NBN Online for the week of July 21, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
House Expected to Vote on Housing Stimulus This Week
Register for the 2009 Builders' Show in Las Vegas
Aug. 12 Audio Seminar to Look at Getting Hesitant Boomers to Buy
Indiana Builders Paint a Brighter Picture of Local Market
Coast to Coast
Credit Seen Drying Up for Small Business
Politics & Government
Mandate Benefits Limited for Residential Energy Efficiency
Economics & Finance
Single-Family Home Starts Slip Further in June
Builder Confidence Loses More Territory in July
Housing Demand Grows as Buyers Struggle to Overcome Obstacles
Federal Reserve Tightens Mortgage Underwriting Rules
Aug. 15 Deadline for FHLBank Director Applications
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Quick and Accurate Shorthand Measuring
codes and standards
Performance Solid for Vinyl Siding Over Foam Sheathing
Business Management
Retaining Assets: How to Get Paid in a Bankruptcy
Technology
Technology Helps Solidify Revenue in Volatile Market
50Plus Housing
SEBC Courses Discuss How to Attract 50+ Buyers
Women
During Lean Times, Seek Opportunities Outside the Box
Remodelers
Use Escalation Clause to Manage Pricing Increases
Deadline for NAHB Remodelers Awards Is July 25
Remodelers Making a Difference in Their Local Councils
Design
Enter the BALA Design Competition by July 31
Building Systems
Enter Building Systems Councils Excellence Awards
Commercial
Apply for 2009 Commerical Building Awards by Aug. 1
Sales
Enter The Nationals Sales and Marketing Awards by Sept. 26
Education
Education Calendar
Safety
In Case of Lightning, Workers Need to Take Precautions
New Scaffold Safety Video Essential for Fall Protection
environment
July 23 Webcast Looks at Storm Water Rules for Housing
Legal
Ask the Lawyer: New Online Copyright Process
Labor
Top HBI Job Corps Instructors Receive Awards
Building Products
Safe Plumbing Site Provides Water Efficiency Information
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
24 Centex ‘Build Your Future’ Scholars Announced
Association News
Save 10% With Office Depot Large-Format Printing Services
Save $25 on Hertz ‘Green,’ ‘Fun’ or ‘Prestige’ Weekly Rentals
Willams Scotsman Offers $1.99 First-Month Storage Container
GM $500 Private Offer: Easy as 1-2-3
Sign Up for ‘Spokesperson Training’ Sessions at Fall Board
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

Use Escalation Clause to Manage Pricing Increases

Deadline for NAHB Remodelers Awards Is July 25

Remodelers Making a Difference in Their Local Councils

The latest in a series that profiles members of local NAHB Remodelers who are strengthening their local councils through networking and recruiting new members. The grassroots champions who are being highlighted in this series have collectively recruited more than 400 new members for the NAHB Remodelers to date.

Steve Hoffacker, CAASH, CAPS, CMP, CSP, MIRM
Principal
Hoffacker Associates
West Palm Beach, Fla

Business size and focus: Consulting firm primarily focused on serving small- to mid-sized home builders and remodelers.

What he does: “I help my clients take their operations to the next level by providing coaching, mentoring and strategic assistance in sales, marketing and business development.

“I also help them build new skill sets outside their ‘comfort zone’ — such as builders who want to try their hand at doing sales.”

Biggest misconception about his work: “That a builder can be too small to use or afford any help. In my experience, it’s especially the smaller businesses that get the biggest benefits.

“At the same time, not every small business owner wants to grow. For example, some of my clients are fine with building one or two custom homes a year and just need guidance in becoming more efficient and profitable.”

Proudest association accomplishment: “Last year, I helped start a Remodelers’ Council at the Gold Coast Builders Association. Just by talking about the council with colleagues, we’ve grown it into a group with more than 30 members.”

Favorite resource: “My network, developed over the years through interaction with clients, association contacts and fellow council members.”

Advice to others: “Create and sustain a solid network of friends and colleagues. Be open to new things and to asking for and sharing advice.”



Increase Your Professional Credibility

The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation emphasizes business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.

Remodelers who earn the CGR become members of an exclusive national program and gain recognition as industry leaders.

To learn more about the CGR designation, visit www.nahb.org/CGRinfo, or call The Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 x8154.


 

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