More than 700 members of the working press registered for the event, and as of Feb. 12, the IBS had been featured in at least 80 television spots – including those on The Early Show, CNN, CNBC, and The Today Show. Special features included a keynote speech by Emmy award winning journalist Ted Koppel at Grand Opening Ceremonies as well as speeches to the NAHB Executive Board and Board of Directors by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson, OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke, Jr., Freddie Mac Chairman Richard Syron, Fannie Mae CEO Daniel Mudd and AARP Chief Executive Bill Novelli. Also making a special appearance before the NAHB Board was 2008 Presidential Candidate and current Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), who currently chairs the Senate's Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

Other obvious highlights of the IBS included the election of NAHB's 2007 Senior Officers, new resolutions passed by the Board as official NAHB policy, updates on top NAHB advocacy issues, Dave Seiders' housing forecast and numerous award presentations – to name just a few. Many of these items are detailed below, and you can read more about them in the next NBN Online, to be published on Feb. 20.

NAHB Member Benefit: The International Builders' Show is easily one of the biggest and most comprehensive benefits for NAHB members, drawing thousands of exhibitors with the latest products and services geared specifically to housing and light commercial construction and putting them under the same roof with top educational programs designed to help you grow your business. For many attendees, the value of what you learn and save at the IBS is far greater than your annual membership dues.  Please join us when the International Builders' Show returns to Orlando in 2008 for an event that continues to grab more headlines and impress more builders with its spectacular offerings every year of its existence! Contact Paul Lopez (x8409) for media-related inquiries or see our IBS wrap-up press release online.

NAHB Member Benefit: Home builders and all citizens should feel vindicated after this 14-year battle that NAHB has successfully waged against expensive government rules that needlessly raise the cost of homeownership with no benefit to the environment. This win is a testament to the persistence and excellence of NAHB's efforts in the litigation arena on behalf of our members and their businesses. [return to top]

1. Are customarily and regularly away from builders' place of business; or
2. Left the model home or trailer one or two times a week for sales-related activities.

The Opinion Letter represents a significant victory for NAHB, which, on behalf of the members of our High Production Home Builders Council, had formally submitted a request for such clarification in September of 2005. Prior to release of the new Opinion Letter, home builders had to rely on guidance from a 1964 DOL Opinion Letter to classify outside sales employees as exempt from the FLSA Overtime requirements. Contact Chris Keuleman (x8260) for more info.

NAHB Member Benefit: In this case, NAHB was able to secure an important confirmation from the federal government that clarifies the FLSA-exempt status of home builders' outside sales employees who work out of model homes and trailers. The DOL Opinion Letter should also provide persuasive authority for builders who may face litigation regarding overtime pay rules. The successful resolution of this matter is a good example of how NAHB's partnership with our high volume builders can lead to the achievement of a common industry goal. In addition, NAHB will continue to offer assistance to home builders facing litigation on overtime rules and will monitor the issue nationwide to ensure that the courts defer to the latest DOL guidance. [return to top]

1. A landmark agreement between NAHB and the ICC, announced at an IBS press conference, reinforced the commitment of our two organizations to work together to bring uniformity to sustainable building practices. Specifically, NAHB and the ICC will undertake the development and publication of a residential green building standard. 2006 NAHB President David Pressly was joined by Wally Bailey, president of the ICC, for the historic announcement. While NAHB has long recognized many of our members as leaders in the field of green building, those efforts were previously local and without any regional or national reference. Our members needed clearer guidance in this area, but wanted to maintain flexibility and be able to incorporate regional distinctions. In response, NAHB has developed our Model Green Home Building Guidelines, which are now a nationally recognized green building certification tool. Those guidelines were on center stage at the IBS with the debut of The New American Home 2007, which was built in keeping with their principles. Contact: John Ritterpusch, x8325.


2. Congressional testimony by Alaska home builderJack Hebert brought builders' efforts in the green building arena to the attention of the Senate Subcommittee on Energy on Feb. 12. Jack, who serves as an NAHB National Representative, told senators that the housing industry is committed to implementing green building techniques that reduce energy consumption in both new and existing homes, improve indoor and outdoor air quality and conserve water and natural resources. He also told Congress about the impetus for NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines, "which embody the flexibility that builders need to achieve efficiency and conservation goals without meeting costly national or statewide mandates." Simply put, he said, "There is no one-size-fits-all green building standard. Alaska, North Dakota, Florida and Maine all have different efficiency needs and requirements based on their climate. Solar panels don't work in Fairbanks like they do in Miami." With this in mind, he confirmed that the nation's home builders will support green building and energy efficiency legislation that is voluntary, market-driven and cost-effective for builders and consumers. Read more in our press release, or contact Elizabeth Odina, x8570..

NAHB Member Benefit:   The NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines provide guidance for members engaged or interested in green building products and practices for residential design, development and construction. By highlighting ways in which mainstream home builders can cost-effectively incorporate green building practices into new home construction, the Guidelines serve as the resource for both individual builders and home builder associations looking to develop their own green programs. In addition, they provide an appropriate alternative to unwanted and inflexible government mandates at the state and local levels and help our members take advantage of a fast-emerging marketing niche. [return to top]

2. Resolution on Treatment of Residential Real Estate in Financial Institutions Regulation

3. Resolution on Repeal of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit 10-Year Rule
    for Existing Properties

4. Resolution on Criteria for Evaluating the Effects of Various Climate Change
    Proposals on Housing

5. Resolution on Property and Casualty Insurance

6. Resolution on Nutrient Reductions to Improve Water Quality

7. Resolution on Natural Hazards Mitigation 


NAHB Member Benefit: Through the NAHB Resolutions process, any member or HBA may submit new policy proposals for the Board's consideration. This process ensures that NAHB's goals, strategies and official policies are the direct product of its members' concerns and views. Moreover, it allows individual members to have their voices heard in the national arena and beyond.  Please direct any questions regarding the Resolutions process to Jay Shackford at x8406. [return to top]