Tuesday, December 22, 2009
OSHA Back on the Prowl
Jim Moody, CAE
President
We’re starting to hear a lot about OSHA ramping up inspections and rule-making. I suppose this was to be expected given the change in power in Washington.
Here are some facts we know:
• OSHA is adding 130 new inspectors nationwide in the coming year.
• Already, 31 new enforcement agents have been put on duty in the Southeast.
• A new rule on crane operation will be published soon. We’ve been working through the NLBMDA to make sure that our industry isn’t saddled with crazy new regulations, but we won’t know for sure whether we were successful until later in the year.
• OSHA is particularly tuned into combustible dust (like sawdust) and silica (which could be emitted as particles when crushing stone or cutting things like cement fiber board).
• Clear definitions of what levels of noise are dangerous have been withdrawn, leaving more latitude to OSHA inspectors to make a subjective determination.
If you don’t have your safety ducks in a row, now is a good time to make changes. While there is no guarantee you will be inspected, it is reasonable to assume that the chances have gone up. There are a variety of resources available to assist with safety. The cheapest first step is to seek a mock OSHA audit from CSA. Contact Larry Marler (larrymarler@gocsa.com or 770-331-7026) if you’d like to schedule a visit.
CSA also developed a safety manual in 2007, which is still relevant today. All CSA Self-Insured Fund members were provided a copy; for non-Fund members, it’s available for a small fee. The manual is provided on disc so that you can select the chapters pertinent to you, insert your business name, and create a customized safety manual for your own business. To order, contact Diane Rountree (dianerountree@gocsa.com or 678-674-1860).
Keep in mind that if you are inspected and violations are found, you are not off the hook once you pay the fine. The rate of re-inspections is going up. If they come back to find that you have not fixed what they found the first time, you will find yourself paying through the nose.
Random Thoughts
Yesterday was the start of winter. I don’t care for the cold at all. I long for the spring even though it means the yard and my nasal passages will be coated with pollen. At times I wonder if I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a condition that some people get (or think they get) in winter. I learned about this when I worked as a copy editor for a newspaper right out of college. We had a medical reporter who believed he had this, and he wrote about it a lot. Apparently the short days and lack of sunlight have a dramatic depressive effect on some people.
I don’t seriously believe I have a medical condition, but winter is truly my least favorite time of year. While I’m not depressed, I have found myself recently dwelling on the negative while forgetting the many positives that still exist in my life, the association and our industry. In years past, when I’ve been down, I’ve wrapped myself around the fact that even though it’s cold outside, the days are already getting longer and better times are ahead. Yesterday was the shortest day of the year. While we still have a brutal winter ahead (both in terms of weather and business), the mechanisms to make life better are already working.
As we celebrate Christmas and move into the New Year, all of us at CSA want to wish you the best. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Good riddance to 2009, and here’s to a better 2010.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Decline in Industry Makes us Ripe for Innovation
By: Jim Moody, CAE
President
Ruth Kellick Grubbs, an industry consultant and a good friend of CSA’s, recently sent out a newsletter to clients with some harsh insights. Contrary to what I’m hearing from some economists and from other industry gurus, Ruth says there’s no recovery on the horizon for home building.
She cites several reasons to support her analysis:
• Statistics indicating home price increases may be misleading.
• The current low interest rates are not sustainable.
• The homebuyer tax credit will not last forever.
• FHA loans now makeup a significant portion of the market, and they are risky.
• Foreclosures are going to spike again, and so are subprime resets.
Different people can look at the same statistics and come to very different conclusions. Certainly Greg Brooks, another industry consultant, has a different perspective. We provide you with his insightful newsletter each month, and he has a much more positive view of the future than Ruth does.
But whether you think brighter days are just around the corner or not, Ruth makes another point that is interesting.
She says we are at a critical point in the life cycle of our industry. People who study these things have determined that industries typically go through birth, growth and then a decline. The length of the cycle may be different from industry to industry, but the pattern is generally the same. Once an industry hits a decline, there has to be an innovation or the industry eventually dies.
We know that our country will continue to need housing in the long run, so the industry is not likely to die. Instead, someone will find a better, cheaper or faster way to get the job done, and the rest of the industry will fall in line. What’s not known at this point is whether the innovation will keep independent dealers in the mix (although with a much changed business model) or cut us out entirely.
Ruth asserts that technology will have a much larger role in the industry going forward. She also sees major changes in the distribution model, since ours is the most expensive model in existence. She also notes that our existence depends on our customer’s ability to sell our products and services for us, and that’s probably not going to be true in the future.
I’ve seen a lot of information about how homes going forward will be smaller and less customized because cheaper will be better for consumers. If that’s true, then I wonder whether the future is in more manufacturing. Will wall panels be the next big thing? Will the dealers and the home builders essentially be the same company? I don’t have answers to those questions, but it is good food for thought. What do you think the innovation in our industry is going to be? Use our blog feature to post comments.
Meanwhile, one of our members brought a ProSales article on credit to my attention. The article talks about how dealers who aren’t diligent in credit are as guilty of sub-prime lending as the mortgage companies. Clearly credit issues have been significant for our members over the past two years. How you extend credit and manage collections will be critical in the recovery of business going forward. We’ve had a task force developing a guide to best practices in credit and collections this year, and it’s now if final production. Hopefully it will be a useful tool for you; we’ll let you know when it’s available. Here’s the link to the ProSales article
President
Ruth Kellick Grubbs, an industry consultant and a good friend of CSA’s, recently sent out a newsletter to clients with some harsh insights. Contrary to what I’m hearing from some economists and from other industry gurus, Ruth says there’s no recovery on the horizon for home building.
She cites several reasons to support her analysis:
• Statistics indicating home price increases may be misleading.
• The current low interest rates are not sustainable.
• The homebuyer tax credit will not last forever.
• FHA loans now makeup a significant portion of the market, and they are risky.
• Foreclosures are going to spike again, and so are subprime resets.
Different people can look at the same statistics and come to very different conclusions. Certainly Greg Brooks, another industry consultant, has a different perspective. We provide you with his insightful newsletter each month, and he has a much more positive view of the future than Ruth does.
But whether you think brighter days are just around the corner or not, Ruth makes another point that is interesting.
She says we are at a critical point in the life cycle of our industry. People who study these things have determined that industries typically go through birth, growth and then a decline. The length of the cycle may be different from industry to industry, but the pattern is generally the same. Once an industry hits a decline, there has to be an innovation or the industry eventually dies.
We know that our country will continue to need housing in the long run, so the industry is not likely to die. Instead, someone will find a better, cheaper or faster way to get the job done, and the rest of the industry will fall in line. What’s not known at this point is whether the innovation will keep independent dealers in the mix (although with a much changed business model) or cut us out entirely.
Ruth asserts that technology will have a much larger role in the industry going forward. She also sees major changes in the distribution model, since ours is the most expensive model in existence. She also notes that our existence depends on our customer’s ability to sell our products and services for us, and that’s probably not going to be true in the future.
I’ve seen a lot of information about how homes going forward will be smaller and less customized because cheaper will be better for consumers. If that’s true, then I wonder whether the future is in more manufacturing. Will wall panels be the next big thing? Will the dealers and the home builders essentially be the same company? I don’t have answers to those questions, but it is good food for thought. What do you think the innovation in our industry is going to be? Use our blog feature to post comments.
Meanwhile, one of our members brought a ProSales article on credit to my attention. The article talks about how dealers who aren’t diligent in credit are as guilty of sub-prime lending as the mortgage companies. Clearly credit issues have been significant for our members over the past two years. How you extend credit and manage collections will be critical in the recovery of business going forward. We’ve had a task force developing a guide to best practices in credit and collections this year, and it’s now if final production. Hopefully it will be a useful tool for you; we’ll let you know when it’s available. Here’s the link to the ProSales article
NLBMDA News
House to Vote on Estate Tax This Week. Take Action Now.
House leadership has announced plans to vote this week, possibly as early as Wednesday on legislation (H.R.4154) sponsored by Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) to permanently extend the 2009 $3.5 million exemption and 45% tax rate on estates passed onto the next generation. Read more.
IRS Issues New Guidance on NOL Expansion
The IRS has issued new guidance on the expansion of the Net Operating Loss Carryback provision enacted lat month by Congress. The expansion allows taxpayers to elect a 3, 4, or 5-year net operating loss (NOL) carryback instead of a normally 2-year carryback. Read more.
NLBMDA Joins Institute for Legal Reform to Oppose Lawsuit Changes
This Thursday, Dec. 3, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider legislation by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) that would change pleading rules and potentially overwhelm federal courts with frivolous lawsuits. Read more.
House leadership has announced plans to vote this week, possibly as early as Wednesday on legislation (H.R.4154) sponsored by Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) to permanently extend the 2009 $3.5 million exemption and 45% tax rate on estates passed onto the next generation. Read more.
IRS Issues New Guidance on NOL Expansion
The IRS has issued new guidance on the expansion of the Net Operating Loss Carryback provision enacted lat month by Congress. The expansion allows taxpayers to elect a 3, 4, or 5-year net operating loss (NOL) carryback instead of a normally 2-year carryback. Read more.
NLBMDA Joins Institute for Legal Reform to Oppose Lawsuit Changes
This Thursday, Dec. 3, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider legislation by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) that would change pleading rules and potentially overwhelm federal courts with frivolous lawsuits. Read more.
Monday, November 30, 2009
News You Can Use - Special Feature
Rader's Edge: How To Pick Vendors
Sometimes the biggest successes in LBM come from something as simple as a vendor and dealer teaming up for mutual benefit
By Chris Rader
In today's LBM business, the relationship between the vendor and supplier can't be taken for granted. A strong vendor-supplier relationship can not only outflank the competition but also ensure profits. Below you will find my account of a partnership between a vendor and a dealer that has existed for more than 10 years. You will also find nine ideas regarding how to find the best vendors. This is the story of how two guys have built their business by supporting each other. To protect their identities against competitors, I will call them Victor the vendor and Larry the LBM dealer.
Victor started his career working at an airline ticket counter for a number of years. He began to understand people and how to take care of them. He had to make last-minute decisions to board or not board passengers and to turn every plane, always shooting for on-time performance. Victor then moved to a sales job at window manufacturing plant. Read more.
Sometimes the biggest successes in LBM come from something as simple as a vendor and dealer teaming up for mutual benefit
By Chris Rader
In today's LBM business, the relationship between the vendor and supplier can't be taken for granted. A strong vendor-supplier relationship can not only outflank the competition but also ensure profits. Below you will find my account of a partnership between a vendor and a dealer that has existed for more than 10 years. You will also find nine ideas regarding how to find the best vendors. This is the story of how two guys have built their business by supporting each other. To protect their identities against competitors, I will call them Victor the vendor and Larry the LBM dealer.
Victor started his career working at an airline ticket counter for a number of years. He began to understand people and how to take care of them. He had to make last-minute decisions to board or not board passengers and to turn every plane, always shooting for on-time performance. Victor then moved to a sales job at window manufacturing plant. Read more.
News You Can Use - Product Information
Chinese Drywall Caused Homes' Woes, CPSC Finds
With "strong association" made, government now will try to figure out extent of problem, possible remedies
By Craig Webb
A "strong association" exists between homes where Chinese drywall was installed and where occupants reported smells and corroded metals, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported today. The finding clears the way for a federal task force to figure out how many houses have this problem and what to do about it.
The report released today (see executive summary) lends government-funded scientific support to the notion that Chinese drywall used in homes in recent years is behind complaints of rotten-egg smells, corroded metal connections, tarnished jewelry, and equipment breakdowns in homes across the United States. CPSC says it has received 2,000 reports from 32 states, the District ofColumbia, and Puerto Rico regarding problem drywall in their homes, and some liability lawsuits already have been filed.
How many homes could be affected remains uncertain, says the CPSC, which recently reached out to the governors of every state and U.S. tereritory seeking data. The agency does know that roughly 7 million sheets of Chinese drywall were imported between 2000 and 2009. What it doesn't know is how many of those sheets went into homes and what percentage of them have problems. Read more.
With "strong association" made, government now will try to figure out extent of problem, possible remedies
By Craig Webb
A "strong association" exists between homes where Chinese drywall was installed and where occupants reported smells and corroded metals, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported today. The finding clears the way for a federal task force to figure out how many houses have this problem and what to do about it.
The report released today (see executive summary) lends government-funded scientific support to the notion that Chinese drywall used in homes in recent years is behind complaints of rotten-egg smells, corroded metal connections, tarnished jewelry, and equipment breakdowns in homes across the United States. CPSC says it has received 2,000 reports from 32 states, the District ofColumbia, and Puerto Rico regarding problem drywall in their homes, and some liability lawsuits already have been filed.
How many homes could be affected remains uncertain, says the CPSC, which recently reached out to the governors of every state and U.S. tereritory seeking data. The agency does know that roughly 7 million sheets of Chinese drywall were imported between 2000 and 2009. What it doesn't know is how many of those sheets went into homes and what percentage of them have problems. Read more.
News You Can Use - Trends and Numbers
New US home sales rise 6.2 percent
By ALAN ZIBEL (Associated Press)
Sales of new homes rose more than expected last month to the highest level in more than a year as the housing market shows stability after its historic collapse.
The Commerce Department says sales rose 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 430,000 from an upwardly revised 405,000 in September. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a pace of 410,000. Read more.
Existing-Home Sales Jump 10.1%
By Big Builder Staff
The soon-to-expire $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers sent sales of existing homes soaring in October, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday.
Sales of existing single family homes, townhouses, condominiums and co-ops surged 10.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.10 million units in October from a downwardly revised pace of 5.54 million in September, up 23.5% from the same month last year. The NAR has not seen numbers like this since February 2007, when the annual pace was 6.55 million. Read more.
Building Material Reuse Can Pay Off
By Teresa Burney
It's happened to every builder--the windows you ordered are the wrong size and unreturnable so they sit in the warehouse for years.
And most every remodeler has shaken his head while hauling a perfectly nice set of cabinets to the landfill because the homeowner wants something different and he has no place to store them. Read more.
Builders in Atlanta Struggle to Survive
By Michelle E. Shaw, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When the housing market was white-hot, McCar Homes was one of the nation's leading builders.
In 2006, the Alpharetta-based company built and sold more than 2,200 homes and boasted revenues upward of $500 million. But now that the market temperature is in the Arctic region, McCar's chief executive isn't sure the company will make it into 2010. Read more.
Touched By Lumber: The World’s Most Famous Lumberyard OwnerA newly restored and remastered version of Gone With the Wind is out in Blu-Ray DVD format this Holiday season, reminding us all that Scarlett O’Hara exceeds even 84 Lumber’s Joe Hardy as the world’s most famous lumberyard owner. Scarlett, who built her busines
s up from the ashes of a fire-ravaged, post-Civil War Atlanta, offers both good and bad management lessons for these hard times. She knew how to be tough--“The War Is Over: Don’t Ask for Credit,” one sign in her store reads. But hiring her unrequited love, the milquetoast Ashley Wilkes, to run the yard shows a serious fault in judgment. Oh well: at least when we watch the two clench in the lumberyard office, thanks to the new restoration we now can admire the moulding display in the background.
By ALAN ZIBEL (Associated Press)
Sales of new homes rose more than expected last month to the highest level in more than a year as the housing market shows stability after its historic collapse.
The Commerce Department says sales rose 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 430,000 from an upwardly revised 405,000 in September. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a pace of 410,000. Read more.
Existing-Home Sales Jump 10.1%
By Big Builder Staff
The soon-to-expire $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers sent sales of existing homes soaring in October, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday.
Sales of existing single family homes, townhouses, condominiums and co-ops surged 10.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.10 million units in October from a downwardly revised pace of 5.54 million in September, up 23.5% from the same month last year. The NAR has not seen numbers like this since February 2007, when the annual pace was 6.55 million. Read more.
Building Material Reuse Can Pay Off
By Teresa Burney
It's happened to every builder--the windows you ordered are the wrong size and unreturnable so they sit in the warehouse for years.
And most every remodeler has shaken his head while hauling a perfectly nice set of cabinets to the landfill because the homeowner wants something different and he has no place to store them. Read more.
Builders in Atlanta Struggle to Survive
By Michelle E. Shaw, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When the housing market was white-hot, McCar Homes was one of the nation's leading builders.
In 2006, the Alpharetta-based company built and sold more than 2,200 homes and boasted revenues upward of $500 million. But now that the market temperature is in the Arctic region, McCar's chief executive isn't sure the company will make it into 2010. Read more.
Touched By Lumber: The World’s Most Famous Lumberyard OwnerA newly restored and remastered version of Gone With the Wind is out in Blu-Ray DVD format this Holiday season, reminding us all that Scarlett O’Hara exceeds even 84 Lumber’s Joe Hardy as the world’s most famous lumberyard owner. Scarlett, who built her busines
s up from the ashes of a fire-ravaged, post-Civil War Atlanta, offers both good and bad management lessons for these hard times. She knew how to be tough--“The War Is Over: Don’t Ask for Credit,” one sign in her store reads. But hiring her unrequited love, the milquetoast Ashley Wilkes, to run the yard shows a serious fault in judgment. Oh well: at least when we watch the two clench in the lumberyard office, thanks to the new restoration we now can admire the moulding display in the background.Photo courtesy of Warner Home Video.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Webinar: Year Round Strategies for Making Tax Law Work for You
W E B I N A R
Year Round Strategies for Making Tax Law Work for You
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
$139 per logged on computer
Tax planning is a year-round event if you want to minimize your business’ tax bill. Whether it’s surviving an audit, capitalizing on business deductions, or finding a tax-friendly way to run your business, this webinar will help reduce your tax obligations and make paying taxes less anxiety provoking
What will the hour cover?
Business Tax Planning:
Accelerating Depreciation
Net Operating Less Deductions
Project Your Income
Manufacturer’s Deduction
Auto Tax Breaks
Tax Credits and Incentives
Individual Tax Planning:
Income and Deduction to Consider at Year End
Tax Planning for Families
Tax Planning for Investors
Retirement Tax Planning
Estate Planning and Gift Tax Exclusions
And Information on Tax Document Record Retention
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Grubb; Beth specializes in tax planning, tax compliance and business valuations for gift and estate tax planning, charitable contribution and income tax planning, buy / sell agreements, business purchase and sale, and S corporations. She has been with the firm since 1995.
Brian Schneider; Brian has more than 10 years of Big 4 public accounting experience. Brian has been involved in all aspects of state taxation planning including income / franchise tax, tax credits and incentives, property tax and sales and use tax. Brian’s experience includes working with SEC clients and privately held companies with expertise in manufacturing and distribution industries.
Beth and Brian are with Battelle & Battelle, LLP, located in Dayton, OH.
The webinar is being hosted by Turnkey Programming. Prior to the webinar, you’ll be contacted by Turnkey with the webinar phone number and password, as well as instructions for logging onto the website to view the webinar live.
Click the picture to enlarge and use the registration form.
Year Round Strategies for Making Tax Law Work for You
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
$139 per logged on computer
Tax planning is a year-round event if you want to minimize your business’ tax bill. Whether it’s surviving an audit, capitalizing on business deductions, or finding a tax-friendly way to run your business, this webinar will help reduce your tax obligations and make paying taxes less anxiety provoking
What will the hour cover?
Business Tax Planning:
Accelerating Depreciation
Net Operating Less Deductions
Project Your Income
Manufacturer’s Deduction
Auto Tax Breaks
Tax Credits and Incentives
Individual Tax Planning:
Income and Deduction to Consider at Year End
Tax Planning for Families
Tax Planning for Investors
Retirement Tax Planning
Estate Planning and Gift Tax Exclusions
And Information on Tax Document Record Retention
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Grubb; Beth specializes in tax planning, tax compliance and business valuations for gift and estate tax planning, charitable contribution and income tax planning, buy / sell agreements, business purchase and sale, and S corporations. She has been with the firm since 1995.
Brian Schneider; Brian has more than 10 years of Big 4 public accounting experience. Brian has been involved in all aspects of state taxation planning including income / franchise tax, tax credits and incentives, property tax and sales and use tax. Brian’s experience includes working with SEC clients and privately held companies with expertise in manufacturing and distribution industries.
Beth and Brian are with Battelle & Battelle, LLP, located in Dayton, OH.
The webinar is being hosted by Turnkey Programming. Prior to the webinar, you’ll be contacted by Turnkey with the webinar phone number and password, as well as instructions for logging onto the website to view the webinar live.
Click the picture to enlarge and use the registration form.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What’s the Outlook for 2010? Help Us All Know by Taking Part in ProSales’ Latest Survey
How did America’s LBM operations fare in 2009? How will they do next year? You can get these valuable insights by taking part in ProSales’ latest online survey, just launched today. This five-minute poll is designed to help us all learn the financial and operational state of dealers from coast to coast. To get the invaluable written comments, you must take part. We’ll be collecting results through Dec. 1.
Take the Survey
Take the Survey
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Member News
Gwen Hill of Hill's Ace Hardware Honored by Barrow County Chamber of Commerce
The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce announced Gwen Hill as the first recipient for its Inaugural "Woman of the Year" recognition to be presented at the Women in Business Luncheon, to be held Nov. 11 at The Georgia Club.
"The Barrow County Chamber proudly recognizes Gwen Hill of Hill’s Ace Hardware and Lumber Center as the recipient of this award," said Chamber President Tommy Jennings.
Chosen for her continued efforts to make a difference throughout Barrow County, Gwen Hill has worked with The Tree House and Peace Place, and has been one of the driving forces for the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries and the Food Pantry and Food distribution each month.
She has served Barrow County in the past as the chairman of numerous organizations, including the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, the Winder First United Methodist Church, Jackson EMC Foundation, the Winder Noon Lions Club and many others. In 2001, she was recognized as the Barrow County Chamber’s Citizen of the Year.
Not mentioned in the article is the fact that Gwen has worked in the business since 1971 and has been involved in most every facet of the business including IT systems, inside and outside sales, internal accounting, and other back-office functions. Her dedication and hard work have made Hill's Ace Hardware what it is today. Gwen continues to handle the accounting while being involved in a variety of community organizations and church groups (and keeping up with three grandchildren!)
Source.
The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce announced Gwen Hill as the first recipient for its Inaugural "Woman of the Year" recognition to be presented at the Women in Business Luncheon, to be held Nov. 11 at The Georgia Club.
"The Barrow County Chamber proudly recognizes Gwen Hill of Hill’s Ace Hardware and Lumber Center as the recipient of this award," said Chamber President Tommy Jennings.
Chosen for her continued efforts to make a difference throughout Barrow County, Gwen Hill has worked with The Tree House and Peace Place, and has been one of the driving forces for the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries and the Food Pantry and Food distribution each month.
She has served Barrow County in the past as the chairman of numerous organizations, including the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, the Winder First United Methodist Church, Jackson EMC Foundation, the Winder Noon Lions Club and many others. In 2001, she was recognized as the Barrow County Chamber’s Citizen of the Year.
Not mentioned in the article is the fact that Gwen has worked in the business since 1971 and has been involved in most every facet of the business including IT systems, inside and outside sales, internal accounting, and other back-office functions. Her dedication and hard work have made Hill's Ace Hardware what it is today. Gwen continues to handle the accounting while being involved in a variety of community organizations and church groups (and keeping up with three grandchildren!)
Source.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Take a ProSales Poll
ProSales wants to know which brands your company currently stocks, plans to discontinue, or may be added to your inventory in the next 12 months. In exchange, we'll put you in the running to receive a $500 American Express gift card.
Just click on this link... and you'll see a 22-question survey that will only take a few minutes to fill out. Be sure to complete the survey all the way to the end and provide contact information so that you'll be in contention to win the AMEX card. ProSales will pick a winner in mid-December.
Just click on this link... and you'll see a 22-question survey that will only take a few minutes to fill out. Be sure to complete the survey all the way to the end and provide contact information so that you'll be in contention to win the AMEX card. ProSales will pick a winner in mid-December.
Estimating Seminar: Register Now
CSA is once again presenting our popular Long Form Estimating and Advanced Estimating sessions. These sessions are designed for all levels of estimating and outside sales. The Long Form Estimating session is a two-day session, while the Advanced Estimating session fits into a one-day session.
Lunch is included in the seminars. Please bring a calculator, pencil and paper to each session.
Long Form Estimating - This seminar will give participants instruction and practice in taking off a material list of items usually included in an estimate made by a lumberyard or building material center. Learn the basics to get started in estimating homes, garages, remodeling jobs, and the like! The first day’s schedule runs from 8:00a.m to 6:00p.m., and the second day runs from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
February 2 & 3, 2010: Blue Linx Learning Center located in the CSA Headquarters, 120 Handley Drive, Suite 610, Tyrone, GA 30290
Advanced Estimating - This seminar is designed to assist the estimator or outside salesperson who already knows how to estimate, but wants to know shortcuts and instructions in multi-pitched roofs, and finding wall lengths/floor areas for more complicated house layouts. This seminar begins at 8:00a.m. and ends at 4:00p.m.
February 4, 2010: Blue Linx Learning Center located in the CSA Headquarters, 120 Handley Drive, Suite 610, Tyrone, GA 30290
About Keith Kluis: Keith is the author of three popular correspondence courses in wide use nationally on estimating, drafting, and selling. He has been a draftsman, estimator and manager of a building material store, as well as a classroom instructor on these topics.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: January 25, 2010
First person from each company: Second person from each company:
MEMBER - before deadline: $330 MEMBER - before deadline: $280
MEMBER - after deadline: $380 MEMBER - after deadline: $330
NONMEMBER - before deadline: $430 NONMEMBER - before deadline: $380
NONMEMBER - after deadline: $480 NONMEMBER - after deadline: $430
Please note that any staff from a member company is considered a member.
(This seminar requires a minimum of 12 attendees, so register early!)
Click the pictures to enlarge and print the Registration Form.
Lunch is included in the seminars. Please bring a calculator, pencil and paper to each session.
Long Form Estimating - This seminar will give participants instruction and practice in taking off a material list of items usually included in an estimate made by a lumberyard or building material center. Learn the basics to get started in estimating homes, garages, remodeling jobs, and the like! The first day’s schedule runs from 8:00a.m to 6:00p.m., and the second day runs from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
February 2 & 3, 2010: Blue Linx Learning Center located in the CSA Headquarters, 120 Handley Drive, Suite 610, Tyrone, GA 30290
Advanced Estimating - This seminar is designed to assist the estimator or outside salesperson who already knows how to estimate, but wants to know shortcuts and instructions in multi-pitched roofs, and finding wall lengths/floor areas for more complicated house layouts. This seminar begins at 8:00a.m. and ends at 4:00p.m.
February 4, 2010: Blue Linx Learning Center located in the CSA Headquarters, 120 Handley Drive, Suite 610, Tyrone, GA 30290
About Keith Kluis: Keith is the author of three popular correspondence courses in wide use nationally on estimating, drafting, and selling. He has been a draftsman, estimator and manager of a building material store, as well as a classroom instructor on these topics.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: January 25, 2010
First person from each company: Second person from each company:
MEMBER - before deadline: $330 MEMBER - before deadline: $280
MEMBER - after deadline: $380 MEMBER - after deadline: $330
NONMEMBER - before deadline: $430 NONMEMBER - before deadline: $380
NONMEMBER - after deadline: $480 NONMEMBER - after deadline: $430
Please note that any staff from a member company is considered a member.
(This seminar requires a minimum of 12 attendees, so register early!)
Click the pictures to enlarge and print the Registration Form.
NLBMDA News
NLBMDA Makes Case for Eco-Label Before American Lumber Standards Committee
On November 13, NLBMDA presented its proposal for an eco-label to the board of the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in Charleston, SC. Representing NLBMDA were Val Hanson, former LBMI Trustee, Ken Marson, NLBMDA Board Member and NLBMDA's alternate representative to ALSC and NLBMDA Counsel Frank Moore. Read more.
Health Care Bill Faces Uncertain Future in Senate
Last week, House Democratic leaders celebrated their slim victory on health care overhaul legislation (H.R. 3962), which passed by a vote of 220-215. NLBMDA, which opposed H.R. 3962 for its numerous costly tax increases and mandates on employers, has joined the Start Over Coalition of business groups urging Congress to go back to the drawing board to draft health care reform legislation which will focus on reducing the cost of health care. Read more.
Estate Tax Reform Vote Pending
While Congressional tax committee leaders have continued to indicate that votes on the estate tax would be held before the end of the year, it is not yet clear in what form those votes will take. The NLBMDA Legislative Advocacy Committee at their October meeting reiterated their preference for full repeal of the tax, and support for potential compromises only if they maintain a high enough exemption level to protect the asset-heavy nature of a family-owned building supply company. Read more.
Congress Considers Mandated Paid Sick Leave for Swine Flu
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to require employers to provide up to five days paid sick leave to workers sent home sick with swine flu or other contagious illness. Read more.
On November 13, NLBMDA presented its proposal for an eco-label to the board of the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in Charleston, SC. Representing NLBMDA were Val Hanson, former LBMI Trustee, Ken Marson, NLBMDA Board Member and NLBMDA's alternate representative to ALSC and NLBMDA Counsel Frank Moore. Read more.
Health Care Bill Faces Uncertain Future in Senate
Last week, House Democratic leaders celebrated their slim victory on health care overhaul legislation (H.R. 3962), which passed by a vote of 220-215. NLBMDA, which opposed H.R. 3962 for its numerous costly tax increases and mandates on employers, has joined the Start Over Coalition of business groups urging Congress to go back to the drawing board to draft health care reform legislation which will focus on reducing the cost of health care. Read more.
Estate Tax Reform Vote Pending
While Congressional tax committee leaders have continued to indicate that votes on the estate tax would be held before the end of the year, it is not yet clear in what form those votes will take. The NLBMDA Legislative Advocacy Committee at their October meeting reiterated their preference for full repeal of the tax, and support for potential compromises only if they maintain a high enough exemption level to protect the asset-heavy nature of a family-owned building supply company. Read more.
Congress Considers Mandated Paid Sick Leave for Swine Flu
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to require employers to provide up to five days paid sick leave to workers sent home sick with swine flu or other contagious illness. Read more.
Green Things
Feud Continues Between Wood Certifiers
By Leora Broydo Vestel
United States Fish & Wildlife Service A group filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission last week arguing that the premier certifier of eco-friendly wood products in the United States engages in unfair trade practices.
Another shot had been fired in the battle between rival certifiers of environmentally friendly wood products.
The Coalition for Fair Forest Certification filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission last week charging that the Forest Stewardship Council – the premier certifier of green forestry products in the United States – engages in unfair and deceptive trade practices.
The group also asserted that the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for efficient and sustainable buildings — known widely as L.E.E.D. — is anticompetitive because it only recognizes products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and not those of other certifying bodies.
A letter submitted on behalf of the coalition by the law firm Steptoe & Johnson asks the trade commission to investigate. Read more.
Who is liable for green building performance?
As standards become more stringent, experts urge care on guarantees
By D. Ashley Furness, Business Journal Staff Reporter
Green building performance, or rather failure to perform, has long topped the list of legal risks related to sustainability-minded construction, but developers face even greater stakes this year as government-mandated LEED standards loom and achieving certification becomes more difficult.
“Whether it’s the engineer, architect contractor, builder, the biggest issue in green building is writing careful construction contracts that do not guarantee a certain level of performance,” said North Coast Builders Exchange Green Building Coordinator Hallie Fraser. Read more.
By Leora Broydo Vestel
United States Fish & Wildlife Service A group filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission last week arguing that the premier certifier of eco-friendly wood products in the United States engages in unfair trade practices.
Another shot had been fired in the battle between rival certifiers of environmentally friendly wood products.
The Coalition for Fair Forest Certification filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission last week charging that the Forest Stewardship Council – the premier certifier of green forestry products in the United States – engages in unfair and deceptive trade practices.
The group also asserted that the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for efficient and sustainable buildings — known widely as L.E.E.D. — is anticompetitive because it only recognizes products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and not those of other certifying bodies.
A letter submitted on behalf of the coalition by the law firm Steptoe & Johnson asks the trade commission to investigate. Read more.
Who is liable for green building performance?
As standards become more stringent, experts urge care on guarantees
By D. Ashley Furness, Business Journal Staff Reporter
Green building performance, or rather failure to perform, has long topped the list of legal risks related to sustainability-minded construction, but developers face even greater stakes this year as government-mandated LEED standards loom and achieving certification becomes more difficult.
“Whether it’s the engineer, architect contractor, builder, the biggest issue in green building is writing careful construction contracts that do not guarantee a certain level of performance,” said North Coast Builders Exchange Green Building Coordinator Hallie Fraser. Read more.
Staff Changes at CSA
By: Jim Moody, CSA President
We all have limited resources, and one of the significant challenges of our economic environment is the need to get more done with less. In that regard, CSA’s business is no different than your own.
We’ve taken a close look at the needs of our members and of the association and compared that to the work that is being conducted. The work that needed to be done in times past is not necessarily the work that needs to be done today or in the future.
For many years, we’ve had two very competent guys on staff whose primary responsibility was to serve as field agents for our Self Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund. Larry Marler and Kevin Rodgers have served ably and done good things for members and for the Fund. They’ve provided lots of insight on regulatory issues and also helped members improve safety conditions. When necessary, they’ve conducted claim investigations and they’ve both conducted more payroll audits than they care to admit. They’ve been our “relationship guys” out there keeping abreast of what’s going on.
While I would never discount the value of maintaining relationships, I also have to recognize that devoting two people full time to maintaining relationships may not be the best way for us to spend staff time. Additionally, there are important things I see going undone, and devoting more staff time to those will ultimately serve members better.
For those reasons, both Kevin and Larry will be beginning significantly different jobs by the end of this year.
Kevin’s changes are most dramatic. Kevin’s lived in Perry and served middle and south Georgia for some time. Kevin is relocating to Atlanta and will be based in the new CSA office. While he can still do safety and Fund work in a pinch, the bulk of his time will be developing, rolling out, and maintaining new programs and services. By that, I mean new products that will help you run your business better. It might be leveraging the buying power of our membership to create a discount for you on something many of you use. It might be developing a manual on how to operate more efficiently. It could be creating partnerships with similar groups to do things neither of us could do alone. The possibilities are endless. It’s very clear to the Board and to me that the association must continue to expand the things you receive in exchange for the dues you pay to CSA if we are to achieve our mission of building stronger independent dealers. Our strategic plan outlines many of those things. Kevin will be the guy to make them happen.
Larry will continue to live in Gainesville and be focused on the Fund, with some fundamental changes. Instead of serving just north Georgia, he’ll serve the entire state. While his focus in the past has been visiting every member in his territory multiple times per year, that won’t be physically possible any longer. His goal is to see every member at least once per year. Other contact will be by phone and e-mail. He’ll still do some payroll audits in person, but we’ll be doing more by mail. The bulk of his time will be spent working with the Fund members who historically have the highest losses. We have a responsibility to do all we can to educate owners about safety, help them develop adequate safety programs and ensure that those programs roll out to their employees. We know that Fund members who make safety a priority have fewer claims and smaller losses, yet there are some members who have not been as focused on it as they should be. Larry’s job is to help them achieve that focus and create safer work environments. The result will be safer workers, lower cost insurance, and an even stronger Self Insured Fund.
Do we lose some of the personal relationship with these changes? Perhaps. I’m sure many of you have struggled with the best way to get the important work done and still maintain relationships with your customers during these trying times. There are always trade-offs. On the other hand, I also recognize that relationships only get you so far if you don’t have the service to back it up. Relationships matter less than tangible value today. What are you getting in exchange for your dues? Are your worker’s comp rates as low as they can possibly be? We believe these are relevant questions for you to ask, and we want to do everything possible to ensure the answers are positive.
We’ve arrived at this decision by being honest about our resources, our needs, and our current weaknesses. The goal is to help the association and the Fund do more for you, our members.
I hope you would agree that CSA and the Fund have provided good value in the past, but we understand that what was good enough in the past won’t always cut it in today’s harsh business climate. We will continue striving to do more for you to ensure that independent dealers not only survive but thrive again.
We all have limited resources, and one of the significant challenges of our economic environment is the need to get more done with less. In that regard, CSA’s business is no different than your own.
We’ve taken a close look at the needs of our members and of the association and compared that to the work that is being conducted. The work that needed to be done in times past is not necessarily the work that needs to be done today or in the future.
For many years, we’ve had two very competent guys on staff whose primary responsibility was to serve as field agents for our Self Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund. Larry Marler and Kevin Rodgers have served ably and done good things for members and for the Fund. They’ve provided lots of insight on regulatory issues and also helped members improve safety conditions. When necessary, they’ve conducted claim investigations and they’ve both conducted more payroll audits than they care to admit. They’ve been our “relationship guys” out there keeping abreast of what’s going on.
While I would never discount the value of maintaining relationships, I also have to recognize that devoting two people full time to maintaining relationships may not be the best way for us to spend staff time. Additionally, there are important things I see going undone, and devoting more staff time to those will ultimately serve members better.
For those reasons, both Kevin and Larry will be beginning significantly different jobs by the end of this year.
Kevin’s changes are most dramatic. Kevin’s lived in Perry and served middle and south Georgia for some time. Kevin is relocating to Atlanta and will be based in the new CSA office. While he can still do safety and Fund work in a pinch, the bulk of his time will be developing, rolling out, and maintaining new programs and services. By that, I mean new products that will help you run your business better. It might be leveraging the buying power of our membership to create a discount for you on something many of you use. It might be developing a manual on how to operate more efficiently. It could be creating partnerships with similar groups to do things neither of us could do alone. The possibilities are endless. It’s very clear to the Board and to me that the association must continue to expand the things you receive in exchange for the dues you pay to CSA if we are to achieve our mission of building stronger independent dealers. Our strategic plan outlines many of those things. Kevin will be the guy to make them happen.
Larry will continue to live in Gainesville and be focused on the Fund, with some fundamental changes. Instead of serving just north Georgia, he’ll serve the entire state. While his focus in the past has been visiting every member in his territory multiple times per year, that won’t be physically possible any longer. His goal is to see every member at least once per year. Other contact will be by phone and e-mail. He’ll still do some payroll audits in person, but we’ll be doing more by mail. The bulk of his time will be spent working with the Fund members who historically have the highest losses. We have a responsibility to do all we can to educate owners about safety, help them develop adequate safety programs and ensure that those programs roll out to their employees. We know that Fund members who make safety a priority have fewer claims and smaller losses, yet there are some members who have not been as focused on it as they should be. Larry’s job is to help them achieve that focus and create safer work environments. The result will be safer workers, lower cost insurance, and an even stronger Self Insured Fund.
Do we lose some of the personal relationship with these changes? Perhaps. I’m sure many of you have struggled with the best way to get the important work done and still maintain relationships with your customers during these trying times. There are always trade-offs. On the other hand, I also recognize that relationships only get you so far if you don’t have the service to back it up. Relationships matter less than tangible value today. What are you getting in exchange for your dues? Are your worker’s comp rates as low as they can possibly be? We believe these are relevant questions for you to ask, and we want to do everything possible to ensure the answers are positive.
We’ve arrived at this decision by being honest about our resources, our needs, and our current weaknesses. The goal is to help the association and the Fund do more for you, our members.
I hope you would agree that CSA and the Fund have provided good value in the past, but we understand that what was good enough in the past won’t always cut it in today’s harsh business climate. We will continue striving to do more for you to ensure that independent dealers not only survive but thrive again.
Congress to Consider Emergency Paid Leave Bill
From SHRM (Society of Human Resources Managers)
In response to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., introduced emergency legislation (H.R. 3991) that would provide five paid sick days to workers with contagious diseases who are told by their employers to stay home.
Miller, who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, told reporters that the legislation was needed to help stop the spread of the expanding H1N1 pandemic. To emphasize that point, Miller named the proposal the Emergency Influenza Containment Act.
“Sick workers advised to stay home by their employers shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihood, and their co-workers’ or customers’ health,” Miller said. “This will not only protect employees, but it will save employers money by ensuring that sick employees don’t spread infection to co-workers and customers, and will relieve the financial burden on our health system swamped by those suffering from H1N1.” Read more.
Bill Leonard is senior writer for SHRM.
In response to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., introduced emergency legislation (H.R. 3991) that would provide five paid sick days to workers with contagious diseases who are told by their employers to stay home.
Miller, who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, told reporters that the legislation was needed to help stop the spread of the expanding H1N1 pandemic. To emphasize that point, Miller named the proposal the Emergency Influenza Containment Act.
“Sick workers advised to stay home by their employers shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihood, and their co-workers’ or customers’ health,” Miller said. “This will not only protect employees, but it will save employers money by ensuring that sick employees don’t spread infection to co-workers and customers, and will relieve the financial burden on our health system swamped by those suffering from H1N1.” Read more.
Bill Leonard is senior writer for SHRM.
Help Daniel Lumber Company Feed Savannah This Holiday Season
Daniel Lumber Company and Daniel Kitchen & Bath, in conjunction with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia are spearheading an effort to help feed the less fortunate in and around Savannah this holiday season with the Daniel Lumber Company and America’s Second Harvest Food Drive between now and December 31.
Drop off locations are conveniently located at the Daniel Lumber Company full-service lumber yard (2302 E. Gwinnett Street) in Savannah and the Daniel Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Showroom (3190 Highway 80 West) in Bloomingdale. Non-perishable meats and high protein items such as canned chicken, ham, mackerel, meat spreads, salmon, sardines, tuna, peanut butter, beef stew, canned stew and canned beans or peas are in greatest demand by Savannah’s hungry. Read more.
Drop off locations are conveniently located at the Daniel Lumber Company full-service lumber yard (2302 E. Gwinnett Street) in Savannah and the Daniel Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Showroom (3190 Highway 80 West) in Bloomingdale. Non-perishable meats and high protein items such as canned chicken, ham, mackerel, meat spreads, salmon, sardines, tuna, peanut butter, beef stew, canned stew and canned beans or peas are in greatest demand by Savannah’s hungry. Read more.
Friday, November 13, 2009
SCAM ALERT: Bad Checks and Bad Acts
Be on the watch for this kind of scam.....
A mid-Michigan member of the Michigan Lumber & Building Materials Association (MLBMA) regarding a $2800 check they'd received, along with a request to confirm the transaction. MLBMA researched the matter and determined it definitely is a scam.
The check was allegedly sent to the member from Bailey/Laurerman/Marketing/Communications in Lincoln, Nebraska. The check was drawn on a Tier One Bank account from Lincoln, Nebraska. It contained an official looking UPS Next Day Air tracking number. It was sent from the Kennedy Space Center making I look like the Space Center is a client of Bailey/Laurerman.
A message at the bottom of the correspondence informed the member:
"We would like you to email our secure payment department on payverifier2009@live.com. For your confirmation and more information before you continue the transaction, please don't ignore this email. Make sure you email us to the provided email and don't agree with any correspondent abuse about this email. This Payment Verification is to confirm you receive the payment successfully."
MLBMA determined this was a scam by determining the following:
1. There is a real P.R. firm in Lincoln, Nebraska by that name but it has one less letter in its name;
2. Tier One Bank is located in Lincoln but the address on the check is 20 digits off the real address;
3. The overall spelling and general approach is unprofessional and bogus. Canadian and Australian scammers have apparently been using this tactic with increasing frequency.
If you receive something like this do not respond to verify its receipt. The culprits have a way of using your response in the scam. Do not respond to the email. Delete it.
A mid-Michigan member of the Michigan Lumber & Building Materials Association (MLBMA) regarding a $2800 check they'd received, along with a request to confirm the transaction. MLBMA researched the matter and determined it definitely is a scam.
The check was allegedly sent to the member from Bailey/Laurerman/Marketing/Communications in Lincoln, Nebraska. The check was drawn on a Tier One Bank account from Lincoln, Nebraska. It contained an official looking UPS Next Day Air tracking number. It was sent from the Kennedy Space Center making I look like the Space Center is a client of Bailey/Laurerman.
A message at the bottom of the correspondence informed the member:
"We would like you to email our secure payment department on payverifier2009@live.com. For your confirmation and more information before you continue the transaction, please don't ignore this email. Make sure you email us to the provided email and don't agree with any correspondent abuse about this email. This Payment Verification is to confirm you receive the payment successfully."
MLBMA determined this was a scam by determining the following:
1. There is a real P.R. firm in Lincoln, Nebraska by that name but it has one less letter in its name;
2. Tier One Bank is located in Lincoln but the address on the check is 20 digits off the real address;
3. The overall spelling and general approach is unprofessional and bogus. Canadian and Australian scammers have apparently been using this tactic with increasing frequency.
If you receive something like this do not respond to verify its receipt. The culprits have a way of using your response in the scam. Do not respond to the email. Delete it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
NLBMDA ALERT: FTC Delays Enforcement of Red Flags Rule Until June 1, 2010
The Federal Trade Commission has announced another delay in its enforcement of the "Red Flags" Rule, which requires creditors to have Identity Theft Prevention Programs. The FTC is now delaying enforcement of the new rule until June 1, 2010, to give creditors additional time in which to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. The last deadline was November 1, 2009.
On November 9, 2007, the FTC published the final Identity Theft Red Flags regulations and guidelines. The rule, promulgated pursuant to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), requires creditors to develop and implement written "identity theft prevention programs." The programs must provide for the identification, detection, and response to patterns, practices, or specific activities - known as "red flags" - that could indicate identity theft.
Additional information on the rule can be found on the NLBMDA website, www.dealer.org, in the "Government Affairs" section.
See the full text of the FTC release announcing the delay in enforcement at: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/redflags.shtm. They have also now established a compliance site for businesses at http://www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule.
Read the original here.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Senate Passes Unemployment Extension, Home Buyer Tax Break
From the Atlanta Journal Constitution
The U.S. Senate late Wednesday unanimously passed legislation extending unemployment benefits and also significantly expanding a homebuyer tax credit that was championed by Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
The Senate voted 98-0 to extend unemployment benefits for the jobless by up to 20 weeks. In states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent and above -- in Georgia the unemployment rate is 10.1 percent -- the jobless could receive up to 99 weeks of benefits, which average about $300 per week. Read more.
The U.S. Senate late Wednesday unanimously passed legislation extending unemployment benefits and also significantly expanding a homebuyer tax credit that was championed by Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
The Senate voted 98-0 to extend unemployment benefits for the jobless by up to 20 weeks. In states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent and above -- in Georgia the unemployment rate is 10.1 percent -- the jobless could receive up to 99 weeks of benefits, which average about $300 per week. Read more.
NLBMDA ALERT: Tell Congress to Oppose Health Care Tax Hikes on Small Business
BACKGROUND: The House Democratic leadership has unveiled their final health care reform legislation, with a vote expected before Veterans' Day - and possibly as early as this weekend. Unfortunately, the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" (H.R. 3962) contains numerous onerous provisions that will only drive up the costs for small businesses and penalize employers, rather than addressing health care costs in a meaningful way.
Some major areas of concern in H.R. 3962 for small businesses:
* Employer Mandate: Employers will be required to offer health care to full and part-time employees. All employers with a payroll of $500,000 or more will pay a payroll tax of up to 8 percent if they do not provide "qualified" health insurance to their employees.
* "Pay-or-Play": Employers who do offer benefits may still be subject to penalties if they do not offer "qualified" individual and family coverage, meet premium contribution requirements of at least 72.5% for individuals and 65% for family plans, and offer a "qualified" plan as defined by a government-appointed board. If an employee declines coverage from their employer and instead obtain coverage through the exchange, the employer will be subject to a payroll tax penalty of up to 8 percent. An employer who offers coverage other than the "qualified" plan can be assessed a penalty of $100 per employee per day, up to $500,000.
* Surtax on Small Businesses: The bill contains a surtax on individuals with incomes of $500,000 single/$1 million joint - which will also impact the 75 percent of small businesses who are structured as pass-through entities and pay their business taxes at the individual level.
* 1099 Reporting Requirements: H.R. 3962 includes increased corporate reporting requirements that will mandate that companies issue a Form 1099 to all corporations from whom they purchase goods or services, once a $600 per year per vendor threshold has been reached.
TAKE ACTION: Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to quickly send an email message to your Representative asking him/her to vote NO on H.R. 3962. You can also call your legislators through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Some major areas of concern in H.R. 3962 for small businesses:
* Employer Mandate: Employers will be required to offer health care to full and part-time employees. All employers with a payroll of $500,000 or more will pay a payroll tax of up to 8 percent if they do not provide "qualified" health insurance to their employees.
* "Pay-or-Play": Employers who do offer benefits may still be subject to penalties if they do not offer "qualified" individual and family coverage, meet premium contribution requirements of at least 72.5% for individuals and 65% for family plans, and offer a "qualified" plan as defined by a government-appointed board. If an employee declines coverage from their employer and instead obtain coverage through the exchange, the employer will be subject to a payroll tax penalty of up to 8 percent. An employer who offers coverage other than the "qualified" plan can be assessed a penalty of $100 per employee per day, up to $500,000.
* Surtax on Small Businesses: The bill contains a surtax on individuals with incomes of $500,000 single/$1 million joint - which will also impact the 75 percent of small businesses who are structured as pass-through entities and pay their business taxes at the individual level.
* 1099 Reporting Requirements: H.R. 3962 includes increased corporate reporting requirements that will mandate that companies issue a Form 1099 to all corporations from whom they purchase goods or services, once a $600 per year per vendor threshold has been reached.
TAKE ACTION: Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to quickly send an email message to your Representative asking him/her to vote NO on H.R. 3962. You can also call your legislators through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
SCAM ALERT: PHONY TRUSS ORDERS
SCAM ALERT
Scammers are targeting the truss portion of the industry. More than 40 companies have been contacted by the scammers, and one company may have lost money because of it. We urge you to be extremely vigilant in screening potential customers!
Be on the watch for these warning signs:
• Emails from an individual asking for pricing on a large quantity of trusses (e.g., 200). He may attach a picture of a truss. Often, the requestor claims to be a Reverend representing the Presbyterian Church of God. However, in the most recent wave, the scammers have had normal names (e.g., Dave Weliam).
• The requestor says he is making arrangements with a freight company to pick up the order.
• At some point the requestor will ask if you accept credit cards and may even send you a credit card number. He will likely instruct you to pre-pay the freight company, and add the freight charges to his final invoice.
Please forward this email to anyone in your company that receives email and has contact with customers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and the FBI have many resources on how to avoid falling victim to email fraud. You can also file a fraud complaint on any of these websites.
Scammers are targeting the truss portion of the industry. More than 40 companies have been contacted by the scammers, and one company may have lost money because of it. We urge you to be extremely vigilant in screening potential customers!
Be on the watch for these warning signs:
• Emails from an individual asking for pricing on a large quantity of trusses (e.g., 200). He may attach a picture of a truss. Often, the requestor claims to be a Reverend representing the Presbyterian Church of God. However, in the most recent wave, the scammers have had normal names (e.g., Dave Weliam).
• The requestor says he is making arrangements with a freight company to pick up the order.
• At some point the requestor will ask if you accept credit cards and may even send you a credit card number. He will likely instruct you to pre-pay the freight company, and add the freight charges to his final invoice.
Please forward this email to anyone in your company that receives email and has contact with customers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and the FBI have many resources on how to avoid falling victim to email fraud. You can also file a fraud complaint on any of these websites.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Georgia Appellate Court Voids Restrictive Covenant in Employment Contract
10/5/2009
By Diane Cadrain
The Georgia Court of Appeals voided the noncompetition clause in an employment contract, finding that it was overbroad because it failed to properly limit the territory to which it applied.
Mary Squire worked as a tax professional at an H & R Block office in Gainesville, Georgia. Her job required her to prepare and file tax returns for individual Block clients. After four months of this work, Block hired her as the office manager for her office for the 2008 tax season. In her capacity as an office manager, Squire had access to Block's client database for the entire Gainesville District. Her employment contract for the office manager job contained certain post-employment restrictive covenants, including noncompetition and nonsolicitation clauses, which barred her from setting up or working for a competing business within 10 miles from Block's Gainesville district and soliciting Block clients.
In early December 2008, Squire resigned from Block, but worked for approximately two more weeks after giving her notice of her resignation.
During that time she continued to have access to the Block client database for the Gainesville District.
In early January 2009, Squire's former district manager at Block saw Squire pictured, together with other former Block employees, in an advertisement for Paramount. The ad referred to Paramount's "tax professionals, pictured above." Shortly thereafter, Paramount sent out a business-solicitation letter to almost 6,000 people, offering them $30 off on tax preparation services, and stating that many recipients of the letter may have used Paramount's professionals when they previously worked at "another company around the block." The letter then gave the names of Paramount's "Tax Preparers," each of whom was a former Block employee, and specified the Paramount location where each individual was working.
Block sued Squire and Paramount for breach of the contract covenants. A trial court ruled that the covenants were enforceable and that Squire had breached them. Squire and Paramount appealed.
The appellate court first addressed whether the restrictive covenants in Squire's employment contract were enforceable. Such covenants, the court stated, will be enforced only if they are reasonable as to: (1) duration;
(2) the capacity in which the employee is prohibited from competing against his former employer; and (3) the geographic territory in which the former employee is restricted from working.
Applying these principles, the appellate court found that the restrictive covenants were unenforceable because the noncompetition clause was overbroad in that it failed to properly limit the territory to which it applied.
To be enforceable, the court said, a non-competition clause must contain a territorial limitation sufficient to give the employee notice of what constitutes a violation by specifying the territory in which the employee's conduct is restricted.
Squire's contract barred her from working for any employer whose business included the preparation and electronic filing of income-tax returns, if that employer was located, conducted business, or solicited business in Block's Gainesville District or within 10 miles of its borders. But, the court said, the contract failed to limit the prohibited conduct to a specific geographic area. In fact, on its face, according to the court, the contract language would have prevented Squire from accepting employment anywhere in the United States, if her prospective employer engages in the preparation and electronic filing of tax returns and also either has an office or advertises in, or within ten miles of, Block's Gainesville District.
Significantly, the court stated, the restriction would apply even if Squire were not going to work at a location within ten miles of the district. It would bar Squire from accepting employment, for example, at the Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, or Columbus office of a statewide tax preparation or accounting firm, if that firm also had an office in or advertised within ten miles of the Gainesville District. Similarly, assuming that one or more of Block's national competitors has offices or advertises within ten miles of the Gainesville District, this language would prevent Squire from accepting a position with such an entity, even if she were relocating out-of-state.
In light of those provisions, the court found that the contract overprotected Block's business interest in the customer relationships Squire may have developed while at Block, and it did so at the expense of her right to earn a living and her ability to determine with certainty the area within which [her] post-employment actions are restricted.
Given its overbreadth, the noncompetition covenant contained in Squire's employment contract was unenforceable as a matter of law, the court concluded. And because the noncompetition clause was unenforceable, the nonsolicitation clause included in the agreement was likewise unenforceable.
The Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's findings.
About the author.
Diane Cadrain is an attorney who has been writing about employment law issues for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut.
Editor's Note: This article should not be construed as legal advice.
Paramount Tax & Accounting, LLC v. H & R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., Ga. Ct. App., No. A09A1542 (Aug. 6, 2009).
By Diane Cadrain
The Georgia Court of Appeals voided the noncompetition clause in an employment contract, finding that it was overbroad because it failed to properly limit the territory to which it applied.
Mary Squire worked as a tax professional at an H & R Block office in Gainesville, Georgia. Her job required her to prepare and file tax returns for individual Block clients. After four months of this work, Block hired her as the office manager for her office for the 2008 tax season. In her capacity as an office manager, Squire had access to Block's client database for the entire Gainesville District. Her employment contract for the office manager job contained certain post-employment restrictive covenants, including noncompetition and nonsolicitation clauses, which barred her from setting up or working for a competing business within 10 miles from Block's Gainesville district and soliciting Block clients.
In early December 2008, Squire resigned from Block, but worked for approximately two more weeks after giving her notice of her resignation.
During that time she continued to have access to the Block client database for the Gainesville District.
In early January 2009, Squire's former district manager at Block saw Squire pictured, together with other former Block employees, in an advertisement for Paramount. The ad referred to Paramount's "tax professionals, pictured above." Shortly thereafter, Paramount sent out a business-solicitation letter to almost 6,000 people, offering them $30 off on tax preparation services, and stating that many recipients of the letter may have used Paramount's professionals when they previously worked at "another company around the block." The letter then gave the names of Paramount's "Tax Preparers," each of whom was a former Block employee, and specified the Paramount location where each individual was working.
Block sued Squire and Paramount for breach of the contract covenants. A trial court ruled that the covenants were enforceable and that Squire had breached them. Squire and Paramount appealed.
The appellate court first addressed whether the restrictive covenants in Squire's employment contract were enforceable. Such covenants, the court stated, will be enforced only if they are reasonable as to: (1) duration;
(2) the capacity in which the employee is prohibited from competing against his former employer; and (3) the geographic territory in which the former employee is restricted from working.
Applying these principles, the appellate court found that the restrictive covenants were unenforceable because the noncompetition clause was overbroad in that it failed to properly limit the territory to which it applied.
To be enforceable, the court said, a non-competition clause must contain a territorial limitation sufficient to give the employee notice of what constitutes a violation by specifying the territory in which the employee's conduct is restricted.
Squire's contract barred her from working for any employer whose business included the preparation and electronic filing of income-tax returns, if that employer was located, conducted business, or solicited business in Block's Gainesville District or within 10 miles of its borders. But, the court said, the contract failed to limit the prohibited conduct to a specific geographic area. In fact, on its face, according to the court, the contract language would have prevented Squire from accepting employment anywhere in the United States, if her prospective employer engages in the preparation and electronic filing of tax returns and also either has an office or advertises in, or within ten miles of, Block's Gainesville District.
Significantly, the court stated, the restriction would apply even if Squire were not going to work at a location within ten miles of the district. It would bar Squire from accepting employment, for example, at the Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, or Columbus office of a statewide tax preparation or accounting firm, if that firm also had an office in or advertised within ten miles of the Gainesville District. Similarly, assuming that one or more of Block's national competitors has offices or advertises within ten miles of the Gainesville District, this language would prevent Squire from accepting a position with such an entity, even if she were relocating out-of-state.
In light of those provisions, the court found that the contract overprotected Block's business interest in the customer relationships Squire may have developed while at Block, and it did so at the expense of her right to earn a living and her ability to determine with certainty the area within which [her] post-employment actions are restricted.
Given its overbreadth, the noncompetition covenant contained in Squire's employment contract was unenforceable as a matter of law, the court concluded. And because the noncompetition clause was unenforceable, the nonsolicitation clause included in the agreement was likewise unenforceable.
The Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's findings.
About the author.
Diane Cadrain is an attorney who has been writing about employment law issues for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut.
Editor's Note: This article should not be construed as legal advice.
Paramount Tax & Accounting, LLC v. H & R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., Ga. Ct. App., No. A09A1542 (Aug. 6, 2009).
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
News You Can Use
Product Information: Stanley and Blecker Decker to Merge
The Stanley Works and Black & Decker announced today they will merge to create Stanley Black & Decker, an $8.4 billion global tool company. The deal is worth $4.5 billion, the companies said in a joint news release. Read more.
September Construction Spending Up 0.08%
Construction spending in September posted a better-than-expected performance, powered by the largest jump in housing construction in more than six years.
The advance spurred hope that the battered housing sector is starting to turn around and will provide support for the overall economy as it struggles to emerge from the worst recession since the 1930s. Read more.
Employment costs rise at slowest pace since 1982
Employment costs rose by the smallest amount on record in the 12 months ending in September, as high unemployment restrained wage and benefit growth.
The data shows that employers face little pressure to raise pay, even as the economy recovers. The weak labor market makes it difficult for people with jobs to demand higher pay and benefits. Read more.
Have you seen EcoHome?
The Stanley Works and Black & Decker announced today they will merge to create Stanley Black & Decker, an $8.4 billion global tool company. The deal is worth $4.5 billion, the companies said in a joint news release. Read more.
September Construction Spending Up 0.08%
Construction spending in September posted a better-than-expected performance, powered by the largest jump in housing construction in more than six years.
The advance spurred hope that the battered housing sector is starting to turn around and will provide support for the overall economy as it struggles to emerge from the worst recession since the 1930s. Read more.
Employment costs rise at slowest pace since 1982
Employment costs rose by the smallest amount on record in the 12 months ending in September, as high unemployment restrained wage and benefit growth.
The data shows that employers face little pressure to raise pay, even as the economy recovers. The weak labor market makes it difficult for people with jobs to demand higher pay and benefits. Read more.
Have you seen EcoHome?
NLBMDA News
Pelosi Unveils House Health Care Bill
Last week, the Democratic House leadership unveiled their nearly-final draft health care reform bill. The bill makes some improvements to the employer mandate, by doubling the floor for penalties on small businesses for not providing health care benefits to employees and dependents. Previously, the penalties began at $250,000 in total wages; now, they begin at $500,000 in wages. Read more.
CPSC Issues Inconclusive Chinese Drywall Report
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) last week issued a summary of its findings to date on the Chinese drywall investigation. An interagency task force, comprised of the CPSC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and state health departments have been coordinating research and governmental response to homeowners who have complained of health and metal and appliance corrosion in their homes. Read more.
OSHA Takes Initial Step Toward Combustible Dust Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust. Read more.
Home Builder Confidence Dips in October
With the expiration date for an important home buyer incentive approaching, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes slipped one point to 18 in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Read more.
Last week, the Democratic House leadership unveiled their nearly-final draft health care reform bill. The bill makes some improvements to the employer mandate, by doubling the floor for penalties on small businesses for not providing health care benefits to employees and dependents. Previously, the penalties began at $250,000 in total wages; now, they begin at $500,000 in wages. Read more.
CPSC Issues Inconclusive Chinese Drywall Report
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) last week issued a summary of its findings to date on the Chinese drywall investigation. An interagency task force, comprised of the CPSC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and state health departments have been coordinating research and governmental response to homeowners who have complained of health and metal and appliance corrosion in their homes. Read more.
OSHA Takes Initial Step Toward Combustible Dust Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust. Read more.
Home Builder Confidence Dips in October
With the expiration date for an important home buyer incentive approaching, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes slipped one point to 18 in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Read more.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
News You Can Use - Product Information
Insurers dropping Chinese drywall policies
By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - James and Maria Ivory's dreams of a relaxing
retirement on Florida's Gulf Coast were put on hold when they discovered
their new home had been built with Chinese drywall that emits sulfuric fumes
and corrodes pipes. It got worse when they asked their insurer for help -
and not only was their claim denied, but they've been told their entire
policy won't be renewed.
Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought new houses constructed from
the defective building materials are finding their hopes dashed, their lives
in limbo. And experts warn that cases like the Ivorys', in which insurers
drop policies or send notices of non-renewal based on the presence of the
Chinese drywall, will become rampant as insurance companies process the
hundreds of claims currently in the pipeline. Read more.
By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - James and Maria Ivory's dreams of a relaxing
retirement on Florida's Gulf Coast were put on hold when they discovered
their new home had been built with Chinese drywall that emits sulfuric fumes
and corrodes pipes. It got worse when they asked their insurer for help -
and not only was their claim denied, but they've been told their entire
policy won't be renewed.
Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought new houses constructed from
the defective building materials are finding their hopes dashed, their lives
in limbo. And experts warn that cases like the Ivorys', in which insurers
drop policies or send notices of non-renewal based on the presence of the
Chinese drywall, will become rampant as insurance companies process the
hundreds of claims currently in the pipeline. Read more.
News You Can Use
Economists Forecast Strong Housing Growth
Experts at NAHB conference see a turnaround occurring by mid-2010, but the way back will be long
By Craig Webb, ProSales Online
The U.S. housing market appears to have bottomed out and looks likely to return closer to normal--but not boom--levels by 2012, a group of housing economists predicted today.
Enthusiasm with several strings attached was the prevailing mood expressed in presentations prepared for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2009 Fall Construction Forecast Conference. Read more.
Housing Starts Hold Steady in September
Total housing starts, expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), came in at 590,000, according to data released today by the Commerce Department. That's 0.5% ahead of the previous month -- which was adjusted downward, from 598,000 to 587,000.
If not for the downward adjustment of August starts, the total percentage would have declined 1.3%.
There was better news for builders, and their suppliers, in the single-family front. Single-family housing starts in September were at a rate of 501,000; this is 3.9% above the revised August figure. Moreover, the August figure was revised upward, from a previously stated 479,000 to 482,000.
Compared with September of last year, total starts declined 28.2%, and single-family starts declined 8.7%. Read more.
September housing construction rises 0.5 percent
By Martin Crutsinger
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Construction of new homes edged up slightly in September, helped by a rebound in single-family construction. However, in a worrisome sign for future housing work, applications for building permits fell by the largest amount in five months. Read more.
More Signs of Economic Recovery
The decline in consumer spending on home renovation projects is tapering off, and remodeling activity should start to pick up early next year, according to a just-released study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
The quarterly forecast pointed to several positive signs that could boost home improvement spending, causing a reversal in annual declines by the second quarter of 2010. Read more.
Experts at NAHB conference see a turnaround occurring by mid-2010, but the way back will be long
By Craig Webb, ProSales Online
The U.S. housing market appears to have bottomed out and looks likely to return closer to normal--but not boom--levels by 2012, a group of housing economists predicted today.
Enthusiasm with several strings attached was the prevailing mood expressed in presentations prepared for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2009 Fall Construction Forecast Conference. Read more.
Housing Starts Hold Steady in September
Total housing starts, expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), came in at 590,000, according to data released today by the Commerce Department. That's 0.5% ahead of the previous month -- which was adjusted downward, from 598,000 to 587,000.
If not for the downward adjustment of August starts, the total percentage would have declined 1.3%.
There was better news for builders, and their suppliers, in the single-family front. Single-family housing starts in September were at a rate of 501,000; this is 3.9% above the revised August figure. Moreover, the August figure was revised upward, from a previously stated 479,000 to 482,000.
Compared with September of last year, total starts declined 28.2%, and single-family starts declined 8.7%. Read more.
September housing construction rises 0.5 percent
By Martin Crutsinger
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Construction of new homes edged up slightly in September, helped by a rebound in single-family construction. However, in a worrisome sign for future housing work, applications for building permits fell by the largest amount in five months. Read more.
More Signs of Economic Recovery
The decline in consumer spending on home renovation projects is tapering off, and remodeling activity should start to pick up early next year, according to a just-released study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
The quarterly forecast pointed to several positive signs that could boost home improvement spending, causing a reversal in annual declines by the second quarter of 2010. Read more.
OSHA Inspects Another Member
By Larry Marler
Recently OSHA issued penalties to a CSA member as a result of an inspection done earlier this year. The fines are a whopping $23,000!
The purpose of this article is not to embarrass the business, but to provide a clear idea to our readers and members about the potentially high cost of non-compliance.
The listed violations are as follows:
Hazard Assessment Program unavailable Failure to require proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Allowing sawdust and cobwebs to accumulate around electrical equipment Improperly arranged exit routes Unsanitary conditions in restrooms and washing facilities Fire extinguisher violations Improper operation of forklifts, carrying loads too high Guards on rotating shafts and belts missing, etc.
You can draw on various resources to avoid these fines and to stay in compliance with OSHA. CSA is here to help. We offer free inspections to help find and fix potential violations at your place of business. To find out more about these free audits or to schedule one, please contact CSA at 678-674-1860.
Recently OSHA issued penalties to a CSA member as a result of an inspection done earlier this year. The fines are a whopping $23,000!
The purpose of this article is not to embarrass the business, but to provide a clear idea to our readers and members about the potentially high cost of non-compliance.
The listed violations are as follows:
You can draw on various resources to avoid these fines and to stay in compliance with OSHA. CSA is here to help. We offer free inspections to help find and fix potential violations at your place of business. To find out more about these free audits or to schedule one, please contact CSA at 678-674-1860.
ProSales Says "Cowboy" Jackie Allmond of Choo Choo is Best LBM Sales Rep
By Rick Davis
At 7:15 on a south Georgia summer morning, the sun is beaming and so is "Cowboy" Jackie Allmond as he stands in the parking lot of Choo Choo Build-It Mart's Rincon yard. With 50 tasks on his to-do list, Allmond knows he's going to be busy today. But he can't dive in just yet: A fellow salesman has stopped Allmond seeking his advice on hurricane-rated floor fasteners, an important commodity in this coastal market.
Allmond doesn't dismiss the salesman's request with a hurried reply. Instead, he leads the man inside to show the exact piece he should offer the builder. Only after providing technical advice does he move to his office, get organized, and prepare to take off in his tricked-out red Ford F-150 pickup for a day of deal-making. Read more.
At 7:15 on a south Georgia summer morning, the sun is beaming and so is "Cowboy" Jackie Allmond as he stands in the parking lot of Choo Choo Build-It Mart's Rincon yard. With 50 tasks on his to-do list, Allmond knows he's going to be busy today. But he can't dive in just yet: A fellow salesman has stopped Allmond seeking his advice on hurricane-rated floor fasteners, an important commodity in this coastal market.
Allmond doesn't dismiss the salesman's request with a hurried reply. Instead, he leads the man inside to show the exact piece he should offer the builder. Only after providing technical advice does he move to his office, get organized, and prepare to take off in his tricked-out red Ford F-150 pickup for a day of deal-making. Read more.
Emerging Trends: Don't Put Me on Your Bid List!
By Steve OndichCommercial Forest Products
THIS year has been a rude awakening for many sales professionals. A few years ago, large sales were easily had. In 2009, reps are working twice as hard for smaller sales. Margins are also tight due to intense competition among companies that are willing to sacrifice profits for the sake of staying busy.
The good news is that unless you've traded in your Blackberry and drive-through Starbucks for a pork-pie hat and a place in the soup line, you're still in the game. The bad news is that you're far from alone.
Complaining about the bad economy is very 2008. The new water cooler rant is that there are too many companies competing for the same small pool of work. When 30 piranhas are stuffed into a 12-gallon tank, any morsel of food is quickly devoured-yet all of the fish remain hungry.
As salespeople, we can either accept mediocre results as an inevitable byproduct of the bad economy or we can find a way to distinguish ourselves from the mass of competition. Going back to the piranha analogy, there will not be enough food put in the tank this year. You want to be the lone fish that jumps and catches the morsel before it hits the water.
One easy way to elevate yourself is to get out of the "bid-list" mentality. Asking to bid jobs or be on someone's bid list is a weak, passive way to solicit business. An inanimate fax machine can be on a company's bid list. You're better than that. In a good economy, working this way yields mediocre results, and we're not in a good economy.
Here's why I don't like bid lists:
• You're not the only one receiving that request for quote (RFQ).
• Bid lists reduce everything down to price. If you have a premium product, your bid is going to look high when compared to an inferior product. It's extremely difficult to point out your product's superiority on a bid list.
• RFQs are often red herrings. Have you ever walked into a prospect's building and been surprised by some newly purchased materials despite having been erroneously assured that you're on the bid list?
• Bid sheets create the illusion of an even playing field. Buyers often have a preferred vendor in mind before they distribute RFQs. If you're not the preferred vendor, you have a few strikes against you from the start. The preferred vendor's bid only has to be in the ballpark. You may be the low bidder across the board and still not get the job. Low bids are rejected because "they're too low, something must be wrong." High bids are accepted because "it's not that much more, and we know what we're going to get." It's not spelled out on the RFQ, but it's a reality.
Here's what you can do:
• Get the order before it's put out for bid. If you can find out what projects are upcoming before the RFQs go out, you'll have the opportunity to sell before your competition becomes aware of the opportunity. Great sales pitches can easily be drowned out by dozens of mediocre ones. Don't wait. Pre-sell your products.
• Work to become the preferred vendor. If customers want to give you work, selling becomes exponentially easier. If you're a second- or third-tier vendor, don't assume that you can bid your way to the top tier. Find out why your competition is getting the lion's share of the work. Nine times out of 10, you'll be told it's price. It's probably not.
Think about it. If you're a purchasing agent, are you going to admit that you prefer one vendor because he lets you use his condo in Palm Springs every year or because the owner likes him? No, you'll give a less accurate, but more respectable answer ("His prices are lower"). Find out what makes your customer tick, then you can decide how to improve your relationship, or if you even want to.
• Find out what's important to your customer so you can bid accordingly. Don't assume all of the important specs are on the bid list. Maybe you'll be the only vendor quoting product that hits all of their specs. Make sure they know it.
• Find a good reason to stay on your customer's radar. Repeatedly calling to ask, "Do you need anything?" or "Are you ready to order?" keeps you on their radar, but not in a good way. "I've got a good idea that should save you some money" is a call that your customers will want to take. A busy purchasing agent will often bypass the bid process and give an order to a rep who happens to be on their radar when a job is released. Contact them often, but make sure you have a worthwhile purpose or you'll be put on the dreaded straight-to-voicemail list.
As a hardwood vendor, my goal is to solve problems and present opportunities to my clients. A proactive approach often gives me the first-and sometimes the only-look at new business.
- Stephen Ondich is the owner of Commercial Forest Products, Fontana, Ca., a manufacturer and distributor of hardwood products. He can be reached at (909) 256-4583 or sondich@commercialforestproducts.com.
THIS year has been a rude awakening for many sales professionals. A few years ago, large sales were easily had. In 2009, reps are working twice as hard for smaller sales. Margins are also tight due to intense competition among companies that are willing to sacrifice profits for the sake of staying busy.
The good news is that unless you've traded in your Blackberry and drive-through Starbucks for a pork-pie hat and a place in the soup line, you're still in the game. The bad news is that you're far from alone.
Complaining about the bad economy is very 2008. The new water cooler rant is that there are too many companies competing for the same small pool of work. When 30 piranhas are stuffed into a 12-gallon tank, any morsel of food is quickly devoured-yet all of the fish remain hungry.
As salespeople, we can either accept mediocre results as an inevitable byproduct of the bad economy or we can find a way to distinguish ourselves from the mass of competition. Going back to the piranha analogy, there will not be enough food put in the tank this year. You want to be the lone fish that jumps and catches the morsel before it hits the water.
One easy way to elevate yourself is to get out of the "bid-list" mentality. Asking to bid jobs or be on someone's bid list is a weak, passive way to solicit business. An inanimate fax machine can be on a company's bid list. You're better than that. In a good economy, working this way yields mediocre results, and we're not in a good economy.
Here's why I don't like bid lists:
• You're not the only one receiving that request for quote (RFQ).
• Bid lists reduce everything down to price. If you have a premium product, your bid is going to look high when compared to an inferior product. It's extremely difficult to point out your product's superiority on a bid list.
• RFQs are often red herrings. Have you ever walked into a prospect's building and been surprised by some newly purchased materials despite having been erroneously assured that you're on the bid list?
• Bid sheets create the illusion of an even playing field. Buyers often have a preferred vendor in mind before they distribute RFQs. If you're not the preferred vendor, you have a few strikes against you from the start. The preferred vendor's bid only has to be in the ballpark. You may be the low bidder across the board and still not get the job. Low bids are rejected because "they're too low, something must be wrong." High bids are accepted because "it's not that much more, and we know what we're going to get." It's not spelled out on the RFQ, but it's a reality.
Here's what you can do:
• Get the order before it's put out for bid. If you can find out what projects are upcoming before the RFQs go out, you'll have the opportunity to sell before your competition becomes aware of the opportunity. Great sales pitches can easily be drowned out by dozens of mediocre ones. Don't wait. Pre-sell your products.
• Work to become the preferred vendor. If customers want to give you work, selling becomes exponentially easier. If you're a second- or third-tier vendor, don't assume that you can bid your way to the top tier. Find out why your competition is getting the lion's share of the work. Nine times out of 10, you'll be told it's price. It's probably not.
Think about it. If you're a purchasing agent, are you going to admit that you prefer one vendor because he lets you use his condo in Palm Springs every year or because the owner likes him? No, you'll give a less accurate, but more respectable answer ("His prices are lower"). Find out what makes your customer tick, then you can decide how to improve your relationship, or if you even want to.
• Find out what's important to your customer so you can bid accordingly. Don't assume all of the important specs are on the bid list. Maybe you'll be the only vendor quoting product that hits all of their specs. Make sure they know it.
• Find a good reason to stay on your customer's radar. Repeatedly calling to ask, "Do you need anything?" or "Are you ready to order?" keeps you on their radar, but not in a good way. "I've got a good idea that should save you some money" is a call that your customers will want to take. A busy purchasing agent will often bypass the bid process and give an order to a rep who happens to be on their radar when a job is released. Contact them often, but make sure you have a worthwhile purpose or you'll be put on the dreaded straight-to-voicemail list.
As a hardwood vendor, my goal is to solve problems and present opportunities to my clients. A proactive approach often gives me the first-and sometimes the only-look at new business.
- Stephen Ondich is the owner of Commercial Forest Products, Fontana, Ca., a manufacturer and distributor of hardwood products. He can be reached at (909) 256-4583 or sondich@commercialforestproducts.com.
Brown Lumber Recognized as Alabama Retailers of the Year
(In this photo - Andrew (l) and Andy Brown (r) with Jim Croome)
The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) today recognized nine outstanding Alabama retailers as “Retailers of the Year.” The presentations were made at The Club in Birmingham during the UAB School of Business’ 2009 Retail Day Luncheon. This marked the 10th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999.
Andy and Andrew Brown , owner/general manager and vice president/sales manager, respectively, of Brown Lumber & Building Supply Inc., a third-generation family business in Columbiana, received the Gold Award in the “Annual Sales More than $5 Million” category. Stacy Walkup, executive director of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, nominated the Browns for this prestigious award. Read more.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Webinar: Combustible Dust
W E B I N A R
Combustible Dust: Not Just a Grain Elevator Hazard!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
$139.00 per logged on computer.
The combustible dust hazard is not limited to grain elevators; lumber yards and wood working activities are at risk as well. OSHA has had a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since March 2008. As a result OSHA has increased their educational enforcement actions in this particular area due to a number of explosions resulting from combustible dust.
This webinar will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the combustible dust issue, discuss critical housekeeping tips, precautions you should take, what standards apply to our industry and recommendations as they pertain to OSHA’s NEP.
About the presenter – Bill Adams is an Associate with SafeX and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, and Certified Professional Environmental Auditor. He has extensive experience in all aspects of health and safety. Bill has assisted manufacturing facilities in designing and implementing health and safety management system programs, including self directed work teams.
Click on images to enlarge, print and use the registration form.
Combustible Dust: Not Just a Grain Elevator Hazard!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
$139.00 per logged on computer.
The combustible dust hazard is not limited to grain elevators; lumber yards and wood working activities are at risk as well. OSHA has had a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since March 2008. As a result OSHA has increased their educational enforcement actions in this particular area due to a number of explosions resulting from combustible dust.
This webinar will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the combustible dust issue, discuss critical housekeeping tips, precautions you should take, what standards apply to our industry and recommendations as they pertain to OSHA’s NEP.
About the presenter – Bill Adams is an Associate with SafeX and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, and Certified Professional Environmental Auditor. He has extensive experience in all aspects of health and safety. Bill has assisted manufacturing facilities in designing and implementing health and safety management system programs, including self directed work teams.
Click on images to enlarge, print and use the registration form.
NLBMDA News
Contact Your Senators Today About the Homebuyers Tax Credit
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday, October 20 to hear the latest on the housing market from Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan and industry representatives. Home buyer tax credit champion Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will also address the committee to press for an extension and expansion of that credit before it expires at the end of November. One option that remains on the table is for the credit to be attached to an extension of unemployment benefits the Senate may vote on this week. Dealers are encouraged to keep calls and letters coming to their Senators to press them to act sooner rather than later to preserve the credit. Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to take action today. Read more here.
NLBMDA Submits Comments to U.S. Green Building Council on Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
On Oct. 14, NLBMDA submitted comments to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) on its second draft of proposed revisions of the benchmarks for the certified wood credit in the LEED rating tool. Currently, wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the only wood eligible for credit toward LEED certification. USGBC has proposed a new system of "benchmarks" that any certification scheme could be evaluated against to determine if their certification procedures would be acceptable to USGBC. Read more.
Health Care Negotiations Continue
Negotiations continue this week between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Health Committee member Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) to reconcile the competing health bills passed out of those two committees. Reid has stated plans to bring a final reform bill to the Senate floor next week. Read more.
OSHA Announces Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced it is initiating a national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. Read more.
Climate Change/Energy Hearings Set in the Senate
While most of the health care negotiations are now taking place behind-the-scenes, several Senate committees are gearing up for hearings and mark ups of climate change/energy legislation. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing this Wednesday, October 21, on the costs and benefits of greenhouse gas emissions allowances. The Boxer-Kerry bill (S.1733) is expected to be marked up in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee following three days of hearings set to begin next Tuesday, October 27.
Legislation Introduced to Tie Tax Credit for Windows, Doors and Skylights to Energy Star
On October 15, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that would modify the existing tax credit for energy efficient windows, doors and skylights for 2010 by tying it to established ENERGY STAR® standards for fenestration products. The current $1,500 tax credit, passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), limited the tax credit to windows, doors and skylights "equal to or below a U-factor of 0.30 and SGHC (solar heat gain) of 0.30," commonly known as the ".30/.30 standard." Read more.
FLAME Act Passes Senate
As part of the 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, the Senate passed legislation Sept. 28 to create a dedicated fund within the Forest Service to pay for fire suppression activities and prevent forest management funds from being raided during high fire activity years. Between 1999 and 2003, $2.2 billion of the $3.5 billion spent on forest fire fighting was diverted from other programs. The dedicated fund will help ensure other important forest management programs are not disrupted by budget shortfalls. The legislation now goes to conference with the House.
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
NLBMDA recently announced that it has partnered with MultiBriefs to create the new NLBMDA Green Update, a free, opt-in e-mail resource providing comprehensive biweekly news briefings of interesting stories important to the building material industry. Read more.
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday, October 20 to hear the latest on the housing market from Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan and industry representatives. Home buyer tax credit champion Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will also address the committee to press for an extension and expansion of that credit before it expires at the end of November. One option that remains on the table is for the credit to be attached to an extension of unemployment benefits the Senate may vote on this week. Dealers are encouraged to keep calls and letters coming to their Senators to press them to act sooner rather than later to preserve the credit. Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to take action today. Read more here.
NLBMDA Submits Comments to U.S. Green Building Council on Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
On Oct. 14, NLBMDA submitted comments to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) on its second draft of proposed revisions of the benchmarks for the certified wood credit in the LEED rating tool. Currently, wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the only wood eligible for credit toward LEED certification. USGBC has proposed a new system of "benchmarks" that any certification scheme could be evaluated against to determine if their certification procedures would be acceptable to USGBC. Read more.
Health Care Negotiations Continue
Negotiations continue this week between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Health Committee member Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) to reconcile the competing health bills passed out of those two committees. Reid has stated plans to bring a final reform bill to the Senate floor next week. Read more.
OSHA Announces Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced it is initiating a national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. Read more.
Climate Change/Energy Hearings Set in the Senate
While most of the health care negotiations are now taking place behind-the-scenes, several Senate committees are gearing up for hearings and mark ups of climate change/energy legislation. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing this Wednesday, October 21, on the costs and benefits of greenhouse gas emissions allowances. The Boxer-Kerry bill (S.1733) is expected to be marked up in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee following three days of hearings set to begin next Tuesday, October 27.
Legislation Introduced to Tie Tax Credit for Windows, Doors and Skylights to Energy Star
On October 15, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that would modify the existing tax credit for energy efficient windows, doors and skylights for 2010 by tying it to established ENERGY STAR® standards for fenestration products. The current $1,500 tax credit, passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), limited the tax credit to windows, doors and skylights "equal to or below a U-factor of 0.30 and SGHC (solar heat gain) of 0.30," commonly known as the ".30/.30 standard." Read more.
FLAME Act Passes Senate
As part of the 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, the Senate passed legislation Sept. 28 to create a dedicated fund within the Forest Service to pay for fire suppression activities and prevent forest management funds from being raided during high fire activity years. Between 1999 and 2003, $2.2 billion of the $3.5 billion spent on forest fire fighting was diverted from other programs. The dedicated fund will help ensure other important forest management programs are not disrupted by budget shortfalls. The legislation now goes to conference with the House.
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
NLBMDA recently announced that it has partnered with MultiBriefs to create the new NLBMDA Green Update, a free, opt-in e-mail resource providing comprehensive biweekly news briefings of interesting stories important to the building material industry. Read more.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Advantage Software Seminar
One of CSA’s most popular seminars is back!
Are you…
Interested in learning more about the Advantage Computer System?
In need of a little extra help with the program?
In charge of inventory control?
Looking to resolve common problems and learn “quick fixes”?
If you answered yes to any of the above, this seminar is for you!
The Advantage Computer Systems Seminar, hosted by CSA and Advantage Computer Systems, will be led in a roundtablestyle discussion by Wade Frazier and Ed Brown with ECI Advantage. They are excited to answer all questions and facilitate discussions.
The best part of this seminar is that the attendees pick the discussion topics! When registering for the seminar, attendees will be asked to pick five topics to discuss. Wade and Ed will then create an agenda and curriculum from these topics.
The cost of this seminar is $100.00 per person, and will begin promptly at 8:00a.m. and run until 4:00p.m. Lunch, breaks and materials are included in the registration fee.
Accommodations at the Hampton Inn in Fairburn are available. We’ve reserved a block of rooms, but in order to reserve your room, please call 678-782-4600 and tell the reservations staff that you are taking a room in the CSA block. Rooms for Sunday, November 8 (the night before the seminar) are $69.00 plus tax per night, and includes breakfast at the hotel. Reservations are the responsibility of the attendee. Rooms will not be held after October 21, and reservations after this date will be taken on a space availability basis only.
Please click the picture to enlarge, print and use the registration form.
Are you…
Interested in learning more about the Advantage Computer System?
In need of a little extra help with the program?
In charge of inventory control?
Looking to resolve common problems and learn “quick fixes”?
If you answered yes to any of the above, this seminar is for you!
The Advantage Computer Systems Seminar, hosted by CSA and Advantage Computer Systems, will be led in a roundtablestyle discussion by Wade Frazier and Ed Brown with ECI Advantage. They are excited to answer all questions and facilitate discussions.
The best part of this seminar is that the attendees pick the discussion topics! When registering for the seminar, attendees will be asked to pick five topics to discuss. Wade and Ed will then create an agenda and curriculum from these topics.
The cost of this seminar is $100.00 per person, and will begin promptly at 8:00a.m. and run until 4:00p.m. Lunch, breaks and materials are included in the registration fee.
Accommodations at the Hampton Inn in Fairburn are available. We’ve reserved a block of rooms, but in order to reserve your room, please call 678-782-4600 and tell the reservations staff that you are taking a room in the CSA block. Rooms for Sunday, November 8 (the night before the seminar) are $69.00 plus tax per night, and includes breakfast at the hotel. Reservations are the responsibility of the attendee. Rooms will not be held after October 21, and reservations after this date will be taken on a space availability basis only.
Please click the picture to enlarge, print and use the registration form.
Webinar: As Long As There Is Competition
W E B I N A R
As Long As There Is Competition...
Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
With John Cortright
$139.00 per logged on computer
Add the coming of winter to this economic environment and anyone can tell you that sales are difficult to come by. But, there is still business out there and we need to take control of our future by ferreting it out and making it ours!
John Cortright, our speaker, started as a stock clerk in retail and in a 15 year period worked his way up the corporate ladder to Senior Vice President of a three hundred million dollar building material firm. He dealt with new strong competition, over saturated markets, economic downturns and yet he exceeded sales and profit expectations. Hear about his unique methods for building success in this special webinar.
Topics that will be covered in this one hour:
· How to produce more sales from your existing client base
· How to take business from the big boxes – low budget or no budget
· The most dependable and profitable customer base is like an iceberg, only 10% is visible. Uncover and take control of the other 90%!
· Make your sales budget and increase the profit in the process
· Take control of your business so that you move out of this downturn AHEAD of the pack!
The webinar is being hosted by Turnkey Programming. Prior to the webinar, you’ll be contacted by them with the webinar phone number and password, as well as instructions for logging onto the website to view the webinar live.
Click the pictures to enlarge, print and use.
As Long As There Is Competition...
Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
With John Cortright
$139.00 per logged on computer
Add the coming of winter to this economic environment and anyone can tell you that sales are difficult to come by. But, there is still business out there and we need to take control of our future by ferreting it out and making it ours!
John Cortright, our speaker, started as a stock clerk in retail and in a 15 year period worked his way up the corporate ladder to Senior Vice President of a three hundred million dollar building material firm. He dealt with new strong competition, over saturated markets, economic downturns and yet he exceeded sales and profit expectations. Hear about his unique methods for building success in this special webinar.
Topics that will be covered in this one hour:
· How to produce more sales from your existing client base
· How to take business from the big boxes – low budget or no budget
· The most dependable and profitable customer base is like an iceberg, only 10% is visible. Uncover and take control of the other 90%!
· Make your sales budget and increase the profit in the process
· Take control of your business so that you move out of this downturn AHEAD of the pack!
The webinar is being hosted by Turnkey Programming. Prior to the webinar, you’ll be contacted by them with the webinar phone number and password, as well as instructions for logging onto the website to view the webinar live.
Click the pictures to enlarge, print and use.
On Safety: Six Ways to Address Distracted Driving
At least one of the organizations sending an official to speak at next week's Distracted Driving Summit supports technology as part of the solution. The Governors Highway Safety Association listed six ways the federal government could address the problem without penalizing states that fail to enact texting or calling bans; GHSA is already on record as stating drivers should not use cell phones for any purpose while they are driving.
"To address this growing problem, the federal government does not need to sanction states that do not pass cell phone or texting while driving bans. Rather, there are a variety of actions the federal government can take to help states best respond to distracted driving," the organization stated in a Sept. 14 statement of its position. GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. is scheduled to speak Oct. 1 at the summit as one of the Legislation, Regulation and Enforement panelists at the summit. Read more.
"To address this growing problem, the federal government does not need to sanction states that do not pass cell phone or texting while driving bans. Rather, there are a variety of actions the federal government can take to help states best respond to distracted driving," the organization stated in a Sept. 14 statement of its position. GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. is scheduled to speak Oct. 1 at the summit as one of the Legislation, Regulation and Enforement panelists at the summit. Read more.
On Safety: OSHA News - Advancing PPE Regulations
OSHA updates its PPE standards
Last month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration revamped personal protective equipment standards for general industry, shipyard, longshoring and marine terminals.
The changes pertain to eye, face, head and foot safety. Among other things, they require that filter lenses of eye safety devices meet standards concerning the "transmission of radiant energy such as light or infrared."In revamping the standards, OSHA aims to keep them in line with technological advances and applicable national consensus standards. It also seeks to ensure that PPE design and construction responds to job-specific hazards.
The final rule takes effect on October 9. Read the OSHA Trade News Release here.
Source.
Last month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration revamped personal protective equipment standards for general industry, shipyard, longshoring and marine terminals.
The changes pertain to eye, face, head and foot safety. Among other things, they require that filter lenses of eye safety devices meet standards concerning the "transmission of radiant energy such as light or infrared."In revamping the standards, OSHA aims to keep them in line with technological advances and applicable national consensus standards. It also seeks to ensure that PPE design and construction responds to job-specific hazards.
The final rule takes effect on October 9. Read the OSHA Trade News Release here.
Source.
Webinar: Welcome to Lawyerland - How to Navigate the Court System
W E B I N A R
Welcome to Lawyerland: How to Navigate the Court System
Tuesday, October 22, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
With Annie Catmull with Walker, Wilcox and Matousek
Welcome to Lawyerland: How to Navigate the Court System
Tuesday, October 22, 2009 at 3:00p.m. (EST)
With Annie Catmull with Walker, Wilcox and Matousek
When faced with the prospect of litigation, understanding the court system will help you control costs and improve the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution, so you can get back to business quickly.
One of the most difficult things to learn about the court system is how to navigate all of the filings and motions. The speaker will give you the basics of how to bring or defend a case.
Topics that will be covered in this one hour:
-Small claims, common pleas, and municipal courts. What are their differences?
-What to expect in Federal and State Courts and when to expect to be there.
-Going to court, whether you are allowed to represent yourself and when you are not.
-Different cases, advantages and disadvantages of litigation alternatives: mediation and arbitration.
-The minimum initial steps you should take as soon as you learn you or your company is being sued.
-Finding a reliable attorney, getting them the facts, and how to control costs – the growing trend of flat fee billing.
The presenter Annie Catmull is a lawyer with Walker, Wilcox and Matousek (located in Houston, TX and Chicago, IL). This firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, bankruptcy/recturing, and insurance coverage disputes. Her nationwide practice includes the representation of creditors ranging from large and small independent businesses to Fortune 500 companies. She was a speaker at the NLBMDA ProSales Industry Summit in 2008 on the subject of bankruptcy and the homebuilding industry.
This webinar provides you the opportunity to learn from one of the leaders in the industry without having to leave your business. No travel, no time away from the office. The price is just $139 per logged on computer. To get the most bang for your buck, gather all your managers around one computer and use a speaker phone.
The webinar is being hosted by Turnkey Programming. Prior to the webinar, you’ll be contacted by them with the webinar phone number and password, as well as instructions for logging onto the website to view the webinar live.
Click the pictures to enlarge, print and use.
Equipment Financing Program
Association Health Programs offers an Equipment Financing Program for CSA members. Included in the offer are terms such as no down payment, flexibible terms to meet your cash flow needs, fast approvals and simple documentation. There is a secure online application and payment calculator at www.associationpros.com
For more information, contact Stuart Pase at 888-450-3040 or email stuart@associaitonpros.com
For more information, contact Stuart Pase at 888-450-3040 or email stuart@associaitonpros.com
NLBMDA News
You can find all the most up to date national organization news here.
USGBC Releases Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
Health Care Continues to Dominate Congressional Schedule
Homebuyer Tax Credit Looming
Boxer-Kerry Introduce Energy Bill, Version 2.0
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
Save the Date! NLBMDA Legislative Conference Scheduled for March 15-17, 2010
USGBC Releases Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
Health Care Continues to Dominate Congressional Schedule
Homebuyer Tax Credit Looming
Boxer-Kerry Introduce Energy Bill, Version 2.0
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
Save the Date! NLBMDA Legislative Conference Scheduled for March 15-17, 2010
News You Can Use - Running Your Business
Credit card fees can take a bite out of your profits. CSA members can lower their costs by up to 20% by enrolling in a special program. Enrollment is free and your credit card processing system will be reprogrammed for the cost savings at no expense to you.
For more information and a free, no obligation quote, please call 847-219-6711 or fax 815-455-5317.
For more information and a free, no obligation quote, please call 847-219-6711 or fax 815-455-5317.
CSA Celebrates with an Open House
The Construction Suppliers Association celebrated the opening of its new offices with an open house on Wednesday, September 30th. Over fifty members, friends, and associates attended throughout the day to tour the new offices and enjoy some lunch together.
The space is located at 120 Handley Road, Suite 610 in Tyrone, Georgia. We're open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You're invited to come visit us anytime. Call 678-675-1860 for more information, directions and to schedule a tour. See all the photos from the Open House.
The space is located at 120 Handley Road, Suite 610 in Tyrone, Georgia. We're open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You're invited to come visit us anytime. Call 678-675-1860 for more information, directions and to schedule a tour. See all the photos from the Open House.
Our photo slideshow.
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