Tuesday Toolbox - February 16, 2021
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S MESSAGE
Toughing It Out

Dear HBA Members,

“The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” – Antonio Brown

These are tough times. In the past year, our industry has been shut down by government orders related to the Coronavirus, re-opened, tested by record lumber prices and worker shortages. Our nation has been divided over a national election and numerous political issues. How can we be expected to deal with all this and keep moving forward?

The answer is to never give up and do our work. Regardless of the challenge, we are a strong and vibrant industry. There is growing demand for housing in our area and we are the best people to meet that demand. We must never quit. We must relentlessly overcome every hurdle, meet every challenge, and enjoy every accomplishment.

I was just reading an article about Antonio Brown’s touchdown in the Super Bowl. He ran a different route than the play called for, but Tom Brady kept his eyes on the goal and found Brown for a crucial touchdown. I’m sure there was a discussion after the fact about the error, but the team continued to work together and their efforts earned Tampa Bay a Super Bowl trophy.

Let’s keep going, continue to grow and live in the moment. It will be good for all of us and our community.


Best Regards,
Bob O'Hara
HBAGTA Executive Officer
Is EXPO a Smart Choice This Year?
April 17 & 18, 2021

YES! With a new date and new exhibit hall floor plan, this year's Expo promises to be better than ever! The Expo is scheduled for that sweet spot when Traverse City will be reopening and starting to bloom with newly-freed residents and visitors. Between good Spring weather and everyone’s thirst to get out of their house, we hope to see a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Reserve your booth today! Be one of the 100+ exhibitors showcasing their companies and highlighting their services and products!

Contact Najwa, 231-946-2305 or Najwa@hbagta.com, with any questions.
The Tuesday Toolbox has an impressive
above average industry open and click rate.

Secure your advertising spot today!
How Off Your High-Quality Work!
Parade Dates - Sept. 16-19, 2021
Are you working on houses now? Are you going to be finishing those houses next Summer? Are you proud of your work? Chances are that the answers to all of those questions is “yes!”
The Parade of Homes is our best tool to help you show the community that you are a superior builder or remodeler, who wants to leave your mark on this area. Our prices are reasonable and our market reach is admirable.
Contact Naj at 231-946-2305 or najwa@hbagta.com, to talk about how the 2021 Parade of Homes can help you continue to shape your reputation as a leader in the Grand Traverse home construction and remodeling industry.
March General Membership Meeting!
March 8, 2021
Builders FirstSource will host our first General Membership Meeting of 2021, on March 8th. The meeting is, of course, subject to current Health Department restrictions and safety protocols. We are planning to hold our annual Chili Cookoff at that meeting, so don’t miss it!

We are looking for hosts for the remainder of our 2021 GMMs – in April, May, September, October and November. Contact Bob O’Hara at robert@hbagta.com or 231-946-2305, if you are interested in hosting a meeting at your location or in displaying a new product or service to our members.
Spring Scholarships Now Open!
March 31st Deadline
The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area (HBAGTA) promotes and supports residential building in our 5 county area, with a focus on education.

Through scholarships, the HBAGTA Foundation supports students in our area who have chosen to make skilled construction trades their career choice. They are the future of Northern Michigan and they are tomorrow's employees that employers are desperately in need of today.

To be eligible:
  • Applicants must reside in Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Benzie, or Leelanau counties.
  • Applicants must be pursuing continuing education related to construction industry.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL CLASSES
Upcoming Online VIRTUAL Classes
Something for Everyone!
Now is the time for you and your team to take advantage of the awesome virtual classes being offered by the HBA!

All classes are LIVE ONLINE VIRTUAL classes!
Interact with your instructor and fellow class participants
Visit our Education Webpage for a complete listing of our upcoming classes!
Contact Debbie with any questions or to register, 231-946-2305.
Demolishing the Construction Industry's Glass Ceiling
Brought to You by Windemuller
A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION, PANEL DISCUSSION & BREAKOUT SESSION

This free, virtual event is open to all and will highlight successes and acknowledge the barriers often faced by hardworking women in a historically male-dominated industry.

Our expert panelists, located throughout Michigan, will share personal stories from the field, including the hurdles and achievements they’ve encountered while developing a diverse workforce. After a round of Q&A with the panel, you’ll have the opportunity to join a small group breakout session, where a moderator will lead a discussion on how to overcome obstacles many women face in the construction industry.

Inspirational Help Needed!
Career Testimonials
Build Your Life is looking for interested individuals that would be open to being on camera to answer a few quick questions related to their work and career in the trades.

One of the primary focuses of Build Your Life is “to shift the public’s perception of careers in the Construction industry to reflect the wide range of professions available.” To do this, we need your help! If you or someone on your team are in entry-level or early career positions, we want to tell their story. Why work in the trades? How did you find this career? What advice would you share with someone interested in your work?

These video testimonials will be used on the Build Your Life website, shared on social media, and shared with local schools and CTCs for students to watch, helping them answer questions they might have about what working in Northwest Michigan is like.

Contact Christian Berry for more information and to schedule time to record your testimonial, christian@hbagta.com.
International Builders Show
Some On-Demand Still Available
Technology issues caused the International Builders Show to be limited in scope, but some of the On-Demand events are still available for viewing. Check out www.buildersshow.com to see available videos. NAHB has announced that they hope to open the virtual exhibit booths in the near future.
Tuition Free Community College
Michigan Reconnect
On February 2, 2021, Governor Whitmer announced the Michigan Reconnect Program. To qualify for free-tuition at a community college in Michigan, you must:

  • Be 25 years of age or older
  • Have been a Michigan resident for at least a year
  • Have high school diploma
  • Have not yet completed college program (can be currently enrolled)

Anyone interested can learn more by visiting Michigan Reconnect.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
2020 Virtual Parade of Homes!
Just in case you missed it or want to revisit it, the 2020 Virtual HBA Parade of Homes is back for a limited time!

Tour the exquisite homes featured in September's Virtual Parade of Homes. Hurry! The Parade Winter Edition ends March 31st!

Enjoy!
From Your NAHB Chairman
Lumber Prices, Stimulus Package & More
NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke recently released a message to members, updating us on lumber prices and the new stimulus package. 

Special Meijer Discount
Just for HBA Members!
Just a reminder that the next registration deadline for the Meijer Discount Program is March 6, 2021 with a clip date of April 1, 2021. Members can register and get more information at https://hbaofmichigan.com/#/useful-links/meijer-discount-program.
If you have any questions, please contact Diana Dixon, HBA of Michigan Director of Special Projects 517.626.2553 or diana@hbaofmichigan.com.
MEMBER SAVINGS
WARNING!
Dad Joke Below!
LAUGH OF THE DAY!
Who Is Working On Your Behalf?
2021 HBAGTA Board of Directors
PRESIDENT                         
Mike Tucker
Kingsley Lumber
 
TREASURER
Caleb Norris
Norris Design Productions

DIRECTORS

Jennifer Bard
Platinum Construction
& Design TC, LLC

Jeff Black
Rembrandt Construction Inc

Julie Bravender
Lake Michigan Credit Union


FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
Brian Terhune
Brian Terhune, LLC

SECRETARY
Marcy Hurst
MAC Custom Homes



Colin Bushong
CMB Construction

Dan Goodchild
Northwestern Michigan College

Jim Harmeson
Paul Maurer General Contracting
 
Brian Maurer
Paul Maurer General Contracting

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT
 Vacant


PAST PRESIDENT
Dean Adams
Bay Area Contracting, Inc.



Trevor Mitchell
Pella Windows & Doors by Horne
 
Daniel Paulson
Daniel Paulson Builders

Robin Whipple
Bay View Flooring

HBAGTA | 231-946-2305 | E-Mail | Website