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