Did you know Greenville Home Builders are making a huge impact in Zambia, Africa?

Did you know that two HBA of Greenville members, along with Home Builders from around the country, are making a huge impact in Zambia, Africa? Donations from Homes for Hope are helping HOPE International come alongside the church in Zambia to form Savings and Credit Associations (SCA).

SCA’s provide a way for people to gain access to credit for emergencies or even starting a business. "If you are living on less than a few dollars a day, it is impossible to save money because you need everything you earn, and then some," Jack Nulty, Executive Director of Homes for Hope, said. "However, in 2016 with the formation of SCA’s powered by HOPE International, the impossible has been made possible and has helped more than 1,000 families loosen the grip of poverty," Nulty said.


Homes for Hope, an HBA member since 2012, raises money for HOPE International by working with Home Builders and HBAs to build new homes, the proceeds from which are transmitted to HOPE International for their charitable and micro-lending activities in a dozen countries around the world.

Homes for Hope Executive Director Jack Nulty credits Rosewood Communities, Rosewood President Mark Nyblom, and Rosewood's trade and supply partners, for answering the call for help by building several homes in the Greenville area that have benefited Homes for Hope.

You can help HOPE International fight poverty by doing what you do best, build homes. Consider taking the proceeds from one of the homes you build this year and help 1,000 families or more by providing financial services to people who really need help!  Visit homes4hope.org for more information.

Job Posting: Construction Manager

Hartness Development, Inc.

Hartness Development, Inc. (HDI) is seeking a self-motivated, high energy and team-oriented Construction Manager to assist in the creation of Hartness, a 440 acre master-planned Traditional Neighborhood Development located in Greenville, South Carolina. This walkable community will consist of more than 600 homes in a variety of architectural styles and types, a 180-acre nature preserve, and a quaint village center with restaurants, retail shops, offices, and civic spaces.

HDI has compiled an exclusive group of local custom home builders to build the majority of the single-family detached homes at Hartness.  However, HDI will build, or hire contractors to build, a variety of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, mixed-use commercial buildings, and community amenities.

Job responsibilities will include, but will not not be limited to:

• Work with the HDI team to plan and manage light commercial and residential construction projects from start to finish
• Collaborate with architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, and other construction industry professionals
• Manage the Hartness builder group
• Create and manage standard residential building specifications
• Administer residential design and construction guidelines
• Support the architectural review process
• Prepare and negotiate cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables
• Select appropriate construction methods and strategies
• Interpret and explain contracts and technical information
• Select, hire, and instruct material suppliers and contractors
• Supervise construction personnel and activities onsite
• Report on work progress and budget matters

Education Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering (or qualifying work experience in one or more of these fields).

Work Experience: 10 years minimum experience in light commercial and residential construction.

Professional Licensing: South Carolina Residential Builder (or have qualifications for licensing); South Carolina General Contractor (or have qualifications for licensing).

Interested applicants, contact Clay Driggers, Director of Development, Hartness Development, Inc., 3500 S. Highway 14,Greenville, SC 29615. 864-304-0472. clay@hartnessliving.com.

FHFA: House prices were up in February

U.S. house prices rose in February according to the FHFA seasonally adjusted monthly House Price Index (HPI). From February 2016 to February 2017, house prices were up 6.4 percent.

For the nine census divisions, seasonally adjusted monthly price changes from January 2017 to February 2017 ranged from -0.1 percent in the South Atlantic division to +1.8 percent in the East South Central division. South Carolina is in the South Atlantic Division.

The 12-month changes were all positive, ranging from +4.6 percent in the Middle Atlantic division to +9.5 percent in the Mountain division.

Governor Henry McMaster and the Associated Industries of South Carolina Foundation Announces “Be Pro Be Proud S.C.” Workforce Initiative

Campaign aimed at bringing pride and professionals back to South Carolina’s skilled workforce

The Associated Industries of S.C. Foundation in partnership with Governor Henry McMaster, state agencies including the S.C. Technical College System, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the S.C. Department of Commerce today announced the launch of a new initiative, “Be Pro Be Proud S.C.,” to bring a new generation of pride, progress and professionals to South Carolina’s skilled workforce.

Today’s skilled professional workforce is aging out and the next generation of new talent is not sufficient to fill the demand. Nationwide, there are an estimated 4.6 million job openings, with approximately 60,000 of these openings here in South Carolina. The majority of these are in skilled technical fields. This gap in our state’s employment can be directly attributed to a lack of knowledge, interest and preparation.

“We must have the workers to do these skilled jobs, and we believe the impediment is that they don’t realize what all is available,” said the Hon. Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.

The initiative targets many key audiences including high school and nontraditional students, current skilled professionals, legislators, parents, teachers, career coaches and employers to dispel the myths about skilled trade professions, showcase current skilled professionals’ true vocational pride, highlight the many career opportunities available within these trades and provide necessary resources and training to those interested.

“Since 2006, SC has lost 26.8% of all residential construction jobs, which totals almost 17,000 jobs which were predominantly self-employed. ,” said James Garman, Home Builders Association of South Carolina President. “The need is great and growing. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce estimates an additional 24,000 new construction workers are needed to meet the state’s current building needs.”

Research conducted prior to the development of this campaign indicates that 82 percent of companies regularly have positions they are unable to fill with qualified workers. Furthermore, experienced tradesmen for these open positions average $50,000.

The Homebuilders Association of SC; SC Trucking Association; Carolina’s Associated General  Contractors; Forestry Association of SC; SC Chamber of Commerce; SC Farm Bureau Federation, SC Petroleum Marketers Association; South Carolina Timber Producers Association; Palmetto Agribusiness Council; SC Motor Coach Association; Carolinas Ready-Mix Association; SC Propane Gas Association, SC Beverage Association, SC Retail Federation, SC Beer Wholesalers Association, SC Asphalt Pavement Association, have voiced their support for this initiative, including providing financial support of the campaign.

The “Be Pro Be Proud S.C.” initiative will use a mobile unit to travel the state and visit schools and events to showcase skilled trade professions and broaden awareness of their impact on our state’s workforce. The “Be South Carolina Pro” mobile unit is an engaging tool that will provide information about training resources, currently available positions and descriptions, skills needed, and how to start the process of starting a skilled professional career.

“I have been told that only one of three parents says they would encourage their children to pursue construction careers, despite the advanced skills and high pay characteristic of the existing opportunities in the construction industry,” said James Garman. “The Be Pro Be Proud SC will offer South Carolinians new insight into the skilled professional workforce requires a team approach that includes employers, schools, elected officials, students and parents who recognize skilled professions for the financial and rewarding career opportunities they are. The HBA of SC will also work to provide apprenticeships in the construction field to help attract and cultivate future talent.”

The initiative will include a website, which will serve as a content hub for young professionals to learn more and even find training and job opportunities. Employers can also use the site to actively engage students, current skilled trade professionals can become ambassadors and work with students to spur interest, and parents and educators can arm themselves with the necessary materials for encouraging students to learn about potential career opportunities. Social media channels designed to help keep top-of-mind awareness about the need for skilled professionals will also support the initiative and provide relevant updates during the campaign.

Take the Kohler Experience Tour

HBA Builder members, you have the opportunity to take the Kohler Experience Tour right here in Greenville. Kohler will be here Monday, April 24, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Lunch will be served compliments of your HBA of Greenville and HBA member CBUSA.

Location is at the Downtown Airport, 100 Tower Drive, in the remote parking area.

Please RSVP by clicking here.

Your fellow HBA members serve and support their community

Joshua Alford and Eddie Howard work with other volunteers to build a wheel chair ramp for a veteran

With the leadership of your HBA's Community Service Committee, chaired by Richard Bernath of Southern Traditions Window Fashions, your fellow HBA members are at work around the community helping others in need of a hand up.

On April 8, a group of members led by Eddie Howard of Howard Custom Builders, Joshua Alford of Custom Remodel and Handyman Service, and Michael Dey of the HBA of Greenville, built a wheel chair ramp for a veteran living in Central, SC.  The project, which was facilitated by Rebuild Upstate, took just a morning, but the result will improve the life of a veteran for many years.

Members have another opportunity to give a family a hand up on April 22.  Your HBA is volunteering for a day with Habitat for Humanity to build a new home at 9 Hope Bridge Way in Greenville.  Shift times are 8 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. and 12 noon until 3:30 p.m.  Consider volunteering a little of your weekend to serve the community that gives so much to our industry.  Contact Michael Dey for details.

HBA Candidate Screening

HBA Government Affairs Committee met with Candidate Russell Stall this week.

This Spring, your HBA Government Affairs Committee has been screening candidates for Greenville City Council.  We started with John DeWorken, candidate for the at-large seat on City Council.  This week we met with Matt Cotner, candidate for Council District 2.  We also met with Russell Stall, another candidate for the at-large seat on City Council.  The Government Affairs Committee will meet again on May 3 and May 17 to complete its screening and recommendations for support, which will be considered by the HBA Board of Directors.  City election primaries are June 13.