Highlights from HBAGC

Peter Schwartz Chief Executive Officer
Peter Schwartz
Chief Executive Officer

Two weekends ago I took my youngest daughter to visit one of my other daughters who lives in Boston.  One of my favorite things to do there when I visit this time of year besides stopping at my favorite north end bakery Mike's Pastry on Hanover Street, is visit their annual jack o'lantern festival.  Each year thousands of Boston citizens come to the city square where they are able to carve complimentary pumpkins. At night time the city lights and stacks the pumpkins for everyone to see. As of last year, they still held the Guiness Book of World Records for most lit jack o'lanterns (over 30,000) .  Let me tell you; seeing all of those scary pumpkins lit up at night is quite a sight. However, what always strikes me more is the way the people congregate each year in the spirit of the holidays.  It reminds me, even in the midst of a difficult year, how powerful people can be when they come together.   'We are all in this together as a community.'  I think this thought should always be kept in the back of our minds, as well as the reminder that we must always make room for levity in our lives.  As an association that is part of our mission, and we just so happen to be having a Halloween-themed, costumes required Builder After Hours this Tuesday.  I am frightened to admit that several mortgage bankers  are planning to attend as as mortgage bankers-without their shirts on!   So if you are able to make it, please come join us in your costume of choice; it will surely be spirited! 

39th Annual Million Dollar Awards are coming! Auditions are over.  The votes are counted. And your new sales idols look like a million! The word is out that the 39th Annual Million Dollar Awards are coming and that the event is going to be better than ever!! This year’s Awards, which will take place on November 16th at Drury Lane in Oak Brook will feature the theme “Sales Idol.”   The dress for the evening is, as always, black tie – so ladies, if you haven’t found that perfect dress it’s time to get busy…and guys, make sure that your cummerbund or tie is ready to go, that your pants fit and your shoes are shined!  Invitations have been sent -- if you haven’t received one and would like to attend, please contact Kathy Calandriello at 630-627-7575, Ext. 204.

LAST CHANCE to register for Fall Education classes!!  HBAGC will be hosting Land Acquisition and Development Finance on November 6th and Profitable Business Through Quality Practices on November 7th.  Register online now using the above links or check out the fall flyer for more information.

How are bank regulations and financing trends affecting your business? The North Central and Southwest Chapters invite you to breakfast and a panel discussion addressing "Financing Options and Advice for Today's Builder." The event will be moderated by Chris Coleman, President of Dearborn-Buckingham Group, Inc. and panelists who represent all facets of the finance industry will give a state of the union as well as answer your questions. For $30 per member, this is an affordable educational opportunity that you cannot afford to miss!

A SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE-THANK YOU MEMBERS

Thank you to all the member volunteers who came out to support our membership drive efforts over the past few weeks.  The drive was extremely successful with many new and renewing members. We came to together to spread the word on the benefits of belonging to the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago and our efforts paid off.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to support our membership - we couldn't have done it without you.

HomeAid Chicago is looking for items for our 2008 silent auction which will be held at the HBAGC Inaugural Gala including sports or event tickets and gift certificates. To assist with the committee or contribute an item, please email nashton@hbagc.com. Donations are tax deductible. 

 

 

 

Is there an issue impeding your development?  If so, chances are that it also affects others in the home building industry.  Contact the Attainable Housing   Alliance at 630-932-2304 and let us help you be part of the solution.  Visit us on the web at www.ahabuilder.com.