The Community Service Committee is proud to announce that they collected 30 coats to be donated. Thanks to GBS Building Supply for matching our donation and transporting the coats to Haven of Rest in Anderson. We appreciate the kindness and generosity of our members in helping those in need.
Interested in helping your HBA with more service projects? Join the Community Service Committee by emailing eo@hbaofgreenville.com to let us know!
The Home Builders Association of Greenville are your neighbors and community leaders providing education and support for building industry professionals. We create jobs, encourage homeownership, and promote responsible growth throughout the upstate of South Carolina.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Professional Women in Building Shows Impressive Growth
After last week's Annual Membership Meeting, Carol Morgan discussed the merits of starting a Professional Women in Building (PWB) committee locally with the Home Builders Association of Greenville. Those who attended the panel were very interested in starting this prestigious group, and we wanted to see if there was a similar interest among our members who could not make the Annual Membership Meeting.
Please look out for information on an interest meeting that will most likely take place at our Housing Market Forecast in February. The interest meeting will be free and does not require registration, but if you would like to attend the Forecast please register here.
Want to learn more about the PWB? Read the article below from NAHB profiling the HBA of Metro Denver's PWB council.
“It was a lofty goal to start and we didn’t know if we were going to hit it or not,” said Carole Jones, CAPS, CGB, CGP, PWB chair, and licensed builder and associate broker from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “But we far surpassed it and are still going strong.”
Membership in the council has grown by 57% over the past three years – from 872 members in 2012 to 1,374 members today, according to PWB Executive Director Sheronda Carr. This year alone, the council started four new chapters, and three more are slated to launch in time for the 2016 International Builders’ Show.
“PWB is seeing an organic evolution of women at the grassroots level making the necessary strides to fuel the next generation of female building professionals through industry support, professional development, and leadership training opportunities,” Carr said. “Our members are not just the builder’s wives anymore, but accredited, licensed and certified professionals representing all facets of the residential construction industry.”
A shining example of this trend is the Denver PWB. Chris Presley, president and founder of of Epic Homes, and the first female president (in the 73-year history) of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, said that establishing an avenue for women in the profession to connect and engage was a top priority for her.
Starting with just six women in October 2014, the council has now grown to 179 members, and steadily continues to increase.
“Our goal was just to get 20 to 40 members in the first year,” Presley said. “We actually had to cut off registration for the kickoff event. Over 180 people RSVP’d; the initial reservation was only for 50 people.”
One of the things that surprised her most, she said, was the number of people who showed up that were not members of the HBA.
“I was astounded. There must have been a real need in Denver,” she said.
To that end, the council has wasted no time providing the valuable programs, activities and services that industry professionals are seeking from such an organization.
Presley said they offer members a quarterly luncheon, a monthly informal happy hour in a no-selling environment, education and professional development series, mentoring, and community service opportunities.
In general, where most professionals find PWB valuable is in the opportunities it affords to find other people, programs and projects locally that can help them reach their career goals, Jones said.
For example, Random Acts of Coffee, which is a fun and unique way to get members to meet someone new – has been wildly successful for members of the Denver PWB.
At luncheons, individuals place their name in a hat and while they’re eating they’re randomly matched with another member with whom they are expected to meet for coffee and chat. Presley said that it has led to a number of business relationships that may not otherwise exist.
Jones firmly believes that PWB has become the fastest growing council in the Federation because members understand the value that being involved brings to their business, and they share their thoughts and experiences with their peers, social and business networks.
The value isn’t hard to see. Findings from a recent NAHB survey of women in the home building industry showed that current membership in a PWB Council correlates with higher company earnings.
The median dollar volume members expected in 2014 was $2.9 million, about 22% higher than the $2.4 million expected by those who had never been a council member, and about 12% higher than the $2.6 million expected by past members of the council whose memberships expired.
The survey also provided some evidence that more women are seeking out careers with the construction industry. According to survey results, women represent about 40% of most companies’ workforce. Twenty-two percent of respondents said that women make up 80% of their companies’ workforce.
Anecdotally, Presley shared that one of her male peers, a division head of one of the largest home building companies in the country and one of the top five builders in Denver, said he started attending the PWB luncheons to seek out help on how to elevate women, since they’ve become such a large part of his organization.
“It’s good feedback because it allows us to tailor our professional development and education programs and provide more coaching and training to address those skills and qualities that tend to be less common in women,” Presley said, citing the confidence and willingness to ask and go after what they want in a business environment as one example.
Please look out for information on an interest meeting that will most likely take place at our Housing Market Forecast in February. The interest meeting will be free and does not require registration, but if you would like to attend the Forecast please register here.
Want to learn more about the PWB? Read the article below from NAHB profiling the HBA of Metro Denver's PWB council.
NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) is the Federation’s fastest growing council, and there’s a reason why.
When the group laid out its strategic plan in the fall of 2013, the roster listed fewer than 900 members. Council leadership made it a goal to reach 1,000 members in the first year, and increase that figure by 10% each year.“It was a lofty goal to start and we didn’t know if we were going to hit it or not,” said Carole Jones, CAPS, CGB, CGP, PWB chair, and licensed builder and associate broker from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “But we far surpassed it and are still going strong.”
Membership in the council has grown by 57% over the past three years – from 872 members in 2012 to 1,374 members today, according to PWB Executive Director Sheronda Carr. This year alone, the council started four new chapters, and three more are slated to launch in time for the 2016 International Builders’ Show.
“PWB is seeing an organic evolution of women at the grassroots level making the necessary strides to fuel the next generation of female building professionals through industry support, professional development, and leadership training opportunities,” Carr said. “Our members are not just the builder’s wives anymore, but accredited, licensed and certified professionals representing all facets of the residential construction industry.”
A shining example of this trend is the Denver PWB. Chris Presley, president and founder of of Epic Homes, and the first female president (in the 73-year history) of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, said that establishing an avenue for women in the profession to connect and engage was a top priority for her.
Starting with just six women in October 2014, the council has now grown to 179 members, and steadily continues to increase.
“Our goal was just to get 20 to 40 members in the first year,” Presley said. “We actually had to cut off registration for the kickoff event. Over 180 people RSVP’d; the initial reservation was only for 50 people.”
One of the things that surprised her most, she said, was the number of people who showed up that were not members of the HBA.
“I was astounded. There must have been a real need in Denver,” she said.
To that end, the council has wasted no time providing the valuable programs, activities and services that industry professionals are seeking from such an organization.
Presley said they offer members a quarterly luncheon, a monthly informal happy hour in a no-selling environment, education and professional development series, mentoring, and community service opportunities.
In general, where most professionals find PWB valuable is in the opportunities it affords to find other people, programs and projects locally that can help them reach their career goals, Jones said.
For example, Random Acts of Coffee, which is a fun and unique way to get members to meet someone new – has been wildly successful for members of the Denver PWB.
At luncheons, individuals place their name in a hat and while they’re eating they’re randomly matched with another member with whom they are expected to meet for coffee and chat. Presley said that it has led to a number of business relationships that may not otherwise exist.
Jones firmly believes that PWB has become the fastest growing council in the Federation because members understand the value that being involved brings to their business, and they share their thoughts and experiences with their peers, social and business networks.
The value isn’t hard to see. Findings from a recent NAHB survey of women in the home building industry showed that current membership in a PWB Council correlates with higher company earnings.
The median dollar volume members expected in 2014 was $2.9 million, about 22% higher than the $2.4 million expected by those who had never been a council member, and about 12% higher than the $2.6 million expected by past members of the council whose memberships expired.
The survey also provided some evidence that more women are seeking out careers with the construction industry. According to survey results, women represent about 40% of most companies’ workforce. Twenty-two percent of respondents said that women make up 80% of their companies’ workforce.
Anecdotally, Presley shared that one of her male peers, a division head of one of the largest home building companies in the country and one of the top five builders in Denver, said he started attending the PWB luncheons to seek out help on how to elevate women, since they’ve become such a large part of his organization.
“It’s good feedback because it allows us to tailor our professional development and education programs and provide more coaching and training to address those skills and qualities that tend to be less common in women,” Presley said, citing the confidence and willingness to ask and go after what they want in a business environment as one example.
Office Closed for Christmas, New Years
Friday, December 11, 2015
Call for Nominations--Builder, Associate, and Remodeler of the Year
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| We feature our Bridge Award winners in our weekly column in the Greenville News. Recent Builder of the Year Gus Rubio is shown here featured in the column from 10/02/15. |
Builder of the Year:
- Gus Rubio, CMB, CGP, APB, Gabriel Builders, 2014
- Robert Markel, CGR, 2013
- Wayne Moore, 2012
- Thomas Dillard, CGP, 2011
- Brad Thompson, 2010
- Todd Usher, Master CGP, GMB, 2009
- Rick Quinn, 2008
- Ted Smith, 2007
- Coleman Shouse, 2006
- Ted Smith/Ron Taylor, 2005
- Keith Smith, 2004
- Jim Gregorie, 2003
- Dan Rawls, 2002
- Clyde Rector, 2001
- Bill Fuller, 2000
Richard A. Ashmore, Sr., Associate of the Year:
- Ron Tate, Esq., Gallivan, White & Boyd, 2014
- Bob Barreto, 2013
- Jon Statom, 2012
- Jason Freeman, 2011
- Scott Presley, 2010
- Eric Hedrick, 2009
- Chuck Childress, 2008
- Tom Ward, 2007
- Scott Presley, 2006
- Lou Hutchings, 2005
- Richard Powers, 2004
- Sandy Wiygul-Bell, 2003
- Robert Murphy, 2002
- Gary Gilliam, 2001
- Richard Powers, 2000
Remodeler of the Year:
- Alan Boone, APR, Advanced Renovations, 2014
- Mike Freeman, GMB, APB, ACA/Freewood Contractors, 2013
- Robert Markel, CGR, Hadrian Construction, 2012
- Clyde Rector, APB, Merritt Homes, 1998
- Miller Crittendon, 1999
In addition, these awards also may be given to members of the association:
- Community Service Award
- Membership Award
- Spirit of the HBA Award
- Committee Chairman of the Year Award
- Rookie of the Year Award
These awards may be given to a political or community leader:
- Distinguished Service Award
- HBASC Champion of Housing Award
Award winners will be announced at the Third Annual Southern Home and Garden Bridge Awards, presented by GBS Building Supply. The date of this event is still to be determined, but will most likely be in March 2016. If you know of a member or other person who should receive one of these awards, please send your nomination to Michael Dey at mdey@hbaofgreenville.com. Your nomination will be confidential.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
We had a Wonderful Time with the Past Presidents
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| Immediate Past President Mike Freeman welcomes Susan to the club. |
This is always a wonderful event where we hear about lesser-known pieces of HBA history and marvel at how much the association has grown. The holiday season is the perfect time to come together for food and friends, and that is certainly what happened. Thank you to all who attended and to all who have served your HBA as president.
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| Current President Susan Peace-Vernon stands with incoming president Joe Hoover. |
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| Thank you to all of our past presidents (not all are pictured). |
Find more pictures from this event on our Facebook page.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Lucy Sabatine
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Home Builders Association of Greenville, we extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Lucy Sabatine of Roseto, PA, mother of HBA member Nick Sabatine of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors.
Lucy Sabatine, 92, passed away Wednesday December 2, 2015 at home. Born October 21, 1923 in Landisville, NJ, a daughter of the late Peter and Madeline (Leggio) Provenzano. Her beloved husband, Anthony Sabatine, passed away in 1965. She was a seamstress in various garment factories in the Slate Belt Area for many years retiring from the former Girl Fashions in 1991. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Roseto and UNITE-the garment workers union. She is survived by a daughter Philomena Drogo of Roseto and a son Nicholas and his wife Francine Sabatine of Greenville, SC and granddaughters; Jennifer Francis and her husband Chris of East Earl, PA and Jessica Bremer and her husband Bill of Harrisburg, NC and great grandchildren Kyle and Kyra Francis and William and Derek Bremer and a granddog Lilly. She was predeceased by brothers; Ambrose, Thomas and John and a sister Bessie Provenzano and a son-in-law Michael Drogo.
Lucy Sabatine, 92, passed away Wednesday December 2, 2015 at home. Born October 21, 1923 in Landisville, NJ, a daughter of the late Peter and Madeline (Leggio) Provenzano. Her beloved husband, Anthony Sabatine, passed away in 1965. She was a seamstress in various garment factories in the Slate Belt Area for many years retiring from the former Girl Fashions in 1991. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Roseto and UNITE-the garment workers union. She is survived by a daughter Philomena Drogo of Roseto and a son Nicholas and his wife Francine Sabatine of Greenville, SC and granddaughters; Jennifer Francis and her husband Chris of East Earl, PA and Jessica Bremer and her husband Bill of Harrisburg, NC and great grandchildren Kyle and Kyra Francis and William and Derek Bremer and a granddog Lilly. She was predeceased by brothers; Ambrose, Thomas and John and a sister Bessie Provenzano and a son-in-law Michael Drogo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday December 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Third & Garibaldi Avenues, Roseto. Burial will be in the New Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto. Memorial Donations may be offered in Lucy's name to either the church, 560 North Sixth Street, Bangor, PA 18013 or to Celtic Hospice & Home Health 1619 N. 9th Street, Suite 14, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Please keep Nick and his family in your thoughts.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Good News for Home Owners
In an important victory for NAHB and home owners, the House today approved a five-year highway bill that will not use guarantee fees (g-fees) collected by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to pay for transportation programs.
The Senate is expected to approve the measure tomorrow and President Obama will sign the legislation into law shortly thereafter.
NAHB led the charge to strip a provision that would have used g-fees to help offset a funding shortfall from the final legislation.
G-fees are a critical risk management tool used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect against credit-related losses on mortgages they have purchased or mortgage-backed securities they have guaranteed. NAHB has always maintained that these fees should only be used for their intended purpose – to protect against mortgage defaults and ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Despite strong opposition from NAHB, Congress voted in 2011 to enact a 10-year, 10 basis point increase in g-fees to fund the extension of the payroll tax cut. To help fund the long-term transportation bill, lawmakers subsequently proposed what would amount to a $1.9 billion tax on home owners by providing a four-year extension of the previous 10 basis point increase through 2025.
In an official statement, NAHB Chairman Tom Woods called it “outrageous” that Congress would consider using a g-fee hike to pay for transportation programs unrelated to the housing government sponsored enterprises.
“With first-time home buyers still hesitant to enter the marketplace, it makes no sense to impose what amounts to a new tax on homeownership that will disproportionately affect low- to moderate-income borrowers. Homeownership cannot, and must not, be used as the nation’s piggybank.”
Working with our Democratic and Republican allies in the House and Senate, NAHB ultimately was able to get the g-fee provision removed from the final transportation bill.
The Senate is expected to approve the measure tomorrow and President Obama will sign the legislation into law shortly thereafter.
NAHB led the charge to strip a provision that would have used g-fees to help offset a funding shortfall from the final legislation.
G-fees are a critical risk management tool used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect against credit-related losses on mortgages they have purchased or mortgage-backed securities they have guaranteed. NAHB has always maintained that these fees should only be used for their intended purpose – to protect against mortgage defaults and ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Despite strong opposition from NAHB, Congress voted in 2011 to enact a 10-year, 10 basis point increase in g-fees to fund the extension of the payroll tax cut. To help fund the long-term transportation bill, lawmakers subsequently proposed what would amount to a $1.9 billion tax on home owners by providing a four-year extension of the previous 10 basis point increase through 2025.
In an official statement, NAHB Chairman Tom Woods called it “outrageous” that Congress would consider using a g-fee hike to pay for transportation programs unrelated to the housing government sponsored enterprises.
“With first-time home buyers still hesitant to enter the marketplace, it makes no sense to impose what amounts to a new tax on homeownership that will disproportionately affect low- to moderate-income borrowers. Homeownership cannot, and must not, be used as the nation’s piggybank.”
Working with our Democratic and Republican allies in the House and Senate, NAHB ultimately was able to get the g-fee provision removed from the final transportation bill.
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