NBN Online for the week of April 20, 2009

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Nearly 600,000 Home Buyers Claim Tax Credit So Far
Wilmington, Del. Home Buyer Benefits From Stimulus Package
Real Estate Outlook: A Turnaround May Be in Sight
Coast to Coast
First-Time Home Buyers Jolt Market Into Life
Economics & Finance
Single-Family Home Starts Unchanged in March
Builder Confidence Shows Biggest Jump in Five Years
Four More States Announce Programs to Monetize Tax Credit
Register Online for NAHB Spring Construction Forecast Conference
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Two Strategies for Storing Parts and Tools
Downturn
Stimulus Bill Tax Provisions Help Small Business, Says IRS
Effective Advertising Should Focus on Generating Traffic
How to Overcome Home Buyer Objections in Today's Market
Free NAHB Webinar to Discuss Impact Fee Alternatives on April 21
Free Webinar on April 29 Looks at Negotiating With Lenders
May 14 Audio Seminar Explores Government Contracting Options
Technology
Add Bells, Whistles to Standing Inventory, Without High Costs
Commercial
Builders in Hard Times Find Money for Commercial Jobs
Enter NCBC 2010 Awards of Excellence Competition
Multifamily
Explore FHA Financing at NAHB Webinar on April 22
Remodelers
Universal Design, Green Remodeling Have Joint Appeal
Planning for Aging-in-Place Up 10%, Remodelers Say
Free ‘Remodeling Month’ Materials for May Available From NAHB
Sales
Promote ‘New Homes Month’ With Free Online Resources
Education
Online Directory Makes It Easy to Find Designation Holders
One-Day Passes Available for NAHB’s Spring Conferences
Education Calendar
Green Building
Number of Builders With NAHB Green Credentials Soars
Green Videos Now Available for Builders, Buyers
Green Home Builders Celebrate Earth Day
Earn BuilderBooks Green Savings in April for Use Through June
environment
EPA Greenhouse Gas Finding Could Impact Housing
hbi
HBI Job Corps Students Win State Championship
Building Products
Uponor Plumbing Lead-Free From Inlet to Faucet
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Downturn Bumps Up Demand for Endowment Scholarships
Apply for Herman J. Smith Scholarships by May 4
Association News
Rick Judson Candidate for 2010 NAHB Third Vice Chairman
New Name for Homeless Shelter Recognizes Builder Efforts
Undeterred by Downturn, Builder Finds Way to Give Back
'Struggling' HBAs, Apply for NAHB Assistance Grants by April 24
Office Depot Offers Members 14 Deals Under $5
Williams Scotsman Offers $1.99 First-Month Storage Container
FTD Offers 15% Discount to NAHB Members
Spring Board Last Chance for Spokesperson Training in 2009
Pitney Bowes Postage Meters Offer Convenience, Savings
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

HBI Job Corps Students Win State Championship

On April 8, six Home Builders Institute (HBI) plumbing and electrical students from the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center (JCC) in Tucson, Ariz. participated in the annual SkillsUSA Arizona Championships.

High school and college students participated in 70 skill and leadership competitions to determine who would represent Arizona at the national SkillsUSA Championships.

Four NAHB student members from John Gallagher’s plumbing class took part in the plumbing secondary (high school) and plumbing post-secondary (college) competitions, and two students from Gerardo Ortiz’s electrical class competed in the electrical post-secondary division.

Provided with an isometric drawing of a bathroom, the plumbing students were required to complete the rough-in plumbing for sewer and water. Electrical students took a 50-question written exam and were then given a schematic drawing to wire up boxes.

All six HBI students placed first or second, earning a gold or silver medal in their respective divisions.

Kris Poola, who was an HBI student ambassador at the International Builders’ Show in January, took first place in the plumbing post-secondary division. Patrick Fitzpatrick won the plumbing secondary division and Matthew Heaton won the electrical wiring post secondary division. All three winners will compete in the national championships in Kansas City, Mo. beginning June 22.

“HBI is very proud of its work with Job Corps,” said HBI Chairman M. M. “Mike” Weiss. “For many years, HBI has been a leader in trades training and job placement, and this type of competition further illustrates the strength and quality of our curriculum, faculty and students.”

HBI, the workforce development arm of NAHB, is the largest national training contractor in Job Corps, placing more than 2,000 young people annually in jobs in residential construction. NAHB members work through their local home builders associations to help develop the curriculum, mentor students and provide internships or work-based learning opportunities.

For more information on HBI’s Job Corps programs, e-mail Keith Albright or Maria McIntyre at HBI, or call them at 800-795-7955 x8911 and x8912, respectively.


 

Sponsored by
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> Office Depot Has 14 Deals Under $5 for NAHB Members
> $1.99 Special Offer From Williams Scotsman
> FTD Offers 15% Discount to NAHB Members