NBN Online for the week of May 22, 2006

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Record Number of Builders Carry Concerns to Capitol Hill
Share Nation's Building News With Your Company's Employees
The Race Is On for National Membership Day
Builders Face Higher Copper Costs, Drywall Shortages
Coast to Coast
Housing Cool-Down Is ‘Orderly,’ Fed Chief Says
Politics & Government
Lawmakers Just Say ‘No’ to Anti-Housing Tax Proposals
New Tax Law Contains Provisions of Interest to Builders
Senate Majority Whip Wants to Abolish Estate Tax
NAHB Members Urged to Ask Senators to Support S. 2611
Bush Immigration Reforms Supported by Builders
Election Web Site Aimed at ‘Building the Vote’
Economics & Finance
Housing Starts Dip 7.4 Percent in April
Builder Expectations Reflect Slowing Market
Housing Affordability Up Just a Notch in First Quarter
Pact Would Keep Lumber Prices High Even as Demand Softens
NAHB Board Salutes 18 Millionth VA Home Loan Recipient
First Construction-to-Permanent Loan Rural Home Built
Eye on the Economy: NAHB Still Forecasts a 6.1% Decline in Starts
Tips
Builder's Tip: Shop Vac Works for Hard-to-Fill Glue Ups
Business Management
See Success With Biztools on Membership Day Webcast
Build Your Knowledge at the Custom Builder Symposium
Remodelers
Remodelers Report Moderate Growth in First Quarter
Home Remodeling Heads for Another Record Year
Commercial
4-D Modeling: Is 'Virtual Building' In Your Future?
Education
From Walls to Kitchen Counters, Concrete is Hot
Want to Know More About Designations? Ask an Expert
Education Calendar
Environment
EPA Aims at Reducing Storm Water Permit Paperwork
Corps Official Hears Wetlands Regulation Complaints
Research
Big Changes Underway for Home Energy Rating System
Legal
High Court Clean Water Act Ruling Puts EPA on Thin Ice
Katrina Recovery
Red Cross Prepares Floridians for Hurricanes
Enterprise Supports 6,500 New Orleans-Area Homes
Construction Safety
NAHB, Fannie Mae Announce Safety Award for Excellence
Labor
HBI Helps Youthbuild Grads Start Construction Careers
Superintendent Course Premiering at Concrete Technologies Tour
Building Products
Recent Home Buyers Spend More on Home Improvements
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV & DIY This Week
Endowment
New Grant Funds Hispanic College Student Internships
Association News
Avoid Credit Card Processing Rate Increases With Solveras
GM $500 Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members
Find Employees Through New NAHB Online Career Center
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

See Success With Biztools on Membership Day Webcast

Build Your Knowledge at the Custom Builder Symposium

The Custom Builder Symposium will be held at the Lake Las Vegas Resort in Nevada on Oct. 27-29. 

Custom home clients continually raise the bar on what they expect from builders. The 2006 Custom Builder Symposium, NAHB’s premier event for custom builders, gives custom builders the opportunity to expand their knowledge base, deliver on their clients’ expectations and ensure profitability.

The symposium will be held Oct. 27-29 in the Lake Las Vegas Resort, Nev. and registration is now open.

Featuring world-class education, plenty of networking opportunities and a practical take-home workbook packed with tips on marketing, management and customer service, the Custom Builder Symposium is a can't-miss opportunity for custom builders to learn from peers who build high-end homes for demanding customers.

"It will not teach you how to pour concrete any better than you already do or teach you how to plumb cut a rafter, but it will teach you how to put money to your bottom line," said past symposium attendee and NAHB Custom Home Builder Committee Chair Dave Stormont, of Stormont Co., Inc. in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

To learn more about the Custom Builder Symposium or to register, go to www.nahb.org/custom.



NAHB Has More Than 250 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably

Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages (available to members only) for instant access to more than 250 timesaving, moneymaking and cost-cutting business resources to help you run your business more profitably. Get guidance on accounting and financial management, business strategy, computers and information technology, customer service, human resources and more.

Resources are added weekly, so bookmark www.nahb.org/biztools to go directly to these vital business management resources.

Local and state home builders associations can link directly to www.nahb.org/biztools from their Web site and give their members instant access to these resources. It will make your HBA's Web site the place to go for the information and guidance that members need to succeed.



Subscribe to NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source

NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source is your monthly electronic guide to the hot issues and emerging trends in home building business management. You’ll find practical advice, tricks of the trade and sound business guidance — all delivered monthly, straight to your desktop, in a quick and easy-to-read format. Business of Building e/Source is available free to NAHB members and their employees.

To subscribe, visit www.nahb.org/BoB on the Members Only side of the NAHB Web site.



NAHB Technology Solutions Directory Now Online

NAHB’s Technology Solutions Directory — an easy-to-use directory that enables builders, remodelers, contractors and other industry professionals to find information on software and IT solutions and services for their businesses — is now online. The directory is sponsored by the Business Management & Information Technology Committee

Software and technology solutions providers interested in being listed can sign up for:

  • Enhanced Listing — Listing includes company name, URL, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number, company/product description, company logo. Click here for more information.
     
  • Standard Listing — Listing includes company name and phone number. Click here for more information.


For more information, e-mail Wil Heslop at NAHB.

The Technology Solutions Directory is solely for educational and informational purposes.  Nothing in the directory should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the listed software, IT service or the software/IT vendor.  The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained in this directory.


 

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Sponsored by
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> Design Institute for Builders - June 5-6
> Concrete Technologies Tour - June 11-13
> Custom Builder Symposium - Oct. 27-29