Highlights from HBAGC

Peter Schwartz

Chief Executive Officer

On Friday morning I had the rare privilege of meeting with Jerry Howard, NAHB CEO, Robert Pflieger, Sr. Staff VP of NAHB Public Affairs, William Killmer, NAHB Group Executive VP of Advocacy and the editorial board and real estate reporters of the Chicago Tribune. NAHB staff was in town to promote their economic stimulus plan which incorporates such initiatives as: creating a tax credit for the purchase of a home, expanding the net operating loss deduction carryback and increasing the conforming loan limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It was a very interesting meeting which was covered in greater depth by reporter William Sluis in the Saturday article “Housing rebound possible.” As your CEO, I was also able to share the feelings of our membership and a local perspective of our industry with the editors. I believe this was a very positive step in the right direction. As an organization we will continue to move forward with more aggressive and proactive dialogue with the media. If you have any questions, please contact me at peters@hbagc.com.

As a side note I must encourage you to attend the Midwest Builders Show® & Conference this Wednesday & Thursday. More information is available below. We will see you at the Show! Have a great week!

The Court of Honor objective is to recognize both builder and associate members who have made contributions to HBAGC in establishing and maintaining the Association's high standard of service to Chicagoland's home building industry. To be considered for induction, a period of 10 years has been deemed the minimum duration of one’s sustained contributions. There are currently 82 men and women in the Court of Honor whose contributions go back nearly 70 years. If you know someone who fits this criteria and would like to nominate them for consideration for this high honor, please complete the nomination form and fax to Rita Unzner, at (815) 333-0428 by April 18, 2008. These nominations will then be submitted to the 9 trustees of the Court of Honor for consideration. Any questions, please call Rita Unzner at (815) 814-2166.

Members still have time to participate in the Lake and McHenry County Tour of Homes. If you would like a chance to be a part of a proven and successful marketing program reaching hundreds of thousands of new home buyers, send in a builder entry form today. For more information, please contact Rita Unzner at (815) 814-2166.

The HBAGC Remodelers’ magazine Remodel Chicagoland has advertising opportunities available. If you are looking to generate new business and promote your firm with new specialty listing or enhanced directory options please contact Patrick Gray at (312) 505-7376 or click here for more information.

Congratulations to the 2008 Chicago Home and Garden Show Exhibitor winners! They are: Scott Walbridge, Marvin Windows & Doors, Winner for Best of Show; Steve Davis, Everything Under the Sun, Winner for Best Landscape Display; Mike Show, Insignia Kitchen & Bath Design Group, Winner for Most Beautiful Display; Mark Markham, Markham Home Improvements, Winner for Best Home Improvement Booth; and Peter Blindt, Peter Blindt Fine Art, Winner for Most Creative Display.

member benefit of the week

The Midwest Builders Show® & Conference is this week and as always, the HBAGC Membership Department will have its information booth just inside the show floor entrance at booth #1004. We love the opportunity to meet and inform prospective members on the benefits of membership and catch up with our current members, so be sure to stop by our booth! Enjoy the recognition that comes along with being a member and pick up your HBAGC member ribbon to attach to your name badge. Whether you are a new member or you have been around for years, this is a great opportunity to see what is new at HBAGC and to check out our great member services and benefits, not to mention to chat with HBAGC staff and booth volunteer members and grab a piece of chocolate!

HomeAid Chicago is looking for raffle prizes for upcoming events including gift certificates, gift baskets, sports and entertainment tickets, timeshares, etc. HomeAid is a 501c3 charity and donations are tax deductible. Please email nashton@hbagc.com for more information. All raffles benefit HomeAid's mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.

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 http://www.ahabuilder.com/.

The Midwest Builders Show & Conference is a valuable opportunity for education, networking, and research. The event will be held this Wednesday and Thursday, March 12 - 13th, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Don't miss your opportunity to attend. The show offers: two General Sessions - The State of the Industry featuring Ivy Zelman and a Green Building Forum featuring Emily English and Bob Jones, thirty-Five Education Courses presented by nationally recognized speakers, three NAHB Designation Courses, over 200 Exhibitors showing the latest and greatest in products and services, a Super Sales Rally featuring Myers Barnes, an architectural Plan Review Workshop where you can meet with architects to discuss your projects and plans, a House Party and Networking Hour, three House Call Demonstration Stages, and a chance to win a Zenith 50" plasma television - proceeds will be donated to HomeAid Chicago, the official charity of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago. For full show details and to register today, please visit http://www.midwestbuildersshow.com/.

Interested in obtaining a NAHB designation such as Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)? Visit www.learn-build.com to find a list of upcoming courses.