Ron Rapp, CEO | Twitter: @HAVANofficial @HAVAN_CEO |
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COATS FOR KIDS ... A FEEL GOOD EVENT |
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We are 25 DAYS from Christmas, and I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to members and ask for your support for our 25th Annual Coats for Kids campaign! We have always enjoyed the enthusiastic support of members for all of these 25 years, this year however, with Covid-19, we are facing new challenges. With so many people working from home, access to drop off locations is significantly down. Speaking with Chris Bayliss, of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, he suggested while coats are still welcomed, cash donations are highly encouraged. As such, in celebration of 25 years, and to navigate Covid-19 the $25 for 25 Years Campaign was born.
As you may have seen in Sunday Connections yesterday, since the November 12 kick off we are now almost at the half what point and have received generous contributions from members totaling over $11,650 towards our goal of $25,000! We need you to help get us, and the Christmas Bureaus of the Lower Mainland and Surrey the rest of the way!
Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus have worked to help “Make Christmas Great Again” for kids since 1930. Their number one goal at the Bureaus has been to ensure that every child in our communities has a smile on their face during the holiday season. Since 1995, HAVAN has pitched into this effort by setting the goal to keep kids warm and properly equipped for the winter weather!
25 years is a significant amount of time, and the “Tale of Coats for Kids” is a heartwarming one that begins “…on a cold Winter’s morn…”, with former CEO Peter Simpson driving to work one day in November. Peter noticed that many of the kids on their way to school were not wearing appropriate coats to protect against Vancouver’s cold, damp weather. When Peter arrived at the office he promptly reached out to the staff and board members, and Coats for Kids was born.
Legend has it, long-standing member Brad Hughes of Park Ridge Homes walked in the door with an armload of brand-new coats that first year, overwhelmed with the idea of giving back to the community. As with all good ideas, there were some challenges - like how to get the coats to the kids? In the heartwarming part of the story. Peter started looking for a partner and decided the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau would be a logical door to knock on. To his surprise, executive director Chris Baylis, who looks just like Kris Kringle himself, heartily embraced the idea, and a plan was hatched for HAVAN members to open their doors and collect donations of coats and winter wear on behalf of the Bureau.
Over time, news spread, and the need grew greater out towards the valley. Lisa Farquharson Publisher of the Langley Advance Times and Aldergrove Star, and former HAVAN board member suggested sharing the donations south of the Fraser. So, in 2016 the campaign was expanded to include the Surrey Christmas Bureau too.
It is estimated over the past 25 years, members have gathered over 75,000 coats for kids and teenagers, along with new toys and cash donations. We typically have 60+ members sign up to offer over 70 drop off locations across the Lower Mainland, to collect over 6,000 coats each year.
With COVID and the restrictions from Dr. Bonnie Henry, the number of drop off locations is much smaller, but still available and you can find them here.
$25 for 25 was organized to create an opportunity for each of our 1100 members to make a modest donation of $25 dollars to celebrate our 25 years of generosity, and to ensure that in this particularly “unique holiday season” for us and our families that we can continue to try and make this a joyful time for the less fortunate children and families among us.
Given the circumstances this year our efforts are even more meaningful, poignant, and personally rewarding for all. Please see your way clear to reach out with your heart, and a $25 contribution, to continue to make the “Tale of Coats for Kids” a rich part of our Christmas tradition, and be warmed by the smiles we can put on kids faces.
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NEW SHERIFFS IN TOWN ...
Premier John Horgan announced the new line up for his cabinet on Thursday and amid a many new faces together with returning MLA’s and ministers he has formed a Cabinet of 20 ministers, and 4 ministers of state. Of note to the residential construction industry are the following appointments:
· Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing - David Eby
· Finance - Selina Robinson
· Municipal Affairs - Josie Osborne
· Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation - Ravi Kahlon
· Advanced Education, Skills and Training - Anne Kang
· Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation and Minister Responsible for The Consular Corps of British Columbia - Bruce Ralston
· Environment & Climate Change Strategy and Minister Responsible for Translink - George Heyman
· Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development - Katrine Conroy
· Labour - Harry Bains
· Transportation & Infrastructure - Rob Flemming
Selina Robinson has been promoted to Finance and has some significant challenges in front of her as we begin to rebuild our C19 ravaged economy. We do wish to thank Minister Robinson for her work, and contributions as Housing Minister in the previous government and hope we can carry on working in good faith with incoming Minister Eby who will also be the Attorney General. Carol James the former Finance Minister will remain available in an advisory capacity. Of note is that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has been split away from Housing and Josie Osborne, former mayor of Tofino has been named Minister.
The Premier has furnished Mandate Letters to each minister and here are the letters of each of the ministries most affecting our industry:
One item to note in the letter addressed to Minister Eby is the direct reference to the Development Approval Review Process (DAPR) report and the direction to continue to review and or affect actions onto the recommendations therein, which continues to be a key “ask” of the HBA’s. Among a number of other items noted for Minister Robinson there was a call for finding solutions and opportunity to resolve the ongoing strata insurance issues, and to seek to expedite approvals working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Please refer to the links to get a complete overview of the directions to the ministers that will be further addressed in the pending Throne Speech.
HAVAN has sent out letters of congratulations to all MLA’s elected in our catchment area from White Rock to the Township of Langley, as well as, direct letters to the appointed Ministers within our area, and the three Ministers noted above. We wish all the MLA’s the best of luck with their responsibilities and representing their constituents, and HAVAN will continue to advance the interests of our members to our MLA’s and Ministers.
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QUICK BITES ...
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CBC Metro Matters provides a bit of back ground on Josie Osborne, experience, and her role in the new Municipal Affairs portfolio
The national trend in housing starts increased in October following a pause in September. The trend was 222,734 units in October 2020, up from 214,372 units in September 2020. Higher single-detached SAAR (Standalone Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate) starts in October drove the overall trend higher, offsetting a second consecutive decline in monthly multi-family SAAR starts. Single-detached starts trended higher in several major centres, including Toronto and Montreal.
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The US has cut the duties on Softwood Lumber Tariffs from 20.2% to 8.9 % which is generally described as a step in the right direction. “While reduction in tariffs for some Canadian producers is a step in the right direction, Canada is disappointed that the United States continues to impose unwarranted and unfair duties on Canadian softwood lumber,” International Trade Minister Mary Ng said in a statement Tuesday. It is yet uncertain what this will mean for local pricing moving forward, and if this move will make accessing Canadian lumber a more viable option for US markets who are facing the same demand and supply chain issues we are experiencing here in BC.
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Bloomberg offers the views of West Fraser CEO, Ray Ferris on the continued demand stemming from the US market and touches on their recent $4 billion purchase of Norbord the largest producer of OSB in the world.
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This article in Bloomberg City Lab discusses the growing trend of real estate investors wanting to know what kind of resiliency cities are including in their plan to mitigate and offset the effects of climate change and the potential adverse effects of rising sea levels, storm frequency and intensity, and the ability for infrastructure to adapt and survive. The answer they get can have a direct influence of investment potential.
Brian Lee Crowley of the Macdonald Laurier Institute argues the polices of urban planners are making life increasingly more difficult for people to live in cities in the way they want to, which for most people is to own a home and drive a car. Jay Pitter, an author, educator and place maker, is also critical of how cities are designed but believes it is unfair to lay the blame solely at the feet of urban planners.
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CONTACT 2021: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 DEADLINE
IS YOUR LISTING UP TO DATE?
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Looking to connect with industry and consumers?
Contacts are everything in this business and HAVAN's Contact Directory is pure gold, for industry and consumers alike. 12,000 copies are distributed each year via members, prominent retail outlets and showrooms, with a digital copy located on HAVAN.ca/find-a-professional/.
RAISE YOUR PROFILE WITH TARGETTED ADVERTISING
Offering a variety of print ads and video options, the directory provides:
- Extended shelf life for year-round exposure
- Targeted consumers interested in home renovations and design
- Opportunity to build your industry connections
- In-store merchandise opportunity (magazine rack) to reinforce client's purchasing decisions
- Strengthening your online marketing campaign's recall.
Contact HARRYVH@BLACKPRESS.CA and BOOK your ad today!
COMPLIMENTARY COMPANY LISTING
If you want to be contacted, your listing information needs to be up-to-date! This is a complimentary service to HAVAN members in good standing (ie make sure your dues are paid up-to-date too!) The hard deadline to make changes is November 30th. Go to HAVAN.ca/find-a-professional and review and update your listing details.
If you need assistance, please reach out to Renee@havan.ca
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U40 MENTORSHIP WITH ERIC LEE ON DEC 10: REGISTER TODAY
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sit in on an intimate conversation with Eric Lee, CEO of VictorEric Group. Eric is a CEO, Architectural and Interior Designer, Project Manager, Serial Entrepreneur, Father, Mentor, and Coach. Hear about his journey to building multiple successful companies and lessons learned along the way. Plus, the opportunity to ask questions. Thursday, December 10 at 12pm – online.
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2021 HAVAN AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES OPEN 'TIL JANUARY 18! |
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HAVAN AWARDS 2021 CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
DESIGN. BUILD. ENTER. WIN.
It has been only one week since we launched the 2021 HAVAN Awards Call for Entries and submissions are already coming in!
Recognizing excellence in new-home construction, renovation and design in Metro Vancouver, the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence is your platform to gain industry accolades and consumer attention.
REVIEW NEW CATEGORIES
HAVAN continues to review the categories each year to ensure they reflect the consumer demand and industry activity. This year, we added Best Multi-Family Amenity Space and a new Grand HAVAN Award - Interior Designer of the Year.
SHARE THE AWARDS WITH YOUR PROJECT PARTNERS
Builders and renovators include your HAVAN-member project partners on your submissions. From your architect and interior designer to your electrician and floor supplier, the HAVAN Awards allows the inclusion of up to two Major Associates and three Associates per entry. It gives credit those who contributed to your award-worthy home and is a way to share resources and costs. If the home is a finalist/winner, they too get access to Award accolades and resources. Not a member yet? Let us know and our membership team will reach and encourage those companies to become members.
DON'T HAVE TIME TO SUBMIT? THERE ARE PROS WHO CAN HELP
We are all pressed for time but don't let that be the reason you miss this year's HAVAN Awards. Here is a list of HAVAN members who offer services to assist with your entries -- from photography to entry writing -- but now is the time to reach out as the deadline is Monday, January 18.
HOW TO GET STARTED
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP?
We are currently revamping the HAVAN Awards sponsorship packages and will be sending the information to members soon. This year, we're excited to include a Sponsors' Toolkit to ensure sponsors maximize their HAVAN Awards sponsorships, as we anticipate the key events will again be virtual.
If you have questions about the entry process, contact Wendy (wendy@havan.ca or 778-373-9781). Good luck to all entrants!
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HAVAN CONSUMER CONNECTION: Measure Twice, Cut Once
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EPISODE #9: What's the Drill? Home building communication strategies with Kathy Yuen, President, Phase One Design
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Kathy Yuen, owner of Phase One Design drills into the importance of keeping the communication channels open for the success of your home building project. Hint, it takes more than coffee and donuts! |
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HOME BUYING 101 VIDEO SERIES - ONLINE NOW! |
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Vancouver has always been a challenging city to get a foot in the door. Add on a pandemic, and it gets even more complicated. HAVAN's Home Buying Forum, typically held in-person each spring, but cancelled due to COVID-19, led to HAVAN producing a series of information videos to ensure first-time buyers have access to the knowledge they need to buy smarter.
HAVAN has captured the industry experts who typically present at the forum, in a series of nine 10-20-minute Home Buying 101 videos, packed with information and resources, to help people buy smarter.
Offering buying strategies, market knowledge, legal and mortgage advice, plus lots more, the videos are poised to help first-time buyers leverage their buying power. Record low interest rates and pent up demand from lack of spring sales has Vancouver poised to be a seller's market. It only makes sense to empower oneself.
Check out the video series and share with your family and friends today!
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PRODUCTION WORKER: Valley Acrylic Bath Ltd is seeking to fill a full time, permanent production worker in our factory. As a production worker, you will perform in lending a hand in several departments such as Shipping & Receiving, Cultured Marble Maker, Fiberglass Roller, Wood Worker, ThermoForming, and Trimming. Detailed job description of each roll will be provided upon employment.
SITE SUPERVISOR: TPI is a dynamic, full-service construction management firm. We specialize in highly detailed architectural projects that demand creative, passionate, and committed people. We are looking for a highly motivated, skilled individual who is looking for career advancement and can contribute constructively to our innovative culture and team. Olympic Village, with job sites throughout the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky corridor.
LEAD CARPENTER: TPI is a dynamic, full-service construction management firm. We specialize in highly detailed architectural projects that demand creative, passionate, and committed people. We are looking for highly motivated, skilled individuals who are looking for career advancement and can contribute to our innovative culture and team. Olympic Village, with job sites throughout the Lower Mainland.
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HAVAN offers a career page where employers can post jobs. We are working on a platform for people who are looking for work to post their resumes. Watch this space for job posting opportunities and industry career seeking people. #HAVANconnects
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Committee meetings will be hosted online. Contact staff liaison for log-in details.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: Thursday, December 3, online, 9:15am - 11am. Contact Dawn@havan.ca
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Tuesday, December 8, online. Contact Wendy@havan.ca
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Thursday, December 10, 9:00am - 10:30am, Contact Diana@havan.ca
U40 COMMITTEE: Wednesday, December 9, Contact Vanessa@havan.ca
SUPPLIERS' COUNCIL: Wednesday, December 16, 9:30am - 11:00am, Contact Renee@havan.ca
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HAVAN Spotlights & Guest Bloggers
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Check out Wes Hoskins of Hoskins Homes. A red seal carpenter, currently in the process of getting his builder's license, read Wes' spotlight and get to know more about him! That Bear is darn cute! |
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#HAVANconnects
Please share, comment and of course take us up on the benefits including Spotlights, guest blogs (B2B Builders' Blog and B2C Design Build Blog), your dedicated web page in HAVAN.ca's online Find a Professional online directory, plus other great opportunities. Help leverage your membership! Look for our social posts and connect online with us! And be sure to link back from your website to ours. Together, we are stronger.
Contact dawn@havan.ca for more details.
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Exclusive Black Friday Offers for Employees of HAVAN Member Companies
You will want to share this with your employees! Available from Preston Mobility and Bell, these limited time wireless offers are available exclusively for employees of HAVAN member companies. Discounts on plans include discounts on 10GB, 20GB and 50GB Unlimited or Shareable Plans, and special discounts on the latest iPhone and Samsung devices. Current Limited Time Black Friday Offers include:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD):
- $56.00 for 20GB Bell Unlimited Plan
- $70.00 for 30GB Bell Unlimited Plan
- Bell SmartPay™ (new Smartphone with $0 down):
- $63.75 for 20GB Bell Unlimited Plan
- $70 for 30 GB Bell Unlimited Plan
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Device Savings with Bell SmartPay™ including iPhone 11, 64 GB with $0 down, starting at only $12.92 per month financing (save $410 on device).
- Save on the new iPhone 12 64GB, and the latest Samsung devices.
These Employees Offers are Exclusive to Members of HAVAN and CHBA BC and are not available to the general public. Confirmation of employment is required. Employees can have up to 5 lines per account, to add family members and additional devices. Offers expires soon.
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Whether it is a good deed done for the community, a course you are offering, or resources to share, we gladly share your news. Our emails average a 49% open rate, and average 8 % click through rate, to deliver you a targeted audience of over 2,300 opted-in industry professionals. Contact Dawn@havan.ca
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BUY YOUR 2021 BUILDERS' BREAKFAST 10-PACK TODAY!
Save 25% on the year's BBS courses and earn 20 CPDs
Learn something new. Improve your skills. Invest in your team. Get your CPDs. HAVAN's 2021 Builders' Breakfast Series (BBS) 10-Packs are now on sale and are a convenient way to pre-book your seat at all 10 BBS seminars in 2021. Your BBS 10-pack subscription also gives you access to all the courses when they are reposted on HAVAN's eLearn portal for no additional cost -- a great way to revisit important information shared during the seminars.
Not sure if you can attend all 10? No problem. You can access the recording on eLearn and get your CPDs when it is convenient for you. Or transfer your seat to an employee or another member who may benefit from the seminar content.
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BC HOUSING: AIDING + ABETTING UNLICENSED BUILDERS;
DE-ENROLLMENTS; CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HOME WARRANTY
Builders' Breakfast Series
Tuesday, December 08 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
LIVE Online Webinar
HAVAN Members: $85+GST | Non-Members: $110+GST
2.0 CPDS
THIS IS THE RE-SCHEDULED DATE FOR THE POSTPONED SEPT 24 WEBINAR
Registrations from the Sept 24 webinar will be transferred to this presentation - you do not need to re-register. You should have already received an email with login information.
(If you are a BBS 10-pack holder, this webinar is part of your pre-paid package)
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AUTOMATION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOMES
Supporting the Methodology and Improving Homeowner Experience
Builders' Breakfast Series
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
LIVE Webinar
HAVAN Members: $85+GST; Non-Members: $110+GST
2.0 CPDs
(If you are a BBS 10-pack holder, this webinar is part of your pre-paid package)
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HAVAN is a symbol of integrity and trust. Consumers turn to HAVAN to source builders, renovators, products and services to build their homes which help shape the communities where people want to live. As Canada's second largest, fastest growing home builder association, HAVAN attracts the industry's best, providing leading advocacy initiatives, education and resources to help our member companies thrive. A not-for-profit association, HAVAN is proudly affiliated with both the provincial CHBA BC, and national CHBA offices. Together, we are building excellence. |
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