Bosch announcement means more jobs for Greenville County

Bosch Rexroth Corp. announced plans today to expand its existing hydraulics manufacturing operations in Greenville County. The $80 million investment should generate 160 new jobs over the next five years, according to the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC). Click here to read the entire article in GSA Business.

Greenville homebuilders show appreciation for local Wounded Warrior

Each year, the Home Builders Association of Greenville holds an Associate Appreciation Night to thank companies and individuals that support the business of homebuilding. From bankers to brick masons, the Home Builders Association of Greenville is your source for finding builders, remodelers, specialty contractors, manufacturers, financial and insurance professionals, realtors, and many others who offer products and services for homeowners and first-time homebuyers.

This year’s Associate Appreciation Night was even more special as we were able to thank a local veteran for his service to our country with an exciting gift. As homebuilders, our passion is to provide people with the American Dream of homeownership. Without the service of those like Marine Sgt. Michael Batton of Mauldin, SC, attaining that dream could never happen.

In September of 2006, Michael was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq where he served as a headquarters platoon sergeant. During a mortar attack in December of that year, Michael sustained a traumatic brain injury, and was medivaced to Germany. Michael was granted permanent military retirement in April of 2011 and presently lives in Mauldin with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Jenna and Tyler.

In conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project, the Home Builders Association of Greenville is providing the Batton family with a kitchen remodel as our way of saying thank you for everything Michael and his family have sacrificed for our country. We are hopeful the kitchen makeover will give the Battons an inviting space to create many fond family memories.

Several members of the Home Builders Association of Greenville will team up for the Batton kitchen remodel to be completed by the New Year. Those HBA members are:

Dillard-Jones Renovations, LLC
Builders First Source
GBS Building Supply
Progress Lighting
Sherwin Williams
Oldcastle Surfaces
Greer Flooring Center
Gateway Supply Company
The Cook’s Station

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when several veterans and friends - moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq - took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life. The program seeks to: raise awareness and enlist public aid for the needs of injured service members; help injured service members aid and assist each other; and provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

The Home Builders Association of Greenville is excited to be a part of this worthwhile project and encourages you to take a look at how you might get involved this holiday season by visiting www.WoundedWarriorProject.org.

Advice to builders: Don't hold back when providing information to appraisers

Homebuilders should demand that lenders use qualified, designated appraisers who are experienced in their local area, and who understand new construction and green building values, according to a new NAHB document offering helpful advice on how homebuilders can obtain more accurate appraisals. Among other tips, the two-page document from NAHB advises builders to meet with the appraiser on the actual home site and to provide direct support for the price with whatever relevant information is available. Click here to read the article in Nation's Building News that includes tips for obtaining more accurate appraisals.

Nov. 10: HBA of Greenville Annual Meeting will feature Rob Leinbach, CEO, Walton International

HBA of Greenville's Annual Meeting and Associate Appreciation Night will be held Thursday, November 10, at TD Convention Center.

The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner featuring Anderson native Rob Leinbach, CEO of Seatlle-based Walton International. Rob will speak on 'Trends in Real Estate Development'. 

HBA associate members may attend the meeting at no charge, compliments of builder members Addison Homes LLC, Advanced Renovations, Dillard-Jones Builders LLC, Hollison Custom Homes, Quinn Satterfield Inc., and Sadler Company. 

The meeting will include election of 2012 HBA of Greenville officers and directors and recognition of Spike members and volunteers. The meeting also features a special presentation to honor a wounded warrior on Veterans Day.  

Click here to RSVP for the Annual Meeting and Associate Appreciation Night.

Mayors in Simpsonville, Mauldin defeated

Mayor Dennis Waldrop of Simpsonville and Mayor Don Godbey of Mauldin were both defeated in yesterday's elections.  Both defeats were decisive.  Dennis Waldrop is a Past President of the association.

The Mayor Elect of Mauldin is Dennis Raines, Administrator of First Baptist Church of Mauldin.

Perry Eichor, who received 47 percent of the vote in yesterday's election, will face Tammy Bagwell in a run off election on November 22 for Mayor of Simpsonville.  Eichor is a retired law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force captain.  Bagwell is a mortgage originator and former Simpsonville City Councilwoman.

Top 10 ways to use video to sell new homes

You’ve seen the stats -- online video can be a powerful way to capture consumer attention and keep online visitors engaged. In fact, according to comScore, last month over 85% of the US Internet audience viewed online video. Here are some ideas that you can use to make video work for your business.

1. Build Trust: Video is a great way to put a face on your company and show potential new homebuyers all the reasons you would be the perfect partner to help make their dreams come true. Use video to showcase your experience and let your executives speak directly to consumers.
2. Build Confidence: Today’s homebuyers need to know that buying a new home is possible. Video can help spread the message about available financing options, and also provide encouragement from outside sources.
3. Differentiate: Chances are, your potential homebuyers are considering several builders in the area. What makes you different? Video is the perfect way to show all the reasons that your company stands out.
4. Display Products: Video is a great way to help potential new home buyers visualize themselves in your homes, living in your communities, using amenities, etc...
5. Path To Action: Give new homebuyers a visual, step-by-step look at what they can expect from the home buying process.
6. Special initiative or Campaign: Video can help draw attention to a special campaign or incentive that you are promoting. As you are creating your marketing plans for these initiatives, be sure to consider how video can fit into the mix.
7. Testimonials: There is nothing more powerful than hearing a testimonial from a satisfied customer. Put these stories front and center in your marketing materials with videos of your satisfied clients.
8. Webisodes: Get creative with your video ideas. Create episodic web videos about your communities or go viral with comedy!
9. TV Commercials and TV Shows: Sometimes you need to think big to make an impact. Today’s technology makes high-end video work for TV within your budget.
10. Sales Materials: Don’t forget about incorporating video into your sales center loops, mailable DVD’s and eflyers. This is a way to cut through the clutter and help your message stand out.

Source: New Home Source

November 16: Builder After Hours at GBS Building Supply

The final HBA of Greenville Builder After Hours of 2011 is at GBS Building Supply.

• Builder After Hours
• GBS Building Supply, 103 Old Mill Road, Mauldin, SC
• Wednesday, November 16, 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
• Sponsor: GBS Building Supply

The Builder After Hours is a strictly social gathering. No business is conducted. The host and sponsor will make a few brief remarks, as will the HBA of Greenville president.

Bob Barretto, CEO of GBS Building Supply, would like to invite all members of the HBA of Greenville to visit GBS' newly remodeled showroom.

Don't miss this great evening of networking and fellowship, and delicious food.

Click here to register for the Builder After Hours at GBS Building Supply.