NBN Online for the week of January 23, 2006

U.S. Ready to Increase Mexican Cement Imports

Yet to be finalized, an accord announced by the U.S. and Mexico last week to settle a 16-year dispute on anti-dumping duties on Mexican cement imports will help to alleviate shortages of the building material that have been reported in more than 30 states.

"With U.S. capacity running at full tilt, the nation still must import more than 20% of its cement supply in order to meet domestic needs," said NAHB President David Pressly. "Once finalized, this agreement will provide additional supplies of Mexican cement to the U.S. market. The pact is vital to meet consumer demand, which is expected to increase in the coming year as the rebuilding efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma get into full swing."

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Lumber Prices Provided by Random Lengths

Colin Powell Opens Show, NAHB 2006 Leaders Inducted

More than 105,000 housing professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 11-14 for the 2006 International Builders’ Show, making it the best-attended annual convention in NAHB’s history. Also shattering previous records, the Orange County Convention Center was filled with 967,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing the most innovative products and services aimed specifically at the residential and light commercial construction industries.

The four-day exposition began with grand opening ceremonies headlined by former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.

2006 GM $500 Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members

During 2006, qualifying NAHB members are eligible for a $500 exclusive offer on most GM passenger cars, light-duty trucks, vans and SUVs.

NAHB members nationwide will be receiving GM NAHB Affinity Cards and details on this offer in the mail during January. The mailing will be sent directly from GM, and members should use the affinity card when purchasing a qualifying vehicle.

Members who have misplaced or otherwise do not have a GM NAHB Affinity Card may print out their own replacement cards in order to show member verification to a GM dealer. Note: Members must be logged in to www.nahb.org in order to print their replacement card.