HBA of Greater Peoria (HBAGP)

Join us on Thursday, June 24 at the HBAGP Office to board a shuttle bus for a “Private Showing” of some of the homes entered in the 19th Annual Parade of Homes! Buses begin loading at 5:45 pm, with tours from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Dinner immediately following the tour, when the buses return to the HBAGP Office. Cost is $20 per person and everyone is welcome! RSVP to 699-5500.

Join us Friday, May 28 for a relaxing cruise on the Illinois River with our members and friends, Tom & Vicki Carney of Peoria Brick & Tile! Seating is limited and space is almost full at this time. You must board by 5:00 pm for the 5:30 to 7:30 pm cruise. Call 699-5500 for details!

Join us Thursday, April 15 at the HBAGP Office in East Peoria for an informational session conducted by Sam Churchill of the Illinois Lead Program. With the impending federal EPA regulations set to take effect on April 22 … there are many member questions regarding how these changes will impact their business. Sam will provide info on that program, what you gain through certification, and how the regulations will be implemented in the State of Illinois.

HBAGP has already had 120 people complete the EPA Lead Certification training, and the 128 seats in the April 19-22 classes are almost full. April 19 & 20 are SOLD OUT, only 2 seats left on April 21, and there are currently 20 seats remaining on April 22. We anticipate a complete sell out within the next week of those seats, based on the volume of calls received in our office for class information. At the conclusion of those classes, about 250 people will have been trained in the HBAGP classes. Are you one of them, are you ready for the new regs?

Reception begins at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm. Cost is $20 per person. We already have about 50 reservations, so please call today to RSVP so we can plan accordingly for dinner, 699-5500. Everyone is welcome!

We have GOOD NEWS to share on the Peoria County Contractor Licensing proposed Ordinance! But first, a summation of the issue and the steps taken follows.

This issue came to light very quickly and without discussion with or input from the companies who would feel the greatest impact. The issue was hurried through the process and presented for Land Use Committee approval in just a matter of days, and the decision was rushed without giving full attention to the way in which it could affect many companies doing business in Peoria County.

Last Friday, Peoria County administration agree to meet with members of our Association to review the subject. Our thanks go to Builder Members Terry Ruhland, Wayne Herrmann and Scott Tucker in their efforts in contacting County Board members, preparing “Letters to the Editor” to run if needed, and more. After our members hit the phones, it was clear heading into our Monday meeting that we had a sympathetic ear to our concerns on the County Board.

Just yesterday, HBAGP members Wayne Herrmann, Terry Ruhland and Attorney Bill Connor met with Peoria County Administrator Patrick Urich, P&Z Director Matt Wahl, and Bill Atkins from the State’s Attorney’s office.

While contractor registration in itself is not alarming to industry professionals, there were several items in the proposed Peoria County Ordinance that were of great concern. Major items included the revocation clause in the proposed Ordinance was written in a way that would allow Peoria County to stop your business from operating in the County without due process.

Specifically, it allowed for subjective judgements about quality issues that are not defined in black and white terms (such as are code issues) that could shut down your operations in the County. We pointed out that under such a scenario, the County would expose itself to liability should it be later proven that their judgement was incorrect. And HBAGP does not feel that the County should put itself in a position to resolve disputes between homeowners and trades people.

Attorney Bill Connor researched the issue from a legal standpoint and was on hand to provide his counsel on HBAGP’s behalf on whether the County actually has the authority to shut down businesses that are only “suspected” of a violation, rather than proven guilty in a court of law. The ordinance proposed to shut down businesses during an investigation/hearing period. Bill informed the County officials of a State Attorney General ruling that indicated that they do not have that right, so even if the ordinance had passed, it would likely be overturned in ensuing litigation.

It was also pointed out that most Land Use committee members indicated in phone conversations that they had been misinformed on the issue of whether or not the ordinance and its consequences had been dicussed with members of the Home Builders Association in advance of their approval. Many committee members were under the impression that HBAGP was “on board” with this issue, when in fact, we were not provided any information on the issue prior to Committee vote.

So now where are we?

The County Administrator assured us that he would discuss the issue further with the Board Executive Committee last night. Today, he followed up with a phone call to say that the ordinance was referred back to the Land Use Committee, which will hold a special meeting on Monday, April 5th to rescind the vote that recommended the ordinance to the Peoria County Board. Most all Committee members have already expressed their willingness to vote in this way. Once the approval is recinded, they will then vote on a licensing act that applies only to paving contractors and not to “all” contractors doing business in Peoria County.

At this time, and assuming that things do proceed as outlined herein … we do not need member presence at the April 8 Peoria County Board Meeting, as the issue will find its conclusion in the Land Use Committee prior to that time. If anything changes, we will let our members know immediately.

Thanks to all of our members for your phone calls, emails, interest and support of HBAGP during the review and protest of the proposed ordinance. And special thanks to Bill Ward of the Home Builders Association of Illinois for giving us a perspective on the issue from the state level, and helping uncover the truths in this issue. Further, we would formally thank Peoria County Administrator Patrick Urich, P&Z Director Matt Wahl, and Bill Atkins of the States Attorney’s office … as well as all of the Peoria County Board Members we spoke to (and there were many) … who were all especially attentive to our concerns, listened carefully and obviously understood the nature of our concerns. Thanks to them for allowing our voices to be heard and letting the process work as it is intended.

As HBAGP members, you can be especially proud of the work a small group of members were able to accomplish … due to the respect that our Association has earned within the region as a highly-visible and professional group. As an extension of this issue, the County Administrator has asked us to take part in a committee to help them address enforcement issues as they attempt to get better compliance from parties that operate outside the traditional framework of our industry. HBAGP will be proud to work with the County in that regard.

Join us at the HBAGP Office on Tuesday, March 23 for this month’s General Membership Meeting! Guest speaker Elliot Eisenberg, Senior Economist of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will give a presentation on “The Unintended Consequences of Building Regulation.”  6:30 pm reception, 7:00 pm dinner. Cost is $20 per person, advance reservations requested. Call HBAGP at 699-5500 to make your reservation!

Join us this Thursday, February 18 for our General Membership Meeting, to be held at the HBAGP Office. Reception begins at 6:30 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, program immediately following.

Two important topics will be addressed in roundtable format … the new EPA/Hud Lead Paint Certification requirements, and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Both of these issues have far-reaching implications for the home building and home remodeling industries, and go beyond just affecting builders and remodelers.

Reservations are required for this event, and as of the time this post was made … about 90 people have already reserved a seat! Cost is $20 per person and includes reception, dinner and program. Last chance! Call HBAGP at 309-699-5500 to register.

Start the new year off right by getting connected with the home building and home remodeling industry at HBAGP events!

Join us Thursday, January 14 at the HBAGP Office in East Peoria for reception, dinner and installation of our 2010 Officers & Directors! Cost is just $20 per person and everyone is welcome. Reception begins at 6:30 pm, followed by buffet dinner at 7:15 pm. Reservations are requested so that we can plan accordingly for the meal … call HBAGP at 699-5500 today!

All of these events will be held at the HBAGP Office, 1599 North Main in East Peoria in the next two weeks! From learning how to utilize free social media marketing sites (December 2), to finding out how your state association works hard to protect the interests of the home building/remodeling industry (December 3), to getting a national designation in the green building area (December 7-9) … there is much to take advantage of in the next two weeks at HBAGP to enhance your knowledge and professionalism! Read on for full details …  Last chance to register!

Social Media Lab

NEXT WEEK!  December 2 – Social Media Lab

Do you want to effectively engage in social media marketing to build your business? Are you confused by Friends, Fans and Followers? Do you wish someone could just walk you through the process of building all the basic social networking sites?

HELP IS HERE!

Join us at the HBAGP Office on Wednesday, December 2 for two half-day sessions offering the “how to” basics for promoting your business through social networking and blogging. Get started with the right sites and strategy with tips and insight from social media experts from mRELEVANCE. Their sessions offer large and small business owners an opportunity to learn how to effectively use social media to reach existing customers AND build relationships with new ones. You will learn how to engage in the conversation with this exciting form of permission-based marketing!

Session #1:  “Social Media Marketing: Engage in On-Line Business Conversation” will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 8:15 am to 11:45 am (includes continental breakfast), just $49 per person!

Session #2: “Building a Social Media Program from the Ground Up” will be held on Wednesday, December 2, Noon to 4:00 pm (includes working lunch), just $49 per person!

BEST DEAL!!  Be part of both session for just $79 per person!

Call HBAGP at 699-5500 to register today!  Or to download the registration form, CLICK HERE.  Laptops are welcome in class and free wi-fi will be available for participants. Seating is limited!

NEXT WEEK!   December 3 – Home Builders Association of Illinois committee, legislative & board meetings

As a member of HBAGP, a portion of your dues go to the Home Builders Association of Illinois to make you a member of the state association as well! Your state association works hard on your behalf year-round with issues coming before the Illinois Legislature that could present potential concern in the home building and home remodeling industry. Meetings will be held throughout the day that address the work done on behalf of our members, and everyone is welcome to attend. For details, visit HBAI’s web site, HERE. Reservations for lunch are requested, and the lunch fee is $15 per person.

NEXT WEEK!  December 3 – Home Builders Association of Illinois Installation of 2010 Officers & Directors

The Home Builders Association of Illinois will officially install its 2010 Officers & Directors at this event. We are proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, a Peoria-area builder will be named as state president. Ted Schieler of Schieler & Rassi Quality Builders will serve the HBAI members in the coming year. All members are welcome to attend this event. Complete details can be found on the HBAI web site, HERE … and you can make your dinner reservation by calling the HBAGP office at 699-5500.

Earn your national “Certified Green Professional” designation, December 7-9!

When you become a CGP, you gain a greater understanding of sustainable building techniques, knowledge of methods to achieve higher energy efficiency, marketing and sales tools specifically tailored to green building, and the business practices that foster success. You’ll be able to demonstrate to consumers the enhanced environmental impact, increased performance and health benefits of green homes. Earning the CGP shows prospective customers your commitment to staying current with industry innovations … including green building!

The coursework consists of three full days of education. It can be broken down into one or two day segments. If you can’t fit all three days of classes into your schedule now, just take one or two days … and you can complete the coursework when it is offered again in 2010!

At the completion of the course, participants will take an exam showing successful completion and understanding of the materials. After the exam, you are eligible to apply to NAHB to receive your Certified Green Professional designation!  To register for the classes, contact HBAGP at 699-5500 right away!

 Don’t miss any of these great educational opportunities!!