NBN Online for the week of March 17, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Research Weighs Consumer Preferences in Soft Market
Builders in Kansas City Bust Housing Myths in the News Media
Case Says Housing Prices 'Flat' in Most Local Markets
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: BALA Home — Actually, Cottage — of the Year
Coast to Coast
Affluent Are Also Losing Homes
Politics & Government
Congress, White House Step Up Efforts to Rescue Economy
NAHB Steps Up Call for GSE Reform After Syron Remarks
Fund Helps Builders Fight Battles in Arizona and Florida
Economics & Finance
Builder Confidence Unchanged in March
Strong Growth Projected for Cement Demand Through 2030
NAHB Members Urged to Complete Economic Data Census Form
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders' Tip: How to Cope-Cut Quarter-Round Trim
Building Quality
Five Common Construction Mistakes Undermine Sales
KB Home First to Earn National Housing Quality Certification
National Housing Quality Award Entries Due April 30
Business Management
Making Money Starts With a Good Business Plan
Generation Y Is Ready to Buy, Technology Will Help Sell Them
50Plus Housing
Attend 50+ Symposium in New Orleans on May 19-21
Help Rebuild New Orleans at 50+ Housing Symposium
Multifamily
Builder Confidence in Condo Market Erodes Further
Remodelers
Remodelers Have a Passion for Community Service
NAHB Remodeling Channel Provides Valuable Remodeling Info
Building Systems
Systems-Built Approach Reduces Wasted Materials
'Lean' Factory Home Building Boosts Market Share
Technology
Five Things Builders Should Know About Home Technology
Education
Boost Business Skills During National Designation Month
Education Calendar
Legal
S.C. Builders Buoyed by Liability Insurance Ruling
Labor
Team Builders Interns Expand Horizons at Builders’ Show
Building Products
Energy Star Honors Whirlpool for Energy-Saving Appliances
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Willis Homes Honored for Rebuilding Homeless Shelter
Applications for Centex ‘Build Your Future’ Scholarships Due April 7
HBAs: Challenge/Build/Grow Proposals Due by March 28
Association News
Renew, Join NAHB PRx by April 15 for Latest Industry PR Alerts
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Private Offer
New: Register Online for Spokesperson Training
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
Introducing the Hertz Green Collection. Reserve and Conserve.
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

Five Common Construction Mistakes Undermine Sales

KB Home First to Earn National Housing Quality Certification

National Housing Quality Award Entries Due April 30

Entries for the National Housing Quality Awards (NHQA) are now being accepted, and award applications for 2009 are due by April 30.

Patterned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the NHQ Award recognizes home building and trade companies for excellence in residential construction and business management practices.

Sponsored by the NAHB Research Center and Professional Builder magazine, the awards will be presented at a gala dinner during the Benchmark Conference in Phoenix on Oct. 5-8.

NHQ Award applicants are judged by a panel of experts who evaluate the role that customer-focused quality plays in the company’s construction, business management, sales, design and warranty service.

Applicants benefit from a comprehensive evaluative report from the judges that provides insightful feedback and suggestions for improving business processes. For 15 years, the awards have been important tools for hundreds of home builders and trade contractors to assess and improve performance on critical factors to business success.

These criteria can help companies align resources, improve communication, increase productivity, boost effectiveness and achieve strategic goals.

Award categories include Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention for home builder and trade divisions. The home builder awards are open to all U.S. companies that build or remodel residential homes using light construction methods; the trade contractor awards are open to all U.S. independent contractors that provide construction services to home builders or remodeling companies.

Winners are featured in a series of Professional Builder magazine articles that highlight their quality management principles and best practices. They also participate in an NHQ Award panel discussion held annually at the NAHB International Builders' Show.

For more information on the awards program or to request an application, e-mail Rita Knab at the NAHB Research Center or call her at 800-638-8556 x6225; or click here.


 

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