CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association March 2015|Volume 28|Number 3
FEATURES 10 President’s Message:
Young Professionals Bring Influence & Energy to the Association The association’s newest committee, the Young Professionals, is dedicated to cultivating talent and showing our young members how important they are to the longevity and relevance of the association. The mission of YP is to create opportunities for education, “high impact networking,” career growth, and philanthropy for young GHBA members.
12 Government Affairs: GHBA’s Legislative Priorities for the 84th Session
A flurry of activity has happened since the 84th Texas Legislature convened on January 13. GHBA’s legislative priorities include increased transportation funding; supporting a statewide energy code adoption and amendment process; protecting private property rights; increasing access to home building career education; and educating legislators on the critical role MUDs play in the industry.
16 “Of the Year” Winners Honored
The GHBA recently announced the 2014 “Of the Year Awards” for Volume Builder, Custom Builder, Developer, Remodeler, Young Professional, and the Bud Inscho Associate of the Year award at the 74th Anniversary celebration. The event also featured the installation ceremony for GHBA President Kevin Frankel and the 2015 board of directors and officers.
20 Tax Reformless
Dr. Elliot Eisenberg discusses the stagnation in tax reform. Everyone claims they want a simpler tax code with lower rates and bereft of deductions, loopholes and credits. So why don’t we have it?
22 “Take a Minute” for HomeAid Houston News
Highland Homes, the builder of the 2015 Project Playhouse, has created a playhouse theme that gives new meaning to the word “countrified.” Highland and HomeAid Houston recently revealed the new playhouse theme “Highland Hill Country Playhouse,” a rustic retreat for kids of all ages.
28 Benefit Homes Project: A Home for Good
Bridgeland, a GHBA ‘Master Planned Development of the Year’ award winner, is not only committed to enhancing the lives of homebuyers with their growing list of amenities, they are also committed to enhancing the lives of the less fortunate through contributions to GHBA’s annual fundraiser, the Benefit Homes Project.
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, professional development, and valuable services to its members and the homebuilding industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
Since 1996, more than 7,500 homebuilders in Texas and across the country have trusted the risk management experts at StrucSure Home Warranty for their new home warranty and insurance needs. Pictured on the cover is D’Ann Brown, StrucSure’s Vice President of Sales in South Texas and the 2014 GHBA Associate of the Year. See more on page 13
Departments 10 President’s Message 12 Government Affairs 14 HOME-PAC Roster 26 Education Calendar 30 New Members & Renewals 34 Custom Builders Council 36 Montgomery County Division 37 Remodelers Council 38 Sales & Marketing Council 40 Bay Area Builders Association 42 Associate Council 43 GHBA Partners / SAMs 44 Officers & Leadership 45 Calendar of Events 45 The Network
Upcoming Events 21 Spring Golf Tournament 29 HomeAid Charity Golf Tournament 35 Volume Builders Top Golf Event 39 SMC Battle of the Builders 40 BABA Fishing Tournament
ON THE COVER
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.
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