The first Home Run Grant Program, which ended in June 2009, provided a $6000 grant to eligible home buyers.  Home Run 2 provides a $4000 grant.  The first program required that homes be ready for occupancy upon closing.  Home Run 2 buyers have two additional options.  They can purchase a home that is contracted for construction or partially finished and contract for completion.  Homes that have been previously occupied do not qualify.   There are approximately 1950 grants available and they will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.  All requests must be received before December 1, 2009.  For more information, click here. 

The SUHBA General Membership Luncheon is set for this Friday, September 11th from 11:30 - 1:00 pm at the Ultimate Home Expo - Dixie Center. We are looking forward to a great event with the opportunity to network by strengthening exisiting relationships and making new ones! The Ultimate Home Expo is presented by SUHBA and The Spectrum. 

RSVP was required by Tuesday, Sept. 8th by noon. If you have not sent in your RSVP, please send an email to toni@suhba.com and we will put you on a waiting list (one free meal per company). Please make sure and attend if you sent in your RSVP because no shows will be billed. RSVP is not required if you are exhibiting or attending the So. Utah Building Industry Conference.

On behalf of SUHBA, we want to thank our many exhibitors for participating in the 6th Annual Ultimate Home Expo. We have over 100 exhibition spaces filled at this time which is very good considering the housing slowdown. Click here for the current list. Many members are struggling during this tough economy and it is important to combine our resources together so we can be effective at promoting this important event, so our members can benefit. We lowered exhibition fees this year because we know many businesses are struggling. 

SUHBA has spent a large amount in marketing and promotion this year so we can maximize attendance. Our co-presenter, The Spectrum has done a great job in promoting this event with many newspaper ads, special Sunday insert section, website, magazines, posters, etc. We invested in a billboard that can be seen from I-15, magazines ads, radio ads, special publications, outdoor signs, strong website presence, and arranged for a national presenter to attract crowds. 

We are excited about the workshops that will be held at this year's expo in the exhibit hall at the back stage. Workshops include "The Wall Wizard" teaching entertaining and educational (edutaining) seminars on Painting & Faux Secrets, Container Gardening & Landscaping in Southern Utah by Plant World Nursery, Mosaic Tiling and Women Home Repairs by Tom Boy Tools. For a complete schedule, click here.

The Ultimate Home Expo would not be possible without the great support of our sponsors. Their support means even more at this time because of the challenges we all have been facing. We sincerely appreciate The Spectrum for co-presenting this event with us. Thank you to our sponsors listed below for their support. Click on more to read about these fine companies. Please consider using these companies because they support community events like the Ultimate Home Expo and make it happen!

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We are pleased to bring in a nationally known presenter- Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard. Brian shares with audiences his magical ability to create stunning decorative effects, utilizing simple, quick, low-cost techniques that will have you saying, "I can do that!" For more information, click on the continuance below for showtimes! Sponsored by .

As a sponsor of Brian Santos "The Wall Wizard," Jones Paint & Glass will be offering a special 10% discount the remainder of the year on all paint products to customers. Simply tell us "the wizard sent me." We hope that many of you will be able to perform a little magic this year and give your home a new look for the holidays! ...More

As a new feature this year at the expo, a section will be designated for green building resources. Come see what is new in green building and remodeling. During the expo on Saturday at 10:30, Bill Keith will be presenting a green workshop. He has been featured on ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson" and a regular guest on many television and radio shows.

Register on-line at www.buildingconference.com. Keynote speaker will be Attorney General Mark Shurtleff who will discuss sub-prime mortgages and the economic collapse, actions against mortgage companies, the free market and the rule of law.
 

What You Gain:

• Continuing Education: Contractors complete all your continuing education requirements in one day! State requirements must be met by November 30, 2009.
• Networking Opportunity: Get acquainted with your peers in the industry at breakfast, lunch, during classes, and at the popular Ultimate Home Expo. All of this is included with the conference fee!

Registration for full day is $200. Half day registration is $100. Visit www.buildingconference.com and register today.
Send your employees for 1/2 off! Each additional registrant may attend at half price.

The Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation announced today that is has received a $130,000 Daniels Fund grant to support its H.O.M.E. (Housing, Options, Mentoring and Empowerment) transitional housing program for homeless survivors of domestic violence. ...More

The window film special includes a digital print on a perforated window film, whatever color you want to do.  The print is for up to 8 square feet, most back windows are smaller than that.  This special includes installation and simple design and will run through the end of September. Extra design is $60 an hour.  Bring in vehicle for us to take pictures, measurements and we can lay it out on a picture to show what it will look like. For more information, please call the store at 435-628-5107.

Dixie Applied Technology College is sponsoring Crucial Conversations Class this September 23 - 24, 2009. Improve your ability to step up to difficult issues and get better results and stronger relationships. Crucial Conversations training can help you, your team, and your organization get better at virtually everything. Click here for more information, or to register.

SUHBA members are encouraged to submit company event announcements, open house announcements, job announcements, education announcements and press releases for inclusion in the next News You Can Use by Monday, September 28, 2009. Please email the information to news@suhba.com.