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

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’

Building industry professionals who are interested in becoming involved in the political process and helping to elect pro-housing candidates on the federal and state level are encouraged to log on to www.BuildingTheVote.com, NAHB's political and grassroots action center.

Through a partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NAHB’s BuildingTheVote campaign empowers hundreds of thousands of pro-business Americans who contribute to the ongoing success of the home building industry to become active participants in this year’s elections.

“The past few elections have taught us an important lesson: elections can be won or lost by just a few votes,” said NAHB President David Pressly. “BuildingTheVote.com is an interactive Web site that will allow you to register to vote, apply for absentee or early voting, find out key election dates and deadlines, locate your polling place and learn more about the candidates running and the issues at stake.”

Fully 80% of the states today allow voters to go to the polls before Election Day — some as much as 43 days early. BuildingTheVote.com provides information and assistance for voting-by-mail or in-person early voting

The Web site also contains important information on federal and state elections throughout the country. Registering with BuildingTheVote will provide access to information on candidates running anywhere in the U.S.

BuildingTheVote allows voters to demonstrate their commitment to responsible policies that meet the nation’s ongoing housing needs by enabling them to contact their elected officials about the issues that most affect their businesses. By clicking on such “hot topic” links as immigration, storm water permitting and tax reform, industry professionals can contact their legislators and let them know where they stand on these important issues.

The site also contains information on BUILD-PAC, NAHB’s political action committee, which is dedicated to helping elect pro-housing candidates to Congress.

“Political participation is one of the most precious liberties we enjoy as citizens, and it begins with you and me,” said Pressly. “I urge all housing professionals to take a few minutes and visit BuildingTheVote.com. Together, we can make a contribution to our communities, our industry and our families, one vote at a time.”

For more information, e-mail Ashley Feaster at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8126.


 

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