March Housing News is here! View it online

Your March issue of the Housing News can be downloaded and viewed electronically by clicking here. Inside this month's issue: President Rusty MacLachlan recaps the most successful Legislative Day Trip ever for our organization; learn more about your fellow HBA members in TAKE 5 Profiles of Unique Tile and Wood Re New & Tile Too; Remodelors™ Council Chairman Andy Flint warns against "shooting from the hip" when making an estimate.

This month's membership meeting should be a blast -- have lunch with us at Metro Builders Supply on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

New Member Applications to be considered this month:

Heritage Hardwood Floors of Southwest MO
Hardwood Flooring Doug Beairsto
636 W. Republic Rd., Springfield MO 65807
417.839.6540 SPONSOR: JOHN LAMBERT

Norman's Handcrafted Furniture
Handcrafted Furniture Mark Hicks
1781 W. Clay, Ozark MO 65721
417.581.7826 SPONSOR: CHRIS MCGARRAUGH

Bass Print Solutions
Printing Company Brian Bass
2835 N. Ingram Mill, Springfield MO 65804
417.866.4929 SPONSOR: AARON WAHLQUIST

Home Services Lending
Mortgage Lending Kitty Carstens
3600 S. National, Springfield MO 65807
515.669.4713 SPONSOR: JIM BOLIN

Trimworks Lawncare & Irrigation
Landscaping & Lawn Jon Thurman
3328 E. Linwood, Springfield MO 65804
417.840.0282 SPONSOR: KENNY BUSSELL

The Board will vote on membership when all information is received, if no contest is filed.

Builders & Remodelers - Join us for breakfast on March 6

Hot breakfast, hot coffee and hot topics!

Builder and Remodeler Members: The HBA Membership Committee invites you to a free breakfast at the HBA offices on Friday, March 6 at 7:30 AM.

Some of the HBA's Ambassadors (our past presidents) will be present to answer your questions about today's housing market, including the potential impact of new tax incentives, stimulus provisions, as well as other federal, state and local issues in which you are interested.

Also, the National Association of Home Builders is offering a free consultation to builders and remodelers which is a benefit to you that will be discussed in more detail.

Please join us - RSVP attendance by clicking here to help us with the food count.

Largest Group Ever for HBA Legislative Day!

The HBA of Greater Springfield brought its largest group ever to Jefferson City to meet with elected officials in the state Capitol building for HBA of Missouri Legislative Day. "Our group was the largest from any affiliate in the state," said Executive Officer Matt Morrow, "including a record 23 builder members." There were also 17 associates/staff members that rode the bus to Jefferson City to advocate for policies that will stimulate residential construction in the state.

Throughout the day, the group met with area representatives and senators as well as the House Speaker Ron Richard of Joplin. "To have an opportunity to speak directly to the person that basically sets the legislative agenda for the entire state was truly an honor," said Rusty MacLachlan, HBA of Greater Springfield President. "We also had an opportunity to sit down with officials in the Attorney General's office to discuss improving enforcement of the state's workers' compensation statutes related to the construction industry." Download a copy of the HBA of Greater Springfield's Legislative & Policy Agenda by clicking here.

"When our legislators hear directly from the home builders and remodelers, it sends a powerful message," said Morrow. "We are fortunate to have an area legislative delegation that listens and appreciates the economic impact of our industry. It is also encouraging to hear a House Speaker that wants to see small business thrive and who is committed to keeping government from becoming an obstacle to economic development."

Thank you to our sponsors who made the trip possible this year including:

Luncheon Sponsor - MEEK'S - THE BUILDER'S CHOICE

Transportation Sponsor - BEAMAN ELECTRIC

Registration Sponsors -

Connell Insurance

Dyke Lumber

justADhumor

National Home Products

Sam Bradley Homes

Supporting Sponsors-

ABC Seamless Siding & Windows

ADT Security Systems

Aaron's Fireplace Co.

Acme Brick Co.

ADsmith Communications

Advanced Metal Fabricators

Advanced Welding & Ornamental Iron

All Glass, LLC

American Detection Specialists, Inc.

American Glass

Arvest Bank

City Wide Construction Products

Continental Title Company
Dakota Cabinet Co.

Great American Title

Insul-Tech Spray Foam, LLC

Interactive Home Systems

Millstone Custom Homes

Springfield has Largest HBA Group in the State

Spring on Over to Metro Builders Supply for March Membership Meeting!

The March membership meeting promises something a bit out of the ordinary for HBA members. Join us at Metro Builders Supply's for lunch on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m. Stop by for some BBQ, networking with fellow members and a chance to see what's new at Metro.

March Membership Meeting

Metro Builders Supply

3252 N. Glenstone in Springfield

Tuesday, March 17

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

$10 per person

RSVP by clicking here

Sponsored by Metro Builders Supply