Nation's Building News Online for December 20, 2004

	www.NAHB.org Week of December 20, 2004

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	Front Page n Next Generation Home Demonstrates Wind- and Fire-Resistant Structural Specifications n Special Builders' Show Preview n New Rule Enables Land Owners to Preserve Habitat for Endangered Species n Housing Snapshot

	President's Message n Building a Foundation for Workforce Housing

	Housing Politics n U.S. Lowers Canadian Lumber Duties as Appeal of NAFTA Ruling Moves Forward n Bush Economic Agenda Takes Shape at Two-Day Conference

	Housing and Economics n Housing Starts Off in November, But Permit Inventories Suggest December Rebound Possible n Index Finds Builders in Good Holiday Spirits in December, Especially Out West n Eye on the Economy

	Construction Safety n Educational Sessions Focus on Excavations, Scaffolding and Other 'Top 10' OSHA Violations

	Research n Townhouses Showcase PATH Technologies n Top Toyota Executive Keynote Speaker at EnergyValue Housing Awards

	Building Quality n National Launch of NHQ Certified Builder Program to Be Announced at Builders’ Show n Educational Sessions on Quality Focus on Profits and Customer Satisfaction

	Builders' Show n Special Events at the Builders' Show n Associate Member Programs and Events at the Builders’ Show

	Design n Residential Design Program Offerings at the Builders’ Show n Best in American Living Awards Gala Set for Jan. 12

	Business Management n IRS Increases 2005 Standard Business-Use Mileage Rate n Fraud Safeguards Only as Effective as Employee Follow-Through n Business Management Resources, Sales Management Summit at IBS

	Small Builders and Remodelers n Third-Quarter Index Points to an ‘Amazing’ Year for Remodeling Activity n Say Goodbye to the Lone Ranger n Remodelors Council Courses, Events at Builders' Show

	Seniors Housing n Seniors Housing Courses, Events at Builders’ Show n Seniors Housing Awards Recognize Cutting-Edge Design and Marketing

	Multifamily n Multifamily Courses, Events at Builders' Show

	Environment n 2005 National Wetlands Awards Nominations Due Jan. 15

	Green Building n Entries Sought for National Green Building Awards

	State and Local n Elected Officials to Be Recognized for Their Public Commitment to Housing

	Legal Issues n U.S. Supreme Court Will Decide Property Owners' Right to Access Federal Courts

	Building Systems n Information on Systems-Built Housing Featured at Builders’ Show

	Sales and Marketing n See the Best in New Home Sales and Marketing at The Nationals at the Builders' Show n Sales and Marketing Events and Seminars at the Builders' Show

	Housing Finance n President Bush Signs NAHB-Supported VA Loan Guarantee Bill

	International Housing n Builders, Suppliers Test the Waters of Growing Mexican Housing Market

	Labor n Builders’ Show Program Focuses on Residential Construction Superintendent Training

	Building Products n New American Home Combines 1920s Charm With 21st-Century Practicality

	Builder's Engineer n An Engineer’s Christmas Story

	Building News Coast To Coast

	Association News & Events n Annual Meeting of NAHB Members on Jan. 14 n Books, Products, Giveaways at the BuilderBooks.com Store at IBS n Member Advantage HQ at IBS: Connect With the Power of NAHB n Take the Web Membership System for a Test Drive at IBS n Earn NAHB WorldPoints^sm Rewards When You Charge n Awards Programs Deadlines n Calendar of Events

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