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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
Official Notice to Members: Board Nominations
The CSA Nominating Committee has nominated the following people to serve new terms on the Board:
Kevin Hamblin, Builders Station, Carrollton GA, 2nd Vice Chair (automatically ascends to the chair)
Tee Bridges, Stone’s Home Centers, Bainbridge GA, Board member
Mason Kocher, Kocher Building Materials, Montgomery AL, Board member
Ray Gaster, Gaster Building Materials, Savannah GA, Board member
CSA’s bylaws state that members have 30 days from the date of notice Wednesday, October 7, 2009 to submit alternate names. If no alternate name is submitted by at least 20% of the eligible voting membership, the slate of nominees is automatically elected. If one or more names are submitted by at least 20% of the eligible voting membership, then an election will be held. If you wish to submit alternate name(s), please do so to Jim Moody, CSA President, by fax at (678) 674-1864, e-mail at jimmoody@gocsa.com, mail at 120 Handley Road, Ste. 610, Tyrone GA 30290, or phone at (678) 674-1860.
The Nominating Committee was composed of David Swift, chair; Billy Badger; Tom Hall; Jeff Edwards; and Chris Moon.
Kevin Hamblin, Builders Station, Carrollton GA, 2nd Vice Chair (automatically ascends to the chair)
Tee Bridges, Stone’s Home Centers, Bainbridge GA, Board member
Mason Kocher, Kocher Building Materials, Montgomery AL, Board member
Ray Gaster, Gaster Building Materials, Savannah GA, Board member
CSA’s bylaws state that members have 30 days from the date of notice Wednesday, October 7, 2009 to submit alternate names. If no alternate name is submitted by at least 20% of the eligible voting membership, the slate of nominees is automatically elected. If one or more names are submitted by at least 20% of the eligible voting membership, then an election will be held. If you wish to submit alternate name(s), please do so to Jim Moody, CSA President, by fax at (678) 674-1864, e-mail at jimmoody@gocsa.com, mail at 120 Handley Road, Ste. 610, Tyrone GA 30290, or phone at (678) 674-1860.
The Nominating Committee was composed of David Swift, chair; Billy Badger; Tom Hall; Jeff Edwards; and Chris Moon.
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