Nation's Building News Online

Plain Text Version (Click Here for Graphical Version)

Sponsored by Countrywide Home Loans National Builder Division

www.NAHB.org
Week of June 14, 2004

Front Page

* Harvard Report Predicts Higher Housing Production Ahead as More Households Are Formed
* Benefits of Good Planning in ‘Building Community’
* Federal Judge Yanks 'No Surprises' Certainty From Habitat Conservation Plans
* Housing Snapshot

President's Message

* You Can Help Solve the General Liability Insurance Problem

Housing and Economics

* Existing-Home Sales Headed for Yet Another Record, Economist Predicts

Business Management

* Take a Page From Big Builders: Use Customer Feedback to Build Your Business
* NAHB Members Urged to Watch the Mail for Liability Insurance Survey

Seniors Housing

* Seven Rules for Powerful Pre-Marketing to Active Adults
* New Marketing Categories Added to Seniors Housing Council Awards

Multifamily

* Upscale Lofts Put Problematic Site on the Right Side of the Tracks

Small Builders and Remodelers

* Remodelers Are Setting Up Shop in Cyberspace to Reach New Customers

Design

* Design Trends to Watch: 'Friends' Entries, More Courtyards
* Best in American Living Awards Entry Deadlines Near

Sales and Marketing

* Call for Entries for The Nationals to Open Soon

Member Dividends

* CGA Will Turn Your Associate Into a Beneficial Partner

Building Quality

* NAHB Research Center Certifies Two Builders for Commitment to Quality
* Competition Opens for EnergyValue Housing Awards

Housing Finance

* Home Buyers in Charlotte Can Boost Qualifying Income by Riding the Bus

Labor

* Job Corps Graduate Starts His Career With Help From Lowe’s and HBI

Building Products

* Merchandising Program Provides Upgrading Opportunities for Surface Materials

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* 1976 NAHB President John Hart Dies in Indiana
* National Housing Endowment Awards Grants for Housing-Related Initiatives
* Home for Large Family Demolished and Rebuilt in the Most Extreme of ABC-TV’s ‘Extreme Makeovers’
* Six Leaders Named to California Building Industry Hall of Fame
* Sign Up for 2005 Committees and Councils by July 9
* Awards Programs Deadlines
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

CGA Will Turn Your Associate Into a Beneficial Partner

Building is a complicated business. When you choose subcontractors, suppliers, architects, attorneys and other associates to work with, don’t you want them to understand what you do, how they fit into the project and the day-to-day issues you face?

Participants in the Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) program have taken the time to learn about your business so they can serve you better. They have learned about the issues and obstacles you face and have demonstrated a commitment to learning how to help you succeed. Through CGA classes, they have become “beneficial partners.”

CGA classes help broaden your associates’ knowledge and understanding of your business. These professional education classes give associates a view of the big picture. What’s more, individual courses like Scheduling and Introduction to Business Management help tie in how particular elements of the business affect others and how everything is interrelated.

As a CGA, I also can say that spending hours sitting with builders and discussing the situations they have used both successfully and unsuccessfully was among the best educational experiences I have ever had. Now that I’ve earned my CGA, when I meet with builders, I now know I can get


Sponsored by: National Association of Home Builders

Members Save at BuilderBooks.com
Reach 100,000+ Builders & Contractors
Membership has its Advantages
Learn More. Earn More. The NAHB University of Housing.

involved in the discussions and contribute. I’m living proof that CGA makes you a better partner through continued education.

I wear my CGA designation badge at meetings with builders and other industry professionals and can’t tell you how many people have stopped and noticed. It’s a great conversation starter.

But it all starts with you, the builder. If you encourage your vendors and suppliers to get involved in CGA the program, they will. Have you ever asked your vendors or contractors if they are a CGA? If you ask, your best partners will take the time to learn how they can participate, and once they have, you both will benefit.

By the way, my husband, Nelson, is a custom builder. I believe that now that I’ve earned my CGA, I will be able to understand his business a little better, too.

Robin S. Newhouse, CGA, is vice chair of NAHB’s Associate Members Committee and has been an employee of Dominion Virginia Power for more than 19 years. She is an active member of the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, the Home Builders Association of Virginia and NAHB.


Liberty Mutual Saves NAHB Members Up to $327.96 a Year

NAHB members can save up to $327.96 or more a year on auto and home insurance with Group Savings Plus®* from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus®, members can receive an exclusive group discount.* Additional savings are based on the insured’s age, driving experience and auto equipment (such as anti-lock brakes and airbags).

Liberty Mutual, offering convenient payment plans, including electronic funds transfer (EFT) with no downpayment, is known for its round-the-clock claims service and 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance.**

For a free coverage evaluation and no-obligation rate quote, call 800-341-5247, or receive a quote on-line at www.libertymutual.com/lm/nahb.

For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org.

Or visit www.nahb.org to explore the full range of benefits associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders associations.

*Average savings based on data compiled as of 3/1/00. Discounts vary by state.
**Service applies to auto policyholders and is provided by Cross Country Motor Club of Boston, Inc., Boston, or through Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc., Boston.
Coverage provided by and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston.

[ Go to Top ]

Sponsored by: Countrywide Home Loans

See how you can help protect your investment from rate increases with our Builders Rate Cap Program.
Find out about our affordable home loan programs through We House America.

To unsubscribe or to manage your subscription, CLICK HERE

Nation's Building News Online is produced and distributed by the National Association of Home Builders