April 27, 2010
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S MESSAGE
Executive Officer’s View by Carol Sapp
The new federal health care reform legislation, all 2,700 pages, is now the law of the land. The Obama administration’s health care reform program has been dominating the headlines for months, and there is a significant amount of misinformation being circulated by the media. For example, some pundits are exaggerating the scope of the 3.8% tax and implying that it is a sales tax applicable to all home sales, when in reality the housing impact will be fairly small, and fall mostly on long-time owners of second homes.The National Association of Home Builders is working closely with the National Association of REALTORS on responses to the incorrect information.
To help our members understand and be able to speak knowledgably about the issue, NAHB has been providing regular updates in Nation’s Building News and in the Monday Morning Briefing. The National Building News is sent to members every two week. The National Building News is THE housing industry source you can’t afford to miss. We encourage you to subscribe to NBN as well as other NAHB newsletters at www.nahb.org/subscribe.
The NBN articles published on April 19, 2010 and April 5, 2010, list the many policy changes in the recently enacted health care legislation and explain in an easy-to-understand terms all of us can get our fingers around. I would encourage you to go to these sources to become better informed.
As the regulatory infrastructure of health care begins to take shape, what does that mean for Utah’s business owners and Utah’s families? What does it mean for Utah’s past three years of effort to reform Utah’s health care system?
Can the federal government and states, such as Utah, work together?
Next week, at our monthly luncheon on Tuesday, May 4th, Utah Speaker of the House Representative David Clark will share information on the alternative being implemented at the state level. The Speaker will share with us some of the “inside scoop” he has participated in during the last 10 days as he has traveled around the country discussing the health care issue with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Heritage Foundation (and the 15 states they invited) and Health and Human Services leadership in Washington D.C.
Our meeting will run 15 minutes longer than usual (until 1:15 pm). Speaker Clark will make the presentation he made to those bodies and then take questions from our members.
You are seeing your membership in motion…you have a say…come and be informed so you can become a better participant in the issues that will affect our businesses and their families.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Washington City Public Hearing to Lower Transportation Impact Fees
The Washington City Council will be holding a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 28th at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers. The purpose of the hearing is to receive input from the public on the proposed Transportation Master Plan and Proposed Impact Fees related to the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan.
It is proposed the recommended single family detached housing impact fee for Transportation will be decreased 17% from $2983 per unit to $2,470 per unit. Condominiums and apartments will be assessed the single family equivalent at $1,272 and $1,516.
For more information please call Mike Shaw at 656-6317 or email at mshaw@washingtoncity.org. The Transportation Plan, Impact Fee Study and Access Management can be viewed on the City’s website at http://washingtoncity.org/pubworks.
It is proposed the recommended single family detached housing impact fee for Transportation will be decreased 17% from $2983 per unit to $2,470 per unit. Condominiums and apartments will be assessed the single family equivalent at $1,272 and $1,516.
For more information please call Mike Shaw at 656-6317 or email at mshaw@washingtoncity.org. The Transportation Plan, Impact Fee Study and Access Management can be viewed on the City’s website at http://washingtoncity.org/pubworks.
Hurricane City Public Hearing to Lower Parks and Transportation Impact Fees
Hurricane City will be holding a Public Hearing on Thursday, May 6th beginning at 6 pm in the Council Chambers. The purpose of the hearing is to receive input from the public on the proposed Transportation Master Plan and Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan and the Proposed Impact Fees related to the implementation of these Master Plans.
Hurricane City proposes lowering the impact fees for Parks/ Open Space and Roads by amending the assumptions included in the Capital Facilities Plans adopted in 2006 and 2007 relating to the cost of land purchases and number of acres of land needed.
If approved, the Parks and Open Space impact fee would be lowered from the current $4,356 to $3,237 per residential unit, with annual adjustments for inflation as previously approved by the City Council. This adjustment is based on the acquisition of 51 acres of property at no cost to the City and the assumption that average cost per acre to acquire property will be $60,000 an acre rather than $125,000 per acre used in the original capital facilities plan.
If approved, the reduction for roads will be from $2,809 to $2452 per residential unit, with annual adjustments for inflation as previously approved by the City Council. This adjustment is based on the assumption that the average cost per acre to acquire property will be $60,000 an acre rather than $75,000 per acre used in the original capital facilities plan.
Hurricane City proposes lowering the impact fees for Parks/ Open Space and Roads by amending the assumptions included in the Capital Facilities Plans adopted in 2006 and 2007 relating to the cost of land purchases and number of acres of land needed.
If approved, the Parks and Open Space impact fee would be lowered from the current $4,356 to $3,237 per residential unit, with annual adjustments for inflation as previously approved by the City Council. This adjustment is based on the acquisition of 51 acres of property at no cost to the City and the assumption that average cost per acre to acquire property will be $60,000 an acre rather than $125,000 per acre used in the original capital facilities plan.
If approved, the reduction for roads will be from $2,809 to $2452 per residential unit, with annual adjustments for inflation as previously approved by the City Council. This adjustment is based on the assumption that the average cost per acre to acquire property will be $60,000 an acre rather than $75,000 per acre used in the original capital facilities plan.
PARADE OF HOMES
Last Day to Accrue Points & Submit Builder Intent is April 29th
The 2010 Parade Builder surveys received reported 100% satisfaction with the attendance of the Parade of Homes. Here's what a few of the builders said:
The 2011 Parade Point cutoff date is Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 5:00 pm. This is the last day to submit your Builder Intent Form along with a deposit. Click here to see the 2011 Parade of Homes Builder Participation Point Criteria. Please send an email to shawna@suhba.com if you would like your 2011 Parade Builder point standing.
Click here to download a 2011 Parade Builder Intent to Participate & Acknowledgment/Agreement form.
This was the best parade we've had because of the quality of the traffic. Many more shoppers!
This is such a great way to get your name out. I just don't understand why anyone would not want to be in it.
The 2010 Parade of Homes had 24,300 attendees! By being a Parade Builder, your company is promoted to the people walking through your home and also in the Parade Magazine, on local radio stations, and in the Spectrum newspaper. Reach thousands of people who are interested in building, remodeling, home design, and decorating by becoming a 2011 Parade Builder. This is such a great way to get your name out. I just don't understand why anyone would not want to be in it.
The 2011 Parade Point cutoff date is Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 5:00 pm. This is the last day to submit your Builder Intent Form along with a deposit. Click here to see the 2011 Parade of Homes Builder Participation Point Criteria. Please send an email to shawna@suhba.com if you would like your 2011 Parade Builder point standing.
Click here to download a 2011 Parade Builder Intent to Participate & Acknowledgment/Agreement form.
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
May Membership Luncheon
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 4, to attend the Membership Luncheon at Dixie State College. The buffet line will open at 11:45 AM. Each SUHBA Company receives one complimentary lunch. Each additional lunch is $13. RSVP is not required.
Luncheon Speaker: “How will the new Obama Health Care Laws affect you?”
The new federal health care reform legislation, all 2700 pages, is now the law of the land. As the regulatory infrastructure of health care begins to take shape what does that mean for Utah's business owners and Utah's families. What does it mean for Utah's past three years of effort to reform Utah's health system? Can the Federal Government and States, such as Utah, work together? Come find out when Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and Washington County Representative David Clark explains what it means to you.
Sponsored by:
Back to Perfection Flood and Fire specializes in repairs to homes due to water, fire and smoke damage. They also do remodels and repairs to homes. They have been in the business 19 years, serving the Southern Utah area for 10 years. They are IICRC, Mold and Lead certified. They also participate in many insurance premier service programs.
Luncheon Speaker: “How will the new Obama Health Care Laws affect you?”
The new federal health care reform legislation, all 2700 pages, is now the law of the land. As the regulatory infrastructure of health care begins to take shape what does that mean for Utah's business owners and Utah's families. What does it mean for Utah's past three years of effort to reform Utah's health system? Can the Federal Government and States, such as Utah, work together? Come find out when Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and Washington County Representative David Clark explains what it means to you.
Sponsored by:
Back to Perfection Flood and Fire specializes in repairs to homes due to water, fire and smoke damage. They also do remodels and repairs to homes. They have been in the business 19 years, serving the Southern Utah area for 10 years. They are IICRC, Mold and Lead certified. They also participate in many insurance premier service programs.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
How Does Health Care Reform Affect Small Busniesses?
Small business tax credits: Offers tax credit to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable.
- Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be available to small businesses with 25 employees or less for tax years 2010-2013, as long as the employer contributes at least 50% of a benchmark premium. Beginning in 2014, these tax credits will increase to cover 50 percent of premiums.
- Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees who have annual wages of less than $25,000 will be eligible for full credit.
Targeting Small Construction Companies (Merkley Amendment)
NAHB
In the days leading up to the Christmas Eve passage in the first round of health care legislation in the Senate, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) inserted a provision into the final Manager's Amendment to the bill that would have singled out the construction industry from the broader small business exemption in the legislation. While every other U.S. small business would have had a 50-employee threshold exemption from the employer mandates in the bill, the Merkley Amendment would have changed that threshold to a mere 5-employee threshold only for "any employer the substantial annual gross receipts of which are attributable to the construction industry." Click here to read the full article.
In the days leading up to the Christmas Eve passage in the first round of health care legislation in the Senate, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) inserted a provision into the final Manager's Amendment to the bill that would have singled out the construction industry from the broader small business exemption in the legislation. While every other U.S. small business would have had a 50-employee threshold exemption from the employer mandates in the bill, the Merkley Amendment would have changed that threshold to a mere 5-employee threshold only for "any employer the substantial annual gross receipts of which are attributable to the construction industry." Click here to read the full article.
SUHBA ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUHBA Member Orientation
SUHBA Member Orientation will be sponsored and held at the Holiday Inn Express, at 2450 N. Town Center Drive in Washington, on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. ALL members are encouraged to come and learn more about SUHBA. A light lunch will be served. To RSVP for this FREE event, please email toni@suhba.com or call the SUHBA office at 435-674-1400. If you would like to donate promotional items from your company for the goodie bags, please contact Toni at 435-674-1400.
Builders may receive credit for the 2011 Parade Point criteria by having sponsored members attend.
Associate Appreciation BBQ
All Associate members of SUHBA and their families are invited to the 3rd Annual Associate Appreciation Bar-B-Que!SUHBA Builders will be on hand to cook and serve the Associate members to show their appreciation for all they do, including the exceptional work done for the 2010 Parade of Homes.
Bring the whole family for food, swimming, water balloon volleyball, and lots of fun.
| Monday, May 10, 2010 |
| 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Sand Hollow Aquatics Center |
Sponsored by SunRiver St. George and presented by the SUHBA Membership Committee. Click here to download a registration form.
Swing for SUHBA Scholarships
Don't miss all the fun and excitement at the 8th Annual SUHBA Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, June 11, 2010, at the Sunbrook Golf Course. This event gives SUHBA members an opportunity to network with other members in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Remember all the proceeds from this tournament go to the SUHBA Scholarship Fund, so you're playing for a good cause. You will have a chance to win a $10,000 Hole-In-One Prize, a Richard Petty Driving Experience, $500 Golf Pac Travel Gift Card, $500 Visa Gift Card, and many other wonderful prizes! Click here to download a registration form.We would like to thank our Sponsors for their support for this great event:
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Main Sponsor |
Meal Sponsor |
Putting Green Sponsor |
Drink Sponsor |
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Hole Sponsors: |
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Hirschi Insulation and Roofing |
If your company is looking for a great way to get to know other SUHBA members in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, then sign up to be a sponsor. It's a great way to receive exposure while supporting a great cause.
Click here if you are interested in becoming a hole sponsor.
EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Construction Contracts & Law Course
Protect your business against legal problems with well-written contracts. Many construction or remodeling companies are too small to hire full-time legal staff so it’s important to understand basic contract law. This course provides a step-by-step explanation of how contracts sustain positive customer and supplier relations, provide for resolution of disputes, and minimize the risk of litigation. You will learn about mandatory and optional provisions, warranties, and arbitration procedures. Special emphasis is given to troubleshooting contracts for unfavorable positions.
The DXATC Custom Fit Division will pay 50% of the registration fee for Washington County Businesses.
SUHBA members may receive a $60 SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement.
Register online at www.suhba.com and click on the calendar of events. For questions, please call Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400.
| Where: | DXATC at 1071 E 100 S, Bldg C, St. George | |
| When: | Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | |
| Costs: | $225 NAHB Member Pricing | |
| $275 Non Member Pricing | ||
| $25 Late Registration Fee (After May 6th) |
SUHBA members may receive a $60 SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement.
Register online at www.suhba.com and click on the calendar of events. For questions, please call Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400.
NAHB Spring Construction Forecast
The NAHB Construction Forecast Conference has a new format for Spring 2010.
Previously a day-long, in-person conference with a webcast option, the Construction Forecast Conference is now a two-hour webinar. David Crowe, NAHB’s Chief Economist, will moderate as well as present, along with two of the most informed and respected economists in the U.S.: Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics and Chris Varvares, President of Macroeconomic Advisers.
This new format allows us to bring you the most current and accurate content in a streamlined, time-efficient manner. As always, participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be able to do so directly via the webinar setup.
The presentation will address:
Don't miss the Spring Construction Forecast Conference Webinar that will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration for this forecast is only $29.95 for NAHB members and $49.95 for non members. Click here to register.
Previously a day-long, in-person conference with a webcast option, the Construction Forecast Conference is now a two-hour webinar. David Crowe, NAHB’s Chief Economist, will moderate as well as present, along with two of the most informed and respected economists in the U.S.: Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics and Chris Varvares, President of Macroeconomic Advisers.
This new format allows us to bring you the most current and accurate content in a streamlined, time-efficient manner. As always, participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be able to do so directly via the webinar setup.
The presentation will address:
- Recovery? Where is it going? How long will it take? What does it mean for builders, suppliers and buyers?
- The effect of inventory overhang on the market.
- What housing policy issues loom? What will the Fed do?
- Regional highlights—where are housing prospects strongest?
Don't miss the Spring Construction Forecast Conference Webinar that will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration for this forecast is only $29.95 for NAHB members and $49.95 for non members. Click here to register.
WCF – Safety Seminar Teleconference
Workers Compensation Fund is offering two free safety seminars to their policy holders. These classes will safisfy the 5% association discount program requirements and also count toward the DOPL requirement of 3 proessional hours.
Classes will be held at the WCF Building located at 1453 S. Dixie Drive, St. George.
For more information or to attend, please contact Mayann Moser at 435-652-5027 or email mmoser@wcfgroup.com.
| Class | Day | Time | Credits |
| Safety Management: The Balanced Scorecard | Thursday, April 29th | 8:30 am - 10:00 am | 1.5 Professional DOPL Hours |
| Safety Incentive Programs | Thursday, April 29th | 10:15 am - 11:45 am | 1.5 Professional DOPL Hours |
For more information or to attend, please contact Mayann Moser at 435-652-5027 or email mmoser@wcfgroup.com.
NATIONAL BUILDING NEWS
Small Business Tax Credit Available for Hiring or Retaining Workers
Enacted into law last month, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act establishes two temporary tax incentives for employers who hire and/or retain workers.
Most home builders are not hiring new workers at this time. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1.3 million jobs have been lost in the residential construction industry since the peak of employment in 2006. These job losses continue. ...More
Most home builders are not hiring new workers at this time. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1.3 million jobs have been lost in the residential construction industry since the peak of employment in 2006. These job losses continue. ...More
Web Site One-Stop Shop for Tax Credit Info
Builders and other industry professionals can help spur home sales by referring prospective home buyers to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. The NAHB Web site provides detailed information on both the extended $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the new $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit signed into law by President Obama.
Consumers can use the Web site to find information on both tax credits — including frequently asked questions and links to social media sites that provide updated information as it becomes available. It also includes a number of home-buying resources for consumers.
Industry professionals are encouraged to highlight the tax credit Web site when marketing to their potential home buyer market. ...More
Consumers can use the Web site to find information on both tax credits — including frequently asked questions and links to social media sites that provide updated information as it becomes available. It also includes a number of home-buying resources for consumers.
Industry professionals are encouraged to highlight the tax credit Web site when marketing to their potential home buyer market. ...More
LOCAL/COMMUNITY NEWS
SouthWest Federal Credit Union Donates Teddy Bears to Mobile Crisis Team
SouthWest Federal Credit Union donated 50 Teddy Bears to the Southern Utah Mobile Crisis Team April 11 in Cedar City to be handed out to children in need.
“For all of the bad things we see, it’s great to know that SouthWest Federal is looking out for our community,” said Clint Kelly, coordinator of the Mobile Crisis Team. “These little bears will go a long way to helping kids find comfort amid the bad situations we sometimes find them in.” ...More
“For all of the bad things we see, it’s great to know that SouthWest Federal is looking out for our community,” said Clint Kelly, coordinator of the Mobile Crisis Team. “These little bears will go a long way to helping kids find comfort amid the bad situations we sometimes find them in.” ...More
GREEN BUILDING NEWS
First and Only ANSI Commercial Green Building Standard Completed
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) announced on April 1 that it had completed the first and only American National Standard for commercial green building, as approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The standard — officially named ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings — was derived from the Green Globes environmental design and assessment rating system for new construction and was formally approved on March 24. The standard was developed following ANSI’s consensus-based guidelines. ...More
The standard — officially named ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings — was derived from the Green Globes environmental design and assessment rating system for new construction and was formally approved on March 24. The standard was developed following ANSI’s consensus-based guidelines. ...More
NAHB Green Build Conference
Diverse Perspectives. Shared Progress. There are many different approaches to green building--in site design and development, in sourcing materials and in methods for energy and water efficiency. Throw in a client's geography and budget and everything can change. At the 2010 NAHB National Green Building Conference, we'll be taking a whole-house approach and emphasizing what you need to do from start to finish--whether you're remodeling a home or building from the ground up. You'll learn how to make the National Green Building Standard work for you.
BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
The Dos and Don’ts of Fearless Business Networking
“The task we must set for ourselves is not to feel secure, but to be able to tolerate insecurity.”
This Dos and Don’ts article has suggestions on how to be more assertive at networking. You may be shy or timid! You may avoid reaching out to people. You may be reluctant to greet new people! These tips tell you how to engage others in conversation and develop win-win relationships. ...More
-Erich Fromm
This Dos and Don’ts article has suggestions on how to be more assertive at networking. You may be shy or timid! You may avoid reaching out to people. You may be reluctant to greet new people! These tips tell you how to engage others in conversation and develop win-win relationships. ...More
OFFICE LEASE SPACE AVAILABLE
Locate Your Business in Coral Canyon Town Center by SUHBA
Conveniently located off I-15 in Washington, the Coral Canyon Town Center has office space available for lease by SUHBA. Call today for great lease rates. For more information, please contact Mari Smith at 674-1400.
SUBMIT YOUR NEWS
Next Publish Date for News You Can Use: May 11, 2010
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, May 10, 2010. Please email the information to news@suhba.com.
