The competition’s online application process lets you apply and pay for your entry from your desk, at your convenience. The downloadable forms are then available to you immediately — no waiting for a bulky packet of entry materials. There are helpful tips for entrants on the Multifamily Web site, and the Multifamily staff is on call to help you through any glitch in the process.

This link will take you to the  Multifamily Pillars Awards Web Page, with answers to frequently asked questions and a link to the online application. For more information or answers, e-mail Laura Zaner or Ann Marie Moriarty, or call 800-368-5242 x8215.

• Possible Problems with HUD's Lead-Based Paint Inspections

NAHB staff understands that HUD’s “Big Buy” program, which provides lead-based paint inspections for pre-1960 apartment properties that receive project-based assistance, seems to be moribund.    Apparently, less than half of the 3,900 properties registered for the program have been scheduled for inspection since the program was created in 1999, and only a small portion of those have been inspected.

If you are enrolled in the “Big Buy” program but have not had your property inspected or you are waiting for an inspection report from HUD, or have received erroneous non-compliance citations while a part of the program, please contact NAHB staff:  Peggy Cullom  800-368-5242 x8149), or Claudia Kedda (x8352).  

• Is This Water Regulated? NAHB Members Need to Know.

NAHB is pressing the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to provide immediate interim guidance as well as a formal rulemaking to settle once and for all the question of which waters are under federal jurisdiction and put an end to costly project delays that many developers currently face in the absence of such government action.

In letters sent Oct. 11 to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson and Assistant Secretary of the Army John Paul Woodley, Jr., NAHB Executive Vice President & CEO Jerry Howard made a strong case for swift government action, noting that home builders and developers are receiving conflicting advice from regulators at this time, with some offices even refusing to grant permits until new guidance has been announced. That guidance, which the Army Corps was instructed to provide by no less an authority than the U.S. Supreme Court, is long overdue. While the Corps had promised the guidance to its district offices by late July, so far, nothing has been issued. In addition to calling for immediate action on this, Jerry urged Corps officials to continue to issue permits in cases of clear jurisdictional determinations while awaiting the expected guidance – just as a July 5 memo from Army Corps headquarters to its district offices instructed. Read more about NAHB's latest actions on this in the Oct. 16 edition of NBN Online, or contact Gary Suskauer, x8327.

• New Mailbox Rules Now In Effect

The US Post Office rules mandating expensive mailboxes in new multifamily buildings went into effect this past September 3 for any building permitted by local jurisdictions after that date. Although NAHB expressed concerns about this rule at the time—specifically, the fact that there had been no cost-benefit analysis done, and that local postmasters have the final say in determining which buildings need parcel lockers—the Postal Service went ahead with all the required provisions it had proposed.

Here is the final rule, as printed in the Federal Register. Before any new construction or major renovation begins, you should make sure that your architects are aware of the changes. For specific questions, or to get guidance on specific problems, e-mail Jeff Inks, at NAHB’s Construction, Codes and Standards department, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8547.

For the complete rundown on the rules changes, read the IRS Press Release. [return to top]

 Dave told the Russians, "Access to a reliable, steady supply of lumber is the lifeline for any American home builder." Jerry characterized the new trade pact as a misfortune for Canada but an opportunity for Russia and the rest of Europe to increase lumber exports to the U.S. over the long-term. "Today, the U.S. is overly reliant on Canadian imports to meet its lumber needs," he said. "We are reaching out to you to correct this problem and we are looking to Russia to add equilibrium to our market for this essential commodity." Read more in Nation's Building News, or contact Michael Strauss, at 800-368-5242 x8252. [return to top]

• Builder's Show Early Registration Extended

If you’re planning to come to the International Builder’s Show (IBS)  in Orlando next February, and participate in the strong multifamily track of educational programs, and network at the Multifamily Developers’ Reception, or participate in our New Members Orientation program, you've just been given a little more time to save money. The deadline for the money-saving early registration has been extended until Nov. 17.  Of course, all the close-in hotel rooms go quickly, so sooner is better on all fronts!

For more information about IBS and online registration, visit www.BuildersShow.com.

• Play Builders' Free Online Pro Football Game

Don't miss another weekend of NFL games — and your chance to win prizes from HGTVPro. Sign up and play in the Builders Football League (BFL) on HTGVpro.com — the free, online pro football "pick 'em" contest with a special league for NAHB members. Playing is free, fun and easy ― and participants have a chance to win weekly prizes or the grand prize — a Panasonic 61-inch high definition TV — at the end of the season.

To Join and Play:
• Go to HGTVPro.com's Builders Football League to sign up.
• Log in and join the NAHB League and use the password: BEATJERRY, or
• Log in and join the 20 Club League (for 20 Club members only) and use the password: 20Power.
• Pick the winning teams each week from Sunday's NFL football match-ups. Helpful "pick" tools and stats make the game fun for rookies and veterans alike.
• Earn bonus points playing against top TV celebrities and NAHB CEO Jerry Howard.
• Play against your friends, HBA colleagues and co-workers by joining the NAHB League within the BFL.
• Keep track of your prowess.
For more information, go to www.nahb.org/bfl.

  [return to top]

• 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.

• 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 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference & Gala – April 11-14

The upcoming NAHB Multifamily 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 next training opportunities will be at the International Builders Show in Orlando next February. Slots remain for the Interview Skills class on Monday, February 5th, and for the Presentation Skills class on Friday, February 7th. Each 7 ½ hour seminar is limited to 12 participants. The seminars include instruction, skill-building exercises and on-camera practice interviews/presentations.

The registration fee is $475.00 per person for each one-day seminar. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to reserve your space, e-mail Niki Clark at NAHB Public Affairs, or call her at 800 368-5242, x8061. [return to top]