CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association April 2011|Volume 24|Number 4
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: Let's Get Green
With the strong movement towards 'building green,' GHBA has launched an exemplary voluntary green program. Find out how you can get involved.
8 Government Affairs Update: Rally Day 2011
Nearly 200 GHBA members gathered at the steps of the State Capitol to speak face to face with legislators on the issues affecting our fragile building industry.
12 Building Homes Faster Can Get More Mileage Out of Limited Capital 17 Realtors Corner: Houston Celebrates 2% Drop in Sales 18 Benefit Homes Update
Custom builders can move out of survival mode and position their companies for long-term prosperity by examining cycle time and efficiency.
Don't let the title fool you; this is a good thing! Find out why this MLS statistic bodes well for the Houston market.
Towne Lake community is the perfect backdrop for Newmark Homes' Woodhaven Plan, constructed for the 2011 Benefit Homes Project.
20 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News 24 OSHA and Your Mother-in-Law
25 The Art of Exhibiting Trendmaker joins HomeAid and the Houston Astros on Project Playhouse.
Effective June 16, 2011, the fall protection standards found in Subpart M of 29 CFR 1926 will be enforced by OSHA on all construction jobsites. Find out how this affects you, and how to protect your business from citations and fines.
Planning to exhibit in the New Home & Remodeling Show (or any trade show for that matter)? Learn all you need to know about being successful in "show business."
26 New, Exclusive Member Benefits Available Through Colonial Life
Help your employees better protect themselves and their family members from life’s unexpected turns. Colonial is providing exclusive benefits to association members on both account eligibility size, improved industry rating for disability rates, and guaranteed issue exceptions on certain plans.
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
Pictured, the Texas State Capitol. On February 23, about 200 GHBA members and the entire Texas Association of Builders delegation, gathered on the Capitol steps for Rally Day. Members met face to face with legislators to discuss key industry issues ranging from immigration to appraisals. See pg. 8 for details and photo highlights.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 22 People & Projects 27 HOME-PAC Roster 28 Education Calendar 32 New Members & Renewals 34 New Member Profiles 36 Bay Area Builders Association 37 Custom Builders Council 38 Associate Council 40 Montgomery County Division 40 MultiFamily Council 41 Remodelors Council 42 Sales & Marketing Council 42 Housing Activity Survey 44 Sustaining Associate Members 47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 15 HomeAid Houston Golf Tourney 14 Product Expo 19 Houston's Best Call for Entries 25 New Home & Remodeling Show 33 GHBA 2011 Membership Drive
Photo Album 8 Rally Day 2011 16 Chili & Salsa Cook-off
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 | APRIL 2011 3
ON THE COVER
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