BUILD-PAConnection - 04/14/2009

April 14, 2009

Steve Cates
2009 BUILD-PAC Chairman


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Chairman's Letter

Let me start by thanking each one of you for your support. I have been overwhelmed by the hard work...

Dear BUILD-PAC Contributors,

The cherry blossoms are blooming in Washington and I hope this spring brings new business opportunities to each one of you.

Let me start by thanking each one of you for your support. I have been overwhelmed by the hard work of so many of you during my first three months as your BUILD-PAC Chairman.

As dedicated members you have picked up the phone to call your Senators and Representatives as well as traveled to meet with them at home and in Washington DC to let them know how the housing downturn has impacted your community. You have also continued to contribute to BUILD-PAC, all efforts that strengthen our voice as we work together to improve the state of our nation’s housing industry.

In order to offer you the best support for your continued commitment BUILD-PAC has put a team of dedicated members together to better serve you as we start fundraising for the 2009-2010 election cycle. Please let me introduce you to our leadership team for 2009:

BUILD-PAC Officers

Steve Cates, Chairman stevecates@ckdevelopment.com

Tom Wood, First Vice Chairman tom@tewoods.com

Granger McDonald, Second Vice Chairman gmacdonald@macdonald-companies.com

Bob Frost, Third Vice Chairman Frostconstr@sbcglobal.net

Ed Brady, Immediate Past Chairman edbrady@bradyhomes.com

Club Chairs

Elizabeth Cubler, Capitol Club Chairman ecubler@bccustombuilders.com

John Miranda, Platinum Club Chairman john@pinnacleproperties.com

Jeff Mashos, Gold Key Chairman jmashos@gmail.com

Sandra Steele, Century Club Chairman sandrasteele@eds.net

BUILD-PAC Staff

Cheryl Caulfield, Vice President ccaulfield@nahb.com

Betsy Savage, Fundraising Manager esavage@nahb.com

Michael Linskey, Fundraising Manager mlinskey@nahb.com

Bridget Driggs, BUILD-PAC Assistant bdriggs@nahb.com

Please do not hesitate to email us with fundraising ideas or suggestions on how to serve you better.

A significant part of BUILD-PAC’s goal this cycle is to increase the base by recruiting new members and educating them on the importance of having a PAC strong in both contributions and membership. BUILD-PAC simply cannot reach this goal without your help. As Chairman I ask that each of you sign up a new BUILD-PAC member. Should you have any questions about fundraising, please know that you have the full support of the PAC Officers, we are here to answer any questions and to help you fundraise.

The PAC Officers and I would like to challenge each one of you that is attending the Gold Key event at Spring Board to bring one prospect with you; this will be a perfect way to sign up new BUILD-PAC members. We will be announcing details of this exciting new plan soon.

Thank you for your help and I look forward to seeing you in Washington.

Steve Cates

2009 BUILD-PAC Chair

BUILD-PAC State Fundraising

BUILD-PAC Gears up for a Historic Mid-Term Election:

BUILD-PAC is gearing up for what will be a historic midterm election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be up as well as one-third of the seats in the Senate. It is crucial that BUILD-PAC has the ability to fight for you. The best way to guarantee that your voice will be heard on Election Day is to ensure that your state reaches its fundraising goal. This year each state has a fundraising goal, for BUILD-PAC to be successful we need each state to reach its goal.

HAS YOUR STATE REACHED ITS 2009 GOAL YET?

STATE

2009 Goal

Raised YTD

Alabama

$61,835

$9,428

Alaska

$4,443

$3,050

Arizona

$31,339

$2,266

Arkansas

$15,650

$3,700

California

$81,044

$23,016

Colorado

$31,534

$350

Connecticut

$10,173

$5,156

Delaware

$4,857

$4,166

Florida

$121,384

$10,251

Georgia

$66,340

$4,800

Hawaii

$6,523

$1,500

Idaho

$13,910

$4,050

Illinois

$35,530

$8,053

Indiana

$38,115

$1,885

Iowa

$17,554

$5,900

Kansas

$16,634

$7,501

Kentucky

$42,431

$5,889

Louisiana

$40,117

$5,350

Maine

$4,324

$250

Maryland

$22,310

$5,056

Massachusetts

$16,221

$1,450

Michigan

$41,403

$3,378

Minnesota

$27,405

$4,950

Mississippi

$23,815

$6,850

Missouri

$15,231

$7,065

Montana

$12,791

$3,625

Nebraska

$13,085

$3,565

Nevada

$22,199

$13,450

New Hampshire

$6,829

$2,550

New Jersey

$24,149

$8,971

New Mexico

$18,026

$450

New York

$64,576

$4,116

North Carolina

$128,969

$8,916

North Dakota

$11,017

$2,500

Ohio

$46,646

$11,400

Oklahoma

$21,983

$17,665

Oregon

$29,407

$1,835

Pennsylvania

$59,762

$8,531

Rhode Island

$6,380

$750

South Carolina

$46,710

$5,700

South Dakota

$11,349

$3,362

Tennessee

$42,372

$15,681

Texas

$176,536

$39,111

Utah

$21,577

$1,315

Vermont

$3,674

$5,000

Virginia

$47,074

$9,690

Washington

$80,208

$4,315

West Virginia

$6,093

$875

Wisconsin

$47,199

$10,650

Wyoming

$3,248

$0

BUILD-PAC Across the Country

States across the country are gearing up for the 2009-2010 election cycle by scheduling BUILD-PAC fundraising events. Already in 2009 Alabama, Kansas City, Oklahoma, and New Mexico have hosted events to help raise funds for BUILD-PAC, educate members about BUILD-PAC's importance and spread the base of contributors. These events are key to BUILD-PACs success because this is where BUILD-PAC participants can meet with other NAHB members and express how important BUILD-PAC is to the building industry.

If you have yet to schedule an event in your state BUILD-PAC encourages you to do so. Please contact BUILD-PAC staff and get started today. Staff can help you with the nuts and bolts of hosting an event. Hosting an event in each state this election cycle will prove that builders across the country are united in their voice on Capitol Hill.

Below is a list of state events that have been schedule in 2009. If you have scheduled an event in your state and are not on this list please contact BUILD-PAC staff at (800) 368-5242 or at BUILD-PAC@nahb.com.

Kansas City - Reception and Dinner

Nebraska - Golf Tournament and Receptino

Indiana - Cinco de Mayo Golf Tournament

Idaho - Golf Tournament and Gold Key Fundraiser

Louisiana - Golf Tournament

Arkansas - Auction

Connecticut - Golf Tournament

Montana - Golf Tournament

Kansas - Golf Tournament

Vermont - Golf Tournament

Alaska - Gold Key Club Event

Did you know?

You can make your contribution ahead of time and still have it count toward your state event.

Should you receive your BUILD-PAC invoice in the mail simply write down the state event you wish the contribution be attributed to and BUILD-PAC staff will be sure that your state event receives credit. This is important for club members who contribute on a schedule. Club policy indicates that members must make their contributions within 30 days of receipt in order to remain an active club member and receive full benefits. By staying on schedule with your club contributions and indicating which state event you would like your contribution attributed, to you are ensuring your club benefits at board meetings as well as contributing to dollars raised by your state’s event.

Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact BUILD-PAC staff at (800) 396 5242 or email BUILD-PAC@nahb.com.

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Contributor Club and Spring Board Updates

BUILD PAC Club Payment Due Dates

Below is the 2009 club invoicing and auto charge schedule for your reference:

Invoicing

Capitol Club Members

Annual Members

Q2 annual invoices were mailed April 6^th. These will be due May 1^st

Q3 annual invoices will be mailed July 8^th. These will be due September 1^st

Tri Annual Members

2^nd Tri Annual invoices were mailed June 8^th. These will be due June 30^th

3^rd Tri Annual payments will be mailed August 3^rd. These will be due September 1^st

Platinum and Gold Key Club Members

Annual and Quarterly Members

Q2 invoices were mailed April 6^th. These will be due May 1^st

Q3 invoices will be mailed July 6^th. These will be due July 31^st

Q4 invoices will be mailed October 7^th. These will be due November 6^th

Auto Charge

Capitol Club Members

Annual Members

Q2 Annual Auto Charge will be April 13^th

Q3 Annual Auto Charge will be July 13^th

Tri Annual Members

2^nd Tri Annual auto charge will be June 15^th

3^rd Tri Annual auto charge will be August 10^th

Platinum and Gold Key Club Members

Annual and Quarterly Members

Q2 Auto Charge will be April 13^th

Q3 Auto Charge will be July 13^th

Q4 Auto Charge will be October 13^th

Contributors Night Out: 2009 IBS Club Events

Gold Key and Platinum Club Event

BUILD-PAC’s Gold Key Club and Platinum Club members from across the country were celebrated at the 2009 International Builders Show in Las Vegas at one of the city’s most famous Night Clubs. Gold Key and Platinum Club members were treated to a night out at TAO Night Club where they danced the night away while nibbling on the clubs famous Asian cuisine and sipping on TAO’s infamous cocktails. Gold Key Club Chair Ann Garvey and Platinum Club Chair Bob Frost both addressed the crowd and thanked them for their continued support of BUILD-PAC noting that our successes on Capitol Hill would not be possible without our dedicated contributors.

Capitol Club Dinner

BUILD-PAC’s highest donors were honored with a special sit down dinner in the private Opium Room at TAO Restaurant during the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Capitol Club members dined on food especially prepared for them by the famous restaurant. Capitol Club Chair Ben Anderson along with PAC Officers expressed their sincere gratitude for the serious commitment each member in the room made to support the housing industry through BUILD-PAC at the highest level.

Spring Board

NAHB’s Spring Board of Directors Meeting will be taking place in Washington DC from May 26 – May 29. To help you plan for your upcoming visit to Washington, BUILD-PAC has provided a schedule of BUILD-PAC activities that will be taking place during the Board of Directors Meeting below:

BUILD-PAC Schedule during the 2009 Spring Board of Directors

Thursday May, 28 2009

10:00 a.m. - BUILD-PAC Subcomittee Meetings

11:00 a.m. - BUILD-PAC Trustee Orientation

7:00 p.m. - Gold Key and Platinum Club Event

Friday May, 29^th

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - BUILD-PAC Board of Trustees

7:00 p.m. - BUILD-PAC Capitol Club Dinner

Saturday

1:00 p.m. - Board of Directors Meeting

*Please note that times are subject to change

Club Events at Spring Board

Gold Key Club and Platinum Club Events

2009 Gold Key and Platinum Club members will be recognized with a reception during Spring Board on Thursday, May 28^th, 2009 in the Palm Court and Columbus Room of Union Station. Members will be treated to a night of cocktails and dancing in the same space that has hosted Presidential Inaugurations. Gold Key Club members and Platinum members should keep a look out for a formal invitation in the mail as well as a Spring Board welcome letter via email. The invitation and letter will include information on transportation as well as how to RSVP.

Capitol Club Dinner

2009 Capitol Club members will be recognized with a sit down dinner in the brand new “Newseum” catered by the famous Wolfgang Puck. Members will dine while enjoying an exquisite view of Capitol Hill and the National Mall on Friday, May 29th . Capitol Club members should keep a look out for a formal invitation in the mail as well as a Spring Board welcome letter via email. The invitation and letter will include information on transportation as well as how to RSVP.

For further information about BUILD-PAC meetings or events at Spring Board please contact BUILD-PAC staff at (800) 368-5242 ext. 8457 or email BUILD-PAC@nahb.com.

BUILD-PAC Capitol Club Members Arrive at Spring Board in Style

Once again this year, current Capitol Club Members will be provided with sedan service to and from the airport to the Marriott Wardman Park for Spring Board. Current Capitol Club Members received their sedan sign up forms via e-mail and have until May 20^th to submit this form directly to Premier Sedan Service to arrange a pickup. If you are a current Capitol Club Member and did not receive your form or if you are interested in becoming a Capitol Club Member please contact Michael Linskey at mlinskey@nahb.com or at 202-266-8248.

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Legislative Conference and Government Affairs Awards

2009 Legislative Conference

Alleviating the acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) lending crisis that has been choking off credit for home builders with devastating results took center stage on March 24th as more than 500 builders from across the country converged on Capitol Hill for the annual NAHB Legislative Conference.

Housing’s Impact on the Economy. Noting that housing and related industries account for about 15% of gross domestic product in normal economic times, lawmakers were urged to support efforts to keep housing at the top of the federal agenda; the national economy will not recover until the housing sector does.
Housing Tax Incentives. President Obama’s fiscal 2010 federal budget proposal would cap the value of the mortgage interest and real estate tax deductions for home buyers and home owners. This would increase the cost of housing for many middle-class families, particularly in high-cost areas such as California, the Northeast and other major metro markets. Chipping away at these deductions is not the answer to raise additional revenues in the current economic climate; it will only hurt the ailing housing market and economy. NAHB urged lawmakers to reject this proposal in the President’s budget because it would undermine the nation’s housing markets, which are reeling under the current recession.

Within 48 hours following the Legislative Conference, the House and Senate Budget Committees each approved their respective $3.5 trillion fiscal 2010 budget proposals using Obama’s blueprint as a guideline. Unlike the Obama plan, the House and Senate versions would not cap the value of itemized deductions such as the mortgage interest and real estate tax deductions.

Housing Finance System Reform. While it is essential to correct the regulatory shortcomings that contributed to the ongoing crisis in the credit and housing finance markets, NAHB urged lawmakers to carefully study proposed legislative solutions to ensure that they will not impede the availability of financing for creditworthy mortgage borrowers or unnecessarily limit homeownership opportunities.

NAHB also recommends retaining a specific charter for institutions specializing in housing finance (thrift charter) and establishing housing finance focus and expertise in any future bank regulatory structure. Finally, NAHB called on Congress to continue to provide support to the primary and secondary mortgage markets in order to ensure available and affordable mortgage credit in all geographic areas and under all economic conditions.

“Card Check” Legislation. NAHB opposes the Employee Free Choice Act, commonly known as the “card check” bill. Now pending in both chambers of Congress, the legislation would allow workers to form a union if a majority sign pro-union cards, without a secret-ballot election; stiffen penalties for employer violations; and require mandatory arbitration if an employer and union fail to reach an agreement on an initial contract within 90 days. NAHB opposes all efforts to eliminate the secret ballot election as part of unionization.

In a significant development, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) announced on the day of the Legislative Conference that he will vote to block the bill, dealing a serious blow to proponents of the legislation, which requires the support of at least 60 senators to move forward. With Specter’s announcement, all 41 Republicans in the Senate are expected to hold firm in opposition to the legislation.

Seller-Funded Downpayment Assistance Reform. Reps. Al Green (D-Texas) and Gary Miller (R-Calif.) on Jan. 16 introduced H.R. 600, the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009. The bill would reverse the prohibition on seller-funded downpayment assistance and implement key reforms by establishing eligibility thresholds based on a borrower’s credit score. NAHB urged House members to cosponsor H.R. 600 in order to reinstate and reform this critical tool to strengthen the Federal Housing Administration's role in the support of homeownership.

National Green Building Standard. NAHB is now offering an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved green building standard as an alternative to private programs such as the Leadership in Environment and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green communities. Builders called on Congress to oppose green building mandates, especially for private rating systems and to oppose arbitrary increases in state energy code compliance in federal legislation that cannot accommodate a framework of “robust sustainability” for green programs. Lawmakers were also urged to support increasing and extending key energy efficiency tax incentives for residential energy efficiency, including IRS code sections 45L, 25C, 25D and 179D.

To view more details on the issues discussed at the Legislative Conference, including short videos on the AD&C lending crisis and protecting housing tax incentives, click here. To read legislation, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the center of the page.

For more information, e-mail Molly Murray at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8282.

2009 BUILD-PAC Government Affairs Awards

The 2009 Government Affairs Award Breakfast took place on March 23^rd to honor NAHB members who have provided outstanding service throughout NAHB's Government Affairs efforts. The following awards were presented on behalf of BUILD-PAC to members who went beyond the call of duty in 2008:

Associate of the Year 2008: BUILD-PAC recognized the hard work and fundraising success of the 2008 Associate of the Year, Monica Summerfeldt Lewis. Monica did an outstanding job in 2008 raising the most money of all Associate Champions. The Associates conducted two campaigns last year and Monica raised thousands of dollars in new money and renewals for BUILD-PAC. She conducted several fundraising events in Wisconsin and spoke at several membership meetings energizing the Wisconsin membership to support BUILD-PAC. Her efforts and hard work earned Wisconsin the special recognition as the state with the largest dollar amount increase in 2008. Raising over $25,000, BUILD-PAC would like to recognize Monica’s success as Associate of the Year 2008.

Champion of the Year 2008: In 2008, three groups were trained by BUILD-PAC and conducted special campaigns to increase contributions to BUILD-PAC. The Women’s Council was the first campaign conducted in 2008 and this group of members performed exceedingly well in their fundraising efforts. One Women’s Council member in particular, Alicia Huey, raised the most money of all Champions bringing in thousands of dollars in new contributions to the PAC and did so in the shortest time frame! Alicia’s hard work and enthusiasm for raising political contributions helped the Women’s Council exceed their fundraising goal for this campaign. BUILD-PAC would like to recognize Alicia Huey as the 2008 Champion of the Year.

Event of the Year 2008: BUILD-PAC would like to recognize the hard work and outstanding efforts of the members and staff of the Greater Kansas City Home Builders Association. In 2008, Greater Kansas City HBA hosted a BUILD-PAC fundraiser which resulted in the most new members to the PAC in 2008 and raised over $60,000 in one single event. This event ranked as BUILD-PAC’s top fundraising event for 2008. This single event was so successful it earned Kansas City HBA the special recognition of having the largest dollar amount increase in 2008 and the largest increase in individual contributors in 2008. BUILD-PAC would to recognize the hard work and success of the members and staff at the Greater Kansas City HBA.

Congratulations to all winners!

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Meet Your BUILD-PAC Officers and Staff Members

BUILD-PAC Officers and Club Chair Contact information:

Steve Cates

Chairman

Cates Construction Co.

1612 Westgate Circle

Ste. 220
Brentwood, TN 37027

Work: (615) 377-9106

Fax: (615) 370-4742

Cell: (615) 812-2177