T15:30:53Z2008-05-12T15:19:00ZMay 9, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday!  The Blessing of the Bikes is next weekend.  In an attempt to sell more raffle tickets, we have reserved a 3 day booth for the even.  The Blessing of the Bikes brings roughly 30,000 bikers to the Baldwin, Michigan area.  I will be there for the whole weekend, and I am looking for a volunteer to help work the booth on Saturday the 17th.  If anyone can help out, please let me know.  Your participation, as always, is greatly appreciated.
 Calendar of Events
5/15/08 General Membership Meeting
Legislative Update 
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot  
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/26/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course


  • We have 14 houses participating in this year’s Parade of Homes!  This is a fabulous number considering the current economic state in our area!  THANK YOU to everyone who is participating.

 

  • Our general membership meeting is next Thursday.  We will not have another general membership meeting until September.  If you have not sent in your RSVP yet, please do so!  Your RSVP’s allow us to reserve the right amount of food and space.  For those of you who do not RSVP for fear of getting a NO SHOW charge, please remember, if you call, or send a quick email letting us know you will not be able to show, or couldn’t make it for some reason or another, you will not be charged the $20 fee.

 

  • We would still like to see a few more playhouses built to display during the Parade of Homes this year.  We will definitely have 2, and I have 2 other builders who have expressed an interest.  This would be a great draw for the Parade, and wouldn’t it be charming to see a “mini” replica of any of the homes that will also be in the Parade?  Playhouses can be your own design, or you can use or modify a plan we already have available.  Many of you will have extra materials lying around that can be used to build a playhouse, so your cost should be minimal.  Because the playhouses have to be attractive as well as mobile, there are a few requirements:
    • Playhouse must be completed by June 7th.
    • Playhouse needs to be built on 4x4’s so it can be transported to the Parade of Homes, and to the lucky raffle winner’s home.
    • Playhouse can be no larger than 8x8x8.
    • Playhouse must have a minimum of 1 window.
    • Playhouse must have a minimum of 1 door.
    • Playhouse must have a floor.
    • Playhouse must have a finished exterior.
    • Lockset must be passage.

 

  • The “Playhouse Build Off” between Glenlord Home Center and Big C Lumber is scheduled for June 7th, 2008.  The event will start at 8 a.m. and will be a fast build scenario.  Spectators and hecklers are welcome!
  • There are roughly 500 raffle tickets checked out to members and it is time to start turning them in.  I need to know numbers before we go to several events at the end of this month.  Please get with me to arrange either pick up, or drop off of the tickets you have.
  • Our surplus sale is at the end of this month.  We can accept donations up to the 23rd of May.  This gives us time to get the items cataloged and priced.  I am looking for volunteers to help with set up and working the cash stations.  All donations that are unsold at the end of the sale will be donated to the Habitat Restore.
  • The Kalamazoo Association is holding a Construction Contracts and Law course on June 10th.  Member fee is $165, non-member $215.  We have a partnership with the Kalamazoo Association, so anyone that wishes to attend will be given the member price.  I have the flyer in my office if anyone needs registration information.
  • Parade of Homes sponsorship levels are $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.  Sponsorship levels and benefits were listed in the 3-14-08 Builders Bulletin.  You can also contact me here at the SWMHBA office, and I will be happy to send you more information.
  • I apologize for the number of pages coming off your fax machines today!!  There was so much to share, and not much choice on how to send the information.  For those of you still receiving notices, invites, updates, etc… on your fax, we do offer electronic versions that can be sent you’re your email box instead!  If you would like to be added to the email list, send me a quick note at swmhba@att.net or give me a call 269-473-5035 and I will be happy to add you to the list!  Have a great weekend.

 
Valerie Krause
Executive Officer
SMWHBA
269-473-5035 office
269-473-3643 fax
swmhba@att.net

Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 5/02/08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-05-07:05348cf7-718a-4a7a-97b7-29ba24b76b2fEO23052008-05-07T10:23:23Z2008-05-07T10:16:00ZMay 2, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday!  Parade of Homes season is here, and the contracts are in.  The 2008 Parade of Homes will have 14 homes, 11 new and 3 remodeled.  A list of the builders participating is available at the SWMHBA office.  If you would like a copy send me an email or give us a call.
 Calendar of Events
5/15/08 General Membership Meeting
Legislative Update 
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot  
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/26/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course


  • If you have raffle tickets checked out, it is time to start getting them turned in so we know how close we are.  If you have unsold tickets, please try to get them sold soon!  I have several events at the end of the month that we are attending. We are hoping to sell out at the Blessing of the Bikes the weekend of the 16th.

 

  • Did you know that UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping?  The NAHB shipping discounts include domestic air and ground, international export and international import.  The enrollment process is fast and easy and is available to NAHB members through the Web site: www.savewithups.com/nahb.  For more information on UPS savings and the complete Member Advantage program, visit www.nahb.org/MA.

 

  • Business Review is hosting a seminar on Developing a Strategy for Sustainability.  This Green Building  Event will be held on May 15, 2008 from 8-noon at Aquinas College.  Admission is $20.00.  To register visit www.regonline.com/sustainability or call 800-644-2846.

 

 
Valerie Krause
Executive Officer
SMWHBA
269-473-5035 office
269-473-3643 fax
swmhba@att.net

Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 4-25-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-04-24:a1fb4ba1-eca3-464e-b797-39ed987464b0EO23052008-04-24T12:26:19Z2008-04-24T12:23:00ZApril 25 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday! 
 Calendar of Events
5/15/08 General Membership Meeting
Speaker Zach Morris w/ Michigan Works 
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot  
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/26/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course


  • We are finally getting some Parade of Homes contracts in.  Remember, the cut-off date is April 30th.

 

  • We are still looking for items for our surplus sale.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please let me know and I will arrange to have it picked up!  Surplus sale is coming up fast on May 31st at the Habitat Restore on Plaza Dr.

 

  • Many of you know the Meijer card discount program was a 6 month pilot program.  Meijer has decided to continue the program and a new 12 month offer will begin either on June 1st or July 1st.  Cards will be mailed to all members and the details of the actual discounts will be forthcoming, but will be similar to our 6-month program.

 

  • We are looking for give away items from our members.  Give away items are given away in goodie bags during general membership meetings, as prizes, at our Home & Garden show booth, new members, etc…  If your company has items they would like passed out, please let us know.

 

  • The MCIM Safety Rewards program is paying policy holders back a portion of their annual premiums for working safely.  If you qualify, you get up to 20% of your annual premium.  To find out more about your eligibility for this program contact your agent today!

 
Valerie Krause
Executive Officer
SMWHBA
269-473-5035 office
269-473-3643 fax
swmhba@att.net

Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 4-18-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-04-24:e1773de4-def3-4746-8323-cb399c60feb7EO23052008-04-24T12:23:43Z2008-04-24T12:20:00ZApril 18, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday!  I am happy to announce that we recruited 14 new members during our membership drive.  We are still looking for places to take the Harley and sell tickets, so if you have an idea, I would love to hear it!
 Calendar of Events
5/15/08 General Membership Meeting
Speaker Zach Morris w/ Michigan Works 
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot  
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office
7/26/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes.
8/21/08 Golf Outing
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course


  • We are now offering advertising space in our newsletters.  The prices are $50 for a ¼ page, $100 for a ½ page and $150 for a full page.

 

  • Advertising in the slideshow for the general membership meetings will be at no charge.  You must submit a .jpg image to me at swmhba@att.net to have it included.

 

  • In September we expect another knock-down drag-out fight on mandating sprinklers in new homes.  The MAHB needs help from our members on a couple of fronts: getting new installation cost estimates for our homes and identifying volunteers who can attend the Minneapolis meeting in September.

 

  • June 8 – 11, 2008 the NAHB/BALA Design Institute for Builders is holding an event at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas.  Attendees will learn new techniques and see practical examples of design solutions from a variety of markets and regions through interactive design charettes, case studies and breakout sessions.  The design institute is bringing together architects, builders, designers and other industry professionals for four days of high-energy collaboration. Fee is $695 for members, $795 for non members. I have a registration form in my office for anyone who is interested.

 
Valerie Krause
Executive Officer
SMWHBA
269-473-5035 office
269-473-3643 fax
swmhba@att.net

Make the most of your membership, become involved!

]]>Home Builders Bulletin, 4-11-08tag:blog.swmhba.com,2008-04-24:b3209ef8-850e-42ad-976a-195546fbe141EO23052008-04-24T12:19:55Z2008-04-24T12:16:00ZApril 11, 2008

Home Builders Bulletin

Happy Friday!  Our membership drive was Wednesday & Thursday this week.  A GIANT THANK YOU to Patti Badner, Dave Marcade, Dave Campbell, Jeff Romszewicz, Charlie Sample & Chris Phillips who participated in the membership drive!
 Calendar of Events
4/17/08 General Membership Meeting
Speaker Gordon DeLong w/MCIM 
5/15/08 General Membership Meeting
Speaker Zach Morris w/ Michigan Works 
5/31/08 Surplus Sale
Habitat Restore parking lot 
6/06/08 Harley-Davidson Raffle Drawing
5 PM in the SWMHBA office.
7/26/08 thru 8/03/08 Parade of Homes
12th Annual Parade of Homes


  • Our general membership meeting is next Thursday.  Gordon DeLong with MCIM will be our speaker for the evening. Invitations have been sent out, be sure to RSVP to attend the event!

 

  • I still have several Parade of Homes signs missing.  Please check your garages and storage buildings and turn in any signs you may have.

 

  • Parade of Homes contracts are due by the 30th of this month.

 

  • Our “Playhouse Build Off” is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th and will be between Glenlord Home Center, Big C Lumber & Judd Lumber.  I’m sure some of you will be recruited to one of those teams! All playhouses built, either by the builders, or in the “build off” will be raffled during the Parade of Homes and featured in the Parade of Homes Guidebook.