Certified Green Professional Classes Scheduled for March

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is excited to bring in the NAHB Designation Class of Certified Green Professional (CGP). The CGP courses will be offered by instructor Kevin Enyeart in Springfield March 15-17, 2011. The CGP recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes—without driving up the cost of construction. Class work leading to the designation provides a solid background in green building methods, as well as the tools to reach consumers, from the organization leading the charge to provide market-driven green building solutions to the home building industry.

Requirements: A minimum of two years of building industry experience, successful completion of the Green Building for Building Professionals (2-days) and Business Management for Building Professionals (1-day)courses or hold an active NAHB professional designation. Continuing education is required every three years.

Watch for additional details regarding location and registration. If you wish to receive the registration brochure, email amanda@springfieldhba.com or call Amanda at the office, 881-3711.

EPA Safety Certification Training Course at HBA on January 6

CLASS DATE & LOCATION:

One-day class - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 6 - HBA Office, 636 W. Republic Rd., D108, Springfield MO

Training provided by an EPA Accredited RRP Training Provider. Space is limited!

REGISTER BY: Completing and Returning Registration Form (download by clicking here) to HBA with payment. Advance payment is required. No invoicing, no exceptions.

COST: $195 for HBA Members

$225 for Non-Members

Fee includes lunch; lunch is brief to achieve course in 1 day.

Safety Update - New OSHA Ruling Clarifies Key Residential Safety Regulations

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) applauds the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) decision to withdraw the interim fall protection guidelines for residential construction that were issued in 1995 and revert to the previous guidelines.

"Job site safety is the number one priority for builders," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "This action will clarify what actions builders need to take to comply with OSHA regulations while helping to ensure safer work sites."

The interim guideline, intended as a temporary policy, was implemented in 1995 to allow employers to use alternative measures for fall protection without having to provide a written, site-specific fall-protection plan or prove that conventional fall-protection systems were not feasible for a particular project. Prior to 1995, OSHA required builders to provide conventional fall protection (i.e., guardrail systems, personal fall-arrest systems or safety-net systems) for workers engaged in residential construction working six feet or more above a lower level. If an employer determined that using conventional fall-protection methods was not feasible or would create a greater hazard, the employer had to provide a written fall-protection plan utilizing alternative fall protection methods. OSHA's new compliance directive (STD 03-11-002) eliminates the interim guideline and reverts back to the pre-1995 regulation.

In a 2008 letter, NAHB requested that OSHA rescind the interim guideline as it created confusion about fall protection requirements for residential construction. The new directive (STD 03-11-002) will require employers to comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13), which will "eliminate confusion in the residential construction industry as to which fall-protection methods and systems must be used and would make compliance with OSHA fall-protection requirements for the home building industry much simpler and easier to understand, as well as put into practice" according to the letter. The guideline still provides flexibility for employers by allowing them to implement a written fall-protection plan if they determine that conventional systems are not feasible or create a greater hazard to workers.

OSHA's Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association also supported rescinding the interim guideline.

Construction and roofing companies have until June 16, 2011 to comply with the new directive.

For more information on complying with fall protection regulations and training materials, visit www.nahb.org/fallprotection.

Free Webinar @ HBA - MARKETING IN A NEW BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

View a free NAHB webinar entitled "Marketing in a New Business Environment" on Thursday, December 16, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the HBA office. If you plan to attend, please email jennifer@springfieldhba.com or call 881-3711.

Description: Inasmuch as you wouldn’t use a telegraph to stay in touch with clients and vendors, why would you continue using traditional but fading marketing channels? More buyers are turning to the internet first when looking for a house, either existing construction or for new construction. Moreover, younger buyers stay abreast of new developments constantly, using social media resources to communicate their preferences and find out what’s hot. In the post-recovery marketplace you need to understand what buyers want. You also need to effectively utilize social media with existing marketing tools to reach the younger demographic that will be an increasingly important sector of the market.

Program includes:

Carol Flammer, MIRM, CAPS, President, Flammer Relations, Inc.;

Managing Partner, mRelevance, LLC.

Carol Flammer is the author of Social Media for Home Builders: It’s Easier Than You Think, and is the “go to” person for real estate and construction products public relations and social media. She is the visionary behind the nationally-ranked and award-winning atlantarealestateforum.com, Atlanta’s most popular real estate blog. Her launch of the site in 2006 was truly visionary and led the new media movement in the Atlanta new homes market. With 20 years of experience, Ms. Flammer is known for creating effective strategies that create impressions and brand, as well as drive traffic to Web sites and sales centers.

Ms. Flammer is president of Flammer Relations, Inc., and managing partner of mRELEVANCE, LLC, an Internet Marketing, Social Media and Public Relations firm with offices in Atlanta and Chicago. She is a frequent speaker at tradeshows including the International Builders Show, Century 21 Building Show and the Southern Building Show. She speaks frequently to Sales and Marketing Councils and teaches social media seminars at home builders associations around the country. You may contact her for your social media, public relations, or Internet marketing needs at 770-383-3360, @CarolFlammer or http://www.mrelevance.com/.

David Owen, President, Boone Homes, Inc.

David has been President of Boone Homes for Four years and was previously Vice-President for six years. He is currently serving as Vice-President of the Home Building Association of Richmond (HBAR) and will serve as President of HBAR in 2011. Boone Homes’ consistent innovation and outstanding architecture keep them in the top five builders (by annual revenue) each year in the Richmond Market. Over the last year Boone Homes has added social media to it marketing plans by adding a new blog website and completely updating their main website to obtain search engine optimization. The integration of blog posts, Facebook and Twitter into the company’s daily activities has help develop relationships with the local real estate community.

Marie Still, Marketing & Communications Director, MRIS

Marie Still is the Marketing & Communications Director at MRIS, the largest multiple listing service in the nation and leading real estate technology provider. With an MBA in Marketing and BA in English, Ms. Still has served in various interactive and marketing positions to include her previous role as Director of Marketing for AOL’s advertising division. Marie is also an avid blogger (stillisms.com) and speaker.

OSHA 10 Hour Class Offered at Safety Council

The Safety Council of the Ozarks is offering a 10 Hour OSHA Construction Outreach class on the 16th-17th of December. The cost is $99.00 for SCO members, (add $36 for non-members.) To register online, click here or call the Safety Council at 417-869-2121.

The 10-hour Construction Industry Outreach Program Training Program is intended to provide entry level construction workers general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazard on a construction site. The training covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards which a worker may encounter at a construction site. OSHA recommends this training as an orientation to occupational safety and health. Workers must receive additional training on hazards specific to their job. Training should emphasize hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention, not OSHA standards.

Watershed Committee Offers Sediment and Erosion Control Workshop

2010 Sediment and Erosion Control Workshop
Date: December 8, 2010
Location: Ozark Community Center, River Room - 1530 W. Jackson St., Ozark MO
Time: 8:30 to 12:00
Cost: FREE

This is a free half day workshop with no registration required. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mike Kromrey at the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks - mike@watershedcommittee.org or 417-866-1127.

The goal of this workshop is to provide overviews of the sediment an erosion control programs in local MS4 municipalities and instruction on how to maintain compliance. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Target audience will include professionals from the public and private sector.

Speakers:
1) 8:30 Greene County, Presenter Tim Davis
2) 9:15 City of Springfield, Presenter Aaron Nickolotsky
3) 10:00 MODNR, Presenter Kristen Pattinson
4) 11:00 MS4 Community Panel: Nixa, Ozark, Branson, Rogersville, Battlefield and Christian County. Watershed Committee moderator will allow 5 to 10 minutes for each community to explain the status and unique features of each community’s Stormwater program and facilitate questions from the audience.

Industry Educational Offerings From OTC

In addition to offering the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Certification, Ozarks Community Technical College is now offering a number of courses which qualify for continuing education credits. Over the next several months, OTC will be offering the following courses. For registration information call 417-447-8888 or contact cwd@otc.edu for additional details.

BPI Building Analyst Certification
Dates: January 3 - 14, 2011; M-F; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $1799

This specialized, comprehensive WIA approved BPI Energy Auditor class will train individuals to evaluate and improve energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and durability of homes. Learn how to use specialized tools for building analysis, including blower doors, combustion analyzers, combustible gas leak detectors, and pressure pans. BPI Energy Auditor Certification is achieved for successful completers.

BPI Envelope Professional Certification
Qualifies for 6 BPI CEUs
When: November 15 - 19, 2010; M-F; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $1599

This certification builds on the BPI Building Analyst (Home Energy Auditor) Certification, and teaches advanced building shell and duct leakage assessment techniques. Pre-requisites: The class includes a review of Building Analyst concepts and students must have BPI Building Analyst Certification (Home Auditor) to take this class.

Basic Weatherization
Qualifies for 4.5 BPI CEUs
Dates: November 30 - December 3, 2010; T-F; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $429

Introduction to weatherization theory, implementation and basic building science. Training will focus on implementation of weatherization measures.

Advanced Weatherization
Qualifies for 4.5 BPI CEUs
Dates: January 11 - 14, 2011; T-F; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $429

Training will focus on advanced techniques for installing insulation and air sealing with emphasis on utilization of intermittent blower door testing through hands-on exercises. Training is designed for weatherization crew members, auditors, and managers.


Energy Related Mold & Moisture
Qualifies for 4.5 BPI CEUs
Dates: February 10; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $109

Training is primarily designed for weatherization employees and auditors who should be able to recognize and evaluate mold in a home. Training will include identification, testing, health effects, prevention, treatment, and client education related to mold/mildew in the home.

Base Load Measures & Energy Analysis
Qualifies for 4.5 BPI CEUs
Dates: January 12 - 14; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Workforce Development
Cost: $349

Training will highlight energy analysis techniques, terminology, and assessment of the efficiency and safety of the mechanical systems included in a home's base energy loads.

Educational Demonstration - ECOSEAL Spray

On Wednesday, November 3 at 1:30 pm at 720 S. Eastridge in Nixa, Missouri Insulation will perform a demonstration of a new product called ECOSEAL. It is the latest technology in home energy solutions. The product is a water-based elastomeric spray that seals penetrations and joints in the building envelope, including exterior walls attics and floors.

HBA members are welcome to attend this educational opportunity. To download a map to the demonstration site, click here. For a fact sheet about the ECOSEAL product, click here.

"Hands-On" Course Will Teach You to Use Green Building Scoring Tool for Verification

This "hands-on", one-day course will take place on Thursday, September 30 at the HBA office from 8 am to 4 pm. Special Guest presenter is Rick Kaufmann, CGB and verifier from Laclede Gas in St. Louis. Rick verified more than 100 homes under the Green Building Guidelines. For more information and to register, click here.

BUILDERS AND REMODELERS: Learn to use the scoring tool to have a building/remodeling project verified under the Standard. SUPPLIERS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS: Learn more about what the scoring process requires you to provide to builders/remodelers for verification. If you wish to receive a copy of the NAHB Green Building Standard with your registration, the cost is $30 for HBA members. If you do not need a copy of the Standard, the cost is $20 and includes lunch.

OTC Center for Workforce Development Offering Backflow Prevention Classes

These classes provide professional training in backflow prevention. These courses include backflow prevention assembly tester, repairer, and cross-connection control surveyor. This course includes a certification exam through the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. The ASSE publishes ANSI recognized Professional Qualification Standards (ASSE Series 5000), and ASSE offers a certification to those standards that is recognized by the model plumbing codes in the United States, including the Uniform Plumbing Code. CWD is dedicated to water system safety through plumbing-code compliance and supports the ASSE program

Backflow Prevention Certification This class is to certify those who have never been trained or certified to perform the inspection of cross connection and backflow prevention systems. The ASSE certification exam will be given on the last day of training. Class dates are September 13-17, 8a.m.-5p.m.

Backflow Prevention Re-Certification This class is to re-certify those who were certified to perform the inspection of cross connection control and backflow prevention systems that certification is not more than 60 day expired. Class dates are September 16-17, 8a.m.-5p.m.

Cost is $550 for certification and $250 for recertification. For more information contact Eric Lansdown at the Center for Workforce Development by phone at 417-447-8913 or by e-mail at Lansdowne@otc.edu.

Courses Here to Complete Your Certified Graduate Builder and/or Certified Graduate Remodeler Designations

If you are one of those builder and/or remodeler members pursuing your CGB or CGR designation, you will want to learn more about courses the HBA will be hosting in October and November to help you complete your designation(s). Classes offered include Project Management, Scheduling, Design/Build, and Estimating for Builders and Remodelers. All courses will be taught by James Carr, GMB, CGP, Professor of Construction Management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. To download the full registration brochure, click here.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Educational Programs

The HBA is hosting several important educational opportunities in the coming weeks, with several related to green building.

Learning to Use the Online Green Building Scoring Tool for Verification:

This "hands-on", one-day course will take place on Thursday, September 30 at the HBA office from 8 am to 4 pm. Special Guest presenter is Rick Kaufmann, CGB and verifier from Laclede Gas in St. Louis. Rick verified more than 100 homes under the Green Building Guidelines. For more information and to register, click here.

BUILDERS AND REMODELERS: Learn to use the scoring tool to have a building/remodeling project verified under the Standard. SUPPLIERS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS: Learn more about what the scoring process requires you to provide to builders/remodelers for verification. If you wish to receive a copy of the NAHB Green Building Standard with your registration, the cost is $30 for HBA members. If you do not need a copy of the Standard, the cost is $20 and includes lunch.

Energy and Building Codes Training:

On Friday, September 10, you have an opportunity to learn more about changes and updates to energy and building codes from one of the nation's top experts -- Matt Belcher, Belcher Homes.

On September 10, 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the HBA office, Belcher will provide a more in-depth overview of updates to the IECC as well as sharing details about changes to the 2009 IRC. Prepare for the future by taking advantage of this free educational opportunity. Download details about this FREE program by clicking here.

As a technical partner with the University of Missouri’s Center for Sustainable Energy and MU’s Stormwater and Erosion Control Management Education Center, Mr. Belcher educates building industry professionals and governmental administrators on International Building, Mechanical and Energy Conservation Code structure, methodology and application and promoting building practices shown to create homes and developments that are safer, cleaner, more energy-efficient and better for the environment.

As an Energy Star Partner, Mr. Belcher has built homes that provide proven performance through review and testing. Mr. Belcher is also a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program and its new Builder’s Challenge Program where homes demonstrate construction that is at least 30% above current International Energy Conservation Codes.

Mr. Belcher serves on the National Association of Homebuilders Board of Directors and NAHB’s Energy and Green Building and Building Codes and Standards sub-committees where he advises on incorporating sustainability into International Building and Energy Conservation Codes. He also serves on NAHB’s Policy Oversight Group for the forthcoming International Green Construction Code (IGCC).

NAHB Designation Courses:

If you are one of those builder and/or remodeler members pursuing your CGB or CGR designation, you will want to learn more about courses the HBA will be hosting in October and November to help you complete your designation(s). Classes offered include Project Management, Scheduling, Design/Build, and Estimating for Builders and Remodelers. All courses will be taught by James Carr, GMB, CGP, Professor of Construction Management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. To download the full registration brochure, click here.

Codes Training Opportunity with Nationally Recognized Builder/Developer

On Friday, September 10, you have an opportunity to learn more about changes and updates to energy and building codes from one of the nation's top experts -- Matt Belcher, Belcher Homes.

On September 10, 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the HBA office, Belcher will provide a more in-depth overview of updates to the IECC as well as sharing details about changes to the 2009 IRC. Prepare for the future by taking advantage of this free educational opportunity. Download details about this FREE program by clicking here.

As a technical partner with the University of Missouri’s Center for Sustainable Energy and MU’s Stormwater and Erosion Control Management Education Center, Mr. Belcher educates building industry professionals and governmental administrators on International Building, Mechanical and Energy Conservation Code structure, methodology and application and promoting building practices shown to create homes and developments that are safer, cleaner, more energy-efficient and better for the environment.

As an Energy Star Partner, Mr. Belcher has built homes that provide proven performance through review and testing. Mr. Belcher is also a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program and its new Builder’s Challenge Program where homes demonstrate construction that is at least 30% above current International Energy Conservation Codes.

Mr. Belcher serves on the National Association of Homebuilders Board of Directors and NAHB’s Energy and Green Building and Building Codes and Standards sub-committees where he advises on incorporating sustainability into International Building and Energy Conservation Codes. He also serves on NAHB’s Policy Oversight Group for the forthcoming International Green Construction Code (IGCC).

"Hands On" Green Building Scoring Tool Class Set for Sept. 30

On Thursday, September 30, we'll take a real house plan and NAHB trained verifiers and certified green professionals will walk you through using the online scoring tool for each section of the National Green Building Standard. One of the St. Louis area's most seasoned verifiers from Laclede Gas, a partner with the St. Louis HBA in its green building program, will also be on hand to provide additional expertise.

The course will take place at the HBA and begin at 8 am, wrapping up around 5 pm. Lunch will be included. The course cost for HBA members who need a copy of the Green Building Standard is $30; for those who do not need the publication the cost is $20. For non-members it is $45 and $40, respectively.

In addition to providing an overview of the transition to the ANSI certified Green Building Standard (from the Guidelines), the one-day course will cover each standard scoring section including:

– Lot Design, Prep and Development

– Resource Efficiency

– Energy Efficiency

– Water Efficiency/Indoor Environmental Quality

– Operation, Maintenance, and Building Owner Education

This course is open to HBA builders, remodelers and associate members. Each segment of the industry will benefit from understanding the steps of the verification process (for new construction and remodeling). Many of you are already building a home that would qualify for at least the bronze level of certification. After this course you'll be well acquainted with the process to verify that performance using the standard.

To register, call Jennifer at 838-1456 or email jennifer@springfieldhba.com

View Free NAHB Appraisal Webinar at HBA on Wednesday, August 4

Builder Guide to Appraisals: Obtaining Accurate Valuations on New Homes

View at HBA Office – Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1pm – 2 pm
RSVP by calling the office at 881-3711

Major changes have occurred in appraisal standards and practices in the wake of housing and financial market turmoil. These shifts present major challenges to home builders in financing and selling their homes. On Wednesday, August 4, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., a panel of home builder and appraisal practitioners will inform builders on the new appraisal rules and provide advice on what builders can do to improve the accuracy of home valuations.

The program will cover:

Recent changes in appraisal standards and practices.
Requirements for appraisals of new homes.
Communications with lenders and appraisers.
Key information to provide on subject properties.
Tips for dealing with appraisals in distressed markets.
Process for addressing appraisal errors and pursuing reconsideration of values.
Moderator:

Joe Robson, Founder/President, The Robson Companies, NAHB Immediate Past President, Broken Arrow, OK

Panelists:

Marty Mitchell, Mitchell & Best Homebuilders, Rockville, MD
Allen Gardiner, Jackson Claborn, Inc., Plano, TX

This program is brought to you by the Business Management and Information Technology and Housing Finance committees of NAHB, and is sponsored by the generous support of Builder Partnerships.

Check Out OTC's Social Media Courses for Small Businesses

Find out why it's important to be social in today's business world. Discover how tweets, likes and RSS feeds are going to be critical to the future success of your company. We've developed a series of social media classes geared toward small business marketing. Learn how to use Facebook, Twitter and Blogs as marketing tools. The classes are very reasonably priced ranging from $35 to $49.

The video, Social Revolution Refresh, provides some incredible statistics and many reasons why businesses should be using these tools to connect with their customer base.

OTC has recruited experienced social media professionals to share their expertise. Amy Pope, Multimedia Sales Manager at the News-Leader Media Group, will lead the Facebook Marketing classes. Sarah Austin, principal at Austin Creative and head of the Springfield Bloggers Association, will be teaching the Twitter and Blogging for Business classes. For class schedule and registration information, click here. Missed the one you wanted to attend? Similar courses will be offered later this fall -- call 447.8888 for more information.

Rescheduled - Online Green Building Scoring Tool Course

The HBA's Green Building Subcommittee has reformatted and rescheduled the Green Building Online Scoring Tool Course -- it has been condensed into one day and we will also have some expert instructional assistance from Green Building verifiers from St. Louis, as well. Participants will learn to use the online green building scoring tool using a real house plan, plus get familiar with the various requirements and documentation necessary for verification.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 30 at the HBA for the full day educational program. The course is open to builders, remodelers and associates. Lunch will be included. If you wish to take the course and receive a copy of the NAHB Green Building Standard, the cost is $30. If you already have a copy of the standard, the cost is only $20. Call the HBA office at 881.3711 to register.

Greening Midwest Communities Conference Set for October 19-20 in Jefferson City

October 19-20, 2010 

Capitol Plaza Hotel

Jefferson City, MO

Registration is NOW open! 

Early Registration Rates Available for a Limited Time! 

Please visit the website at

http://muconf.missouri.edu/gmcc

Join in an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and learn with building, development, and storm water professionalsacross the Midwest.  This 2-day conference brings together industry, municipal, county, code and agency professionals working in many aspects of community development and energy-efficient/green home building and remodeling. University of Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers (SBTDC) Program will be onsite to engage interested attendees in the services offered by this statewide network of business development assistance. 

Learn:

• * what it means to "build green" 

• * how developing, building and remodeling green can sustain and grow the homebuilding and community development industries

• * where to go to find the latest in stormwater and national water quality regulations and the tools to help your business comply

• * why developing, building and remodeling green can offer increased market share AND financial benefits to your business

• * who your next buyer is likely to be 

Lodging:

A block of rooms is being held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City,Missouri. Conference participants are responsible for making their own room reservations by calling Capitol Plaza Hotel. To make reservations call (800) 338-8088 or (573) 635-1234. Reservations are guaranteed if made by September 18, 2010, then on a space-available basis until the conference date. The special conference room rate will be $79 plus tax per night, and up to four may share a room. Be sure to identify yourself as a participant in the Greening Midwest Communities Conference.

Expo Space Available!

Take advantage of this opportunity to reach out to home building and remodeling, development, and storm water professionals from throughout the Midwest. Join us and reserve your space today!

POSTPONED - ONLINE GREEN BUILDING SCORING TOOL CLASS

After receiving feedback about challenges with the schedule and format, the Green Building Committee is postponing the educational series for builders and remodelers entitled: Green Building for Verification - You're Already Doing It. The Committee is in the process of re-tooling the course into a one-day format for the fall. Stay tuned!

Still Time to Sign Up for Sunbelt Environmental Program on Lead Inspection & Assessment

HBA Member Sunbelt Environmental Services will present a program

entitled, "Understanding Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment and Inspection Services" for general and sub-contractors affected by the RRP rule. The free educational program, presented by senior consultant Bruce Trimble, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7 at 3 pm at The Library Center. Call the HBA office to register - 881-3711. You can download the full informational flyer by clicking here.