Read Your January Housing News Online!

The January issue of the HBA's monthly magazine, Housing News, can be viewed electronically at your convenience. In this month's issue, see photos from the HBA Christmas Party, meet the new board officers and members, see how many home show points your business has to date and find out how to prevent cold weather injury when working outdoors this time of year. New member applications can be found on page 12. You can download this issue right now by clicking here.

HBA Schedule Planner Online

The HBA of Greater Springfield posts its upcoming schedule of events on a weekly basis to the "members only" Bulleting Blog section of SpringfieldHBA.com. The full HBA calendar is always available online by logging in to SpringfieldHBA.com and clicking "calendar." Or, if you prefer to utilize and/or import the HBA calendar into your own personal calendar using Google Calendars, the HBA of Greater Springfield Calendar can be accessed by clicking here.

Join us for the Holiday Open House on Thursday!

Brad Schrock and his staff at Kitchenland USA invite you to attend the HBA Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 4th, 11 am-2 pm at the HBA office (636 W Republic Rd, #D108). Celebrate the holidays with "the slightly obsessive kitchen people" and the HBA staff.
We hope to see you on Thursday!

Read Your December Housing News

View your December issue of the HBA's Housing News by clicking here. Features this month include photos from the Foundation Auction/Go Kart Races and exclusive research data about our housing market from Zanola Co./MarketGraphics. Review applications for membership and the list of new members on pages 20-21. Check out the activities this month including the December 4 HBA Holiday Open House at the office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Kitchenland USA. Don't miss the Christmas Dinner at Highland Springs Country Club on Tues., December 16.

2009 HBA Event Magazine

Home Builders Association
2009 Event Magazine Advertising
Time to reserve your space in the HBA Annual Event Magazine.
Over 20,000 copies of the Event Magazine are printed every year and are distributed by HBA members as well as given out at all the annuals shows Home Show, Parade of Homes, and the Home Remodeling EXPO. Deadline for all ad materials is November 30, 2008. Payment in full by January 10, 2009. Multiple page reservations may deduct 5% off total. Questions contact Aaron Wahlquist at 889-7232 or e-mail Aaron@HBAmagazine.com or Aaron@justADhumor.com. For dimensions and pricing go to Springfieldhba.com and click member login & publications or Click Here for pricing & online reservations or Click Here to Down Load a PDF file.
Take your photos now while the landscape is green.

Foundation Auction and Races Incredible Success!

The HBA Charitable Foundation's Auction and Go Kart races at Incredible Pizza were a resounding success! Thanks to all those who participated. Many thanks to Meek's - The Builder's Choice, the event sponsor. Thanks also to our Go Kart sponsors: Brookline Doorworks, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtors, Metro Builders Supply, Up-Tyte Construction, Conco and Krueger Mechanical Services. R.L. Bennett, R.L.'s Swimming Pools, was an outstanding live auctioneer! The five top finishers in the Go Kart racing heats were: Brian Welch, Greta Bradley, Ryan Couts, Ed Alden, and Scott Bracy. Ryan was the big winner of the final race. To see the event photo slide show click here.

Join us for a Holiday Open House!

The HBA Holiday Open House, sponsored by your slightly obsessive friends at Kitchenland USA, is set for Thursday, December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come by and see us at the HBA office in Corporate Village, 636 W. Republic Rd., Building D 108. Enjoy some tasty refreshments and get in the holiday mood! Looking forward to seeing you then!

Your November HOUSING NEWS is available online!

The November issue of your HOUSING NEWS is online. To download the document, click here. Highlights this month include details about the HBA's Charitable Foundation Auction & Go Kart Races at Incredible Pizza Company on Nov. 18, photos from the Home Remodeling Expo and the Candidate Night at Southern Materials Co., plus more information about tax incentives in 2009 to encourage energy efficiency related improvements in building and remodeling. You can view new member applications on page 20.

To advertise in the HOUSING NEWS or to submit news releases about your company and "Area of Expertise" articles, (all ways to earn Home Show Points!) email jennifer@springfieldhba.com.

Member Mixer and Meet the Candidates at Southern Materials Company Showroom

Join your fellow HBA members for some "after-hours" fun in Southern Materials' Premier Kohler® Showroom! You'll also have an opportunity to meet and greet area candidates for office in the upcoming general election. Enjoy hot hors d'oeurves and a cash bar in this beautiful showroom -- and you'll have a chance to vote on your favorite featured product! You can pick up your 2008 HBA Membership Directory if you haven't had a chance to do so already.

When: Tuesday, October 21
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Southern Materials Company Showroom, Highway 65 & Division
Cost: $15 per person

RSVP by clicking here

For more information about Southern Materials Company, visit the company's website by clicking here.

Your October Housing News is Available Online

Your October issue of the HBA's monthly publication, Housing News, is available online today! Highlights this month include photos from the Awards Banquet and the CBBT Sporting Clays Tournament, an "area of expertise" article from HBA Member Unique Tile, details about the Member Mixer this month at Southern Materials Company's showroom and the seminar schedule for the HBA Home Remodeling EXPO. You can also review the lists of member applications and new members on pages 20 and 21. Download the document by clicking here.

Fishing Tournament Results

1st – Tom Nave & Bill Dennis (17.98#)

2nd – Jeremy Ray & Roger Mathews (17.24#)

3rd – Todd Eddington & Alan McMillan (14.14#)

4th – Gary Braden & Matt Funderburk (12.10#)

Big Bass – Tom Nave & Bill Dennis (4.96#)

A special thank you to ABC Supply for sponsoring Big Bass!!

Kevin Clingan is 2008 HBA Builder Member of the Year

Kevin Clingan, Kevin Clingan Home Design and Construction, is the 2008 Builder Member of the Year.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from your peers and Kevin has the exclusive distinction of being selected for this award twice,” said Matt Morrow, HBA Executive Officer. “Kevin’s leadership has anchored a shifting local residential construction industry. He's helped this organization focus resources in a way that will ultimately strengthen our industry and individual member companies for the long term. In addition to fulfilling his duties as our Association President, Kevin chairs several committees and participates in nearly every HBA event from Legislative Day to the Fishing Tournaments.”

Other awards announced at the HBA's Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening:

Associate Individual Member of the Year: Tim Havens, Cottage Castle Homes
Havens is an active member of the Association and serves on the Membership Committee. He's been instrumental in advancing strategic recruitment goals by actively educating industry professionals in surrounding counties about the benefits of HBA membership.

Associate Company of the Year: Conco Companies
Conco sponsored and participated in many HBA activities and events in 2008. The company made significant contributions to the St. Jude Dream Home project this year and served as a presenting sponsor for the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow's Sporting Clays Tournament. Conco is also an active member of the newly established Green Building Associates Committee.

Hall of Fame Inductees: Lon Goff and Terry Meek
For 2008, the HBA Past Presidents have selected two individuals for induction into the HBA Hall of Fame – one builder and one associate.
Home Builder Lon Goff
-Served as President of the HBA 1994
-Over the years has served on numerous HBA committees
-Participated in Parade of Homes and Spring Showcase
-Was years ahead of the ‘green building’ curve; initiating Greene County’s first conservation reserve program development ten years ago.
Terry Meek, with Meek’s – The Builder's Choice
-Terry Meek's service in the construction industry is well known.
-His leadership and philanthropy in the community have made the area a better place to live.
-Over the years, Terry and his employees have served on virtually every HBA committee
-Provides industry education and support for builders and remodelors, both through the HBA and independently.
-Most of all, Terry understands the issues that most affect his customers: home builders and remodelers throughout the region.
-He was instrumental in helping establish the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow to help protect builders on many of these issues that affect their businesses, and he has never wavered in his support for the CBBT, year after year.

HBA Ambassador of the Year: Rusty MacLachlan, J. Russell MacLachlan Homes
(HBA members submitted nominations. Member Awards Committee selected the winner).
-An “ambassador” is someone who represents the HBA exceptionally well in outside circles. Whether it be in other organizations, the broader building industry, or publicly, an HBA ambassador is someone who goes above and beyond expectations to share the good news of what the HBA is doing for its members, the industry, and consumers.
-Active member of the HBA Board of Directors at the state and local levels.
-He serves as an effective spokesperson for the industry, in public appearances and in the media.
-He educates potential home buyers on the construction process by serving as the builder expert on KOLR’s “Building the Ozarks” program.
-He is just now completing his second term as president of HBA of Missouri, and has been nominated to take office in January as President of the HBA of Greater Springfield.

HBA Committee Member of the Year, Individual: Chad Connell, Connell Insurance

HBA Committee Member of the Year, Company: Bailey Company

Administrative Support Person of the Year: Julie Sowards, Acme Brick.

Foreman of the Year: Chris Dowdle, R.L.’s Swimming Pools

Manager of the Year: Phillip Clopton, J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes

Most Involved New Member, Individual: Andy Flint, H.A. Construction

Most Involved New Member, Company: Fiberlite Technologies

Supplier of the Year: Springfield Granite-Plus
This award recognizes an HBA member company for outstanding service to builder members and the home building industry in supplying products and materials essential to home building.

Salesperson of the Year: Jon Feldt, JAG Architectural Products
This award recognizes outstanding performance in sales on behalf of an HBA member company.

Education Partner of the Year: HBA Green Building Associates Committee
The Committee gave the Product Showcase Night a new green building focus.

Read Your September Housing News Online!

Read an article or check the calendar before your Housing News arrives in your mailbox. Your September 2008 issue can be viewed online by clicking here.

Tougher Penalties for Metal Theft: New Law Takes Effect Thursday

In 2008 the Missouri state legislature passed, and Governor Matt Blunt signed, legislation increasing penalties against those who steal commodity metals. Metal theft has become a growing problem on residential construction sites as the price of copper and other commodity metals has increased.  For a summary of the bill history and contents, click here.

The new law takes effect on August 28, and it will be spotlighted at an event featuring a bipartisan gathering of legislators who helped push the bill through. Local law enforcement, contractors, utility providers, and citizen crime prevention groups will join Missouri state representatives Shane Schoeller (R-139), Sara Lampe (D-138), Mike Parson (R-133), and Jim Viebrock (R-134) to bring attention to the new law. HBA members and other interested and affected parties also are invited to attend.

WHAT:  Several organizations including local law enforcement, contractors, utilities and citizen crime prevention groups will gather to increase awareness of damages caused by theft of metals for resale and mark August 28, 2008 as the effective date for new state legislation to help fight these crimes.

WHEN:     Thursday, August 28 10:00 a.m. 

WHERE:    Fantastic Caverns 

                       4872 North Farm Road 125

                       Springfield, MO 65803

CONTACT: Kirk Hansen, Public Information Director

                  Fantastic Caverns

                  (417) 833-2010

Upcoming HBA Events

Time to get your calendars out and mark your upcoming HBA events.

September 11: CBBT Sporting Clay Shoot at the Ozark Shooters complex. There will be a morning session and an afternoon session. Cost is $75 per shooter, other sponsorships are available. Eat BBQ and Shoot Stuff. Click here to register

September 16: HBA Member Awards Banquet will be held at the Clarion Hotel, 5:30 P.M. Cost is $25.00. R.S.V.P. Kay@springfieldhba.com

September 17: HBA Fall Fishing Tournament, Tablerock Lake, Mill Creek 7:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. $75.00 Per Boat. Registration click here.

September 18: Bricks & Sticks Kickoff Luncheon for 2009 St Jude Dream Home, 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M., location yet to be determined. R.S.V.P. Kay@springfieldhba.com

September 23: HBA Golf Tournament at Murder Rock Golf Course in Branson. This is a two person scramble. The entry fee is $160, which includes golf, your cart, lunch and non-alcoholic beverage. There will only be an afternoon flight with check in at noon. Registration click here.

FOR LEASE: Small Two-Office Suite in HBA Building

This small (approximately 330 SF), two-office suite has private entrance and adjacency to shared hallways, restrooms, conference rooms and vending. The suite is located in the north wing of the HBA of Greater Springfield office building at 636 W. Republic Road (building D) in Springfield. The space is ideal for a small business in need of administrative space looking for a south side location and predictability in monthly expenses (lease terms are inclusive of utilities, taxes, common area dues, monitored security, etc.).

Inquiries can be made to Matt Morrow, HBA Executive Officer.

View August Housing News Online!

Would you like to take a look at your August Housing News before it arrives in your mailbox? You can view it online by clicking here

HBA Awards Banquet

The HBA Awards Banquet is Scheduled for September 16 at the Clarion Hotel. At this annual event the HBA members receive special recognition for honors such as Builder Member and Associate Members of the Year. Among the other awards announced at the evening's events will be: Administrative Support Person of the Year, Salesperson of the Year, Foreman of the Year, Manager/Supervisor of the Year, and Supplier Company of the Year, and many others.

Awards banquet sponsors for the event include:  

Event Sponsor:  Meek’s – The Builder’s Choice

Social Hour Sponsors:  JAG Architectural Products, Great Southern Bank, and Springfield News-Leader

Table Top Sponsors: City of Springfield Building Development Services, Beaman Electric, Pella Windows, ADsmith Communications, Millstone Homes, Brookline Doorworks, Springfield Business Journal, OakStar Bank, Wickman’s Garden, Citywide Construction Products, Wildcat Materials, Ozark Mountain Granite, and Peoples Bank

HBA Directories at Southern Materials

HOT OFF THE PRESS!  HBA Membership Directories are now available at Southern Materials Company's Showroom (see video below). Southern Materials is the distribution sponsor for the HBA’s 2008-2009 Membership Directory. The Membership Directory is a coil bound publication listing the HBA’s members and their pertinent contact information, as well as a cross-reference index of members by category of products, services and work-types.

Conveniently located at Highway 65 and Division in Springfield, Missouri, Southern Materials is the only Registered Premier Kohler® and Kallista® Showroom in the Ozarks. For more information regarding location and hours, visit www.SouthernMaterials.com or call Gabrielle Duda, SMC Director of Marketing, 417.866.2467, ext. 204 or send email, click here.

St. Jude Dream Home Donors Input Needed

Did you donate labor, materials, money (or all of the above) to support the 2008 St. Jude Dream Home? With the 2008 St. Jude’s Dream Home Project now complete, the Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation wants to again thank you for your outstanding and generous support of this effort. Your efforts led to another hugely successful project. This year more than $500,000 was raised for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by the HBACF's Dream Home project, thanks to your generous sacrifices. In an ongoing effort to make this project better each year, the HBA Charitable Foundation Board is asking donors to the 2008 project to take a moment to complete a brief evaluation survey. Please help us by completing the survey by CLICKING HERE.

HBA Member Award Nominees Due TODAY!

Time is running out to nominate individuals and companies for HBA Awards! The deadline is today (July 11th) to turn in completed nomination forms for Administrative Support Person of the Year, Salesperson of the Year, Foreman of the Year, Manager/Supervisor of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

Recognizing the accomplishments of our members and their contribution to the success of the Home Builders Association is an important part of fulfilling our mission and we can only do this if you nominate individuals and companies for these special awards. All nominees will be recognized at the September 16th Awards Banquet.

There are four categories of employee awards to recognize extraordinary service. If you believe you have an exceptional employee, nominate him or her for one of the following awards (click on the links below to easily submit a nomination online):

Administrative Support Person of the Year

Salesperson of the Year

Foreman of the Year

Manager/Supervisor of the Year

Suppliers, while not employees, also play an important role in making your business a success. Please consider nominating your favorite supplier for the Supplier Company of the Year (click to nominate online). This award is a great way to recognize the contribution great suppliers make in helping you serve your customers.

To make a nomination online, just click on the award you wish to nominate (above), complete the nomination form, and click "submit" no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 11, 2008. Or, if you prefer, written nomination forms can be returned (no later than 4:30pm on July 11, 2008) to Charlyce Ruth at The HBA of Greater Springfield, 636 W. Republic Rd, D108 Springfield, MO 65807, fax 881-7334. Or e-mail cruth@springfieldhba.com.

This is an exceptional opportunity to recognize individuals who are providing exceptional service to their employers and their customers. Please utilize this opportunity to nominate a person and/or company that has made a difference for you over the last year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the HBA.

HBA Award Nominees Due FRIDAY!

Time is running out to nominate individuals and companies for HBA Awards! The deadline is this Friday (July 11th) to turn in completed nomination forms for Administrative Support Person of the Year, Salesperson of the Year, Foreman of the Year, Manager/Supervisor of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

Recognizing the accomplishments of our members and their contribution to the success of the Home Builders Association is an important part of fulfilling our mission and we can only do this if you nominate individuals and companies for these special awards. All nominees will be recognized at the September 16th Awards Banquet.

There are four categories of employee awards to recognize extraordinary service. If you believe you have an exceptional employee, nominate him or her for one of the following awards (click on the links below to easily submit a nomination online):

Administrative Support Person of the Year

Salesperson of the Year

Foreman of the Year

Manager/Supervisor of the Year

Suppliers, while not employees, also play an important role in making your business a success. Please consider nominating your favorite supplier for the Supplier Company of the Year (click to nominate online). This award is a great way to recognize the contribution great suppliers make in helping you serve your customers.

To make a nomination online, just click on the award you wish to nominate (above), complete the nomination form, and click "submit" no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 11, 2008. Or, if you prefer, written nomination forms can be returned (no later than 4:30pm on July 11, 2008) to Charlyce Ruth at The HBA of Greater Springfield, 636 W. Republic Rd, D108 Springfield, MO 65807, fax 881-7334. Or e-mail cruth@springfieldhba.com.

This is an exceptional opportunity to recognize individuals who are providing exceptional service to their employers and their customers. Please utilize this opportunity to nominate a person and/or company that has made a difference for you over the last year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the HBA.

Are Market Perceptions Costing You Sales?

Builderradio.com recently interviewed Paul Montelongo, author of the new e-book: The Real Secrets of Selling New Homes in a Down Market - or Any Market, for that Matter!  Montelongo helps identify what changes in the housing market can be attributed to actual economic factors and market conditions, and which changes are more a matter of perception. He also helps identify practical methods for competing in this changing marketplace. Read a summary of the interview and/or listen to the podcast of the interview itself by CLICKING HERE.

2008 HBA Bowl*A*Rama Results

The HBA Charitable Foundation would like to thank everyone that participated in last night’s Bowl*A*Rama. All funds raised go to the Charitable Foundation to help support scholarships and other activities.

We had our highest turnout ever – 35 teams and lots of cheerleaders. We only give two prizes – “Best Dressed Team” and “Lowest Team Score”. This year’s winners were:

“Best Dressed Team” – Interior Fashions (Jane Paul, A.G. Paul, Janell Manley and Gary Sanders)

“Lowest Team Score” – Caldwell Construction (Kendall Headley, Tish Davis, George Davis and Kirsten Davis)

Special congratulations to Harry with Meek’s Design Center for bowling a 239, 256 and 239 for a total of 734 – the highest individual series of the night. We would also like to recognize the following bowlers for games over 200 – Stu with Stenger Homes (201), Kreston with Best Buy (211, 212), Gene with Meek’s Lumber (247, 222, 221) and Bryan with Tidwell Construction (210).

Thank you to everyone that participated and see you next year!!

Complete results for the night are as follows:

Score Team
976 Caldwell Construction
1021 Metro Builders Supply
1039 Missouri Insulation
1039 National Home Products
1155 Bygone Hardware
1180 Jim Murphy & Sons
1187 Caldwell Construction
1219 American Glass
1249 Adsmith Communications
1296 Metro Builders Supply
1302 Interior Designs
1314 SCS Home Entertainment
1325 Jim Murphy & Sons
1329 O.T.C.
1343 Ozborn Homes
1377 Ozark Mountain Granite
1382 Up-Tyte Construction
1395 JAG Architectural Products
1428 Edge Supply
1443 Southern Materials
1457 Meek's Wholesale Supply
1464 Stenger Homes
1465 The Overhead Door Co of Springfield
1489 Stenger Homes
1498 Murney Associates
1516 The Screenmobile
1534 Acme Brick
1538 Beaman Electric
1540 Dakota Cabinets
1588 Best Buy
1599 Tidwell Construction
1783 Great Southern Bank
1915 Meek's Design Center
1924 Meek's Lumber

Membership Directories at Southern Materials Company

Southern Materials Company is the distribution sponsor for the HBA’s 2008-2009 Membership Directory. Directories are available at Southern Materials’ Showroom beginning in June. The Membership Directory is a coil bound publication listing the HBA’s members and their pertinent contact information, as well as a cross-reference index of members by category of products, services and work-types.

Conveniently located at Highway 65 and Division in Springfield, Missouri, Southern Materials is the only Registered Premier Kohler® and Kallista® Showroom in the Ozarks. For more information regarding location and hours, visit www.SouthernMaterials.com or call Gabrielle Duda, SMC Director of Marketing, 417.866.2467, ext. 204 or send email, click here.

HBA Spring Golfers Have NO SHAME!

The 2008 HBA Spring Golf Tournament (AWARD RESULTS CLICK HERE) was held Tuesday, June 3 at Silo Ridge Golf Course in Bolivar, Missouri. Golfers especially enjoyed the "skirt hole." For $5, they could tee off from the ladies' tees (100 yard advantage). One catch: Golfers who opted in were required to don a ridiculous pink skirt for their drive! Our golfers showed no shame, as you can see in the TWO slideshows below. To capture a picture, simply click on it and follow the instructions. Or, to browse all the tourney pictures, CLICK HERE.  Enjoy!

HBA Comprehensive Local Market Research Campaign Released to Members

The local residential construction market in 2007 was a moving target for builders. In 2008, challenges for local home builders will continue in our shifting market. While considerable national research has been conducted regarding consumer confidence, home buying trends, and home building niches, precious little local research is available. Of course, every local housing market is unique, with its own distinctive characteristics and dynamics. Therefore, the HBA of Greater Springfield board of directors has determined that original, local market research can provide our members with considerably more insight than anything that is currently available.

 

To help HBA members navigate the new local housing marketplace, the HBA of Greater Springfield in 2008 commissioned extensive quantitative (polling, surveys, etc.) and qualitative (focus groups) research of the local housing market. Results of this research are available to all HBA members, who can in turn use it to help them make wise business decisions in today’s Ozarks housing market.

 

An aggressive research schedule was set for early 2008. Two public opinion polls and a series of four market segment focus groups were conducted within the first six weeks of the year. At the conclusion of the research, HBA members were invited to attend a presentation of the highlights of the findings. Comprehensive written summaries of the polls and focus groups, and downloadable videos are available to HBA members only at www.springfieldhba.com. 

Dowload the pdf overview of the research project's findings. 

To read and review polling results and focus group reports, click here.

To watch Quicktime videos of the four focus groups, click here.