July  2016 | Issue 7
Letter from the President
HBAM President Greg Smith
We just wrapped up the 2016 HBAM convention and I can say honestly say it was an exciting "three day tour" of events. 

This year, we had over 250 attendees for the convention and it was most definitely a special event. We were so happy to see legacy home builder member, and volleyball tournament namesake, Bulldog Burton, this year. He presented the Bulldog Burton Volleyball Tournament trophy to the winners. Congratulations to the Home Builder's Association of Jackson for their victory!
 
We had the honor of hosting so many distinguished guests during this year's Hall of Fame. Our 2016 Hall of Fame inductees included Governor Phil Bryant and longtime member Terry Reeves. Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, Terry's son,  was in attendance and delivered a meaningful address on behalf of his father's induction. Charles Porter also presented heart-felt words on the new inductees and stressed the importance of association involvement. Congressman Steven Palazzo was also in attendance for the night's festivities.
 
The convention offered many educational and fun opportunities to bring our members together. We also had lots of national representation this year. Randy Noel, NAHB Second Vice Chairman, and Greg Ugalde, NAHB Third Vice Chairman, were both in attendance and reported a federal update to attendees. 

In addition, NAHB's field reps, Justin Reyes and Samantha Davis, and NAHB federal legislative director, Alex Strong, gave updates and information on the NAHB activities.
 
No convention would be successful without great meeting presenters. The event kicked-off with a lighthearted and humorous program featuring political cartoonist and television personality Marshall Ramsey. Attendees were also able to get continuing education credit and a legal update with panelists Trey Copeland of Jernigan Copeland & Anderson, PLLC and Stephanie Lee from the MS State Board of Contractors. This year's featured key note speaker was Jeff McManus, Director of Landscape Services with the University of Mississippi, who led a powerful leadership seminar.
 
Last, but certainly not least, the convention wouldn't be possible without our sponsors and our attendees (and of course HBA Jackson for hosting the wonderful hospitality suite)! There is power and strength in numbers and we must continue to build our voice to make progress in our industry.  We greatly appreciate you, our members, and we look forward to an exciting opportunity to grow even more.


Sincerely,
  

Greg Smith
President
Home Builders Association of Mississippi

2016 Best in Mississippi Awards
Each November, the Home Builders Association of Mississippi (HBAM) presents the Best in Mississippi Building & Remodeling Awards to recognize the outstanding work of builders and remodelers throughout the state.

Applicants may enter in categories ranging from single-family homes to commercial buildings, in a variety of project sizes. Other categories include Best Kitchen, Best Bath, multi-family construction and Subdivision Development of the Year.

Entries are evaluated by a team of five judges utilizing specific criteria to each entry category. Following critique, award winners are honored and recognized at the Best in Mississippi award banquet.  Award winners will be included in a full feature issue of the Mississippi Builder magazine.

CLICK HERE for visit the Best in Mississippi page for more information. Entry applications will be available soon.
Upcoming Events
JULY
4
HBAM Office Closed
11 MHI 2 Hour OSHA overview

AUGUST
4 CPR & First-Aid Training
29 Best in MS Application Ends
30 MHI 10 Hour OSHA 



In the News
9 Trends Reshaping the Housing Market 
Builder Confidence Rises in June
More Builders Report Labor Shortage 
Tax Plan Impacts Housing Tax Provisions 
Senate Bill to Reform Federal Housing Programs
Coalition Pushes to Cut Fannie, Freddie Fees
Thanks to Trustmark for being an event sponsor!
2016 State Convention & Ed. Conference
The 2016 State Convention was a huge success and we're already looking forward to next year, but we need your help to make sure it's most beneficial to members. 

CLICK HERE to provide feedback and suggestions for 2017!

You can also find Facebook photo albums of the convention and Hall of Fame banquet on our HERE.

The Kick-Off Welcome Party Photo Booth pictures can be found HERE. 
Member Spotlight: Bruce Massey
Bruce Massey has been a member of the North Central Home Builders Association since 2007 and has served as the president for the past 5 years. He is the owner of Bruce Massey Construction, LLC in Oxford, MS since 2005.
 
Bruce is a native of Natchez, MS but left in 1996 to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss. on a Tennis scholarship.  He transferred to the University of Mississippi in 1998 to major in Business. 

After graduation in 2002, he decided to make Oxford h is home  after falling in love with the city and the surrounding area . 

He began his real estate career with Mossy Oak Properties, but within 3 years, he realized that his true passion was not selling real estate but construction. He began this new venture at the beginning of a building boom in Oxford with construction of spec homes.
 
Bruce earned his residential and commercial license as a General Contractor and is a certified Green Builder in the state of Mississippi. He truly enjoys getting to know his clients, building a relationship with them and finally constructing their dream home or business.

New Partnership Opens Doors for Education Opportunities
The Home Builders Association of Mississippi has recently announced a partnership with the Mississippi Contenting Education Foundation (MCEF). This partnership aims to provide an expanded list of continuing education opportunities to association members.

MCEF is a non-profit organization formed to promote, recruit and train a quality workforce for the construction industry in Mississippi. The workforce training and credentialing courses offered by MCEF are now available to interested association members. There is also potential for new educational opportunities based on the wants of our membership.

HBAM is excited to work with MCEF to build a better workforce and build a better Mississippi.

CLICK HERE to learn more about other educational opportunities provided by the Mississippi Housing Institute. 

Become a Certified Professional Builder
Through education, professional development and customer satisfaction, the Certified Professional Builder Program aims to establish criteria for home builders to assist in consumer awareness and professionalism.
 
Becoming a Mississippi Certified Professional Builder provides an opportunity for builders to pursue professional development through opportunities provided through the Mississippi Housing Institute. Agreeing to become a Certified Professional Builder requires builders to meet standards beyond the licensing requirements of the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Through the certification, builders will stay current on housing trends and the home buyer receives the benefits offered through the program. 

CLICK HERE to find out more about becoming a Certified Professional Builder.



EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS
 


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