Your Weekly Update: May 18, 2020
Did you know . . . your membership comes with access to a wide variety of money-saving programs ? One with a filing deadline just around the corner is the HBAV Member Rebate Program for builders, remodelers and contractors. The average annual rebate for members currently participating is $5,979! The program is easy to register for and easy to use. Click here for details and make sure you file your claim
by the May 29 deadline.
Phase one is under way; checklist
released for business best practices

Phase one of easing public health restrictions in Virginia started Friday. (Click here for guidelines for all business sectors.) As an "essential" industry, companies involved in construction have been allowed to operate during the pandemic, as long as they adhere to the required safety practices. Those practices are still in effect and all construction-related businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant in maintaining them. You'll find a job site safety video from NAHB on CVBIA's Facebook page.

Small Business Growth Partners has released a free COVID-19 Best Practices Checklist for Construction Firms , a guide to help you position your business for success as the economy gears back up.

Locally, CVBIA has polled municipalities about whether their upcoming budgets will include fee increases for building and development activities. Although most are reporting that they will not increase fees, Suffolk, James City County, Hampton and Portsmouth have released fee schedules with increases. Contact Claudia Cotton at ccotton@cvbia.com with questions or concerns.

As business restrictions ease, we'll keep you informed with Updates providing information from the localities and agencies you work with on a daily basis.
 
You'll find links to a wide range of health, business and human resources information, including comprehensive resources from both the state and national home builders associations, on the CVBIA website.

Best regards,
Ryan Rose, CVBIA President
Local elections are tomorrow

City council elections in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News are tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19.

CVBIA's Political Action Committee carefully reviews candidates in local races to determine those who are pro-business and understand the positive economic impact of our industry. Its recommendations for the following races in this election are:
Chesapeake: Mayor Rick West and City Council incumbents Robert Ike and Dwight Parker
Newport News : North District City Council candidate Rob Coleman
Need help filing with localities?
Builders Title has the ability to e-file during these challenging times and is here to help members who may need this service.

Contact Dorothy Johnson at 305-9029 or builderstitle@cvbia.com for details and assistance.
A webinar for you!

While in-person programs are still on the restricted list, there's no lack of free virtual learning opportunities out there.

Here are a few you should check out:






If you missed last week's live stream program on the Top 10 Social Media Marketing Tips, you can still check it out on CVBIA's Facebook page.
VRLTA's gone virtual!

The Coastal Multifamily Housing Council's annual Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act Review and Update has been rescheduled in a format modified for today’s new work environment.

Conducted by John G. “Chip” Dicks III of Gentry Locke , this program is a “must-attend” for anyone involved in multifamily property management.

The webinar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, June 23 . The cost is $55 for members; $85 for nonmembers. Click here for a registration form.

Questions? jhearn@cvbia.com
 
(This program can be used for continuing education credit for various designations, including RAM, but CMHC is not offering it for credit through DPOR’s Virginia Real Estate Board due to the modified format.)
Welcome, new members!
The companies listed here recently joined CVBIA. Please welcome them to the association with a call or email. Remember, it's good business to do business with a member!



A big thank you to recruiter John Queen with R.K. Chevrolet!

Click here to find all CVBIA members by their business category.
HBAV throws out challenge

Make your donation count! The American Red Cross reports a critical need for blood and platelet donations and HBAV is encouraging members to roll up their sleeves to help alleviate this shortage.

As members across the state are doing this good deed, they also can join a little friendly competition among local home builders associations. The association with the largest number of participating blood donors will get a special shout out on social media and at the HBAV installation in November.

Click here to find a donation center near you. And please let us know you've given by emailing baxson@cvbia.com .
It's time to
get social!

CVBIA is gearing back up for all the great events that have been put on hold, so get out your calendars and take note!

The CVBIA Member Mixer & New Member Welcome will be held from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, July 29 at O'Connor Brewing Co. in Norfolk. Click here for all the details on sponsoring and attending!

Next up, the 43rd Annual Picnic & Tailgate Party, 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20 at Khedive Temple's picnic area in Chesapeake. Sign up now to sponsor, tailgate or attend!

The CVBIA Golf Committee is ready to tee it up and is looking for sponsors for the annual tournament, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at The Riverfront Golf Club in Suffolk. Contact dfain@cvbia.com for details!
Follow CVBIA's new page!

Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association has launched its new Facebook page and is inviting members to follow us and get social!
Municipal Memos
York County has introduced a new customer service online portal to assist in the permitting and inspection process. The system went 'live' May 11. To use it, you must set up a portal account, which will link to all of your current projects. Click here for the account registration form.

Chesapeake has released its amended operating schedule , along with alternate ways of processing fees and paper documents. Click here for the details.

All Norfolk municipal offices are closed and employees are tele-working.  Inspectors will no longer conduct on-site inspections at the current time. Contact your inspector to discuss using Face Time, videos or photos.  Third-party inspections continue to be accepted.

Virginia Beach has posted its updated Draft Public Works Design Standards Manua l . Public comments were reviewed last year and revisions have been incorporated into the recently released version. Click here for details.

Dominion Energy has released its S ubdivision Coordinator contact information for local companies developing or building in new subdivisions. Click here  for contact information.
State and National News

More than 270 pieces of legislation were introduced during this year's General Assembly session with the potential to improve or harm your business. Thanks to the Home Builders Association of Virginia, however, the most damaging bills were defeated and pro-business legislation moved forward. This advocacy is an invaluable member benefit and the priority mission of your state association.
For all the highlights, click here . For HBAV's complete overview, click here .

HBAV continues to closely monitor industry-related developments across the state. Click here for all the news from your state association, including COVID-19 resources, educational offerings and information on the upcoming Virginia Builders Summit.

HBAV will now present its inaugural Housing Excellence Awards Monday, Sept. 28 during the Fall Board meeting in Richmond. Because of the date change, the entry deadline has been extended to June 1. Click here for entry details.

A cautionary word on lumber: the American Lumber Standards Committee recently released a warning that lumber from Ziegler, a German company, is no longer accredited, is not a structural grade per ALSC standards and should not be used for framing. The material has been shipped to the United States, however, so lumber wholesalers and retailers are advised to be aware of the situation.

NAHB is working diligently to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the residential construction sector. You'll find a wealth of information on what the association is doing to protect your business, as well as helpful resources, at www.nahb.org

The 2021 International Builders' Show is Feb. 9-11 in Orlando and if you're a young industry professional, you're eligible for a scholarship to attend. The application process is open through June 5 ! Click here to learn more.

If you're a more seasoned industry professional and you're interested in speaking at IBS , you have until this Friday, May 22 to submit a proposal. Click here for details.

Get 20 percent off the 2020 Remodelers' Cost of Doing Business Study through the end of May. The s tudy is published periodically to help remodelers and general contractors benchmark their business financials in comparison to other similar businesses across the country. Enter discount code NWREM20 at checkout at BuilderBooks.com . 
Being a member provides you with cost-saving benefits, professional credibility AND advocacy for your company on the local, state and national levels.

There is no better example of the value of your membership, however, than what is taking place at your local, state and national associations during this national COVID-19 emergency.

Not only are you receiving valuable information on how to navigate the new rules for our new normal, your trade association is working hard to keep the industry open for business.

Visit www.nahb.org , www.hbav.com or www.cvbia.com to learn more.
Looking for labor?
The national Home Builders Institute is operating a 12-week construction industry program in Norfolk for transitioning military and is looking for jobs in which to place its students. If you're in need of qualified, reliable employees, contact HBI's Steve Kelley at skelley@hbi.org .
A special thank you to the 2020 members!
If you'd like to join this elite group, whose support helps keep the industry strong for everyone, email ccotton@cvbia.com
QUICK LINKS TO YOUR BENEFITS!
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Filing deadline for first quarter is May 29!
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Make the most of your member investment!
Get connected with the Member Information Center!
An important first step to making the most of your membership investment is logging into the Member Information Center and checking out your company profile. Make sure your information is correct and put your best foot forward to the public and fellow members . Click here to get started! ( Tip: Your user name is your email address. If you're not in the association's database, contact Betty Axson at 305-9042 and she'll add your information.)

This Information Center should be your "go to" resource for member contact information, job postings, event registration, local legislator and city staff contacts, and so much more. You can also post news about all the great things your company is doing and if you have any special events or offers coming up! Use the Member Deals and Member Happenings section to promote your products, services and news!

There's even a FREE app that puts everything within easy reach on your phone.
Just search "MemberPlus" on Google Play or the App Store and download it today!