2008 CGR of the Year
Bob Birner, CGR, CAPS

Bob has promoted the designation of Certified Graduate Remodeler throughout his advertising print, website and on his weekly Radio show Home Improvement Hotline. He has also produced on his own, several Public Service Announcements regarding the difference and importance of hiring a Certified Graduate Remodeler in the Houston Area.  As a past president of the Remodelors Council, Bob Birner, CGR, CAPS has stayed committed to the improvements and success of the Remodeler’s Council.  His active participation is vital to the ongoing accomplishments of the Council and the industry. This past year, Bob also served as a Director for the National Association of Home Builders and as the Chair for the Public Relations Committee. It is great to know that we are supported by someone who truly has the industry at heart.  Bob chooses to serve in such a capacity not for himself but, for the whole remodeling industry across the nation.

2008 CAPS of the Year
Ester Greenhouse, CAPS

"Harness the power of the built environment to enable our elders to thrive." Esther Greenhouse is an environment gerontologist: a professional who specializes in how the built environment effects the functioning and well-being of older adults. A former interior designer, Greenhouse has worked as a researcher and a lecturer at Cornell University. She has taught design studios focusing on accessibility, universal design for seniors and design for Alzheimer's disease. Dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place, she teaches CAPS classes to make this a reality. Greenhouse recently consulted on the nation's first elder-focused emergency department and conducts seminares on aging in place. She holds memberships in NAHB, the Gerontological Society of America, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and the Environmental Design and Research Association. Greenhouse became involved in NAHB at the encouragement of her husband Brooke, a builder who is very active in his local and state associations and has served as president of both. They live in the Ithaca region of New York State with their son. Greenhouse is an occasional professional artist and is involved in fundraising through a social action committee.

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