BUILD-PAC's direct contact program, consisting of issue-based direct mail pieces and phone banking, was extremely successful in increasing the number of contributors. BUILD-PAC plans to keep the momentum going into the 2008 Presidential Election Cycle. 

BUILD-PAC Chairman, Charlie Kasko, cites a strategy of retention and increased grassroots fundraising. "It is an imperative time for BUILD-PAC to continue growing and we need to do that by keeping the members we have and substantially increasing the base of support.  We have a lot of room to grow because only 2% of the NAHB membership is contributing to BUILD-PAC." Plans are in place to re-capture 2006 contributions. Renewal statements have gone out to all 2006 contributors and follow-up phone calls will be made in the coming weeks. A peer-to-peer fundraising program is being developed to ensure greater penetration of the membership. 

"We look forward to increasing awareness of BUILD-PAC throughout the country and training NAHB members to solicit for BUILD-PAC. This is a very exciting time for BUILD-PAC," adds Kasko.

Associates Member Awarded the Bill Polley BUILD-PAC Award

The 2006 Bill Polley BUILD-PAC Award was presented to Ann Garvey, CGA, of the Eaton Area Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte, MI. Ms. Garvey, a past recipient of NAHB’s Associate of the Year Award, was nominated by the Greater Lansing HBA for her unflagging commitment to government and legislative affairs at the local, state, and national levels. She served on the state committee that oversaw the very first BUILD-PAC fundraising event in Michigan. Her dedication to Michigan’s PAC and her presence garnered her an invitation from the governor to take part in a series of focus groups.

Ms. Garvey has carried on this work at the national level serving as a Congressional Contact since 2001. She was also Vice-Chair of the BUILD-PAC Subcommittee that oversaw one of the most successful Associate fundraising drives ever. The Committee raised more than $67,000 in 2005, subsequently allowing the Associates to appoint a representative to the BUILD-PAC Board of Trustees. 

In 2006, as Chair of the subcommittee, Associates once again surpassed all expectations, raising more than $115,000. As Ms. Garvey begins her tenure as the 2007 Vice Chair of the Associate Members Committee, she will continue to make BUILD-PAC a top priority for Associate members, working diligently to remind them of how legislative activity affects them and how they can be a force for change.[return to top]

NAHB Gears Up For the 2008 Presidential Election Cycle

The 2008 election cycle is an important cycle for several reasons, including that it is a Presidential Election Cycle. By the spring of 2008, following the Iowa Caucus and February primaries, the nominees for the office of President of the United States will be established by each of the major political parties. As a result, it is imperative our industry immediately begin constructive dialogue with these candidates to ensure that housing issues stay at the forefront of political debate. As these campaigns are established, we must challenge them on the full range of housing issues. 

We want you to know that just as we have done in past elections, NAHB will NOT endorse a candidate in the 2008 Presidential contest. We encourage you to choose as many possible contenders as you find interesting;  take the time to e-mail, send material and question the candidates as they campaign in your state. Ask them where they stand on the issues and make sure they know you are a member of the National Association of Home Builders.

Help secure our industry’s seat at the front of the strategy table of the eventual nominees. The more information, and support from home builders the candidates receive, the better chance we have of electing a pro-builder President. “Through the strength of our members we can greatly impact the choice for the next President of the United States. NAHB and its members are dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to all Americans. Let’s make sure our next President has the same goal, ”  said NAHB President Brian Catalde.[return to top]

Key Legislative Issues for the 110th Congress

• Global Climate Change
  
  One of the key environmental priorities for the 110th Congress is addressing global climate change.  Committee chairs in both the House and Senate have already begun holding hearings and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have introduced legislation to increase energy efficiency and conservation in all sectors of the economy — including housing. Passing legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from homes, buildings, cars and power plants is going to be a major focus for many lawmakers this session. It will be increasingly important to ensure that housing affordability is preserved in any action that addresses housing, land use and efficiency standards for home components.
  
    
• GSE Regulatory Reform
  
  With Democrats taking over the majority in both the House and Senate the dynamic for consensus on GSE reform has changed significantly this year. The new Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), has been moving quickly over the past several weeks on this reform effort, and new bill was recently introduced based on legislation NAHB supported in the 109th Congress. Recently, NAHB CEO and Executive Vice President Jerry Howard testified before the House Financial Services Committee to highlight several solutions that would enhance the new reform legislation. NAHB will continue to work with both the House and Senate in the coming weeks and months to ensure that GSE reform legislation is crafted in a manner that protects the safety and soundness of the GSEs, while preserving the vitality of their government-sponsored status for the fulfillment of their vital housing mission.
  
  
• Immigration Legislation
  
  The immigration debate on Capitol Hill continues to simmer, with lawmakers in the House and Senate working behind closed doors to craft comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The year’s most likely comprehensive bill, crafted by Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) has hit a few roadblocks over the past couple of weeks, as McCain and Kennedy failed to come to an agreement over several labor provisions that had been requested by the labor unions.  Meanwhile, Reps. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) continue to move forward with crafting their own comprehensive legislation in the House, similar to the product crafted behind closed doors by Kennedy and McCain. No word yet on when a draft of either of these bills will be ‘leaked’ to interested stakeholders, but it is expected that NAHB will know what it’s dealing with in these bills before Congress’ Spring Recess, which begins on April 2.

   

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2007 Legislative Conference: A Great Opportunity for BUILD-PAC Contributors

Attending NAHB’s 2007 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 6 could be the best business decision that you make this year.

Decisions that affect your company’s bottom line are being made every day in the halls of Congress. Environmental regulations, tax policy, soaring health care costs and many other issues can add thousands of dollars to your annual operating budget, and Congress weighs in on each and every one of them.

The NAHB Legislative Conference provides a unique opportunity to discuss builder issues on Capitol Hill that will have a dramatic impact on your business and your bottom line.

The Legislative Conference also gives you the status of a Washington insider, allowing you to speak face-to-face with your members of Congress and to take a stand on the issues that affect you.

Take advantage of this special opportunity to educate your lawmakers on the issues that are impacting your business, costing you money and driving up the price of new homes.

Attending the 2007 Legislative Conference will provide you an unparalleled opportunity to:

1. Lobby members of Congress to protect your business.
2. Establish lasting relationships with your elected federal officials.
3. Share builder concerns in a national forum in Washington, D.C.
4. Learn the latest policy developments on the key issues affecting your business.
5. Demonstrate your industry’s commitment to responsible policies, pragmatic reforms, effective programs and providing the resources necessary to meet our nation’s ongoing housing needs.
6. Network and share business strategies with your peers.
7. Learn how to be an effective advocate for your business and your industry.
8. Make your views known on Capitol Hill.
9. Do your part to ensure that NAHB’s issues are heard by Washington policymakers.  
10. Galvanize a united front on Capitol Hill.

Your participation can make a difference! In these challenging times — when other interest groups are clamoring to push their agenda in Washington — a strong builder turn out on Wednesday, June 6 will send a powerful message to members of Congress:  Housing must remain a national priority.

Come to Washington and show your members of Congress the great work you do back home in building your communities. Urge your lawmakers to adopt sensible policies to enable your business to thrive and allow the nation’s home builders to fulfill their mission of providing safe, decent, affordable housing to all Americans.

To Register for the Legislative Conference

We look forward to seeing you in Washington. For more information and to register for NAHB’s 2007 Legislative Conference, log on to www.nahb.org/legcon, or call Jessi Boyce at 800-368-5242 x8334.[return to top]

Club Spotlight: Gold Key

Excitement for the Spring Board of Directors Gold Key nautical event is starting to build — get ready to set sail on Friday, June 8. This year’s Gold Key party in Washington, D.C, will be on the Odyssey, which cruises along Washington’s Potomac River while you eat, drink and dance the night away. 

Encourage your fellow NAHB members' attending Spring Board to become a Gold Key. This is a party that's bound to rock the boat![return to top]

BUILD-PAC Fundraising Events Heat Up

Fundraising events around the country account for a large portion of BUILD-PAC receipts. Golf events, cocktail parties, fishing and hunting provide fun for NAHB members but are also extremely effective ways to raise BUILD-PAC contributions.

Summer and fall are traditionally the most popular times of year to host BUILD-PAC fundraisers. In an effort to increase grassroots support of BUILD-PAC and broaden the base of support among NAHB members we are appealing to all BUILD-PAC contributors to host a fundraiser this summer. Whether you host a backyard barbeque or a cocktail party that raises $1,000 or $10,000, each event is important in spreading awareness of the importance of BUILD-PAC.

Please note:

• BUILD-PAC resources are available to host an event.  Please call the NAHB BUILD-PAC staff at 800-368-5242 x8470 for information.

Upcoming Events:

• Missouri
  Tuesday, May 15
  Gold Key Reception — Kansas City
  
  
• Mississippi
  Saturday, June 9
  Gold Key Reception at the State Convention — Orange Beach, Ala.

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Thank You to New Club Members in 2007

BUILD-PAC is excited to announce 2007's new Contributor Club members: 

Capitol Club

• Al Dawan, Ill.
• Horace Hogan, Calif.
• T. Justin MacDonald, Texas
• John McKay, Kans
• Jeff Mashos, Ore.

Platinum Club

• Stephen Black, Pa.
• Joe Peterson, Pa.
• Lester Wolff, Texas

Gold Key Club

• Rick Arnold, Pa.
• Dan Duffus, Wash.
• Jack Gallagher, N.C.
• Michael Guterman, N.Y,
• Kyle Lapierre, Wash.
• Melissa Leighton, Washington, D.C.
• Anthony Licciardi, La.
• Wayne O’Neal, Miss.
• Walkter Pate, Texas
• Anna Raymond, Washington, D.C.
• Dennis Schaffner, Idaho
• John Schleimer, Calif.
• Paul Shoopman, Ind.
• Ed Sutton, Washington, D.C.
• Steve Van Buskirk, S.D.

* As of March 15, 2007

Please visit www.nahb.org/buildpac for a complete listing of club members.

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New NAHB Grassroots Program to Launch at Spring Board

Please be on the lookout for the launch of BuilderLink, NAHB's newly-developed grassroots program. BuilderLink, which is replacing the Congressional Contact program, will launch at the NAHB Spring Board meeting.

BUILD-PAC contributors understand the importance of advocacy on behalf of the industry, therefore will serve as a crucial component to the BuilderLink program. If you have any questions about BuilderLink, please contact Molly Murray at 800-368-5242 x8282, or e-mail mmurray@nahb.com.[return to top]

BUILD-PAC Presidential Trivia

Presidential Trivia

1.       Who was the only President related by either blood or marriage to eleven other presidents?

2.       Which President was named TIME magazine’s “Man of the Year” twice?

3.       Who was the first President to campaign by telephone?

The person who responds first with correct answers to all three questions will have his or her choice of the following prizes: BUILD-PAC golf balls, a BUILD-PAC tote bag or a BUILD-PAC beach towel.

E-mail your answers to: BUILD-PAC@nahb.com or simply hit "reply."

The winner will be recognized in the next edition of BUILD-PAConnection — June 21.

2007 BUILD-PAC Contacts

2007 PAC Officers:

• Charlie Kasko
  Chairman
  Avis America
  588 Kasko Rd
  Shavertown, Pa. 18708
  (W) 570-696-4844
  (F) 570-696 -4687
  E-mail: clkasko@aol.com 
  
  
• Ed Brady
  1st Vice Chairman
  Brady & Associates Construction and Development
  2201 Eastland Dr.
  Bloomington, Ill. 61704
  (W) 309-663-5301
  (F) 309-662-7812
  E-Mail: edbrady@bradyhomes.com
  
  
• Steve Cates
  2nd Vice Chairman
  Cates Construction Co.
  1612 Westgate Circle
  Suite 220
  Brentwood, Tenn. 37027
  (W) 615-377-9106
  (F) 615-70-4742
  E-Mail: stcates@aol.com
  
  
• Mak Koebig
  Immediate Past Chairman
  Peak Construction
  3779 Palmer Rd.
  Suite 2
  Massanutten, Va. 22840
  (W) 540-289-9020
  (F) 540-289-9120
  E-mail: peak1@massresort.com

• Barbie Wickman Byrd
  Chair, Capitol Club
  Byrd Builders
  1263 50 120tg Street
  Omaha, Neb.  68144
  (W) 402-981-0690
  (F) 402-334-1180
  E-mail: barbie@moba.com
  
  
• Kevin Kelly
  Chairman, Platinum Club
  Leon N Weiner & Associates Inc.
  4 Denny Rd.
  Wilmington, Del. 19809-3445
  (W) 302-764-9430
  (F) 302-764-4805
  E-mail: kkelly@lnwa.com
  
  
• Mike McGowan
  Chairman, Gold Key Club
  McGowan Corporation
  368 Kattelville Rd.
  Binghampton, N.Y. 13901
  (W) 607-648-4155
  (F) 607-648-5487
  E-Mail: emcgowan@stny.rr.com

PAC Staff:

• Denise Mills
  Staff Vice President, BUILD-PAC
  (W) 202-266-8459
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  dmills@nahb.com
  Oversees all BUILD-PAC fundraising strategy. Primary contact for all BUILD-PAC matters.
  
  
• Vanessa Barrera
  Fundraising Manager, BUILD-PAC
  (W) 202-266-8114
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  vbarrera@nahb.com
  Oversees the Capitol and Platinum Clubs fundraising. Responsible for fundraising in the following states:  Alaska, Ariz, Ark., Colo., Hawaii, Idaho, lll., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Mont., Neb., Nev., N.M., N.D., Ohio, Ore., S.D., Utah, Wash., Wis., Wyo.
  
• Rachel Sullivan
  Fundraising Manager, BUILD-PAC
  (W) 202-266-8289
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  rsullivan@nahb.com
  Oversees the Gold Key Club. Responsible for fundraising in the following states: Ala., Calif., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Okla., Pa., P.R., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Va., Vt., V.I., W.Va.
  
  
• Cara Mason
  Membership Fundraising Manager, BUILD-PAC
  (W) 202-266-8486
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  cmmason@nahb.com
  Oversees fundraising for all councils including Associates Membership, Building Systems Councils, Multifamily Council, NCBC, NSMC, Remodeler’s, Senior Housing and Women’s Council. Main contact for Associate Member, Building Systems Council and EOC matters.
  
  
• Meghan Everngam
  Communications Manager, BUILD-PAC
  (W) 202-266-8259
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  meverngam@nahb.com
  Oversees coordination of BUILD-PAC disbursements and communication on such issues with Trustees. Coordinates all contribution requests that come in from Members of Congress and candidates.
  
  Manages BUILD-PAC website and all electronic communications with contributors, Trustees and Members.
  
  
• Betsy Savage
  BUILD-PAC Assistant
  (W) 202-266-8510
  (F) 866-314-4602
  E-mail:  bsavage@nahb.com
  PAC assistant. Oversees processing of contributions, maintenance of website and other PAC communications.

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CONTRIBUTE NOW ONLINE

If you would like to make your 2007 BUILD-PAC contribution online, go to www.nahb.org/buildpac.  You will need to log on to the NAHB website.

Thank you.

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