Women Employer Firms Continue to Show Strength
Between 1997 and 2001, women-owned employer establishments were just as likely as all employer establishments to have remained in business — and exhibited more employment resiliency than average. This information is contained in a new Issue in Brief, “Trends in Women-Owned Employer Establishments: 1997 to 2001” that was published this week by the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC). The Issue in Brief focuses on two key measures: survival and changes in employment.

More than two-thirds (69.8%) of the employer business locations in existence in 1997 were still in operation four years later in 2001. Women-owned employer establishments were nearly as likely to have remained in business over the period (68.5% survived). Women-owned employer firms proved to be more resilient than employer firms overall during the period, reporting a 9.3% decline in employment among those firms in business in 1997 — compared to a 10.9% decline among all establishments. Among those employer establishments that were still in business in 2001, similar percentages of women-owned and all establishments increased employment (42% and 43% respectively), while a great percentage of women-owned establishments held their employee base (27% compared to 24% of all businesses), and a smaller percentage of women-owned establishments saw a decrease in employment (31% compared to 33% of all businesses).

According to Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Carlson Companies and Chair of the National Women’s Business Council, “This analysis shows that women-owned firms are a strong, vital force in the Nation’s economy — losing fewer employees and surviving at equal rates when compared to all businesses. It’s further testament to women’s business leadership.”

As expected, four-year survival rates are somewhat lower than the three-year rates shown in a similar analysis published one year ago. In NWBC’s previous Issue in Brief analyzing changes over the 1997-2000 period (published in January 2004), three-quarters (75.1%) of women-owned employer establishments in existence in 1997 were still in operation as of 2000, as were 75.5% of all employer establishments. Then — as now —w omen-owned businesses exhibit the same tenacity and survival rates as the average U.S. employer firm.

The complete Issue in Brief includes detailed information on trends over the 1997 to 2001 period in establishment survival and employment change by industry and by state. It may be found at the NWBC’s Web site at http://www.nwbc.gov/ResearchPublications/issuesBrief.html. [return to top]

Help Tsunami Victims Rebuild Their Homes

Many NAHB members already have responded to the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster in South Asia by generously giving to numerous relief agencies that are providing vital emergency assistance to the survivors. As the relief effort continues and moves from the acute, emergency phase into recovery, the home building industry is rallying to address the longer term need for temporary and permanent shelter in the tsunami-affected nations.

Over the years, NAHB and its members have united to help those in need, demonstrating time and again that Home Builders Care, a philosophy as well as a call to action that is emblematic of the industry's commitment to community service and charitable causes.

In response to what will be an overwhelming need for permanent shelter, NAHB and the National Housing Endowment have established the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund to raise desperately needed funds.

With an initial donation of $250,000, designated by the NAHB Board of Directors at the International Builders’ Show, the fund will be directed to rebuilding efforts that provide temporary and permanent shelter for survivors.

 Please help by making a tax deductible donation to the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund. Money raised by the National Housing Endowment will be granted to one or more U.S. charitable relief organizations working to help tsunami survivors obtain temporary and permanent shelter.

Please direct your donation check to:

National Housing Endowment
1201 15th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005

Checks should be made payable to the National Housing Endowment and, in the memo section, please note the Tsunami Shelter Fund.

The NAHB Senior Officers have asked Past President Bob Mitchell to guide this fundraising effort. Bob is working with a staff team that already has begun meeting with organizations that have established relief efforts in the affected nations to determine how the money raised can best be distributed to provide for temporary and permanent shelter. Money raised by the National Housing Endowment will be granted to one or more U.S. charitable relief organization working to help tsunami survivors with shelter needs.

For more information, contact Troy Patterson at the National Housing Endowment at 800-368-5242 x8483 or Kym Kilbourne in NAHB Public Affairs, x8447. [return to top]

Housing Markets Remain Strong But Further Growth Will Be Hard To Achieve

Housing market activity turned out to be surprisingly strong in 2004, and the surprise was due to unexpectedly low mortgage interest rates. Fourth-quarter housing activity was influenced by unusual swings in weather conditions but, in general, the data suggest a topping-out pattern for home sales, housing starts and construction put-in-place. In the process, new annual records were set for sales of both single-family homes and condo units as well as for improvements to residential structures.

The strength of the condo/co-op market kept the production of new multifamily housing flat in 2004 despite a record vacancy rate (11.7%) in the rental apartment market (structures with five or more units). This vacancy rate is the “other side” of the record high homeownership rate (69%) posted in 2004. Thankfully, rental vacancy rates started to move down a bit in the second half of the year as job growth helped fill up some empty units.

Looking ahead, we’re projecting modest (3%-4%) declines in home sales and housing starts in 2005, followed by a similar pace of erosion in 2006. At the same time, we’re projecting positive growth in remodeling activity and a modest recovery in the beleaguered manufactured home (HUD-code) market.

Everything considered, our forecast shows slight declines in the residential fixed investment component of GDP, a process that finally takes housing out of the GDP growth-engine category and converts housing to a bit of a drag on economic growth. [return to top]

LOCAL COUNCIL NEWS — HBA of Livingston County (MI) Women's Council
The Women's Council of the HBA of Livingston County (MI) raised approximately $70,000 towards constructing a home for the area Habitat for Humanity Women Build. After careful planning under the direction of Women's Council President Trudy Summerill, the Women's Council held three fund raising events throughout the year. 

Their efforts began in 2004 when they hosted an athletic themed event they called "Be  a Sport." This event was designed to continue raising funds while including men who might not be in their fundraising and volunteer loop. A putting green, basketball game and video racing were set up for attendees to play. They also held a silent auction of sports-related items. The event had great participation and netted $12,800.  Selling major sponsorships also generated revenue for the event.

The next event was a 9-hole golf outing — "Tee Up for Habitat." It generated $3,301 from golfer participation. They raised awareness of their long-term project with another facet of the community and gained volunteers from other community groups.

Their biggest fund raising success was "Animal House, " a public art fundraiser. Giant fiberglass forms of various carousel animals were purchased, sponsored by local businesses, and dispatched to Livingston County artists. The artist each painted and decorated these forms. They spent almost 3 months on the city streets. The Women's Council and volunteers from Livingston Area Association of REALTORS held a "Habitat Ball" — an evening of art and food and the auction of the animals. This fundraiser netted $53,000 and much press. [return to top]

RECORD RESULTS — National Membership Day Competition
Spring is just around the corner and so is NAHB's National Memberhsip Day. Start working now on your recruitment efforts. Call-in day is Monday, May 23.

The top recruiter overall wins a $250 scholarship and the top recruiters in each size category wins a $250 scholarship. In addition, every recruiter who calls in will receive two-for-one Spikette credits.

The NAHB Women's Council would like to thank Sears Contract Sales for their co-sponsorship of the scholarship program.

We're building our future one member at a time. [return to top]

SPRING BOARD — Women's Council Schedule Annouced

April 13 – 17, 2005

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

Washington, DC

Wed., April 13
All Day	Legislative Conference
Thurs., April 14
7:00 – 8:30	WC Regional Trustees	Lanai 152
9:00 – 10:30
11:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 1:30	WC GE Lunch	Delaware B
1:30 – 3:30	WC Area Trustees
3:30 – 4:30	WC Legislative Committee	Lanai 152
3:30 – 4:30	WC Communications/Education Committee
4:30 – 5:30	WC Membership Committee	Lanai 152
4:30 – 5:30	WC Scholarship Committee
Fri., April 15
10:30 – 11:30	WC Past National Presidents	Roosevelt
1:30 – 4:00	WC Board of Trustees	Washington V
Sat., April 16
8:00 – 10:00	Area Caucus 1-15
10:30 – 2:00	NAHB Joint Executive
2:00 – 5:00	NAHB Board of Directors
Sun., April 17
8:00 – 12:00	NAHB Board of Directors
12:00 – 3:00	WC Regional Trustees	Balcony A

 

Italics – not Women’s Council program

WC Headquarters – Friday, Saturday all day, Sunday 8 – noon

WOMEN IN THE NEWS — Sandy Dunn Elected Vice President/Secretary Of NAHB
Sandy Dunn, a second-generation West Virginia home builder with more than three decades of experience in the home building business, was elected Vice President/Secretary of NAHB during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando. She is the second women in NAHB history to hold this position.

“I'm honored to have been elected by my colleagues to represent the home building industry at the national level. This is a business that employs millions of Americans and has been leading the economic recovery for the past three years. Moreover, a decent home and a suitable living environment is the centerpiece of the American dream. That's why it's essential to keep the housing industry humming in the year ahead,” said Dunn.

Dunn is president of Point Pleasant-based B.J. Builders, Inc., a company founded by her father in 1953 that specializes in single-family, entry-level homes. She joined the firm in 1970 and opened Homestead Realty in 1974, which has since expanded into the largest real estate firm in Mason County, W. Va.

She has held a wide range of leadership positions in home builders associations at the local, state and national level, and has chaired numerous NAHB committees, including the Consumer Affairs Committee, Public Affairs Committee and Resolutions Committee. She also served as an NAHB National Vice President in 1988-89 and 2000-01.

Dunn was president of the Home Builders Association of West Virginia in 1991 and 1992 and served as president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston in 1987. She was named Builder of the Year by her local HBA in 1976. [return to top]

CALL FOR ENTRIES — Women's Council Special Competition
Does your Women's Council have a Web site?
The NAHB Women’s Council wants to have a special page on the Women’s Council section of NAHB.org that links to all local and state Women’s Council Web sites.

In order to get a list of all Women’s Council Web sites that are out there, we’re having a special competition! Don’t miss your chance to win a SPECIAL PRIZE! (prize to be announced)

How to Enter:
Email your Women’s Council’s Web site address to NAHB's Amy Larrabee at: alarrabee@nahb.org

You’ll then be automatically entered to win a special prize as well as receive a write-up in Building Women magazine. Deadline for entries is September 1. [return to top]

BUSINESS TIPS — Customer Service and Systematizing Selections

Take Advantage of National Designation Month — Before It Ends
February is National Designation Month and to celebrate the month The NAHB University of Housing is offering more than 140 classes throughout the month.

The NAHB University of Housing offers more than a dozen professional designations covering industry basics such as business management and marketing techniques, along with specialized courses including aging-in-place programs, property management and more.

Earning a designation allows NAHB members to hone their business skills and convey to their clients that they have superior training, practical experience and in-depth knowledge.

Additionally, designation holders can take advantage of valuable networking opportunities throughout their enrollment by working closely with expert instructors and other professionals both within their field and outside their specific areas of expertise.

To participate in National Designation Month, visit Designation Month Resources on the NAHB Web site. [return to top]

Events of Note
Office Depot’s Success Strategies for Businesswomen 2005 Conference
Feb. 27-March 1
Boca Raton, Fla.
INFO: www.officedepotsuccess.com

Women History Month
MARCH

Women Work! National Conference
April 6-8
Arlington, Va.
INFO: www.womenwork.org

NAHB Green Building Conference
March 13-15
Atlanta, Ga.
INFO: www.nahb.org or 800-368-5242 x8338

NAHB Spring Board of Directors Meeting
April 13-17
Washington, D.C.
INFO: www.nahb.org or 800-368-5242 x8338

NAHB/BALA Design Institute for Builders
June 13-5
Denver, Colo.
INFO: www.nahb.org or 800-368-5242 x8338

Women in Leadership Summit, hosted by Linkage, Inc.
Sept. 19-21
Boston, Mass.
INFO: www.linkageinc.com [return to top]

MEMBER ADVANTAGE — Get GM Discount Pricing on More Than 80 GM Vehicles
GM is offering preferred supplier discount pricing on more than 80 General Motors vehicles, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Saturn, HUMMER (except H1) and Saab passenger cars, light duty trucks, vans and SUVs as part of NAHB’s Member Advantage discount program.

Through the program:

• NAHB members get Preferred Supplier Pricing on all eight GM nameplates.
• NAHB members can realize the benefits of other GM offers in addition to the supplier price.
• NAHB members will receive their authorization codes and program details via direct mail from GM.

For complete details, go to www.gmfleet.com/nahb. The GM Preferred Supplier Pricing program runs through Jan. 3, 2006.