In the face of this agreement, NAHB is doing all it can to see that builders receive a reliable and affordable supply of lumber by working to increase imports from Europe and mitigate any policy barriers to a higher volume of imported lumber.

For more information on the agreement, e-mail Michael Strauss or Michael Carliner.

NAHB’s letter also addressed the problems raised by the proposal to raise capital requirements for Acquisition, Development & Construction loans. John Reich, chair of the Office of Thrift Supervision, seemed to concur that the proposals needed some modification, specifically citing Rep. Frank’s concern about the advisability of putting multifamily loans into a different category from other commercial loans. For more information on these hearings, e-mail Donna Ely at NAHB. [return to top]

• Tap Into Top-Level Insight on “The Future of Residential Construction” Webcast

The National Housing Endowment and East Carolina University are presenting a webcast seminar series on residential construction management. The first segment will feature Tim Eller, chairman & CEO of Centex Corp., on Oct. 19, from 11:00 to 11:50 a.m., Eastern time.

Eller’s company has been involved in all facets of residential development and construction, and his thoughts on where the industry is headed will be valuable to any builder or developer. Log onto www.RCMSeries.ecu.edu and learn. For more information, contact Troy Patterson.

• Pillars Awards Goes Online!

The new Pillars Call for Entries page has been up for only a few days, but companies have already begun to apply to enter Multifamily’s 2007 Pillars of the Industry Awards competition for design, marketing, and individual and corporate achievement in development and management.

The process has been redesigned to give you instantaneous access to the entry forms once your purchase is complete – no more waiting for entry binders! You can apply to enter at any time that’s convenient for you.

Visit the introductory page and read the Call for Entries and Frequently Asked Questions to decide which categories you want to enter, and review the rules of the competition. Read the tips for creating a winning entry, assemble all the necessary information, and you’ll be ready to put your project before a carefully chosen team of expert judges who will pick finalists, and then the Winners!

If, after digesting all the information on our Web site, you still have questions, e-mail them to Laura Zaner.

This conference, offered by the Campaign for Affordable Housing, will take place in Houston and will focus on focus on framing messages that capture media attention and build public support for affordable housing issues, as well as applying the housing lessons learned in the wake of last year's gulf coast hurricanes to other "crisis" situations. For more information, visit the Campaign’s Web site.

SAFE Awards Deadline Extended – Oct. 6

If your company has a great safety program and track record, consider entering the Multifamily Safety Program of the Year category in NAHB’s SAFE awards. Or, if you have a terrific relationship with a stellar OSHA official, nominate that person in the Federal and State Plan OSHA Official of the Year category. For a full list of categories and all the information you’ll need to enter this low-cost, high-importance  awards program, visit the SAFE awards page on NAHB’s Web site.

National Housing & Rehabilitation Association Fall Forum – Oct. 9-10

The NH&RA will meet at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston with a full program of affordable housing information and an overview of the New England market. To view the agenda or register online, view the conference page.

Community Service Awards – Entry Deadline Nov. 3

Builders who’ve served their communities are invited to enter the National Housing Endowment’s Achievement Awards for Outstanding Community Service awards competition. For more information, view this page or e-mail Troy Patterson.

Rescheduled NAHB Trade Mission to Mexico – Nov. 12-14

Join NAHB’s Trade Mission and explore the exciting business opportunities in México’s Vallarta/Nayarit high-end residential, resort, and retirement market! Private briefings will be conducted by government and industry experts from FONATUR (México’s Trust for Tourism Development), FIBBA, (Fideicomiso Bahia de Banderas), the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and Stewart Title Guaranty de México. Participants will have one-on-one meetings with builder/developer members of México’s Construction Industry Chamber (CMIC) and visit a variety of projects including residential developments, resorts, a future retirement community, and land available for purchase and development.  Please click here to reference the draft agenda for more details. To register, complete the registration form and e-mail it to Michael Boyce or fax it to his attention at 202-266-8120. Please note: The participant fee does not include travel and hotel expenses.

Sunbelt Builders Show – Grapevine, TX – Nov. 16-18

There will be a new and enthusiastic Multifamily presence at the Sunbelt Builder’s show in Texas this fall, held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, part of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. Register before Oct. 30, and receive a free Expo-only pass for an employee. For more information, visit the show Web site:  www.SunbeltBuildersShow.com.

Multifamily Entries Welcomed in Green Building Awards Competition – Dec. 29

Multifamily builders, developers and architects can enter NAHB’s National Green Building Awards, which recognize individuals, companies and organizations for helping to move green into the mainstream of the housing industry through their designs and construction practices
New this year is a green land development award, which honors resource-efficient site design and development practices, including onsite recycling, preservation of trees and innovative storm water retention features. And the awards include a category honoring Multifamily achievement.
The annual awards will be presented during ceremonies at the association’s National Green Building Conference, which will be held in St. Louis on March 25 to 27.

For an application form and instructions on how to send logos, project photos and other artwork, click here. Members are invited to submit a completed application package by Dec. 29, 2006. For additional information, e-mail Emily English at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8366.

New Venue: 2007 Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala – April 11-14

The upcoming Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, in Hollywood, Fla., April 11-13, 2007. The new location has a lovely beachfront location featuring a variety of water sports and sport fishing opportunities, as well as a full spa facility for off-hours relaxation.

Of course, as always, the educational programs will feature a top-flight roster of speakers drawn from upper-tier industry leaders. To request notification when online registration opens, follow the directions on this page. [return to top]

• The Slowdown Gets Slower Through 2007

There’s a reason economics is called “the dismal science,” and while the current issue of NAHB’s Eye on the Economy isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, it provides news every builder and developer needs. Sign up here to get your free subscription.

• Free NAHB Online Video Shows Members How to Deal With the Media

When a reporter calls, you don’t have to panic. A free, new online video from NAHB provides members and HBAs with pointers on how to talk to reporters when contacted for interviews for stories. The video, “Communicating Effectively with the Media,” and an accompanying tip sheet, can be accessed on the “members only” side of the NAHB Web site by clicking here.

With home building a top issue among local, regional and national news organizations, the quick, seven-minute video summarizes what to do when contacted by a reporter; how to prepare for an interview; how to respond to reporters' questions; how to avoid common mistakes people make when conducting an interview; and more. The video also provides a superb refresher to NAHB’s spokesperson training program.

To access the new NAHB media relations video and tip sheet, visit www.nahb.org/mediaguide on the “members only” side of the NAHB Web site.

In addition to the media relations video, NAHB offers a host of other public relations resources tools, including a PR Toolkit, spokesperson training and talking points on relevant issues. All of these resources can be found on the NAHB Web site by clicking here. You can also e-mail Paul Lopez at NAHB Public Relations for help, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8409.