GBAHB Membership Handbook

Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Creating jobs & opportunities for all members.

Member Handbook A complete guide to your association.

Your GBAHB

Your Table GBAHB of Contents - Staff

Page Your GBAHB Welcome to the GBAHB 3 GBAHB Strategic Plan 4 GBAHB History 5 Three-in-One Membership 6 GBAHB Leadership 7 What does GBAHB MEAN? 8 Money Insurance Savings 9 Savings & Rebate Programs 10-11 Direct Connection to Buyers 12-13 Education General Education Information NAHB Professional Designations

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Advocacy Types of Advocacy 16-17 ABPAC & BUILD-PAC 18 Networking GBAHB Networking Opportunities

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Committees & Councils Committees 20-21 Councils 21-23 Events Public Events 24 Member Events 25-26 Communication Local, State & National Communication

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Glossary of Terms/Index 29-33 2

Your GBAHB Welcome to the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB)!

Your decision to join the GBAHB has the potential to expand your customer base, increase your awareness of the home building industry and most importantly, improve your company’s bottom line.

As a member of one of the top five local home builders associations in the country you are truly a part of something special. Your home builders association continues to rise above the rest and this is demonstrated by numerous awards the GBAHB has received. In recent years, the Association has won the Home Builders Association of Alabama President’s Trophy eight times. The GBAHB has also received state and national accolades for providing exceptional value to members in the areas of: • • • • •

Advocacy & Governmental Affairs Public Relations Communication to Members Member Service Community Service

The purpose of this handbook is to help you maximize value out of your GBAHB membership. We understand how overwhelming it can feel to be a new member to such a large organization. Even long-time members may need some help now and then. This book can serve as your “field guide” whether you are a new member or a long-time member looking for new ways to engage.

Either way, this book provides the basic tools and information you’ll need to hit the ground running, and make the most of your membership investment.

The purpose of the GBAHB is to provide the voice of the housing industry, advocate for quality-built homes and promote the highest level of professionalism.

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Your GBAHB- Strategic Plan GBAHB Strategic Plan In 2013 GBAHB members developed a strategic plan to guide the association on a path toward success throughout the next five years. The plan addresses the association’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).

Through this careful analysis goals and objectives were developed to provide more opportunities for members to connect directly with potential customers, improve educational opportunities and advocate on behalf of members.

The Strategic Plan outlines the GBAHB’s various industry constituency groups.

They include: • • • • •

Members Government Officials Members’ Customers Community Strategic Partners

The broad goals of the GBAHB as outlined in the strategic plan are to: •

Provide advocacy and professional development to members

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Provide exceptional opportunities for members to access and connect with potential customers

• Maintain and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers •

Support, cultivate and develop current and future GBAHB leadership, extending to state and national levels

* For more on the GBAHB Strategic Plan, including specific and measurable objectives, membership growth and development, resource growth and stewardship, and enhanced member value targets in a variety of key areas, visit BirminghamBuilder.com.

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Your GBAHB - History

Your GBAHB

History In 1941 a group of 23 men met in the Redmont Hotel to consider the need for and value of an organization in the building business to promote integrity, craftsmanship and industrial advancement. Ten days later, they voted unanimously to proceed and nominated a slate of officers for the Birmingham Chapter of the Home Builders Institute of America. Those elected were C.H. Chichester, Chairman; Everett Shepherd, Vice Chairman; Charles Byrd, Secretary; and Morey Hart, Executive Secretary.

The new organization immediately undertook issues of membership, professional image, material purchase prices and coordination of local, state and national efforts to improve the benefits of home ownership. In November of that same year, foreseeing the need for representation in the nation’s capital, the Birmingham chapter and other members of the loose confederation of builder organizations agreed to fund an office in Washington, DC. In 1942, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was organized, with an initial membership of 250 builders in 13 affiliated chapters and Washington staff of two. The Birmingham Association of Home Builders was granted its charter on August 1, 1944 with 30 members.

The NAHB is now a federation of more than 800 state and local associations representing more than 140,000 members nationwide. Through the years, the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders has grown to be among the top five largest local associations with more than 1,200 members.

GBAHB Charter Members - Front Row: Leo Mendel, Joe Hammond, Hames Sulzby, Jr., Jim Wood, Jr., Carl Groover, Earl Morgan, H.J. Tillia, William Knight, Middle Row: Sam Russell, Chester Counts, Jack Wainwright, William Harsh, Bill Fox, Raymond Srygley, Jack Rawls, Dave Anderson, Top Row: Charles Byrd, L.D. Stackhouse, Carson Inscho, Levert Andrews, Alex McLeod, Thurlow Guin, O.D. Dodd.

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Your GBAHB - Three-in-One Membership Three-in-One Membership The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders is part of a federation with the Home Builders Association of Alabama and the National Association of Home Builders. This means when you become GBAHB member you will also enjoy the benefits of the state and national associations.

Your membership allows the association to advocate for the home building industry on a local, state and national level. With more than 140,000 members nationwide, the NAHB is a powerful voice for the home building industry.

In addition to benefiting from the association’s advocacy efforts, you also have the opportunity to attend state and national events. The Home Builders Association of Alabama hosts three major events every year including: HBAA Winter Meeting & Alabama’s Better Living Expo (ABLE), HBAA Summer Meeting, and HBAA Annual Convention.

The NAHB hosts three major events throughout the year including: International Builders Show, NAHB Spring Board of Directors Meeting & Legislative Conference and NAHB Fall Board of Directors Meeting. The International Builders Show is typically held in either Orlando or Las Vegas. The Spring Board Meeting and Legislative Conference is held in Washington, DC, while the Fall Meeting changes locations each year.

Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders

Home Builders Association of Alabama 6

Your GBAHB - Leadership Senior Officers The GBAHB Senior Officers are elected to serve a one-year term in each position with the exception of the Associate Vice President who is elected to a two-year term. The GBAHB Senior Officers include the following positions and responsibilities: President – The GBAHB President is a builder member serving in the highest elected office within the GBAHB. The President serves for a one-year term. The President presides over all Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings, provides leadership within the association, and represents GBAHB membership in the community.

Vice President/Secretary – The GBAHB Vice President/Secretary is a builder member, on the Executive Committee, and is Chairperson of the Parade of Homes Committee. In the absence of the President, the Vice President/Secretary will perform all duties of the President.

Treasurer – The GBAHB Treasurer is a builder member on the Executive Committee. The Treasurer is responsible for the accounting of all association finances. It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to render monthly statements to the GBAHB Board of Directors.

Associate Vice President – The GBAHB Associate Vice President is an associate member who serves a two-year term on the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee The GBAHB Executive Committee consists of the President as chairperson, Vice President/Secretary, Treasurer, Associate Vice President, Immediate Past President and two presidential appointees.

Board of Directors The GBAHB is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for directing the affairs of the association in a manner as is customary and according to the law, the Constitution and By-Laws of the GBAHB. The Board is comprised of the following: President, Vice President/Secretary, Associate Vice President, Treasurer, Immediate Past President and 12 members who are elected (at least nine of who must be builder members). All elected members are to serve for three years with terms beginning on the first day of the calendar year following election.

Additionally, the Board includes committee & council chairs (see more under the Committees & Councils tab), past presidents and life directors. (members who have served in a variety of leadership roles and are given the title of life director for their continued service).

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Your GBAHB - What does membership MEAN? What does GBAHB MEAN to You?

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MONEY - Your GBAHB membership gives you instant financial benefits including exclusive savings and direct financial payments through rebate programs, insurance dividends, member discounts from other GBAHB member companies and more. These savings alone can return your investment of membership dues many times over. PLUS, GBAHB directly connects it members with CUSTOMERS through the Expo, home tours and networking.

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EDUCATION - Your membership allows you to get the edge on your competitors by being “in the know” and marketing your professional credentials. Stay up-to-date on the latest in building codes and zoning regulations. Stay compliant with state and federal safety and environmental requirements, so you can focus on growing your business. Earn national designations like Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional and more.

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ADVOCACY - The GBAHB strengthens the residential construction and remodeling sectors of the economy by advocating for greater housing affordability, flexibility, and overall economic development, job creation, and a growing economy. Outcomes of GBAHB advocacy include expanded opportunities for businesses inside and outside the construction industries to succeed.

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NETWORKING - The GBAHB gives you multiple opportunities to develop personal connections and lifelong business relationships with top business leaders in the home building industry.

You’ll gain exposure to more than 1,200 home building industry businesses and decision makers through a variety of GBAHB events.

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Money - Insurance Savings Insurance Savings The Alabama Home Builders Self Insurers Fund (AHBSIF) offers worker’s compensation insurance at a discount of 25% off competitive market premiums to Association members, PLUS a good safety record (E-Mod) means another premium discount. Members also qualify to receive dividend payments after three years of membership in the Fund. These payments increase as your membership in the Fund continues and a safety record is maintained. Many members report receiving annual dividend checks for thousands of dollars.

In addition, you’ll save money by using the included OSHA protection tools, which include workplace safety plan templates, assistance from safety trainers and safety certification training. To learn more visit www.AHBFund.com or call 800-745-4863 (FUND).

Builders Risk Insurance saves GBAHB members 20-25% and may be purchased through appointed agencies, which are also members of the Association. The program is available to builders and remodelers. Call 1-855-442-2467 for more information.

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Money - Savings & Rebate Programs

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Money - Savings & Rebate Programs

If you haven’t already signed up for our

MEMBER REBATE PROGRAM you could be leaving money on the table!

• Exclusively for HBAA builder and remodeler members • Get paid for products you already use • Easy online filing = no paperwork to keep track of • Register online and then file for your rebate quarterly

It PAYS to be a member of the Home Builders Association of Alabama!

PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS INCLUDE:

It pays to be a member of the Home Builders Association of Alabama!

Visit www.hbarebates.com/hbaa.html to learn more and to sign up today!

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Money - Direct Connection to Buyers The GBAHB provides a multitude of Business-to-Business networking and sales opportunities (see more about that under Networking). In addition, unlike other trade associations and chambers, the GBAHB provides its members opportunities to connect directly with qualified customers and generate directto-consumer sales leads.

The Building & Remodeling Expo gives GBAHB members the opportunity to demonstrate their latest and greatest products and services to qualified consumers in the market to build or remodel. The three-day event is typically held in early spring.

PARADE OF HOMES

IDE L HOME 2014 Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders birminghambuilder.com

The Parade of Homes is the largest new home tour in the state of Alabama and features new construction design and decor trends. With thousands of potential home buyers walking through each home, the Parade of Homes is a great way to attract a great number of people in a short amount of time. The event is held twice each year in the spring and fall.

The GBAHB Ideal Home is the Association’s showcase home serving as the “front door” to the Parade of Homes. The house gives members the chance to get their best products and services in front of thousands of potential customers, all while supporting the GBAHB and the home building industry.

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Money - Direct Connection to Buyers

Find a Pro Online Directory

At BirminghamBuilder.com consumers in the market to build or remodel can search through the entire GBAHB online directory to find the builder, remodeler or associate member they need to get the job done. As a member of the association, your contact information will be made available within the search results in the directory. For added emphasis, consider an enhanced listing, logo link or online directory ad.

Consumer Tips Blog

The GBAHB website, BirminghamBuilder. com, features a Consumer Tips Blog written by pros like you. Visitors to the association’s website are searching for solutions and you have the expertise they need. The blog will always encourage visitors to go with a pro when building or remodeling. But it will also offer tips from those same pros on the latest in home design, decor and functionality.

The purpose of the Master Builder/Master Remodeler program (offered exclusively by the GBAHB) is to recognize builders and remodelors who have been in business five years or more, who by their actions exhibit professionalism, stability, and excellent customer service. Members must pass a rigorous entry process in order to receive the designation. The program logo demonstrates to the buying public that the masters have pride in their profession and endeavor to provide the highest quality work possible.

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Education The GBAHB offers members the opportunity to get an edge on their competitors by being “in the know” and marketing your professional credentials. The Association gives you the tools you need to stay up-to-date on the latest in building codes, sales & marketing, safety compliance, and construction trends. Members can plan their business strategies for the year by gaining exclusive information at the annual Housing and Construction Forecast. In addition, the GBAHB offers local courses for members to earn national designations like Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Certified New Home Sales Professional, Certified Green Professional and more.

Muddy Boots Builder Education The GBAHB offers monthly breakfast meetings for builder members only. At each meeting builders enjoy breakfast and a brief educational session on an industry-specific topic that they can immediately put to use in the field or office. The Muddy Boots program gives builders the opportunity to meet other builders and learn more about the industry as a whole. Just a few examples of recent topics include: • Current Birmingham Metro Area Housing Numbers • Slab Foundations - Which one works best?

• Builder/Architect Copyright Concerns • Future of Energy for New Construction General Membership Meetings The GBAHB offers General Membership Meetings for members to gain valuable knowledge on topics important to the home building industry. These meetings typically draw large crowds of builders and associates and provide the perfect opportunity to network and learn more about other GBAHB members. Previous program topics and themes have included: • Managing Your Online Reputation • The Future of YOUR Association • A Night at the Ballpark - Barons Game at Regions Field • Associate Appreciation Night

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Education - NAHB Designations A nationally-recognized professional designation says a lot about you.

Professional designations offer excellent opportunities to improve your skills, advance your career, and be recognized for your commitment to professional growth. Investing in your professional development makes you better at what you do. And, properly marketed, these credentials also can give you a competitive advantage over many of your competitors. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career or gain additional knowledge about a particular topic, NAHB Education offers a wide-range of learning options.

Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) - CGB is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business and project management skills.

Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) - Learn about the home building business from the best source possible: builders and remodelers with years of field experience. Earned through classroom instruction, the CGA designation affirms your level of industry knowledge and your commitment to your professionalism in the building industry.

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) - The CGR program addresses the core areas of remodeling business management. The designation enhances remodelers’ professional credibility by clearly identifying those who demonstrate exceptional business management, integrity and a solid track record of consumer satisfaction.

Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) - The first designation available through the Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM), the CSP program is designed to help specialists in new home sales enhance their professional image, increase their marketability in the home building industry and sell more homes.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) - Developed in conjunction with AARP, this NAHB program helps industry professionals enhance their technical, business management and customer service skills to compete in the seniors’ housing market. The course provides practical and market-specific information about working with maturing adults, the fastest growing segment of our population.

Graduate Master Builder (GMB) - The courses in this series are advanced level with in-depth instruction geared toward experienced building professionals. If you are a CGB or CGR - or have 10 years of building industry experience you owe it to yourself to explore this next step of professional credibility.

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Education

Advocacy

The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders strengthens the residential construction and remodeling sectors of the economy by advocating for greater housing affordability, flexibility, and overall economic development, job creation, and a growing economy. Outcomes of GBAHB advocacy include expanded opportunities for businesses inside and outside the construction industries to succeed. The GBAHB engages in a wide variety of successful advocacy efforts that directly and indirectly benefit businesses in and out of the building industry: 1. Direct efforts by GBAHB keep housing (particularly new housing) safe and affordable for as many people as possible. When successful, GBAHB advocacy of this type results in a greater number of potential buyers/customers for new and remodeled homes. Businesses that benefit from this type of advocacy include home builders, remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors, and other businesses that serve these businesses (their accounting firms, banks, real estate brokers, advertising partners, etc.)

2. Advocacy that broadly promotes overall economic development, job creation, and prosperity in the region. When successful, GBAHB advocacy of this type creates an environment where businesses throughout the region have the greatest opportunity to succeed. Businesses that benefit from this type of advocacy include the same list described above, along with a wide variety of other businesses that are not directly related to the building industries and trades.

The GBAHB is the chief advocate for the residential construction industry (and a leading advocate for the business community in general) in the three counties it serves. Association advocacy takes place on the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, and is categorized into four parts: 1. Regulatory Advocacy includes working with regulatory staff for positive change. Examples of regulatory advocacy include working closely with code officials and inspectors on code interpretation, or advocating for builder-friendly regulations within the various local, state, and federal agencies and bureaucracies (Planning & Zoning, Building Regulations & Permitting Departments, ADEM, EPA, etc.).

2. Legislative Advocacy includes working with elected officials to change, defeat or adopt laws or ordinances that are more favorable to business generally and to the building industry specifically. It engages people who have been elected to public office and who ultimately cast votes to write or re-write the law. Examples of legislative advocacy include lobbying in the federal or state capitols or with members of city councils or county commissions to adopt or modify codes, statutes, ordinances, or laws that affect a business’s opportunity to succeed.

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Advocacy 3. Political Advocacy consists of effectively advocating in the electoral process to help elect similarly-minded officials to public office, via the use of campaign contributions, volunteer efforts, campaign management, etc. Specifically, the association’s non-partisan political advocacy involves working to help elect officials on the municipal, county, state, and federal levels who understand the important role residential construction and remodeling plays in our overall economy and quality of life. Using its political action committee (ABPAC), the GBAHB evaluates and supports candidates for office on the basis of how the candidate aligns with broad economic development and growth objectives, and with the specific priorities of the building industry in mind. The GBAHB philosophy is that political advocacy is the central key to success in all other forms of advocacy in which the GBAHB engages.

4. Legal Advocacy is when an unfavorable or abusive law or enforcement method must be challenged in court via lawsuit. The association’s legal advocacy is the last line of defense for the business community and the home building industry. In rare instances, when all other forms of advocacy fail, laws or regulations that are severely damaging may be adopted or implemented over the objections and the best arguments of the GBAHB. At times, these laws or regulations may be illegal or unconstitutional. Therefore the government body that enacted the illegal or unconstitutional provision is subject to legal challenge. In such cases, the GBAHB may, in concert with one or more of its members, file suit against the offending government body. Legal advocacy is very expensive and highly unpredictable. That is partially why the GBAHB engages so actively in regulatory, legislative and political advocacy. Still, there are times when the only remedy that remains is legal action. In those times, the GBAHB remains the chief advocate for its members and the industry, and a leading advocate for the broader business community.

When GBAHB advocacy is successful: √√ Rising construction costs and housing costs are contained; √√ The overall universe of potential home buyers and home owners is larger; √√ More homes are built, sold, and remodeled; √√ Economic development of the region is advanced; and √√ Thousands of jobs are created and sustained inside and outside of the construction industry.

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Advocacy - ABPAC & BUILD-PAC Every GBAHB member can and should contribute in meaningful ways to the success of GBAHB’s advocacy for the industry. Two of the very best ways every member can support the advocacy efforts of our association are by contributing to the Alabama Builders Political Action Committee (ABPAC) and to and to the Builders United in Legislative Decisions Political Action Committee (BUILD-PAC): ABPAC: Influence that Counts, in Local and State Elections ABPAC is the best chance to sustain positive growth for your business, right here in the Greater Birmingham Area and throughout Alabama. ABPAC funds help elect officials on the municipal, county, and state, and federal levels who understand the important role residential construction and remodeling plays in our overall economy and quality of life. By supporting the right candidates, we are ultimately helping shape legislation and regulations at the state and local levels that affect the home building industry and your business on a daily basis.

Candidates who receive support from ABPAC dollars have demonstrated support for the homebuilding industry and understand how the industry creates and sustains a prosperous economy.

Of the many ways GBAHB members can support ABPAC, many have found the most cost-effective and valuable way to be as an ABPAC Patron. ABPAC Patrons contribute $2,500 annually, which includes their full membership dues, affiliate dues, special recognition, and complimentary admission to most of GBAHB’s member events. Plus Patron’s Club members receive exclusive engagement meetings with top ranking elected officials (Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of The House, Attorney General, and more). To learn more, call 205-912-7000.

BUILD-PAC: A Voice for Home Builders in Federal Elections BUILD-PAC is the political action committee of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). And it is your political advocacy voice at the national level. BUILD-PAC is bipartisan – supporting both Democrats and Republicans – and helps elect qualified pro-housing, pro-business candidates to federal office (U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate). Candidates and Members of Congress are evaluated by BUILD-PAC Trustees, based strictly on their merits and voting records, measured against the most critical U.S. policy issues facing the home building industry.

Please call BUILD-PAC staff at (800) 368-5242, ext. 8470 or visit www.nahb. org/buildpac.

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Networking Networking with GBAHB members means face-to-face interaction with the decision makers in the home building industry. GBAHB networking provides a unique combination: large numbers of business contacts, while still narrowly focused on your industry. You can be certain that when you attend a GBAHB event you will be joined by the people you need to make your business a success.

General Membership Functions From a chili cook-off and night out at a Barons game to a new construction forecast and the latest in residential marketing, the GBAHB strives for the perfect mix of business and pleasure (bottom-line business in a context that is also good, old-fashioned fun) in its monthly general membership functions.

Committee & Council Involvement One of the best ways to get involved with the GBAHB is to become a part of a council or committee. Your input within these groups will not only benefit your association, but it will also provide potential business opportunities with other committee and council members. Committee or council service allows you to work with others in the industry who share your interests and passions. The association committees include Membership, Parade of Homes, Governmental Affairs, and more. You can join committees at no additional expense. The GBAHB Remodelers, Professional Women in Building, Sales Council and Master Builder/ Master Remodeler are all councils. Councils normally require a small additional annual fee to join. In exchange, they provide members an even more focused opportunity to network with individuals in a specific sector of the industry. You can find more information under the Committees & Councils tab of this handbook.

Have Fun Together If the GBAHB does one thing well, it’s have fun! This organization is full of professionals who know how to make work look like play. By hosting annual golf tournaments, skeet shoots, baseball game events and more, the GBAHB enjoys networking with friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

Business-to-Business Events The Association understands the importance of getting your business in front of your target market, which is why the majority of our events focus on B2B sales.

The following events are just a few examples: • Builder Appreciation Night • Building & Remodeling Expo • Fast Pitch Selling Event • Parade of Homes Kick-Off Party • Housing and Economic Forecast

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Education

Committees & Councils

Each GBAHB committee and council is a vital part of the association. Committees conduct much of the work that leads to meaningful results for members, and they are a valuable training ground for future senior leadership of the GBAHB Board of Directors. That’s because many of the board’s decisions are based on informed recommendations from GBAHB committees. Most committees are open to all members of the association, and do not require an additional fee to participate. Councils differ from committees in that they are designed to benefit a specific sector of the membership. Council memberships do require an annual fee in addition to the membership dues.

Committees Advocacy Committee (Advocacy Council) The Advocacy Committee works on behalf of the association to strengthen the residential construction and remodeling sectors of the economy by advocating for greater housing affordability, flexibility, and overall economic development and job creation. Committee influence with elected and other government officials leads to expanded opportunities for businesses inside and outside the construction industries to succeed. The GBAHB engages in a wide variety of successful advocacy efforts directly and indirectly benefitting businesses throughout the industry. The committee primarily focuses on four areas: regulatory, legislative, political, and legal advocacy. To learn more about the association’s advocacy philosophy and approach, see the Advocacy tab of this handbook.

ABPAC The Alabama Builders Political Action Committee (ABPAC) works on behalf of the association to positively influence the outcome of elections. Working cooperatively with the Advocacy Committee, the ABPAC committee prioritizes campaign support for candidates for office who share our common sense approach to government. These candidates share the GBAHB philosophy that government intervention in private sector business should be limited and focused on enabling and empowering job creators like those of the GBAHB to do what they do best: expand and grow their businesses, create jobs, and 20

Committees & Councils Education Education - NAHB Designations contribute profitably to the overall economic development of communities.

Membership Committee The GBAHB is the largest local home builders association in Alabama, and one of the five largest in the country. Annually, GBAHB sets and pursuits ambitious membership growth goals. A growing, robust membership is the foundation for effectiveness on behalf of all GBAHB members. Everything the association does on behalf of its members depends on successful recruitment, retention and overall growth of our membership. As we grow, we become better advocates, educators, business generators, marketers, etc. Put simply: membership is our foundation for everything else.

The GBAHB Membership Committee develops and carries out annual membership recruitment and retention plans and strategies. Members of the committee actively and regularly recruit new members into the association.

They organize and enthusiastically participate in membership drives that engage existing GBAHB members. They also help new members quickly “plug in” in a variety of ways, ensuring they immediately receive outstanding value for their membership dollar.

Home Tours Committee The Home Tours Committee is comprised of builder and associate members tasked with the planning and implementation of the association’s Parade of Homes, Fall Homes Tour and any associated showcase homes (example: The GBAHB Ideal Home). The Parade of Homes is the largest new homes tour in Alabama, and is designed to generate an enormous turnout of prequalified potential home buyers, to promote GBAHB builder members and their partners throughout the market, and to directly connect GBAHB members with their future customers.

Councils Associates Council The Associates Council consists of GBAHB associate members who are elected by their peers to serve on this committee. This council represents and enhances value for 21

Committees & Councils the wide array of associate members of GBAHB; and it plans and implements the annual Building & Remodeling Expo, which is a public event featuring the latest in home building & remodeling trends from association members.

Master Builder/Master Remodeler Council The purpose of this program is to recognize and promote professional home builders and remodelers who have been in business five years or more, and who, by their actions, exhibit professionalism, stability, and excellent customer service. Members must pass a rigorous application process in order to receive and maintain their Master Builder or Remodeler credentials. Master Builders and Master Remodelers are identified on GBAHB’s online “FindA-Pro” member directory for consumers.

Professional Women in Building The Professional Women in Building (PWB) consists of builder and associate members and spouses of members within the GBAHB. With more than 50 members, the PWB exists to promote good will, loyalty and friendship among its members and in the broader association. The council assists with local, state and national initiatives to promote a better understanding of home building and provide charitable contributions and services on behalf of the GBAHB. Additionally, the PWB hosts monthly luncheons at various hot spots throughout the Birmingham area, with programs of interest to its members.

Remodelers Council The GBAHB Remodelers Council provides valuable resources and opportunities to network with others in the remodeling industry. Membership in the Remodelers Council reflects a remodeler’s commitment to the NAHB Remodelors Code of Ethics. With industry-leading educational programs in business, marketing 22

Committees & Councils and many other subjects, the GBAHB Remodelers Council gives you the tools you need to build your remodeling business, and successfully compete now and in the future. The GBAHB Remodelers host networking dinner meetings monthly that include an annual fish fry in the spring and steak cookout in the fall.

Sales Council The Sales Council is comprised of sales and marketing professionals in the home building industry. The council enhances the sales and marketing capabilities and reputation of those who represent the GBAHB and the housing industry. The council is dedicated to developing a higher level of professionalism in the home building industry through education and networking opportunities specifically designed for sales and marketing professionals.

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Events GBAHB produces and hosts public and member events. The primary objective of public events is to connect GBAHB members directly with a broad range of potential customers by mass marketing these events to the public. Through the Parade of Homes, the Building & Remodeling Expo, and other public events, the GBAHB brings qualified, potential customers directly to you.

Member events are designed to provide business-to-business opportunities within the residential construction industries. In this context, you are able to reach out to other members and potential customers within the home building and remodeling profession. These events allow builders to meet with companies that can help them complete jobs. And they help associates promote products and services directly to home builders and remodelers.

The Building & Remodeling Expo gives GBAHB members the opportunity to demonstrate their latest and greatest products and services to qualified consumers in the market to build or remodel. The three-day event is typically held in early spring generating hundreds of active leads for exhibitors.

PARADE OF HOMES

The Parade of Homes is the largest new home tour in the state of Alabama and highlights new construction design and decor trends.

With thousands of potential home buyers walking through each home, the Parade of Homes is a great way to attract a great number of people in a short amount of time. The event is held twice each year in the spring and fall.

The GBAHB Ideal Home is the Association’s showcase home serving as the “front door� to the Parade of Homes. The house gives members the chance to get their best products and services in front of thousands of potential customers, all while supporting the GBAHB Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and the home building industry. birminghambuilder.com 24

IDE L HOME 2014

Events Member Events General Membership Meetings The GBAHB offers General Membership Meetings for members to gain valuable knowledge on topics important to the home building industry.

These meetings typically draw large crowds of builders and associates and provide the perfect opportunity to network and learn more about other GBAHB members. Examples of recent

program topics and themes include: • Managing Your Online Reputation • The Future of YOUR Association • Housing & Economic Forecast

Specialty Events In addition to the association’s regular general membership meetings, the GBAHB adds value to your membership by offering a wide variety of specialty events. The following is a sampling of a few GBAHB specialty programs: • Fast Pitch Selling Event

Participating associate

members are guaranteed

ten minutes face time with the

area’s top builders and/or remodelers • Builder Appreciation Night - Also known as the Building &

Remodeling Expo Kick-Off Party, this event draws the largest

number of builders than any other association event.

• Associate Appreciation Night - This event is free to all associate

members and gives you a chance to relax as the builders

of the GBAHB say thank you with an evening to remember.

Education Events Keeping members educated on the latest home building industry issues is a priority of the GBAHB. From Muddy Boots Builder Education to NAHB designation courses, the GBAHB provides a full menu of educational offerings to enhance your technical and operational know-how; and establish and build 25

Events on a true competitive advantage for your business. Examples of recent topics include: • Builder/Architect Copyright Issues • The Future of Lead Generation Social Events People who work hard often also like to play hard. And if there is one thing the GBAHB knows how to do well, it’s have fun! Association members enjoy socializing with old friends and making new ones along the way. The GBAHB offers social, fun events of all kinds for members to enjoy. Here are a few examples: • A Night at the Ballpark - Members enjoy a family-friendly night

at the Barons game at Regions Field.

• Annual Steak Cookout presented by the GBAHB Remodelers.

Enjoy a delicious filet mignon, decadent sides and complimentary cocktails.

• Chili Cook-Off presented by the Professional Women in Building -

This event is sure to bring the heat with an assortment of tasty chili

recipes, prepared for your enjoyment by fellow GBAHB members!

Raise your Profile by Sponsoring These events wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. The GBAHB members understand the importance of sponsorship and recognize the commitment by those companies who go above and beyond to show support for the association and home building industry. Each event has a sponsorship level to fit every budget.

You can learn more about these opportunities to enhance your membership by reviewing the GBAHB Marketing Guide.

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Communication The key to gaining the most value from your membership investment is communication, so the GBAHB strives to keep you up-to-date on everything the association has to offer on a local, state and national level.

BirminghamBuilder.com The GBAHB’s website is the place to keep informed about the latest events and news that are vital to your membership and the home building industry. On the site you’ll find: • Events Calendar • News • Membership Applications • Advocacy Info • Parade of Homes • Building & Remodeling Expo • Membership Directory • Consumer Tips Blog • And Much More HBAA.org The Home Builders Association of Alabama website is the place to go for information about your state membership. You’ll find everything from HBAA events to details regarding the Alabama Home Builders Self Insurers Fund.

NAHB.org The website for the National Association of Home Builders is the hub for all information you need to know about the industry on a national scale. The site has a vast amount of information including: • Educational Courses • Designation Information • NAHB Events Calendar • National Advocacy Issues • Public Affairs Information • National Home Building News • And Much More GBAHB Weekly Update The GBAHB Weekly Update is emailed every week to builder, associate and affiliate members of the association. This e-newsletter keeps members updated on the latest happenings with the GBAHB and home building industry.

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Communication BluePrint Events Calendar The BluePrint is the GBAHB’s events calendar that gives you a three-month outlook at association programs. The BluePrint is updated on a monthly basis and you can always find a copy online at BirminghamBuilder.com and in every GBAHB Weekly Update.

GBAHB Member Directory The GBAHB Member Directory is accessible via print, online or mobile. The printed version is published every December and mailed to members by early February. The directory is updated in real-time on the GBAHB website at BirminghamBuilder.com. Additionally, the directory is available in a user-friendly mobile version. Visit http://kaywa.me/DD0Vm or simply scan the QR code here with your smart device to view it.

Parade of Homes Magazine Every year the GBAHB publishes the official Parade of Homes Magazine, which includes all of the details anyone may need to enjoy the association’s annual new home tour. The magazine is made available to the public for free at various retail locations across the Birmingham metro area. The magazines are also given to participating builders to hand-out to visitors during the Parade of Homes.

Remodel Birmingham Magazine The GBAHB Remodelers Council publishes Remodel Birmingham, a high-quality magazine featuring the beautiful work of the council members. The publication is available for free at various retail locations across the Birmingham metro area and is mailed at no cost to households that meet a certain criteria. In addition to informative articles and appealing photography, the magazine lists all GBAHB Remodelers Council members.

GBAHB Calendar If you’ve learned anything from this handbook it’s that the GBAHB hosts numerous events. This is why your association works hard to keep an updated calendar for you to easily access. You have a few options to see what’s happening around the GBAHB. You can visit BirminghamBuilder.com and view the Events Calendar, you can also view the BluePrint Events Calendar on the website. Always check your Weekly Update to get the latest updates. Finally, visit http://kaywa.me/DD0Vm or scan the QR code above with your smart device to view the mobile version of the calendar.

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Glossary of Terms/Index Advertise. For a designated fee, members may promote their business to GBAHB members or the public with a presence in print or electronic media.

Advocacy. Promotes overall economic development, job creation, and prosperity in the region. When successful, GBAHB advocacy creates an environment where businesses throughout the region have the greatest opportunity to succeed. A central component of the GBAHB core value proposition to members (Money, Education, Advocacy, Networking) see more on page 19.

Affiliate. (1) category of membership for employees of Builder and Associate members and (2) local or state home builders association affiliated with NAHB. Al Awtrey Builder of the Year Award. This annual award goes to the Builder member who has best demonstrated his or her commitment to the community and to the building industry through involvement with the GBAHB. The award is presented at the Officer Installation & Awards Banquet.

Area. NAHB geographic region – There are 15 areas in the United States.

Area Caucas. Meetings of members and EOs, by Area moderated by the National Area Chair.

Associate. A member who provides products or services to the home building industry.

Associates Council. Seep age 21 Associate Member Appreciation Month. Celebrated in September to recognize and thank Associate members for their contributions to GBAHB, the NAHB federation and the building industry.

Associate National Director. Associate Member who represents their state on the NAHB Board of Directors.

Associate of the Year. This annual award goes to the Associate member who has best demonstrated his or her commitment to the community and to the building industry through involvement with the GBAHB. The award is presented at the Officer Installation & Awards Banquet.

Associate Vice President. This member holds the highest seat possible for an Associate member. The Associate VP serves a two-year term on the Executive Committee of the GBAHB. BirminghamBuilder.com. See page 27

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Glossary of Terms/Index Builder. Primary category of membership for GBAHB, HBAA and NAHB. To qualify builder membership, members must hold a current Alabama Home Builders License.

Board of Directors. See page 7 Board Meeting. A monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to handle official GBAHB business. The meeting is held the third Wednesday of the month and all members are invited to attend, whether or not they are official Board members.

Budget. A financial guide for the GBAHB to follow within every level of business.

Buddy Berry Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is in memory of Buddy “Papa” Berry, a beloved member of the GBAHB. The award is presented to an Associate member who has consistently performed as an outstanding civic leader and member of the GBAHB. BUILD-PAC. NAHB’s political action committee. BUILD is an acronym for Builders United In Legislative Decisions.

Committee. Committees conduct much of the work that leads to meaningful results for members. Most committees are open to all members of the association, and do not require an additional fee to participate. See page 20.

Convention. 1.) NAHB: Board and committee meetings that take place at the International Builders Show (IBS). 2.) HBAA: also referred to as Winter Board Meeting.

Council. See page 21 Do Business with a Member. Campaign developed by NAHB Associate Members Committee to promote business relationships between Builder and Associate members on the local, state and national levels. A central component of the GBAHB value proposition to members (Money, Education, Advocacy Networking).

Education. One of the central components of the GBAHB core value proposition.

See page 14-15 Executive Vice President. Executive Officer (CEO) of the GBAHB. Manages staff and oversees all GBAHB business affairs.

Executive Committee. See page 7 Federation. Refers to NAHB and its affiliated local and state home builders associations.

General Membership Meeting (GMM). See page 25

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Glossary of Terms/Index Governmental Affairs Committee/Advocacy Council. See pages 16-18 & 20.

HBA. Home Builders Association (local or state). Generic reference to GBAHB or HBAA. HBAA. Home Builders Association of Alabama. See Three-in-One membership on page 6.

HBAA.org. See page 27 International Builders’ Show® (IBS). NAHB’s annual trade show (January or February) Life Director. 1.) GBAHB Qualifications - Builder and Associate members who, by virtue of their years of service, warrant a permanent seat on the local, state or national Board of Directors, are nominated by their local HBA and elected by the board. 2.) NAHB Qualification - Members must serve as voting director for ten or more years and attend two Board meetings per Board term. The years to Life Director do not have to be consecutive years.

Membership. Describes all dues-paying, active builder, associate and affiliate Association members of GBAHB. See Three-in-One membership on page 6.

Money. One of the central components of the GBAHB core value proposition (Money, Education, Advocacy, Networking). Your GBAHB membership gives you instant financial benefits including exclusive savings and direct financial payments through rebate programs, insurance dividends, member discounts from other GBAHB member companies and more. These savings alone can return your investment of membership dues many times over. See page 8.

NAHB. National Association of Home Builders NAHB Designations. See page 15 • CAPS = Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist • CGA = Certified Graduate Associate • CGB = Certified Graduate Builder • CGP = Certified Green Professional • CGR = Certified Graduate Remodeler • CMP = Certified New Home Marketing Professional • CSP = Certified New Home Sales Professional • GMB = Graduate Master Builder • GMR = Graduate Master Remodeler • HCCP = Housing Credit Certified Professional • MCGP = Master Certified Green Professional • MCSP = Master Certified New Home Sales Professional • MIRM = Master in Residential Marketing

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Glossary of Terms/Index NAHB.org. See page 26 National Area Chair. Elected regionally to preside at area caucus meetings held at NAHB Board meetings.

National Director. Members (Builders and Associates) nominated by their local or state association to serve a one-year term on NAHB Board of Directors.

National Housing Center. NAHB’s building in Washington, D.C. Networking. A central component of the GBAHB core value proposition (Money, Education, Advocacy, Networking). Networking with GBAHB members means faceto-face interaction with the decision makers in the home building industry. GBAHB networking provides a unique combination: large numbers of business contacts, while still narrowly focused on your industry. See page 18.

Officer Installation, Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Banquet. An event held annually at the end of the year to install the upcoming senior officers and Board of Directors, induct members into the Hall of Fame and recognize award winners for their service to the association and home building industry.

Objectives. Elements of the strategic plan outlining what the Association will accomplish by following the goals of the plan.

Opportunities. Component of the strategic plan describing areas where the Association can improve in member service, advocacy, education and networking.

Objectives are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely.

President. See page 7 Resolution. Policy proposals submitted to the Board of Directors for vote.

Recommendation. Internal governance proposals submitted to the Board of Directors.

Senior Life Director. An NAHB life director who has attended two board meetings per Board term for a period of 10 consecutive years after becoming a life director will be designated as a Senior Life Director and attains a permanent seat on the board with no continuing attendance requirement.

Senior Officers. See page 7 Spike. A member or employee of a member who has earned at least six Spike Credits within two consecutive membership years. Spike Credits are earned by recruiting and retaining members of the GBAHB and/or its nationally affiliated councils.

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Glossary of Terms/Index Spike. A member or employee of a member who has earned at least six Spike Credits within two consecutive membership years. Spike Credits are earned by recruiting and retaining members of the GBAHB and/or its nationally affiliated councils.

Spike Appreciation Month. Celebrated in November to recognize and thank Spikes for their tireless recruitment and retention efforts.

Spike Party & Concert. Held at IBS for those Spikes who have recruited at least one member in the preceding year.

Sponsor/Sponsorship. A company that pays a fee to be highlighted as a supporter of a GBAHB member event or public event.

Staff. Paid employees of the association in place to implement and manage association member priorities, including: membership, events, programs, communications, advocacy and finance.

State Directors. Local GBAHB members who serve on the HBAA Board of Directors.

State Representatives. Nominated by each state as the primary representative to the NAHB Executive Board. They provide service and information on issues of NAHB policy to the affiliated associations within their respective states.

Strategic Plan. The Association’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. In order to determine the future direction of the organization, it is necessary to understand its current position and the possible avenues through which it can pursue particular courses of action. See page 4.

Strengths. Components of the GBAHB strategic plan identifying areas where the Association has had continued success for its membership and the building industry.

Threats. Components of the GBAHB strategic plan identifying issues that could pose problems for the Association and cause roadblocks to successfully achieving strategic plan goals and objectives.

Treasurer. See page 7 Vice President / Secretary. See page 7 Weaknesses. Components of the GBAHB strategic plan identifying areas where the Association needs improvement in order to achieve strategic plan goals and objectives.

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