NBN Online for the week of April 3, 2006

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
States Make More Headway on Construction Defect Suits
Reader Survey: Tell Us What News Is Important to You
NAHB Proposes Code Changes on Wind Effects, Foundation Walls
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: Family Rooms — Born in the 19th Century
Coast to Coast
KB Leader Addresses Housing Challenges
Housing Forum
Take the Ax to the Costly Canadian Timber Tariff
Politics & Government
Help Bring Industry Concerns to Lawmakers on May 10
Economics & Finance
Court Reviews Discriminatory Lending Law in Maryland
Tips
Builder’s Tip: Sharing Compressed Air
Business Management
A Sick-Pay Plan Can Help You Build a Healthy Business
50Plus Housing
‘Meet the Experts’ at Building for Boomers & Beyond
Multifamily
Condo Hotels, Affordable Apts. Key Conference Topics
Remodelers
Remodelers Get More Time to Study EPA Lead Paint Rule
Annual Remodeling Volume Crosses $200 Billion Threshold
Construction Safety
Maryland Alliance Committed to Work Site Safety
Building Systems
Awards Honor Service to Log Home Industry
Education
Success Reported for Designation Push in February
Education Calendar
Environment
New Wetlands Rules Would Encourage Mitigation Banking
Green Building
National Interest Spurs Energy Efficiency Concerns
Building Quality
‘Just-in-Time’ Deliveries Thwart Job Site Thefts
Work Tickets Used to Focus on Job Site ‘Hot Spots’
Seventh KB Home Division NHQ Certified in California
Design
Enter the Best in American Living Awards Competition
Workforce housing
Attractive Atlanta Area Homes Offered at an Affordable Price
Labor
Project TRADE Helps Build Habitat Homes in Ocala
Building Products
Weyerhaeuser U.S. Mills Produce Certified Products
Builder's Engineer
My Love-Hate Affair With Money
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV & DIY This Week
Endowment
Deadline Nears for Matching Funds Grant Applications
Association News
NAHB Has Free 'New Homes Month' Resources for You
Get Double Discounts on Dell Computer Products in April
If It’s Spring, National Membership Day Cannot Be Far Behind
NAHB Spring Board Meeting May 9-13
Find Employees Through New NAHB Online Career Center
Spokesperson Training Still Available for 2006 Spring Board
GM $500 Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Help Bring Industry Concerns to Lawmakers on May 10

Builders seeking the rare opportunity to walk the halls of Congress with their colleagues and to meet with their lawmakers to discuss issues of concern for the housing industry won't want to miss the association's most important grassroots activity of the year — the NAHB Legislative Conference on May 10, a day-long event coinciding with the spring board meeting.

“For any builder who is concerned about their bottom line, attending the Legislative Conference could be the best decision that they make this year,” said NAHB President David Pressly, who has set a goal of expanding builder participation by at least 10% this year. “This is your chance to speak directly to your federal representatives on Capitol Hill, and communicate the challenges that you and your business face every day. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to really make a difference.”

Why Your Help Is Needed

Decisions that affect a builder’s business are being made every day in the halls of Congress. Environmental regulations, tax policy, soaring health care costs and many other issues can add thousands of dollars to a firm’s annual operating budget, and Congress weighs in on each and every one of them.

“Of the meetings I attended while in Washington, the visit to Capitol Hill was the most beneficial,” said Bridgette Evans, executive officer of the Missoula Building Industry Association in Montana, who attended the Legislative Conference last year. “It is good to see that we really do make a difference when we meet with members of Congress and their staffs. With this knowledge, I was able to go back to my board and the membership and feel confident when recruiting people to donate time to work on an issue." 

Meet With Your Members of Congress

The NAHB Legislative Conference provides a unique opportunity for builders to speak directly with their members of Congress and to take a stand on the issues that affect their businesses and bottom line.

Attending the 2006 Legislative Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to:

  • Lobby members of Congress to protect your business
  • Establish lasting relationships with your elected federal officials
  • Share builder concerns in a national forum in Washington, D.C.
  • Learn the latest policy developments on the key issues affecting your business
  • Demonstrate your industry’s commitment to responsible policies, pragmatic reforms, effective programs and providing the resources necessary to meet our nation’s ongoing housing needs
  • Network and share business strategies with your peers
  • Learn how to be an effective advocate for your business and your industry
  • Make your views known on Capitol Hill
  • Do your part to ensure that NAHB’s issues are heard by Washington policymakers
  • Galvanize a united front on Capitol Hill


Your participation can make a difference. A strong builder turnout on May 10 will send a powerful message to members of Congress: Housing must remain a national priority.

Come to Washington and show your members of Congress the great work you do back home in building your communities. Urge your lawmakers to adopt sensible policies to enable your business to thrive and allow the nation’s home builders to fulfill their mission of providing safe, decent, affordable housing to all Americans.

To Register

For more information and to register for NAHB’s 2006 Legislative Conference, click here; or e-mail Jessica Boyce, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8334.


 

Sponsored by
Freddie Mac

 
 
> Freddie Mac, Louisiana HFA Help Hurricane Victims Repair, Rebuild Homes
> Montana State Representative Bob Lake Cautions Against Extensive GSE Reform
 
 

Sponsored by
McGraw Hill
Construction

 
 
> Find and manage projects right from your desktop.
> Get your company listed in the new McGraw-Hill Construction Directory.
 
 

Sponsored by
NAHB

 
 
> Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium 2006
> NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala
> Construction Forecast Conference - Spring 2006