January 2024 Building Connections by HBRA of Fairfield County

T H E E - M A G A Z I N E O F T H E H B R A O F FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y - J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

UPCOMING February GMM International Builders Show Beyond the Blueprint Panel Presentation

FEATURES Member News: Northeast Architectural Top Showroom IBS 2024, Las Vegas

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

Darien (Flagship Yard)

Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

Lewisboro, NY

Why Ring’s End? Inventory Unsurpassed breadth and depth of inventory.

Quality The highest quality products in the industry.

Convenience 20 locations, including 5 full service lumberyards serving Fairfield County.

Service A full range of services from custom millwork capabilities to education, estimating, and design.

RingsEnd.com | 800-390-1000

Wilton

New Milford

Bethel

Your Monthly Newsletter Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry.

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com @hbraffc (203) 335-7008

Front Cover:

Featuring: Domus Constructors, LLC

Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home Pella’s Impervia® windows and doors provide unmatched strength, energy efficiency and lasting durability with proven performance. There’s never a need for painting or refinishing because with our powder-coat finish, our windows and doors resist chipping, chalking and fading. Rot and corrosion-free to naturally resist water and bugs.

Complement your home with Pella’s proprietary, low maintenance fiberglass that offers a sleek and timeless style. Our windows and patio doors have been tested to withstand some of the harshest conditions, including extreme heat and sub-zero cold, damaging UV rays and seacoast environments.

Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.

For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro 631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com

EXEC U TIVE W ELCOME LETTER

Welcome to 2024! We are very excited for the new year, and will be bringing new events and education for you to enjoy. As a reminder, IBS will be taking place February 27-29 in Las Vegas. We hope to see you there! Our next GMM will be on February 7 at Luxury Floors Inc. The PWB will be presenting this meeting - come meet the new board and all of our PWB members. The PWB have been a large and important part of our organization for years and we are excited for them to present this event. We look forward to seeing you in 2024! Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn

Executive Officer

MISSION

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

“

The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County. Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we are independently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future.

”

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

Custom luxury design. Highly-trained consultants with extensive product knowledge. If the goal is modern design that creates a stunning statement, Northeast Architectural in Mamaroneck, NY is the choice for exclusive services from conception to installation. Choose windows and doors from industry leaders such as Lepage Millwork, Arcadia Custom, Kolbe, Centor, Cortizo, Reynaers Aluminum, contemporary cabinetry from Cabbonet, or decorative hardware from the collections of Accurate Lock & Hardware, Buster & Punch, Formani, Water Street Brass, and Colonial Bronze.

Upcoming Events Save the Date! Weds. Feb. 7: February GMM Luxury Floors Inc., Stamford | 6pm-9pm Presented by the HBRA Professional Women in Building Council networking, assorted appetizers & open bar, and tour the new LuxFlrs showroom.

Feb. 27 - 29: International Builder’s Show Las Vegas, NV | Presented by the National Association of Home Builders Save the date for the CT IBS Annual Party - Weds. Feb. 28 at Carmine's Italian Restaurant - Las Vegas!

Weds. March 6: “Beyond the Blueprint” Panel Presentation The Waters Edge at Giovanni's, Darien | 6pm-9pm Our annual panel presentation featuring a behind-the-scenes look at how leading industry professionals build award-winning homes in Fairfield County.

Weds. April 3: April GMM Interstate Design Center, Westport | 6pm-9pm

Mon. Sept. 16: Annual HBRA Golf Classic Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

For more info & to register, visit

buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

2024 OFFICERS Immediate Past President Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance President: John Hertz Hertz Construction

FUN FACT! Did you know you get these discounts with your HBRA Membership through NPP?

Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group

Simply Chocolates 20% off Delivered Chocolates

VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2024 DIRECTORS George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

click here

Harry & David 20% off Delivered Gifts click here

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite

Cheryl's Cookies 20% off Cookies & Desserts

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

click here

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Gary Fanali City Carting Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

1-800-Flowers 20% off Flowers & Gift Baskets click here

Valentine's Day is coming up. Register at NPP to take advantage of more savings!

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Weds. Feb. 7th

6pm-9pm Luxury Floors Inc., Stamford Networking Assorted appetizers Open bar (beer/wine) Meet the new PWB Board of Directors Tour the new LuxFlrs showroom All industry professionals welcome - you do not need to be a PWB or HBRA Member to attend!

Presented by the HBRA Professional Women in Building Council

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MEMBER N EWS

Northeast Architectural

TOP SHOWROOM HBRA of Fairfield County's own Northeast Architectural was featured as a Top Showroom by HBSDEALER at www.hbsdealer.com. “Our Vision is to be the first choice in the Northeast for premium, customized building solutions and home products that enhance the value, beauty, functionality, and sustainability of our communities.” Rachel Foster | Director of Marketing at Northeast

The article details how Northeast serves the entire building community: builders, architects, designers, and homeowners with projects including spec homes, custom builders, renovation and remodeling, and commercial. With multiple showrooms and a mission to inspire and empower homeowners, building professionals, and designers to create exceptional spaces that enrich their communities, Northeast is a great choice for premium, customized building solutions. To check out the full article, click here.

Click here for a virtual tour of Northeast Architectural's showroom in Mamaroneck, New York.

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

AUTHENTIC TO YOUR DREAM Andersen® A-Series windows and doors are based on the style of home you want. Whether it’s a stately Queen Anne, a bold Modernist design or anything in between, you can now create it with the best-performing, most energy-efficient products Andersen has ever offered. Don’t just imagine your dream home, build it with Andersen.

LO V E T H E L I F E YO U S E E. Learn more at andersenwindows.com “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. DMS 01/22

Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County and its members. 12 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

Membership Discounts & Deals Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers. Steps to Access NAHB Discounts: Log in at www.nahb.org Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login. If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen. You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know! After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions. See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts! Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free. Steps to Access NPP Discounts: Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/ If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in. If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account. Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions. See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit: buildfairfieldcounty.com/membership-benefits-discounts/ JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

Plan Your IBS Experience #IBS2024

The 2024 IBS Education line-up is unmatched and unrivaled for the residential construction industry. Walk away with the latest trends, newest techniques, forward-thinking business strategies and actionable items you can apply to your business right away.

100+

sessions

25% Register today!

BUILDERSSHOW.COM/REGISTER

Visit buildersshow.com/register to register for an Expo+Education Pass today and join your peers at this essential industry event.

9 tracks more education opportunities with encore (repeat) sessions & additional education rooms

RING’S END

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE Strategic Vision

Since 1902

To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.

Mission Statement To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.

RingsEnd.com | 800·390·1000

JOIN THE RING’S END TEAM! Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End! Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader. The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passion join the Ring’s End team today!

Scan to apply

RingsEnd.com/careers 16 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

Our Values • Integrity • Passion • Pride

• Accountability • Community

Work Environment & Commitment to Safety • • •

Total commitment to safety and teamwork Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment On-the-job training/certifications

Compensation • • • • •

Weekly pay Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless) Competitive wages and overtime compensation Profit sharing Discretionary bonus program

Benefits • • • • • • • • • •

Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA) Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Long & Short Term Disability Paid holidays Paid time off (PTO) APPLY ONLINE Workplace flexibility Education Assistance Program Employee Wellness Program Legal Consultation Program

NEW MEMBERS

AKDO Intertrade | Kate Silva

AKDO has been importing the best natural stone slabs, tiles handcrafted mosaics, wood and carpet for over 30 years. Read More

All City Remodeling, Inc. | Dimitri Tsimoyianis

All City Remodeling, Inc. is a general contracting firm, serving the residential construction, commercial remodeling and construction services markets. Read More

Paraco Gas Co. | Charles Buonincontri

Paraco Gas Co. provides propane services for home and business as well as HVAC and plumbing services. Read More

Pomara Builders Inc. | Cris Pomara

Pompara Builders Inc. is a luxury home builder providing pre-construction, general contracting, project management, owner's represntation and development services. Read More

Susanne Fox Design | Susanne Fox

Susanne, Founder, CEO and Principal Designer of her firm Susanne Fox Design, specializes in bringing sophisticated, artful luxury residential interior design through a full-service approach. Read More

Vulcan Development Group, LLC | Teymoor Tahbaz

Specializes in general contracting for high-end residential and boutique commercial construction throughout Fairfield and Westchester Countie. From small-scale remodels to ground-up luxury custom homes and commercial fit outs, Vulcan Development Group pursues each project with unwavering dedication to quality, in conjunction with progressive and effective construction processes. Read More

AFF ILIATES

New England Home Connecticut | Marcia Noble

Northeast Building Supply | Mike Heslin

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17

18 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

JOB BAN K

AVAILAB LE J O B S : These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings. Accurate Lock And Hardware JOB TITLE: Customer Solutions Specialist SUMMARY: In this role, you will communicate with customers via phone and email, help determine their requirements, process purchase orders, provide quotations, check on order status and expedite orders. You will be part of a team that provides customer service and support for a wide array of products to a network of showroom and contract hardware distributors, OEM accounts, architects, designers and specifiers. Bear Paw Builders Inc. JOB TITLE: Part Time Bookkeeper START DATE: immediately Salary: $30-$35 per hour SUMMARY: Experienced bookkeeper experienced in construction job costing with QuickBooks. CONTACT: peter@bpaw.com Chloe Winston Lighting Design JOB TITLE: Showroom Coordinator RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with showroom opening and closing duties, answer phones and make customer appointments, greet customers in showroom and make them feel welcomed, receive deliveries and help with in-store merchandise pick-ups, liaise with showroom, manufacturers, and designers, architects, builders and retail customers, and support sales team. HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm Email resume to hello@chloewinstonlighting.com

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19

COUNTY HAS ALL YOUR APPLIANCE & SMART HOME NEEDS SALES | SERVICE | INSTALLATION | CONCIERGE SUPPORT | BUILDER PROGRAMS

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BEST PRICE IN STORE AND ONLINE

countytv

COUNTYTV.COM

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info@countytv.com

203-327-2630

JOB BAN K

AVAILAB LE J O B S : (Co nti nued) These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings. Lansing Building Products, LLC JOB TITLE: Outside Sales - Norwalk, CT (lever.co) START DATE: immediately SUMMARY: Full time - secures new business while building and maintaining relationships with customers. CONTACT: (203) 831-0977 or george.harvey@lansingbp.com Studio KC LLC JOB TITLE: Jr Designer/Project Manager SUMMARY: Studio KC is an emerging high end interior design firm located in Norwalk specializing in full home renovations, kitchens, baths and custom millwork. We are looking for a Junior Designer/Project Manager to join our tight knit team. Our office is a fun, fast paced environment where collaboration and mutual support are encouraged.

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

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22 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

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JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

Workplace retirement plans have become mandatory for all Connecticut businesses with 5 or more employees (MyCTSavings Plan)

Fortunately for you the HBRA has you covered with the

HBRA Member Retirement Program!

Higher contribution limits, plan design flexibility, and higher income limits are just a few potential reasons why the HBRA Member Retirement Program may make more sense for your business. You build homes down to every detail of what your customer is looking for, so why not build your own retirement plan the same way! John V. DiMatteo CFP®, CPFA

203-924-5408 jdimatteo@dimatteofinancial.com

N EWS

Building Materials Price Growth Plummets in 2023

Single-Family Starts Down in December but Post Solid Showing In a sign that lower mortgage rates continue to boost the housing market, single-family production surpassed the million mark for the second straight month in December.

According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report, growth in the average price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) fell from 15% in 2022 to 1.3% in 2023 (not seasonally adjusted). On a monthly basis, building materials prices rose 0.1% in December after increasing 0.1% in November (revised). Monthly price increases averaged 0.2% in 2023, down from 1.5% in 2021 and 0.7% in 2022.

Overall housing starts fell 4.3% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.46 million units following an unusually strong reading the month before.

Pandemic Silver Lining: Young Adults Moving Out of Parental Homes Despite record high inflation rates, rising interest rates, and worsening housing affordability, young adults continued the post-pandemic trend of moving out of parental homes in 2022. The share of young adults ages 25-34 living with parents or parents-in-law declined and now stands at 19.1%, according to NAHB’s analysis of the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS). This percentage is a decade low and a welcome continuation of the post-pandemic trend towards rising independent living by adults ages 25-34. Traditionally, young adults ages 25 to 34 make up around half of all firsttime homebuyers. Consequently, the number and share of young adults in this age group that choose to stay with their parents or parentsin-law has profound implications for household formation, housing demand, and the housing market. Read More

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017. Roberta and the rest of the team have been instrumental in helping to get our brand in front of our target audience: homeowners, architects, and interior designers. Working with the New England Home Connecticut team feels closer to a supportive friendship than a business agreement. We highly recommend them (and their networking events) to everyone in the home industry!” — KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN: FOREHAND + PARTNERS ARCHITECTURE: NATHAN J TOPF ARCHITECTS BUILDER: HALLMARK ASSOCIATES

Contact Associate Publisher, Roberta Mancuso to learn how New England Home Connecticut can enhance your marketing efforts. rmancuso@nehomemag.com | 203.530.9593 Proud media sponsor of the HBRA of Fairfield Country

nehomemag.com

N EWS

Builder Sentiment Surges on Falling Interest Rates Mortgage rates well under 7% over the past month have led to a sharp increase in builder confidence to begin the new year. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes climbed seven points to 44 in January, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This second consecutive monthly increase in builder confidence closely tracks with a period of falling interest rates. “Lower interest rates improved housing affordability conditions this past month, bringing some buyers back into the market after being sidelined in the fall by higher borrowing costs,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “Single-family starts are expected to grow in 2024, adding much needed inventory to the market. However, builders will face growing challenges with building material cost and availability, as well as lot supply.”

Bipartisan Tax Package Would Strengthen LIHTC, Help Small Businesses The chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee have released a joint framework for tax legislation called the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 that would expand the federal child tax credit and enact a number of other business-related provisions.

gaultstone.com WESTPORT SHOWROOM 203.227.5181 BETHEL SHOWROOM 203.790.9023

Exceptional Products & Fabrication

Be Unstoppable with Help from UPS® The world moves fast – and your NAHB UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help your small business move even faster. We’re here to help you push envelopes and ride the edge of what’s possible. We’ll be right by your side with everything you need to keep blazing forward. Let UPS® help make your business unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship: • 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred • 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential • 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports • Up to 50% off on additional services. • Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free. Don’t Let Shipping Mishaps Slow You Down A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield® shipping coverage. Through your NAHB UPS® Savings Program, you have access to insurance that can help keep your business moving despite the everyday risks of shipping. All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value* field of your UPS® approved shipping system and you are on your way to better shipping experiences. Start covering your shipments today: savewithups.com/nahb Legal Disclaimer: Insurance coverage is offered through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., a licensed insurance producer. If you elect protection for your shipment, it will be insured under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”), but you are not an insured under the Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment will be directed to you as a loss payee. All insurance-related information is provided by UPS Capital and does not in any way alter or amend the terms, conditions, or exclusions of the Policy. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions or on all shipments. © 2023 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, UPS Capital, InsureShield, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

28 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

N EWS

New Higher Fines for OSHA Violations in Effect for 2024

Best of IBS 2024 Finalists Announced

Violations of safety rules on jobsites are now more expensive as the Labor Department announced its annual cost-of-living adjustments to OSHA civil penalties for 2024. The new penalty amounts went into effect Monday, Jan. 15.

NAHB announced the finalists for its 11th annual Best of IBS Awards for the 2024 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Las Vegas. More than 230 product entries in nine categories were judged by 36 industry and media representatives. Finalists were evaluated on criteria such as innovation, functionality and design.

OSHA’s maximum penalties for violations will increase from $15,625 per violation to $16,131 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $156,259 per violation to $161,323 per violation. The increases represent an annual increase of around 3.2% from 2023 to 2024, a far cry from the 7.7% increase OSHA announced in penalty increases from 2022 to 2023. The penalty increases are tied to the annual cost-of-living increases across the federal government and to inflation.

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

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N EWS

Residential Building Wages Continue to Increase According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average hourly earnings for residential building workers was $30.71 per hour in November 2023, increasing 4% from $29.52 per hour a year ago. This was 14.1% higher than the manufacturing industry’s average hourly earnings of $26.91 per hour, 8.9% higher than transportation and warehousing ($28.19 per hour), and 12% lower than mining and logging ($34.91 per hour). Overall, average hourly earnings for residential building workers increased at a relatively slower pace in the past year, compared to the peak rate of 8% in October 2021. Wage growth has been below 4% in the past 12 months, decelerating to 0.6% in June 2023. November’s acceleration in wage growth reflects an imbalance in the construction labor market. Demand for construction labor remained strong. Read More

Construction Job Openings Rise as Total Economy Count Falls Because of tightened monetary policy, the count of total job openings for the economy continues to move slower. This is consistent with a cooling economy that is a positive sign for future inflation readings. In November, the number of open jobs for the economy declined to 8.8 million. This is notably lower than the 10.8 million reported a year ago. Read More

We do everything (including the bathroom sink) We did this. The whole thing. The faucets. The hardware. The cabinetry. The sink. The tile. And, the mirrors. Multiple brands, all from one company. Holistically designed by Bender to bring form, function, and flow together – beautifully. Now your clients can shop the look at Bender.

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

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Try our Visualizer @TileAmerica.com 32 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 32

N EWS

New NAHB Guide Prepares Members for National Leadership Meetings

NAHB Urges Flexibility in Potential OSHA Heat Stress Rules

Along with all of the engaging events that await just around the corner at the 2024 International Builders’ Show (IBS), the coinciding NAHB leadership meetings are a critical component that directly impact the Federation.

NAHB recently submitted formal comments on a potential new workplace standard being considered by OSHA to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. NAHB feels the regulation is unnecessary, but should it proceed, OSHA needs to ensure companies have flexibility in compliance options.

During the leadership meetings, which are held three times throughout the year (at IBS and in the spring and fall), NAHB members and leaders gather to discuss key initiatives and make decisions on how to address top issues facing the industry. The leadership meetings also help members grow professionally by providing helpful business insights and valuable networking opportunities.

OSHA announced in October 2021 that it is considering a new standard that would “more clearly set forth employer obligations and the measures necessary to protect employees more effectively from hazardous heat.” The agency has revealed potential contours of a new rule, including a few specifics, but has not issued a formal proposal yet.

3 IBS Pre-Show Learning Symposiums Offer Invaluable Insights and Networking The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the largest light construction tradeshow in the industry, offers a look into products, trends and topics of interest for the year ahead through both its exhibits as well as its educational opportunities. The 2024 IBS not only includes more than 120 education sessions throughout the show; it will also feature three pre-show symposiums dedicated to building science, remodeling and developing the next generation of leaders. Building Science Symposium Monday, Feb. 26 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Remodeling Symposium Monday, Feb. 26 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. U40 Leadership Summit Hosted by Pro Builder & Pro Remodeler magazines Monday, Feb. 26 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. To register and learn more about these symposiums and other education opportunities, visit buildersshow.com. The 2024 IBS will be held Feb. 27-29 in Las Vegas. Read More

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33

CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS Your Source for ANY

Residential or Commercial Lighting Project Providing excellent service and the LARGEST SELECTION & INVENTORY in the Northeast: X

Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware Motorized & Manual Window Shades Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks Bath Ventilation Fans Builder programs

www.CTLighting.com

SOUTHINGTON 860-621-7585 50 GRAHAM PLACE (I-84• EXIT 32) – next to Pilgrim Furniture

HARTFORD 860-249-7631 312 MURPHY RD (I-91•EXIT 27)

HOURS: M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5, Sun closed

34 HBRA offamily Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024 Locally owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.

N EWS

Congress Extends Government Funding Through Early March

Mastering the Art of Lead Generation

With funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and about 20% of the rest of the government set to expire at midnight on Friday, the House and Senate today approved a short-term spending bill that will keep HUD and a few other government agencies funded through March 1 and about 80% of the rest of the government funded through March 8.

Finding, engaging with and responding to business prospects can be a trying and time-consuming ordeal. However, the process can be made much simpler through effective market research, dialogue and promotion.

Of note to the housing community, funding for the National Flood Insurance Program will be extended through March 8. House and Senate leaders have decided on a topline budget for fiscal year 2024 — $1.59 trillion in discretionary spending. The hard work is deciding how to allocate this total figure among the 12 individual spending bills that provide the full-year budget for the federal government.

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, industry veteran S. Robert August, MIRM Fellow, CMP, CSP, MCSP, CAASH and president of North Star Synergies, will lead a new online course called “Creating & Managing Qualified Lead Generation and Referrals” from 1-4 p.m. ET. Read More

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 35

2023 MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM | AT A GLANCE

nahb.org/savings

AUTO COMPANY

SAVINGS

PRODUCTS

INFO

GOODYEAR

Members must log into NAHB.org to save 15% on Goodyear Tires.

Goodyear Tires & Services

nahb.org/goodyear

NISSAN

Save between $600 - $5,400 on eligible vehicles. Must be purchased in member’s company name. NOT stackable with most national offers. Member’s company eligible.

Nissan

nahb.org/nissan

INFO

BUILDING MATERIALS COMPANY

SAVINGS

PRODUCTS

LOWE’S

5% off* in store, plus 2% statement credit with Commercial Account (LCA) or Lowe’s Business Advantage (LBA). 5-10% off online orders using any payment method. 10-50% volume discount pricing when buying in bulk.

Building Materials

COMPANY

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Receive up to a 1.45% statement credit discount by utilizing the Voyager fuel card for Business. Savings anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Fuel Savings & Fleet Management

usbank.com/splash/ corporate-payments/transportation/ nahb.html

COMPANY

SAVINGS

PRODUCTS

INFO

Cell Phones, Internet, Plans & More

nahb.org/t-mobile

lowes.com/nahb 877-435-2440

FUEL

WIRELESS T-MOBILE

Save 12% on Eligible Plans. Extend savings to employees with an Employee Program. Fleet and asset management and sensor solutions available.

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

SAVINGS

PRODUCTS

INFO

AVIS

Save up to 30% off Avis PAY NOW rates when making a reservation with Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number G572900.

Rental Cars

avis.com/nahb 800-331-1212 AWD #G572900

BUDGET

Save up to 35% off Budget PAY NOW rates when making a reservation using Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number Z536900.

Rental Cars

budget.com/nahb 800-283-4387 BCD #Z536900

HOTELPLANNER

NAHB members can save up to 65% on hotel room rates at over 800,000 properties worldwide in more than 250 countries.

Hotels

nahb.hotelplanner.com 800-497-2175

MEMBER DEALS

Up to 50% off.

Theme Parks, Movie Tickets, Concerts, Water Parks & Gift Cards

memberdeals.com/nahb/?login=1 877-579-1201

NAHB Members Saved over $40,000,000 last year

36 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 37

WE MOVED! As of January 2024, our new mailing address is:

357 Commerce Dr., Ste. 320246 Fairfield, CT 06825

Please update your records. 38 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024

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JANUARY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 39

40 HBRA of Fairfield County | JANUARY 2024