NBN Online for the week of September 24, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Washington Moving Fast to Ease Mortgage Credit Crunch
Home Buying Conditions Better Than the News Media Say
NAHB ‘Buy Now’ Grant Program Ends, With $3 Million Disbursed
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: A Gem Along North Carolina's Crystal Coast
Coast to Coast
Survey Shows Home Owners Unfazed by Mortgage Troubles
Housing Forum
Letter to the Editor: Don't Let Families Lose Their Homes
Politics & Government
NAHB Member Resources Available on Immigration Law
Economics & Finance
Downward Beat for Housing Starts Continues in August
Builder Confidence at a Record-Low Ebb in September
Bank of Des Moines Boosting Housing Credit Liquidity
What's Next for Housing? Attend Construction Forecast Conference
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Coping Crown Molding With a Grinder
Building Quality
Gap Analysis a Boost for Business in a Slow Market
Builders Responsible for Not Getting Caught in Storms
Business Management
Internet Savvy Consumers Know More Than You Think
50Plus Housing
Put Your Assumptions About Aging Aside With Boomers
50+ Buyers Seeking Simpler Lifestyle, Maintenance-Free Living
Multifamily
Condo Builders Worried About Market Conditions
Excess For-Sale Units a Concern for Rental Market
Moss Honored for Affordable Housing Commitment
Entries Open for Pillars Design, Marketing Awards
Remodelers
Market Your CAPS Designation With Hands-On Opportunities
Building Systems
Market Trends, Successful Selling Hot Topics at Showcase
Sales
Enter The Nationals Sales and Marketing Awards by Sept. 28
Custom
Register for Custom Builder Show in Naples, Fla., Oct. 26-28
Education
Education Calendar
Green Building
First Comment Period for Green Standard Closes
‘Industry Day’ Set for Solar Decathlon Next Month
Environment
ULI Report Links Development and Climate Change
Safety
Apply for NAHB Safety Award for Excellence by Oct. 19
Codes and Standards
ICC Campaign Calls Code Officials ‘Unsung Heroes’
Legal
Court Upholds ‘No Surprises’ Rule on Habitat Plans
Regulators Discuss Post-Rapanos Wetlands Guidance
Builder Wins General Liability Insurance Coverage Case
Labor
Pulte First Big Builder to Use English Training Program
Building Products
CertainTeed Insulation Helps Keeps Wall Cavities Dry
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Scholarships Available for Students Attending IBS
Community Service Award Entries Due by Nov. 12
Association News
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Take a Quick Survey on Shipping Needs and Win a 80GB iPod
September Deals From Office Depot
Dell Savings on Vostro Desktops, Notebooks and Latitude ATG
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Apply for NAHB Safety Award for Excellence by Oct. 19

Applications are being accepted for the 2007 NAHB Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE), which provides recognition for home builders who develop outstanding work-site safety programs.

For information, requirements and an online application, click here (nahb.org/SAFE).

The award honors the achievements of builders and trade contractors who have developed and implemented high-quality construction safety programs, as well as those government officials and NAHB-affiliated associations who have made successful efforts to advance safety in the home building industry.

In last year’s inaugural awards program, 19 winners in 16 categories were cited for their safety achievements. Read about them here.

“NAHB is a national leader in residential construction safety, and this award program both honors exemplary safety behaviors practiced by home builders and encourages others to adopt similar programs in their work sites,” said NAHB President Brian Catalde.

NAHB member companies in good standing that build residential homes or town homes using light construction methods can apply for a SAFE award. Specialty trade contractors, remodelers and light commercial and multifamily builders, as well as NAHB-affiliated associations and federal or state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials who have been nominated by an NAHB member or association, are also welcome to apply.

Awards will be made in a variety of categories; for a detailed listing, click here.

Applications must be received no later than Oct. 19.

“Last years’ winners were a testament to how seriously NAHB members take the safety of their employees, from developing unique safety programs to creating educational materials to conducting weekly training,” said Andy Anderson, NAHB Construction Safety and Health Committee chairman and a builder from Pinopolis, S.C. “We know there are many more examples of safety best practices in the industry and look forward to recognizing them in the 2007 awards.”

Award winners will be recognized during a breakfast ceremony at the 2008 International Builders’ Show in Orlando in February. Winners will receive an award and coverage in this publication.

NAHB provides members and others in the residential construction industry — including non-English and limited English-speaking employees and trade contractors — with information, guidance and access to training resources to help them protect employees' health and safety.

A variety of safety resources and guidebooks, including the NAHB-OSHA Jobsite Safety Handbook: English-Spanish Edition, are available for purchase through www.builderbooks.com.

For more information on the SAFE Awards Program, click here; or e-mail Lindsay Cather at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8163.



Home Builders’ Safety Program’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

Home Builders’ Safety Program,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a practical guide that shows builders how to develop and implement an effective safety program.

An included companion CD presents a model safety program listing safe work practices for the most common residential construction operations. The CD features sample forms and checklists that can be easily customized to meet builders’ specific needs.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.


 

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