CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association August 2011|Volume 24|Number 8
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: Say 'Thanks' to an Associate 8 Houston Green Building
Associates are our suppliers, contractors, vendors, consultants and service providers—and they are the backbone of the organization.
Last year alone, sales of green homes nationwide accounted for 16 percent of the $100 billion homebuilding industry, up from 2 percent in 2006. The economic downturn has also heightened interest in green homes, as many of those features provide a new home with a competitive edge over resale.
10 Don't Over-Commit to Low-Return Investments as You Save for Retirement
The financial crisis triggered a rush by many investors to build up an emergency cash reserve. How much of your retirement savings is tied up in bank CDs and savings accounts and money market funds, despite very low short-term interest rates?
12 Economic Mid Year Forecast Highlights
Dr. Ray Perryman, president of the economic and financial analysis firm with Perryman Group, spoke to the approximately 560 guests at the annual GHBA Mid Year Forecast Luncheon. Read on for key points made concerning the economy both nationally and locally.
14 Benefit Homes Update 19 Wanna Stand Out?
Newmark Homes and GHBA recently hosted a vendor appreciation luncheon at Towne Lake's Welcome Center. Thanks to our members' generosity, the home was finished out with $97,000 worth of upgrades at no additional cost to the buyer.
Promote your products and services in creative ways with GHBA.
20 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News 30 GHBA Report Card
HomeAid supporters recognized at Mid Year Forecast Luncheon.
We're working hard for you, our members. Find out what we've been up to for the last three months.
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
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 22 People & Projects 24 Sustaining Associate Members 28 Education Calendar 32 New Members & Renewals 32 New Member Profiles 33 HOME-PAC Roster 38 Associate Council 39 Custom Builders Council 39 Montgomery County Division 40 Bay Area Builders Association 42 Sales & Marketing Council 42 Housing Activity Survey 43 Multi-Family Council 43 Remodelors Council 44 CEO's Final Thought 47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 11 Product Expo 16 Houston's Best Call for Entries 23 Sunbelt Builders Show 27 BBQ & Wild Game Cookoff
Photo Album 41 BABA Networking Event at Mainland Custom Marble
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 | AUGUST 2011 3
ON THE COVER
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