CU Offers Green Building Rebate Program

At its November meeting, the HBA's Green Building Committee discussed City Utilities' new Green Building Rebate. City Utilities residential single-family or multi-family electric and/or natural gas customers, building an ENERGY STAR qualified home and receiving a nationally recognized Green Building Certification (including the NAHB's green building certification,) may be eligible to receive a $200 rebate. For more information, you can download the rebate brochure from CU by clicking here.

In related Green Building Certification news, it appears another third-party verifier for NAHB Green Homes will soon be working in our area. Currently, Meek’s can provide third-party verification for projects which do not utilize products supplied by the company, in accordance with NAHB rules. HBA staff recently visited with an energy auditor working in our area that has taken the NAHB training/test to become an official verifier.

Sam Bradley, HBA Green Building Committee Chairman, announced that builder member Jason Bekebrede will serve as the new Vice-Chairman of the Committee. In other committee news, a sub-committee was formed to work on putting together some “green” classes for the committee. The “green” classes will focus on different green products available for builders and remodelers to use during construction. If you have questions related to this report or the Green Building Committee, please contact Carrie Smith at the HBA.

NAHB to Shut Down Operations –Thanksgiving Week (November 23-27)

As a cost savings measure, the National Association of Home Builders will be closed for business for eight days in 2009. Under the plan, NAHB shut down its operations for the final week of August and will shut down the three days prior to the Thanksgiving holiday (November 23, 24 and 25). In addition, all staff compensation has been cut by a commensurate amount. NAHB CEO Jerry Howard reported to the NAHB Board of Directors in May that “this shutdown plan, along with other cost-cutting measures already adopted, is being implemented to help the Association save millions of dollars.”

During this shut down, NAHB staff will not be in the office or generally available via phone or e-mail. Staff will respond to messages received during the closure when they return to the office. Should you have a question or concern, during this time period and are uncertain as to where it should be directed, you can review the NAHB Subject and Staff Directories at: www.nahb.org/contact, or leave a message with the NAHB Service Center via phone or e-mail at: 800/368-5242 ext 0 or info@nahb.org. You will receive a response when normal business operations are resumed.

The flexibility of the NAHB membership is appreciated during this challenging time period.

Membership Matters - New Applications, Members and Renewals

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR NOVEMBER:
The board will vote on membership when all information is received, if no contest is filed.

Lathrop & Gage
Randell Wallace, Attorney
1845 S. National Ave., Springfield MO 65804
417.877.5901
Sponsor: Kevin Clingan

Centennial Brick & Stone
Craig Winegar, Manufactured Stone Retailer
PO Box 2057, Nixa MO 65714
417.459.7579
Sponsor: Jason Stewart

Decorating Den Interiors
Nola Shivers, Interior Design
1310 N. Kelly Ave., Nixa MO
417.724.9400
Sponsor: Sam Bradley


NEW MEMBERS:
Farr Better Plumbing, Inc.
Tim Farr, Plumbing Contractor
PO Box 480, Brookline MO 65619
417.864.8703
Sponsor: Lindell Campbell


RENEWALS:
Aaron's Fireplace Co.
Advanced Welding & Ornamental Iron
Allen Stairways
Atlas Security
BKD, LLP
C&R Metalworks
Eoff & Associates
Four Seasons Homes
Haynes Equipment Co., Inc.
Johnny on the Spot
KY3, Inc.
Lincoln Land Title
Missouri Insulation & Supply, Inc.
Monticello Homes & Development
News-Leader
Ozark Fence and Supply Co., Inc.
Signs Now
Superior Exteriors
Superior Interiors, Inc.
Wagner Interior Supply
Weber Home & Land, LLC
Whitaker Building Company
White River Hardwoods

CANCELLATIONS:
Bank of Bolivar
ABC Construction, Inc.
Comfort of Home Lighting
Prestige Millwork

Get Exclusive Insider Peek at LOCAL Housing Forecast Data & Analysis Thursday and Friday

Did you miss the HBA's construction forecast event on October 20? Or, did you attend and leave wishing you could dig a little deeper into the unprecedented volume of data that is now available through MarketGraphics Research Group? This week could be your opportunity. Joe Zanola will be back in Springfield this week (November 19 & 20) to follow up individually with HBA member companies who had more detailed questions or who have indicated an interest in subscribing to the full MarketGraphics research package, analysis and forecasts.

In a move to help stabalize the local appraisal, lending and construction environment and to provide (for the first time) a detailed and accurate picture of the current and near future state of the local residential construction economy, The HBA of Greater Springfield recently negotiated terms to make MarketGraphics Research available in this market.

HBA members, by virtue of their membership, have access to this data by way of six summary market update reports they will receive, and on-site access to HBA library copies of the full MarketGraphics data report (issued three times per year). It is anticipated that, for certain HBA members, a more complete and detailed account and analysis will be required to meet their business needs. For these members, individual subscription options are available to receive MarketGraphics data and analysis. Scheduled appointments for Zanola's two-day visit are limited, but a few still remain. To schedule an appointment for Thursday, November 19 or Friday, November 20, e-mail HBA CEO Matt Morrow.

Springfield BDS Director Nick Heatherly Announces Retirement

The following news release was issued by the City of Springfield's Public Information Office late Monday, November 9:

BDS DIRECTOR HEATHERLY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

City of Springfield Building Development Services Director Nick Heatherly has announced his intention to retire effective Jan. 29, 2010.

Heatherly has worked for the City for more than 23 years in the Building Development Services and Public Works departments. He was named Director of Building Development Services in 2000. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Director of Public Works, Superintendent of General Services, and Technical Assistant to the Director of Public Works.

While working in Public Works, Heatherly oversaw the extensive renovation to convert the former Jewell Station Post Office into what is now the Busch Municipal Building, the central offices for Springfield’s city government. He also coordinated the public streets, sewer and stormwater infrastructure for the Partnership Industrial Center East project.

During his tenure as BDS director, the City implemented stronger ordinances applying to dangerous and boarded-up buildings, particularly in residential neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to enforce improvements of the buildings or the City may acquire them to put the houses or lots back into productive use and preserve neighborhoods.

A Navy veteran, Heatherly returned to the Ozarks after receiving his honorable discharge and attended the University of Missouri-Rolla where he received his degree in civil engineering. He is a graduate of Glendale High School.

City Manager Greg Burris said an interim appointment will be named before Heatherly retires.

“We are very proud of Nick and his legacy will be the outstanding job he did during his time in Public Works in restoring new life into this venerable 1930s building that will serve the City of Springfield for many, many years to come,” Burris said. “As BDS director, Nick has been steadfast in his commitment to the life-safety principles that guide the City’s primary role in both new development and renovation.”

The Building Development Services Department works to assure the health, safety and welfare of the community by implementing and monitoring city, state and federal building codes. It also licenses four trades: electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical. BDS works with businesses, homeowners, landlords, tenants, contractors and developers.