House Energy Bill Gives Consumers Tax Credit to Remodel, Senate Holds Vote Until New Year
The House recently passed H.R. 6, the conference report for the “Energy Policy Act of 2003.” The legislation contains important tax incentives to increase energy efficiency and conservation in the housing market, including giving consumers a 20% tax credit up to $2,000 for qualified remodeling projects that improve the energy efficiency in existing homes.

“The housing provisions in H.R. 6 contain key home energy tax provisions originally introduced by Rep. Jerry Weller (R-IL), with some modifications, that would provide powerful incentives for millions of home owners and renters to save hundreds of dollars annually in utility costs and allow builders to invest in market- and technology-driven initiatives that would promote higher levels of energy efficiency at more reasonable costs,” said Jerry Howard, executive vice president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The comprehensive measure would also provide a $1,000 tax credit to builders for the construction of a new home that is at least 30% more energy-efficient than a home built under the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The tax credit jumps to $2,000 for homes built at least 50% above the 2000 IECC.

The package also contains a $1.50 per square foot commercial property deduction for rental housing four stories and higher that is at least 50% more efficient than housing built under the standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

“H.R. 6 represents a major step forward in promoting energy conservation in new and existing homes, reducing the nation’s energy dependence and lowering energy costs for American consumers for decades,” said Howard.

While the home energy-efficiency tax credits advanced in Congress as comprehensive energy legislation passed the House, it became apparent during the night of Nov. 24 that the Senate would not be voting on the bill.

A conference committee finished hammering out differences between separate versions of energy legislation passed by the two chambers, and the House approved H.R. 6, the final conference report for the "Energy Policy Act of 2003." However, the next day, the Senate fell just three votes short of the 60 needed to cut off debate and proceed to a vote on the measure.

NAHB sent a letter to the full Senate in support of the tax credits, urging lawmakers to act quickly to pass the bill. With Senators focused on debating Medicare legislation and rushing to adjourn for Thanksgiving, GOP leaders elected to postpone further consideration of the energy bill this year. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) indicated that he will seek another vote for the bill after Congress returns in January.

Register Now for IBS 2004
If you haven’t made your reservations yet for the International Builders’ Show, you need to get on the bus—or the plane, that is. After Dec. 17, you must register onsite. Click here to register.

A comprehensive listing of all 2004 IBS educational sessions is now available online! Click here to find out exactly what you and your business need. The educational seminar listing is searchable by seminar title or description, track or date. 

Former President George H.W. Bush will kick off the Show as the keynote speaker on Jan. 19 at the Orleans Hotel Arena at the Opening Ceremonies — sponsored by Kohler. Click here for more information about special events.

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Remodelors™ Council 2004 IBS Show Planner
Mark your calendar for these Remodelors™ Council meetings at the IBS in Las Vegas.

Friday, Jan. 16
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.                Remodelors Council Past Chairs/Leadership Development
LVCC N112

Saturday, Jan. 17
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.              CGR Board of Governors
LVCC N112

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.              Membership & Council Development Committee
LVCC N114 

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.            Education & Business Development Committee
LVCC N112

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.            Public Affairs Committee
LVCC N114 

11:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.              CAPS Board of Governors
LVCC N112 

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.               Remodelor 20 Clubs Working Group
LVCC N262

Sunday, Jan. 18
7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.              Remodelors Council Board of Trustees
LVCC N109 

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.                Remodelors Council General Session
LVCC N255 [return to top]

Remodelors™ Education at IBS
Monday, Jan. 19
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Healthy Homes, Healthy People
Speaker: John Ouellette, MD

11:00 a.m.  - 12:30 p.m.
Spread the Risk: Builder & Remodeler Diversification
Speakers: Vince Butler, CGR, GMB, CAPS & M.M. (Mike) Weiss, CGR, GMB, CAPS

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Controlling Profits: QuickBooks® Pro
Speaker: Diane C.O. Gilson, CPA, CIA                                          

Tuesday, Jan. 20
9:00 a.m.  - 10:00 a.m.
Winning the Job Without Leaving Profit on the Table
Speaker: Mike Gorman

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Managing Risk for the Remodeler and Home Builder
Speaker: Leslie C. Shiner

Wednesday, Jan. 21
9:00 a.m.  - 10:00 a.m.
Measuring Satisfaction & Maximizing Performance
Speaker: Geoffrey Graham 

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
The Best Remodeling Companies to Work for
Speaker: Kim Sweet

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Results-Minded Marketing
Speaker: Kim Sweet

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Press Conference and Panel Discussion
Material Use Trends
Speaker: Gopal Ahluwalia

4:00 p.m.  - 5:00 p.m.
Using PSAs & PDAs to Save Time & Money
Speakers: Beverly Koehn & Michael Strong, CGR

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Remodeling Market: Where is the remodeling market headed in 2004? Will remodeling track the overall economy? What makes this market special?
Speakers: Gopal Ahluwalia &  Kermit Baker

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What is Overhead & Where is Profit?
Speaker:  Leslie C. Shiner

Thursday, Jan. 22
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Understanding & Preventing Mold Growth
Speaker: Greg Bates

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Nailing Profitability
Speaker: Dirk Beveridge
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Join Us for the Remodelors™ Council Chairman's Dinner
This is the premier social event for the Remodelors™ Council at the Builders Show! Join us as we celebrate the year's accomplishments, pass the gavel to the new Council leadership, present the Chairman's Awards for Distinguished Service and Outstanding Service, and announce the winners of the year-long Membership Contest. Dress is business attire. To attend this special event, click here, fill out the form and then fax back to the Remodelors Council.

If you have any questions, call 800-368-5242 x8216 or e-mail remodel@nahb.com. Please RSVP by Jan. 12.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Treasure Island Caribbean Room
Tickets: $50.00 (reservation required) [return to top]

Share Ideas During the Local Remodelors™ Council Roundtable

Share ideas with peers and learn best practices and strategies for successful local Remodelors™ Council management from members of other local councils in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Local councils are welcome to bring their recruitment material to display in the Remodelors™ Council hospitality room.  

Tuesday, Jan. 20
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Remodelors™ Council Hospitality Suite
Las Vegas Convention Center
Room N237

P.S. Don't forget to bring materials from your council! [return to top]

Rise & Shine with Marvin
Join your peers for this complimentary breakfast, sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors, and bring your business card to enter a drawing for a free Marvin door (within specifications).

Tuesday, Jan. 20
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Remodelors™ Council Hospitality Room
Las Vegas Convention Center
Room N237

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I said I liked it but I changed my mind! A Remodelors™ Roundtable
Have you noticed that your customers are demanding more and more from you, yet expect to pay less and less? Well, join a group of your peers from all over the country to discuss how they deal with this problem.

A roundtable facilitated by Lynn Motheral, CGR, to discuss ideas and ways to keep your customers happy at no expense to your bottom line is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Remodelors Council Hospitality Room (LVCC N237), immediately following the Local Council Roundtables. Make the most out of the convention this year! [return to top]

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Classes Offered at IBS
The NAHB Remodelors™ Council and University of Housing will hold the following CAPS classes for members working on their CAPS designation or recertification. The classes will be in in Las Vegas preceding the International Builders' Show.

Working with Older Adults & Marketing to Older Adults
Working with older adults provides a background on the adult population; communication techniques; common remodeling expenditures and projects. Marketing to older adults provides information and techniques to assist you in accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market This all-day class will be offered on Friday, Jan. 16, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Home Modifications
The all-day Home Modifications class, held on Saturday, Jan. 17, provides information on the codes and standards, common barriers and solutions as well as product ideas and resources. The course begins at 9:00 a.m.

Introduction to Business Management
This course introduces builders and remodelers who are interested in improving their bottom line to systematic planning processes used by industry experts. Topics discussed include planning, organizing, staffing/directing, and controlling. Instructors use realistic sample forms and case study materials to involve participants in highly interactive class discussions and to provide networking opportunities. The course focuses on basic management tools such as developing a business plan and implementing control procedures to monitor efficiency and profitability.         

This 8-hour course will be offered on Sunday, Jan. 18 (the day before the opening of the International Builders Show).

For more information on any of these classes, contact the Office of the Registrar at the NAHB University of Housing 800-368-5242 x8338 or e-mail, registrar@nahb.com

Separate registration is required for access to the International Builders' Show seminars and exhibit floor.  [return to top]

Certified Graduate Remodelor™ Courses Offered at IBS
Are you thinking about earning your CGR designation? Are you attending the International Builders’ Show? Here is your opportunity to take the mandatory CGR PREP evaluation. Are you already working towards your CGR but have not yet taken your Introduction to Business Management or Construction Contracts and Law class? Come to Vegas early and earn another credit toward your CGR designation

Have you been looking for a way to give back to the remodeling industry and you already have your CGR?  Become a CGR class trainer. NAHB is always looking for a few good men and women to teach CGR courses throughout the country. NAHB will be offering two Train the Trainer classes during IBS.

Certified Graduate Remodelor™ PREP Evaluation
The PREP, the initial evaluation to enter the Certified Graduate Remodelor™ Program, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 1:00 p.m. (3 hours) and Thursday, Jan. 22, at 9:00 a.m. (3 hours).

The PREP is the required first step toward becoming a Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR). It is a 3-hour 130 multiple-choice question assessment that measures a candidate's knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management: Marketing and Sales; Business Administration; Design, Estimating and Job Costing; Contracts, Liability and Risk Management; and Project Management.

Candidates do not pass or fail the PREP. Results determine the course of study for CGR candidates and will count as one CGR course.  

Construction Contracts and Law
Protect yourself from expensive misunderstandings with a solid, written contract. During this 6-hour course on Saturday, Jan. 17, (begins at 9:00 a.m.) you will learn about mandatory and optional provisions in building and remodeling contracts, discuss when and how to seek legal help, and discover state and local resources available to you. Special emphasis is given to interpreting contracts and detecting unfavorable provisions. For any small volume builder and remodeler without a large legal staff.

Introduction to Business Management
This course introduces builders and remodelers who are interested in improving their bottom line to systematic planning processes used by industry experts. Topics discussed include planning, organizing, staffing/directing, and controlling. Instructors use realistic sample forms and case study materials to involve participants in highly interactive class discussions and to provide networking opportunities. The course focuses on basic management tools such as developing a business plan and implementing control procedures to monitor efficiency and profitability.       

This 8-hour course will be offered on Sunday, Jan. 18 (the day before the opening of the International Builders Show).

Train the Trainer
Do you already have your CGR designation? Are you a leader who wants to share his experience and know how? Are you looking for a way to give back to the remodeling community? Then become a CGR trainer. As a CGR trainer you will share your experience with eager-to-learn professionals who are now in the position you were once in. To become a designation trainer, you must attend the Train the Trainer course. Lucky for you, two sessions will be held during the International Builders Show. The 8-hour course will be held on both Sunday, Jan. 18, and Mondy, Jan. 19, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

For more information on any of these classes, contact the Office of the Registrar at the NAHB University of Housing 800-368-5242 x8338 or e-mail, registrar@nahb.com 

Separate registration is required for access to the International Builders' Show seminars and exhibit floor. [return to top]

Habitat for Humanity at the International Builders: A Letter to Remodelors™
Dear friends in the building industry,

It's that time of the year again when many of you are planning your travel to Las Vegas for the International Builders' Show and the many events that surround a week that is far too busy for many of us.

As some of you know for the past two years we have had a unique opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity by building a house for a deserving family in the host city/region. The first one was in Atlanta in 2002 and that was coupled with several other houses that were built on the parking lot and then reassembled in rural Georgia. Last January, we built a house in the parking lot at the Vegas show, which was relocated to Utah and completed for a thankful Hispanic family.

Those of you who know me are aware of how strongly I feel that we give of our talents when the opportunity arises and this is just one of those times. Coming this January we will again have the opportunity to build a Habitat home in sunny Las Vegas as part of the Builders' Show. It will be an interesting ranch home since it is constructed out of structural insulated panels. Some of us have worked with these before but I suspect the majority of you have not used SIPS in your projects. It is an interesting engineered building component that will be around for a long time so here's your chance for some on-the-job training!

The schedule for this year's build is on www.HousingZone.com/habitatsignup I hope I can convince you all that we truly do need your help for any time you have available. I know it's a tough schedule this year as we will begin construction on Thursday, Jan. 14, and continue the build until we are complete on Jan. 18, which is the day before the official opening of the show. For those of you involved with NAHB meetings the majority of those will take place on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, which is a weekend. I suspect most of the framing and closing in work will be completed on the 15th and 16th and a lot of the interior and exterior finish will occur on the 17th and 18th.

Those of you who have volunteered before know what a great time we had as we worked side by side with other builders and remodelers, suppliers, manufacturers, all sorts of folks from Professional Remodeler and many talented Habitat people that keep us focused but also allowed for plenty of networking/play time.

If you haven't joined us, please consider it for several reasons: You get to spend an extra day or two in Vegas in January as the weather probably beats where you live; who ever said we learned all there is to learn in this industry; and by volunteering you make a difference in someone else's life who is not as fortunate as you are to have four walls and a roof over your head at night.
It's simple, it's fun and it's a tremendous feeling to do something constructive that really does make a difference to a deserving family. Please join us as we once again converge on Vegas and don't forget to pack your work boots.

Best regards,
Bill Owens, CGR, CAPS
2002 Chair, NAHB Remodelors™ Council [return to top]

Bryan Patchan Scholarship Honors Industry Advocate
To honor the man who played such a vital role in the conception and development of several key initiatives, projects and programs that defined the National Association of Home Builders and the remodeling industry, NAHB’s Remodelors™ Council created the Bryan Patchan Scholarship. In early March, the Council will announce the first recipient of the $1,000 scholarship. The winner, a 2004 local council chair or vice chair, will be able to use the scholarship towards travel expenses for attendance at NAHB’s spring board meetings.

During Patchan’s extensive service to the Remodelors™ Council, including 18 years as executive director, he recognized that local Remodelors™ Councils were a prime source of talent to provide future leaders at the national level. He was a tireless advocate of programs to support and strengthen the local council network and to nurture the relationship between local councils and the NAHB Remodelors™ Council. It is appropriate that the first Remodelors™ Council Scholarship should be named for the individual who during his tenure was instrumental in the growth of the local council roster from zero to more than 150.

Patchan is a member of the inaugural class of the America’s Best Remodeling Hall of Fame. He continues his service to the home building industry as executive vice president of the Frederick County Builders Association in Maryland.

How to Contribute to the Bryan Patchan Scholarship Fund

Tax-deductible contributions to the Bryan Patchan Scholarship fund may be made by donating to the National Housing Endowment (specifying the Bryan Patchan Scholarship) to:

NHE/NAHB Remodelors™ Fund
NAHB Remodelors™ Council
1201 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005

For more information and/or scholarship applications, contact the NAHB Remodelors™ Council at 800-368-5242 x8211, or email Therese Crahan.

To apply for the Brian Patchan Scholarship, click here. [return to top]

Join NAHB for National Designation Month and Sail Away to 'Destination Designation'
Do you have your Certified Graduate Remodelors designation? Are you a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist? Are you thinking about earning a designation? Join the NAHB University of Housing in February to celebrate National Designation Month, and make the most of this exceptional opportunity to enhance your on-the-job know-how with an NAHB designation.

Do you realize that by becoming a CGR or CAPS professional you are joining an elite group of professionals who hold the highest standards in their businesses? This pays off in your bottom line as consumers become more sophisticated in their tastes and knowledge of what they want in a remodeling project, and these exclusive NAHB designations give those consumers the confidence that they are working with first-class professionals on their projects.

As part of National Designation Month, NAHB will step up efforts to educate the public about the value of selecting builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who hold a designation, so your hard work and dedication will mean even more when it comes to your bottom line.

Throughout the month of February, building industry professionals across the nation can take advantage of the many special events NAHB and local home builder associations are hosting to celebrate continuing education and recognize designation holders in the building industry. Stay tuned for details about exciting contests that will be held during the International Builders’ Show, featuring prizes including an exotic “Education Cruise” for two to your choice of the Mexican Riviera, Alaska or the Caribbean. Plus, members who find the hidden designation airplane logo in the Builderbooks.com brochure or other NAHB publications can receive a special gift by visiting the NAHB OnSite area at IBS.

For more information on professional designations from NAHB and how you can become a part of these exciting programs, visit www.nahb.org/education and click on Designations in the left hand column. [return to top]

NAHB Remodelors™ Council Congratulates 2003 CADRE Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2003 Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence, CADRE, award winners.

2003 NAHB Remodelors Council
COUNCIL AWARDS FOR DEMONSTRATING REMODELING EXCELLENCE

Outstanding Council Chair
Tracy Hankins
HBA of Metro Portland, Lake Oswego, OR

Outstanding Associate Member
Paul Corso, NW Natural
HBA of Metro Portland, Lake Oswego, OR

Community Service Project
Remodelors Council of the HBA of Iowa City
Iowa City, IA

Government Affairs/Legislation
Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors Council
Houston, TX

Membership Recruitment/Retention
Remodelors Council of Lincoln
Home Builders Association of Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Membership Service/Education
Remodelors Council, Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Birmingham, AL

Outstanding Executive Officer/Council Coordinator
Cindy Sheehan
HBA of the Sioux Empire, Sioux Falls, SD

Public Relations & Promotions
Remodelors Council of the Twin Cities
Builders Association of the Twin Cities, Roseville, MN

Look for award-winner highlights throughout the year in Professional Remodeler.

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Council Welcomes New Team Member
Debbie Leitner has joined the Remodelors™ Council team as the new Program Manager. Debbie manages the Remodelors Council membership, local council relations and meeting planning activities. Before coming to NAHB, Debbie worked for MicroAnalytics Logistics Software as the marketing and sales coordinator handling marketing, customer service and sales for the organization. You can reach her via e-mail, Debbie Leitner, or call 800-368-5242 x8323.

Welcome Debbie! [return to top]

At the Head of the Class: Top Remodelers Earn Prestigious Industry Designation
What does it take to become the cream of the crop in the remodeling industry? For the new Graduate Remodelors^TM honored for their achievements by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) at a recognition ceremony preceding the 2003 Remodelers’ Show in Baltimore, the answer is an ongoing dedication to growth and education in their field.

After completing rigorous classes held everywhere from Olympia, WA, to Monroe, CT, 127 remodelers earned the exclusive Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) designation in 2003. The CGR designation, awarded by NAHB, identifies individuals who exemplify professionalism in the remodeling industry.

“It's a demonstration of the commitment that you have to your profession, and it will be recognized that way by clients,” said Vince Butler, CGR, GMB, CAPS, president of Butler Brothers Corporation in Clifton, VA, and chair of the CGR Board of Governors at NAHB. “It absolutely revolutionizes your whole attitude toward your business.”

To become a CGR, remodelers must meet a number of qualifications, including completion of a comprehensive education curriculum developed by the NAHB University of Housing that focuses on five core areas designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.

 According to 2003 honoree Abbie Sladick, owner of Abbie Joan Enterprises in Naples, FL, “As a remodeler, I thought that I needed to do everything I could to have as much education as possible, and earn an important designation like CGR, so that my clients have a high comfort level.”

There are currently 1,150 CGRs in 45 states. More information on the CGR and other professional designations awarded by NAHB is available online at www.NAHB.org/education; a list of CGRs in your area can be downloaded by visiting www.NAHB.org/designations/CGR. [return to top]

Members and EOs Find Staff Contact Info Faster Than Ever
This November, NAHB released a new online Contact Directory on the NAHB Web site to replace the former print version. This directory,  which includes both a Staff Directory and a Subject Directory, contains the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses for all staff at NAHB. Available only to members, these directories are fully searchable and can be printed for easy reference.

The Subject Directory contains more than 700 keywords to help members identify the appropriate staff contact for a particular topic within seconds. “I get two-to-three calls each week from people asking ‘Who can I talk to about X issue,’” says Bill Nolan, of the Affordable Housing Institute. Members can type in a topic, program, product, or service and the directory will automatically display the name, telephone number, and email address for the appropriate contact. According to Nolan, this is a “tremendous tool for the members.”

In addition to searching by subject, members can also search by name. The online Staff Directory makes it possible to look up staff by first name, last name, or department. These options are particularly helpful when you can’t remember a contact’s full name or want to see additional contacts within a department. “I prefer to look up staff myself because it is usually faster,” says Harry Savio, EO of the HBA of Greater Austin, Texas.

According to Savio, the best part of having the Staff and Subject Directories online is that they “can be kept current.” Both the Staff Directory and the Subject Directory are refreshed daily so staff contact information is always up-to-date. Further, both directories can be downloaded for printing. To download a current version, click the green “Download Directory” button and save the file to your desktop.

For Nolan the “beauty with it being online is that I can make hard copies so I have it with me when I need it. I throw one in each of my briefcases, so if I’m off in a meeting and don’t have my laptop, I still have access.”

Members can access either directory by going to www.nahb.org and clicking the NAHB Contact Directories link under Contact Us. You must log into www.nahb.org to access the directories.

For more information about the NAHB Contact Directories, please contact Kristine Maphis,
800-368-5242 x8121 or any of the staff in the Online Relations department. [return to top]

Do Your Youngest Clients Love Bob?
It’s good business to protect all of your clients — especially the pint-sized ones — from mishaps at home.

Close to 100,000 Blueprints for Home Safety activity books featuring Bob the Builder™ were distributed to home builders associations, Women's Councils, and members in just under three weeks. The books were a hit for nationwide community outreach programs; members donated them to local elementary schools, handed them out to children at parades of homes, and used the books to conduct special home and fire safety events.

The first 100,000 books flew off the shelves fast, but now HIT Entertainment, the owner of Bob the Builder, has donated an additional 170,000 activity books to NAHB, which is again distributing them only for the cost of shipping and handling. Click here for an order form. For more information, email Kym Kilbourne at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8447. [return to top]

Join the Remodelors™ Council in 2004
Planning your annual trips already? Don’t forget to join the Remodelors™ Council during any of their 2004 events. Mark your calendars now for these renown industry events. Below are key meetings and programs during the first half of the year.

International Builders’ Show
Jan. 19-22
Las Vegas
www.buildersshow.com

The NAHB’s 60th annual International Builders' Show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Join nearly 90,000 of your closest friends for the biggest networking opportunity offered. Attend first class education seminars to learn how to market your business, deal with industry relations, manage your team, keep up with the latest trends and other best practices to take your business to the next level. Meet with construction company owners, managers and lead staff from more than 95 countries and see the latest in building products and technologies.

Keep in mind that the show dates have changed this year and will not be held over a weekend; instead the show is Monday, Jan. 19, through Thursday, Jan. 22.

CGR and CAPS Classes
If you aren’t already on your way to earning your CGR or CAPS designation, you can start the year off with the know-how that comes from participating in these industry-leading programs. The CGR program equips remodelers with the business savvy they need to earn and keep new business, take advantage of strong market conditions, and weather the storm when things get slow. CAPS training address the technical, marketing, and business management skills that remodeling professionals must be adept in to succeed in the developing aging-in-place home modifications market. Both programs will be in full force at the Builders Show. Information and schedules are available at the Remodelors™ Council’s members-only Web site at www.nahb.org.

 NAHB Remodelors Council Board of Trustees and Committee Meetings
The best way to get involved with the Council’s programs is attending committee meetings and the Board of Trustees General Session at the IBS. Committee meetings provide an ideal forum for getting your point of view in from of the Council leadership and to become apart of that leadership. The General Session provides valuable input into planning and administration of the council’s programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to be involved in your council’s leadership process. If you can’t make it to the meetings, visit the Council’s Board of Trustees Information page at www.nahb.org to read and download meeting minutes.

National Green Building Conference
March 14-16
Austin, TX
The National Green Building Conference is the most important environmental home building conference of the year. Focusing on the cutting edge of innovative building technologies, it is the only national green building conference targeted to the mainstream residential building industry. Here experts talk about energy efficiency, smart growth, innovative building technologies, indoor air quality, sustainable site design, the future of green building. While at the show join the tours, exhibits and attend the awards program at the 5th annual National Green Building Conference.

For more information, visit click here or call 888-602-4663

CAPS Classes at Building for Boomers & Beyond: 2004 Seniors Housing Symposium
April 14-16
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago
After participating in the CAPS classes leading up to the Building for Boomers & Beyond: Seniors Housing Symposium 2004 on April 12-14, stay for the premier educational and networking event for industry professionals who serve the burgeoning 50+ market.

Join more than 500 builders, developers, architects, interior designers and merchandisers, land planners, sales and marketing professionals, and others at this year's conference to be held April 14-16, 2004 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in downtown Chicago.

This year's symposium will focus on the lifestyle component of 50+ seniors housing. Explore the mindset of boomers and older seniors, their quest to live life to the fullest, and their demand for homes and communities that satisfy their diverse needs. Also, find out how to size up local market demand, increase referrals through customer satisfaction, plan public relations and special events, devise an options program, and much more.

NAHB Spring Board Meetings
April 28-May 2
Washington, DC
Remodelors Council Board of Trustees committee meetings reconvene for the second time in 2004 at the NAHB board meetings to review the progress of programs during the first half of the year. For more board meeting information, click here or call 800-368-5242.

2004 Remodelers Show
Oct. 7-9
Chicago
The premiere industry tradeshow and educational program features CGR and CAPS classes, a variety of educational sessions for remodelers at every stage and a show case of the latest in industry products and technology. For more information, visit the show website, www.remodelersshow.com.
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Access Mexico Project — Building U.S. and Mexico Partnerships
ACCESS MEXICO PROJECT
NAHB is the proud recipient of a Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Access Mexico Project, which is designed to increase export opportunities in Mexico. The project will utilize a range of activities from conferences, seminars, trade delegations, educational programs, and one-on-one meetings to expand trade links and business opportunities for NAHB members. 

Making Connections At THE IBS  (Jan. 19-22)
The upcoming IBS offers builders, suppliers, and other housing industry professionals new opportunities to make valuable contacts and establish critical business connections with Mexico. 

The Access Mexico Center, located within the International Business Center at the IBS,  will be a hub of information and activity focused on Mexico’s growing housing market and set the stage for important networking and cross border collaboration. Be sure to take advantage of the Center and the following opportunities:

• One-on-One Meetings will be ongoing from Jan. 19-22. Sign up now or onsite to meet with a potential buyer or partner from Mexico. NAHB International staff and the U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico are collaborating to match U.S. and Mexican builders and suppliers and will be on hand to facilitate meetings.  For more information, click here.       
• Access Mexico Reception, Jan. 19, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., will provide the perfect venue for NAHB members and Mexican delegates and VIPs to meet and explore areas of mutual interest.  You won’t want to miss this event. 

Have Your Words Heard
The NAHB Remodelors™ Council has been provided the opportunity to submit articles to NAHB’s weekly online newsletter, Nation's Building News Online. NBN Online is distributed via e-mail to NAHB’s membership and is your chance to share your industry wisdom. Topics should be related to remodeler and small business issues; articles are 400 words in length and include a byline and with your photo and contact information. If you are interested in being published, please contact NAHB Remodelors™ Council staff, 800-368-5242 x8451 or e-mail Melanie Hinton. [return to top]

Use ‘Administrative’ E-mail Addresses When Posting on Web Sites
Use ‘administrative’ or function-based email addresses such as info@…, membership@ … or your company’s or association’s name@… when posting contact information on Web sites to avoid increased spamming of your personal or individual business email addresses.
NAHB has uncovered several instances where enterprising companies have mined Web sites for contact email addresses and then uses that information to solicit new business.

NAHB also found that, after these companies collect the email addresses off websites, they market themselves by indicating they received these email addresses from NAHB, local associations or other companies or organizations as a way to open the door for new business from local and state associations. NAHB does not sell or trade email addresses to third parties, a policy formally established at the NAHB spring Board of Directors meeting in May 2003.

Whenever NAHB discovers this misrepresentation, it contacts the companies by telephone, through the issuance of cease and desist letters or both and, thus far, all of the companies that have been contacted have stopped the practice of misrepresenting themselves.

Not all companies have stopped collecting email addresses this way, and companies with the resources will continue this practice. 

How to Protect the Integrity of Your E-mail Address

The simplest way to protect the integrity of your personal or individual email address is to avoid posting it on Web sites, including your own.

Instead, create an administrative, function-based or “catch-all” e-mail address for your association or business that can be monitored by someone on staff. Using this type of email address will enable you to maintain a valuable marketing and contact presence while reducing the possibility of spamming.
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Member Advantage: Save on Dell® Computers
NAHB members, with all types and sizes of business, keep coming to Dell to save money on computers and equipment from one of the most respected brands in the business.
Call 888-577-3355 and identify yourself as an NAHB member.  The discount will be automatically applied and will be reflected on your invoice. The NAHB discount cannot be combined with other Dell discounts or promotions.

To order online and for details on more than a dozen other money-saving Member Advantage discount programs click here, or go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org.
Go to www.nahb.org to explore the numerous advantages associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders association. [return to top]