NBN Online for the week of January 8, 2007

Local SMC Workshop: Network with Local Councils Feb. 7 at IBS

The National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC) will be conducting a workshop for local sales and marketing councils (SMCs) at the 2007 International Builders' Show in Orlando to give councils the tools they need to grow and add new education programs.

The workshop, “Taking Your SMC to the Next Level,” is scheduled for 1:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.7, in South 230 D, Level II, in the Orange County Convention Center.

“The SMC Workshop is the ideal opportunity for all SMCs, whether they are established or newly formed, to learn from the experts,” said Meredith Oliver, MIRM, CSP, of Orlando and chair of the NSMC Membership and Local Councils Committee, which is hosting the workshop.

“The roundtable format allows HBA staff and SMC leaders to network with other SMCs across the country," Oliver added. "The information exchange is invaluable. It’s the perfect venue to exchange ideas, brainstorm and share your SMC’s challenges and successes.”

The SMC workshop will feature two sets of breakout sessions — with different topics offered simultaneously.

Topics include tips for starting an SMC, developing an SMC leadership team, planning innovative programs and events and ramping up SMC education programs.

In addition, SMC books from previous Gold and Silver winners of The Nationals will be on view at the workshop.

Preliminary Schedule

• Overview and Introductions
  1:30 -2:00 p.m.
  
  
• Breakouts — Round 1
  2:00-3:00 p.m.
  
  

1. "Starting Your SMC — Laying the Foundation for Future Success"
   Panelist: S. Robert August, MIRM, S. Robert August & Associates, Greenwood Village, Colo.
   
   
2. "National Overview — Leveraging National Benefits to Build Your SMC’s Value"
   Panelists: Meredith Oliver, MIRM, CSP, Meredith Communications, Orlando, and
   Jeff Jenkins, NAHB, Washington, D.C.
   
   
3. "Membership Mojo — How to Grow Your SMC’s Membership and Retain Your Current Members in a Challenging Market"
   Panelist: Roger Fiehn, MIRM, CMP, Roger Fiehn & Associates, Houston
   
   
4. "Helpful Hints to Prepare Your Winning Entry for The Nationals — Secrets from Past Winners"
   Panelist: TBA
   
   
5. "And the Winner Is — Key Strategies On Building Up Your SMC’s Awards Program"
   Panelists: Colleen Ellison, Move.com, Houston, and
   Dottie Fawcett, Move.com, Boothwyn, Pa.
   
   
6. Viewing of the SMC Books from The Nationals
   
   

• Breakouts — Round 2
  3:00-4:00 p.m.
  
  

1. "The Value of Leadership — Putting Your SMC’s Leadership to Work: Grooming Your SMC’s Future Leaders"
   Panelist: Roger Fiehn, MIRM, CMP, Roger Fiehn & Associates, Houston
   
   
2. "Tour de Force — Tips on Planning a Successful Community/Model Tour"
   Panelist: Portland Stuart, Northeast Florida Home Builders Association, Jacksonville, Fla.
   
   
3. "Thinking Outside the Box — Unique Programs and Events That Will Wow Your Members"
   Panelists: Andy Ladner, HBA of Raleigh & Wake Counties, Raleigh, N.C., and
   Patti Greeves, Temps for Tracts, Idyllwild, Calif.
   
   
4. "IRM Education — Promoting the Value of Education and Designations to Your SMC Members"
   Panelist: Kerry Mulcrone, BrightKEYS Homes Trust, LLC, Woodbury, Minn., and
   Jack Gallagher, MIRM, CMP, American Home Mortgage, Raleigh, N.C.
   
   
5. "HBA/SMC Relations — How HBAs and SMCs Can Work Together as a Team"
   Panelist: Tom O’Rourke, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Tucker Ga.
   
   
6. Viewing of the SMC Books from The Nationals
   
   

• Networking/Open Session/Survey/Prize Drawing/Adjournment
  4:00-4:30 p.m.

To Register

For more information, e-mail Jeff Jenkins at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8292.

To register, visit the sales and marketing track of the educational seminars on the International Builders' Show Web site, www.buildersshow.com, and use the "My Show Planner" tool.