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!