Letter from the Chair
The fall semester is coming to a close and that means that the 2005 International Builders’ Show (IBS) is just around the corner. As we prepare to travel to sunny Florida for a week of fun-filled action, it is important to acknowledge our corporate partners who help make the many NAHB Student Chapters’ events at the IBS possible. Not only do these partners provide financial support, they also send employees to organize the events they finance. Because of the generous support our corporate partners provide, we will be able to offer an expanded slate of student events at this year’s Show and throughout the coming year.

For two days students will participate in the residential construction competitions, sponsored by Centex Homes. Centex has invited industry professionals from more than ten different companies to judge the competitions and meet each team member face to face. Thanks to Toll Brothers and KB Homes, we will be able to rest our feet in hospitality rooms with large screen TVs and refreshments.

Recognition of the competition winners during the NAHB Student Chapters Awards Ceremony is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Beazer Homes, this year’s winner of the Distinguished Service Award. And what’s an awards ceremony without awards? NCHI, the Supplier 100 of NAHB, provides funding for the Outstanding Student Chapters Awards; Thomson/Delmar Learning supports our Outstanding Educator Awards; and BuilderBooks.com enables us to offer awards to outstanding students from each school.

Immediately following the awards ceremony on Thursday evening, we are invited to relax and enjoy a generous spread of food and drink at the Student Chapters Awards Reception. This is made possible by Pulte Homes, another corporate sponsor.

In addition to the student-sponsored events mentioned above, we hope you will take advantage of the seminars that are offered and take some time to visit the exhibit halls. These activities combine to make the IBS the greatest building show on earth.

With all of the opportunities available to interact with colleagues from across the nation, to learn about our industry and to bring yourself up to date on new technology, it’s easy to understand why your visit to the IBS in Orlando might just be the highlight of your scholastic career.

Good luck as you complete your studies for the semester. I hope to see you next month in Orlando.

Sincerely,

Mark Hutchings
Chair, NAHB Student Chapters Advisory Board [ return to top ]