CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association December 2010|Volume 23|Number 12
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: Benefit Homes Celebrates 30 Years of Giving 8 Government Affairs Update: November Election Wrap-up
12 "I See Your Name Everywhere!" 14 Benefit Homes Update
Two of three Benefit Homes have sold this year, with a record amount being donated to our three charity beneficiaries. Congratulations to our donors, whose involvement reflects the generous nature of Houston’s homebuilding industry.
Now that the battles on the campaign trail have come to a close, elected officials have begun filing bills for the already contentious 82nd Legislative Session that will begin January 11. The issues that will more than likely be under heated debate include redistricting and the budget.
Tips to grow your business by building good media relations.
Westin Homes and GHBA host vendor luncheon to celebrate the fundraising efforts of our generous donors, along with the sale of Westin's Benefit Home.
17 NAHB Needs Associates and Builders with AD&C Issues
Media outreach is a key part of NAHB's ongoing efforts to show that the AD&C lending situation continues to critically obstruct the recovery of the housing industry and the overall economy. Builders and associates who have been affected are encouraged to contact NAHB.
18 Industry Marketing Experts Create Free Resource for Builders 22 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News 24 The Builder/Broker Connection
When markets get tough, most often the pathway toward renewed profitability for home builders lies not in building skills or management techniques, but in marketing and sales prowess.
HomeAid Houston dedicates Project Independence, headed by the Remodelors Council, and Montgomery County Youth Services, captained by the Montgomery County Builders and Developers Division.
Is your agent taking advantage of all possible ways to market your properties?
26 Your Ticket to Success... Hire the Right People! 46 Happy 70th Anniversary, GHBA!
Finding the right fit for the job and for the company.
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
Village Builders presented a check totaling $187,193.61 to the three GHBA Benefit Homes charities after the sale of their Benefit Home in Oakhurst at Kingwood. The check presentation was held at the GHBA board of directors November meeting. GHBA staff and guests were also on-hand to share in the presentation. See page 14.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 20 People & Projects 25 Education Calendar 31 HOME-PAC Roster 32 New Members & Renewals 33 New Member Profiles 36 Montgomery County Division 38 Bay Area Builders Association 39 Custom Builders Council 39 MultiFamily Council 40 Remodelors Council 41 Associate Council 42 Sales & Marketing Council 42 Housing Activity Survey 44 Sustaining Associate Members 46 CEO's Final Thought 47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 18 International Builders Show 19 Forecast Luncheon 2011 25 New Home & Remodeling Show 27 Rally Day 29 Lead-Safe Certified Courses 30 70th Anniversary Extravaganza
Photo Album 37 Montgomery Co. Fall Networking 43 SMC 2010 Event Highlights
Advertising/Editorial Information: Contact Brittany Feldmann at (832) 215-7232 or
bfeldmann@ghba.org. Houston Builder encourages members to submit articles for publication. Articles should relate to members and to the homebuilding industry. For questions or to submit a letter to the editor, email
bfeldmann@ghba.org.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | DECEMBER 2010 3
ON THE COVER
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