June 2014
Continuing Education at Your Desk Page 3 Spring Parade Award Winners Page 4 and 5 Member Q&A Page 9 State Legislative Wrapups Page 12
Congressmen Cleaver and Yoder Visit with HBA Members Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Missouri, 5th District) and Congressman Kevin Yoder (Kansas, 3rd District) had lunch and visited with HBA members on May 14 at the HBA as part of the NAHB 2014 Legislative Conference, “Bringing Housing Home.” The Congressmen gave
an update on their work in Washington, DC and took questions from HBA members. Members raised concerns with the inability of Congress to move forward on key legislative priorities, such as housing finance reform that ensures the federal government continues to provide a back-
stop for a reliable and adequate flow of affordable housing credit in all economic and financial conditions. Members also discussed the need for Congress to pass immigration reform to provide the certainty needed to grow the economy and increase competitiveness.
June is National Homeownership Month For those in the housing industry, every month is homeownership month. Officially, however, the National Association of Home Builders has declared June as the month to celebrate this cornerstone of the American dream. Most Americans consider homeownership to be their single best long-term investment and a primary source of wealth and financial security. Yet, a home is so much more than an investment. In good times and in bad, the opportunity to own a home has been a cherished ideal and a source of pride, accomplishment, social stability and peace of mind. HBA President Chris Ragland welcomed guests to the American Dream Awards Celebration
As everyone who weathered the Great Recession understands, the home building industry and home ownership is crucial to individuals, to the economy and
to society in general. Countless generations of Americans have counted on their homes for their children’s education, their own retirement and a personal sense of well-being. For our families, friends and neighbors, the word “home” means so much more than a structure—it is where their lives take place, where their loved ones gather. For the American economy, the home building industry is crucial. Fully 15 percent of the U.S. economy relies on housing and nothing packs a bigger local economic impact than home building. Constructing 100 new homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs, $23.1 million in wage and business income and $8.9 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. A healthy Continued on page 2 housing industry
A welcoming entry from Summit Custom Homes