NBN Online for the week of October 1, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Sustaining Economic Growth Key for Housing Turnaround
Weathering Economic Downturn Discussion Available Online
Housing Slump Snags Spending on Home Improvements
Coast to Coast
Borrowers Are Feeling Some Heat But It’s Not a ‘Mortgage Meltdown’
Politics & Government
Panel Acts to End Tax on Forgiven Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Limit on ‘Big’ Homes Opposed
Flood Insurance Reform Adds Coverage for Wind Damage
Housing Affordability Issue Prompts City Council Run in Albuquerque
Economics & Finance
Mortgage Finance Turmoil Hits August New Home Sales
California Slump Leading to Thin Supply of New Housing
Eye on the Economy: Fed Cuts No Quick Fix for Mortgage Market
NAHB's HousingEconomics.com Has New Look, New Features
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Prime End Cuts to Extend Life of Exterior Trim
Housing Quality
Five Builders Win National Quality Awards
Business Management
Increase Efficiency With Checklists
50Plus Housing
Retirees Heading South to Florida, Texas, Georgia
50+ Buyers Seeking Simpler Lifestyle, Maintenance-Free Living
Multifamily
Briefs Sought to Have Supreme Court Hear Fair Housing Case
Entries Open for Pillars Design, Marketing Awards
Remodelers
Business Management Vital Addition to CAPS Knowledge
Remodelers Gala at Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Oct. 11
Building Systems
Register for SHOWCASE 2007, Coming Oct. 28-31
Sales
A Wake-Up Call for New Home Salespeople in Today’s Market
Builders See Hispanics as Key to Houston Market's Future
Late Entries for The Nationals Due Friday, Oct. 12
Custom
Register for Custom Builder Show in Naples, Fla., Oct. 26-28
Education
Education Calendar
Safety
Apply for NAHB Safety Award for Excellence by Oct. 19
Green Building
Ads Raise Awareness of NAHB Green Building Program
Green Building Award Applications Now Being Accepted
NAHB to Present Green Programs at Solar Decathlon
Legal
Patents on Home Designs Getting Sharper Scrutiny
Labor
Mississippi Katrina Relief Program Picks Up Steam
Building Products
New Georgia-Pacific I-Joists Reduce Construction Costs
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Endowment Gives NAHB Grant to Video Solar Decathlon
Community Service Award Entries Due by Nov. 12
Association News
End Public Speaking Anxiety With ‘Spokesperson Training'
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Dell Savings on Vostro Desktops, Notebooks and Latitude ATG
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
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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