Lincoln Business Builder (April 2014)

The LINCOLN BUSINESS BUILDER April 2014

Published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Volume 51 No. 4

Tribute to Youth with Guest Speaker Olympic Medalist Curt Tomasevicz see bio on page 10

Monday, April 21 6:00 p.m. Social 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Program Nebraska Champions Club 707 Stadium Drive $10 for HBAL Members $20 for Non-Members No shows will be billed

RSVP by April 15 to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.

Seating is limited, so RSVP early.

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view the Lincoln Business Builder on the go!

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In this issue...

• 10-Hr. OSHA Class page 4 • Tour of Remodeled Homes page 5 • HBAL is Expanding page 11

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President’s Message April 2014 Vol. 51, No. 4

President’s Message

Contents President’s Message 3 Upcoming Events 4 OSHA 10-Hour & First Aid/CPR Training 4 Tour of Remodeled Homes 5 Spring Parade of Homes 6 Parade of Homes Requirements 7 LHBCF Golf Tournament 8 Tribute to Youth Guest Speaker: Curtis Tomasevicz 10 Member News 11 HBAL Expansion 11 Earth Day: The History of A Movement 12 Tips for Tornado Season 13 Chili Cook-Off 14-17 Reservations About The Dollar 18 April is New Homes Month 19 New Members 20 Directory Changes 20 Renewals 21 Cancellations 21 New Home Sales

Bounce Back in January 22 Online vs. Offline Marketing 24 Minimize Waste with These Home Design and Renovation Strategies 25 Building Permits 26

Mike Kinning HBAL President Whether competing for prizes in the Interior & Residential Design Contests, applying for scholarships for graduating high school seniors or participating in one of our NAHB Student Chapters, students find value in interacting with our members. Many of these students will be recognized at what has become the Annual Tribute to Youth meeting to be held April 21st, 2014. Olympic medalist Curt Tomasevicz will present “Have No Fear” as he uses examples from his experiences to motivate those in attendance. You are encouraged to attend and RSVP early!

Another youth program requested annually by students is the Job Shadow event taking place in May 2014. This program works with local high schools to provide an opportunity for students to visit multiple projects at various stages of the construction process to better understand the process and opportunities within our industry. If you are interested in assisting, please notify the HBAL office.

“Potential has a shelf life.” – Margaret Atwood I encourage you to share your wisdom and experiences. Award winning or complete failure makes no difference as each offers an understanding to those more youthful, full of energy and dreams, but short on experience.

Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Executive Committee

National Directors

6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 (402) 423-4225 phone • (402) 423-4251 fax www.hbal.org • info@hbal.org

Mike Kinning, President

Justin Johnson Mike Kinning Dan Klein, Sr. Jeff Bielenberg, Alternate Perry Haralson, Alternate Mike May, Alternate

The Lincoln Business Builder is published 12 times per year by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516. The Lincoln Business Builder is mailed to all members of the HBAL. The Home Builders Association does not accept responsibility for or endorse any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles.

The annual subscription rate is included with your membership dues.

Mike Benker Jennie Korth

Publisher Editor, Photographer, Design

HBAL Staff Michaela Harrison, Jennie Korth & Melissa Hilgenkamp

Mike May, President Elect Justin Johnson, 1st Vice President Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President Lori Pippitt, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Secretary Bob Bryant, Treasurer Mike Rezac, Immediate Past President Mike Benker, Executive Vice President

Board of Directors Mark Aksamit, Taylor Ashburn, Jess Baker, CGP, Jeff Bielenberg, Roger Bumgarner, Ruth Hietbrink, Eric Hoke, Bo Jones, Matt Kleinschmit, Jerry Maher, CGP, CAPS, CGB, Lance Roach, Ken Svoboda

National Life Directors Jim Christo, CGR, CGB, Steve Fulton, CGP, Joe Hampton, Duane Helmink, John Hoppe, Jr., Ward Fred Hoppe, Joe McKee, Robert Peterson, J. Greg Schwinn, Bob Stephens

Past Presidents Jerry Boyce, Mike Goings, Lois Hartzell, GMB, CSP, Rick Krueger, Dan Kubr, Donn Mann, Sam Manzitto, Roger Reynolds, CGR, CAPS, Greg Shinaut

Remodelers Council AnDee Harris

3  Lincoln Business Builder

Upcoming Events | OSHA 10-Hour & First Aid/CPR Training

Calendar of Events Apr. 2

Remodelers Council Meeting What’s Safety Got To Do With It • Karen Marshall Cornhusker Bank • 6100 Apple’s Way 11:30 a.m. • $7 per person for lunch

Apr. 10

HOMEPAC & Board of Directors HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 9:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Apr. 21

Tribute to Youth Olympic Medalist Curt Tomasevicz Nebraska Champions Club • 707 Stadium Drive 6:00 p.m. Social • 7:00 p.m. Dinner $10 for HBAL Members • $20 for Guests

Apr. 23-24

OSHA 10 Hour & First Aid/CPR Training HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • $35 per person

Apr. 26-27

Tour of Remodeled Homes Noon - 5:00 p.m. • Cost: $5 for all 18 homes

A person has to remember that the road to success is always under construction.

You have to get that through your head.

That it is not easy becoming successful.

- Steve Harvey

Take this class valued at $200 for just $35 per person!

OSHA 10-Hour & First Aid/CPR Training April 23 & 24, 2014 HBAL Office • Trade Center

6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C, Lincoln, NE

Wednesday, April 23 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 24 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: $35 per person (includes lunch and break service) HBAL has received a grant from the Nebraska Worker Training Program to cover most of the cost of the training, saving you over $150!

To register, contact Jennie Korth at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org.

Registrations will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis, so get your reservation in as soon as possible. The class is limited to 20 people. HBAL members will receive priority over non-members until April 16, 2014.

The fee of $35 is required to reserve a space.

Cancellation Policy: You must cancel by April 16, 2014 in order to receive a full refund.

4  Lincoln Business Builder

Tour of Remodeled Homes

•2

•5 •4 •6

•7 •8 •9 •10 •11

•3

•1

Saturday & Sunday April 26-27 Noon - 5:00 p.m.

•17

1811 S. Pershing Road Master Bedroom Remodel Maher Custom Homes 2027 Washington Street Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom and Deck GoodeGuy Construction, Inc. 2601 Rathbone Road Kitchen and Powder Bathroom Remodel Reynolds Design & Remodeling 384 S. Cotner Blvd.

Working Pantry and Bedroom Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 235 Taylor Park Drive Solatube Skylights Natural Light Company 1008 Rockhurst Drive New Rear Deck with Roof Addition Bielenberg Builders, Inc. 8316 Carriage Hill Court Solatube Skylights Natural Light Company 7125 S. Hampton Road Kitchen Remodel CS Kitchen & Bath Studio 2321 S. 75th Street Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet

•16 •15

•13

•14

Admission: $5.00 for all 18 Homes Children under 12 are free

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

•12

18 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

2520 Devonshire Drive Kitchen and Dining Remodel Willet Construction Inc., Remodeling Specialists 2819 Park Place Drive Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 8024 Lowell Avenue Kitchen and Family Room Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 6420 Westshore Drive Whole House Remodel Robison Design Build, LLC 4801 Bridle Lane Kitchen Remodel CS Kitchen & Bath Studio 4710 Happy Hollow Lane Kitchen and Dining Remodel Willet Construction Inc., Remodeling Specialists 6545 Crooked Creek Drive Kitchen Remodel, Sunroom and Deck Addition Willet Construction Inc., Remodeling Specialists 2500 Bretigne Circle Kitchen Remodel GoodeGuy Construction, Inc./3 Day Kitchen & Bath 4300 Hickman Road, Hickman Master Bedroom, Bath and Garage Addition and First Floor Remodel Mann Custom Homes, Inc. 5  Lincoln Business Builder

Spring Parade of Homes

May 11-18, 2014 Hours: Weeknights: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. & Weekends: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

View the online flipbook at www.HBAL.org.

You must remove your shoes at these lovely homes.

WOODLAND VIEW

1. 3725 W. Plum Street Don Johnson Homes

ASHLEY HEIGHTS

2. 4320 W. Thatcher Lane Legacy Construction

HIGHLAND VIEW

3. 1449 W. Silverado Drive Bugbee Homes

4. 1640 W. Silverado Court Rybak Homes, Inc.

FALLBROOK

5. 651 Penrose Drive

Manzitto Bros. Residential and Commercial Construction

GARDEN VALLEY

6. 6615 N. 12th Street Hartland Homes

HUNTERS POINTE

7. 4216 N. 18th Street

Cameron Townhomes

REGALTON

8. 2425 City View Court Regal Building Systems

KING RIDGE

9. 3155 King Ridge Blvd.

Summit Homes, L.L.C.

EVANDALE ESTATES, WAVERLY

10. 10111 N. 152nd Street Entity Designs

WATERFORD ESTATES

15. 9648 White Pine Road Leighton Homes

Schneider Custom Homes

CEDAR COVE

13. 8966 Broken Spoke Drive Cameron Townhomes

HARRISON HEIGHTS

14. 9257 Leighton Avenue Aspen Builders

6  Lincoln Business Builder

31. 7620 S. 81st Street

Smetter Custom Homes

16. 1423 N. 96th Street

32. 7711 Sonatta Court

17. 9487 Northern Sky Road

33. 7545 S. 77th Street

18. 9423 Northern Sky Road

VILLAGE GARDENS

19. 9345 Northern Sky Road

Terry Quality Homes

Prairie Home Builders, Inc. Salt Valley Construction Erickson Homes Legacy Homes

Prairie Home Builders, Inc. Manion Construction, Inc.

34. 6014 Chartwell Lane

VILLAGE MEADOWS

SCOTT’S CREEK, HICKMAN Not

n 45. 6700 Scott’s Creek OpePlace Vantage Pointe Homes

PONDEROCA CROSSING, ROCA

46. 17201 S. 38th Street

Wilderness Construction, Inc.

WILDERNESS RIDGE

47. 9611 Wildfire Circle

Duane Larson Construction

20. 9406 Southern Sky Road

35. 7111 Blanchard Blvd.

48. 9701 Hollow Tree Drive

21. 10009 Shore Front Drive

36. 7321 Exbury Road

WILDERNESS HILLS

RUSSWOOD PARK

37. 7341 Exbury Road

Frazier Construction Co., Inc. South Shore Builders

22. 8244 Trail Ridge Court Stonybrook Homes, Inc.

WILLOW SPRINGS

Ironwood Builders Ironwood Builders Ironwood Builders

38. 7700 Blanchard Blvd.

Buhr Homes, Inc.

23. 7917 Weeping Willow Lane THE WOODLANDS AT Aspen Builders

YANKEE HILL

Goings Homes, LLC

49. 2917 Forest Avenue

Smetter Custom Homes

50. 9342 Del Rio Drive Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC

51. 9333 Del Rio Drive

Old City Building Group, LLC

39. 7208 Rutha Lane

52. 9341 S. 29th Street

40. 7256 Rutha Lane

53. 8925 S. 28th Street

25. 6100 Laroche Road

41. 7311 Rachel Road

54. 8901 S. 30th Street

26. 9111 Chalk Hill Drive

42. 9335 Wishing Well Drive 55. 8900 S. 30th Street

BOULDER RIDGE

WINDMILL RIDGE ESTATES

LD n SOLane e 24. 9322 Ravenwood O t No p Schultz Construction RAVENWOOD

VINTAGE HEIGHTS

Cameron Townhomes Nelson Construction & Design

Granite Ridge Court PRAIRIE VILLAGE NORTH 27. 6700 R & D Custom Homes 11. 8901 Blacksmith Court 28. 8640 Rutherford Drive Prairie Home Builders, Inc. 12. 3120 Rawhide Drive

GRAND TERRACE

Goings Homes, LLC

WHISPERING CREEK

29. 11401 Aspen Canyon Road Murray Custom Homes, LLC

HIDDEN VALLEY ESTATES 30. 7200 Hidden Valley Drive Schwinn Homes, LLC

Third Generation Builder Third Generation Builder Creative Spaces Construction MK Builders, Inc.

43. 7031 Countryview Road Pine Crest Homes

THE PRESERVE AT CROSS CREEK

44. 15877 S. 64th Street

Manzitto Bros. Residential and Commercial Construction

Old City Homes

Manion Construction, Inc. Geysun Style Homes, Inc. Derun Construction and Homes, Inc.

WILDERNESS VIEW TOWNHOMES 56. 611 Carlton Drive

Cameron Townhomes

FOREMAN RIDGE

57. 1201 W. Dolores Court JR Premier Designs

Parade of Homes Requirements

Important Notice for the Builders in the Spring Parade of Homes The following are guidelines which the Building & Safety Department requires in order to have a house open in the Parade of Homes.

These items are required. Please observe. Your Parade contract requires that your home have final inspection.

City of Lincoln Building & Safety Department Parade of Homes Code Items to be completed Prior to being Open to the Public A show home in the Parade of Homes needs to meet basic safety criteria due to the large volume of public that passes through each home. Final inspections for all sections (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building) must be scheduled AND completed before a house can be open to the public as a show home. As as reminder, each contractor or subcontractor must schedule their respective inspections separately for each permit. A building inspection can occur only after plumbing, mechanical and electrical finals have taken place. When all final inspections have taken place, the building inspector may issue a Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

Temporary Occupancy permission may be granted by the building inspector based on the following guidelines: • • • • • •

• • • •

Building

Address posted on the exterior of the house Sidewalks, steps completed leading to main entrance Handrails and guards on decks, porches, stairs Smoke detectors installed throughout the house Door hardware installed on all exterior doors Tripping hazards have been corrected due to uneven floor finishes

• •

Electrical

• • •

Main electrical panel is properly enclosed and doors installed All switch and outlet plates covered Lighting fixtures installed (substitute fixtures may be used) Outdoor lighting installed

• •

Plumbing

Main plumbing fixtures installed Any missing plumbing fixtures need to have waste piping sealed Water heater needs to be installed All gas piping must be final inspected and approved for furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, etc.

Mechanical

Heating/AC must be operational Bathroom exhaust fans need to be installed Floor registers installed

These guidelines are not considered to be all inclusive but meant to assist the permit applicant in obtaining permission to have a show home open to the public.

7  Lincoln Business Builder

LHBCF Golf Tournament

Team Registration Please register my team for the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament If you are interested in a designated foursome, register all four players together. If not, you will be assigned to a team. This is a first-come, firstserved event. Payment by May 1 is required to save your tee-time.

Player No. 1

2014 Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament Friday, June 6, 2014 Highlands Golf Course

Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

Player No. 2 Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

Player No. 3 Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

5501 NW 12th Street

Player No. 4

“Texas Scramble” • $60 per person First tee-off at 6:45 a.m.

Last tee-off at 4:00 p.m.

Name__________________________________________________________

Registration

The $60 registration fee includes green fees, cart, hot dogs, hamburgers and the fixin’s for lunch, and lots of prizes! Each person will receive drink tickets toward beverages. Additional drinks may be purchased (please assign a designated driver for your team).

Priority Tee-time

By making a donation of $200 to the tournament, you will have the ability to choose your tee-time range on a priority basis. In order to take advantage of a priority tee-time, you must pledge your contribution by March 3 and pay by May 1, 2014. (This contribution is in addition to the entry fee.)

Prizes

Corporate Hole Sponsors are being contacted. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, contributing giveaways for the golfers, or volunteering your time to help…call the HBAL office (402-423-4225) for more details.

Hurry!

This is a first-come, first-served event. So don’t delay, get your tee-time reserved.

Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Contact Michaela Harrison at 402-423-4225 or michaela@hbal.org if interested.

The proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for high school and college students. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.

The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry, and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs. Gifts are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

8  Lincoln Business Builder

Company_______________________________________________________ Tee time range requested__________________________________________ We will do our best to set your tee-time as close to your choice as possible. Tee-times are arranged on a first-come first-served basis. You will be sent a postcard as a reminder of your tee time.

Payment must be received before May 1 in order to ensure a tee-time. l Enclosed is $60 per golfer. Pre-payment is required to play.

l I don’t play golf, but I do want to support the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution of $______.

Sponsorship Registration Yes! I would like to be a:

l Hole Sponsor............................................................................ $200 l Hotdog Sponsor........................................................................ $150 l Hamburger Sponsor.................................................................. $300 l Giveaway Sponsor

l Raffle Prize Sponsor

Item: ________________ Item: ________________

l I do not wish to be a sponsor, but I do want to support the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution of $______.

Name: Company: E-mail: Total Amount Due: $ l Check enclosed Send registration form and check made payable to:

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C • Lincoln, NE 68516 Fax: 402-423-4251 • Email: info@hbal.org

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9  Lincoln Business Builder

Tribute to Youth Guest Speaker: Curtis Tomasevicz

Tribute to Youth Guest Speaker: Curtis Tomasevicz Curtis Tomasevicz grew up in Shelby, Nebraska a small town of nearly 700 people located a few miles south and west of Columbus. While attending the University of Nebraska, Curt played running back and linebacker, earning most of his playing time on special teams.

During his senior year in 2003, he earned first-team academic All-Big 12 honors. Curtis holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in electrical engineering with a minor in astrophysics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Bobsled beginnings:

When asked about bobsledding Curtis laughs saying that he never saw a bobsled in real life until his tryout in September of 2004. He wasn’t exactly convinced that it was a legitimate, professional sport, either. Fellow Cornhusker hammer thrower and friend Amanda Moreley -- now a push athlete and brakeman on the Canadian national bobsled team -- suggested he give it a try. Curtis was instantly taken with the danger and thrill the sport provided.

Breaking the ice:

During his first season (2004-05), Tomasevicz landed on the World Cup circuit, consistently pushing on the USA II sled. He made his Olympic debut in Torino in 2006, sliding to sixth place in four-man competition. The entire experience was a memorable one for Tomasevicz.

He compared walking in the Opening Ceremony to the excitement of going through the tunnel at Memorial Stadium during his college football years. During the next few years, the U.S. bobsled program began to become an international force, winning numerous World Cup and World Championship medals. But his biggest achievement came in February at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, when he, Steve Holcomb, Justin Olsen and Steve Mesler raced the “Night Train” to the first American four-man Olympic title in 62 years!

In February of 2014, Curt participated in his 3rd Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. With a more competitive field, the Night Train 2 team of Curt, Holcomb, Steve Langton, and Chris Fogt battled their way to a bronze medal, making Curt one of only six American bobsledders in history to earn multiple Olympic medals.

Family + leisure:

Tomasevicz’s dad, Dennis, is a retired combine mechanic, while mom, Amy, is an art teacher. He has a younger brother, Jon, who is a physical education teacher. When he’s not busy training, Tomasevicz enjoys playing bass guitar, astronomy and reading.

10  Lincoln Business Builder

Member News|HBAL Expansion

Member News

Home Lending Team

In Sympathy

Scott Williamson

Adam Flanagan

Marla Stahl

Denise Spencer

Our sympathy to Mark and Tracy Aksamit, Earl Carter Lumber Co., on the death of Mark’s mother, Joyce Hansen, who passed away on February 24.

Our sympathy to Gary and Kathy Reese, Lincoln Winlectric, on the death of Kathy’s mother, Alma Doornbosch-Couden, who passed away on March 3.

Strong Foundations Begin

With Great People

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Our staff is knowledgeable, experienced and committed to providing excellent service.

Whether you are building, buying or refinancing your home, experience the West Gate Bank® difference. Create your customized loan program today.

Lincoln’s Bank | westgatebank.com 402-434-3456

member FDIC

Your Building Envelope Specialist!

Our sympathy to the family of John J. Hanigan, II. John passed away on March 8 after a brief, yet valiant fight again cancer. He was managing partner of HBE Becker Meyer Love, LLP from 1988 through 2001.

Thinking of You Our thoughts and prayers go out to Duane Helmink, CDS, Inc., who underwent quadruple bypass surgery on March 24.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

- Marcel Proust

The HBAL Office is Expanding!

An Expansion & Maintenance Plan for the HBAL has been approved by the Board of Directors. HBAL is in the process of taking the opportunity to purchase the suite directly north of the current office. With very limited remodeling, the space will improve efficiencies and allow greater use of the HBAL office.

Aside from remodeling of the additional space, updates include replacement of windows, floor coverings, wall repairs, painting, some furnishings and updating of the A/V system used for presentations.

• Solving problems for contractors with Icynene foam since 1995.

• Spray foam is only as good as the installers.

• Both open cell and closed cell insulation available.

Contact Rick McConnell

402-643-2340 or 402-641-1254 rickmcconnell@inebraska.com www.mcconnellthermalservicesllc.com

If you or your company have an interest in assisting with this project, please contact Mike Benker at the HBAL office for additional information (mbenker@hbal.org or 402-423-4225).

As the project nears completion, an announcement will be made regarding an open house and additional member benefits available at the HBAL office.

11  Lincoln Business Builder

Earth Day: The History of A Movement

Earth Day: The History of A Movement Each year, Earth Day -- April 22 -- marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.

As a result, on the 22nd of April, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.

At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press.

Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.

The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. Be a part of Earth Day and help write many more victories and successes into its history. Discover energy you didn’t even know you had.

Feel it rumble through the grassroots under your feet and the technology at your fingertips. Channel it into building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come.

Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center.

The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national

teach-in on the

environment” to the

national media; persuaded

Pete McCloskey, a

conservation-minded

Republican

Congressman, to

serve as his

co-chair; and

recruited

Denis Hayes

as national

coordinator.

Hayes built a

national staff

of 85 to promote

events across the

land.

12  Lincoln Business Builder

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. “It was a gamble,” Gaylord recalled, “but it worked.”

“Earth Day: The History of A Movement.” Earth Day Network, Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

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402.786.3030

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Tips for Tornado Season

Tips for Tornado Season Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others.

Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Tornado Facts • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.

• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

• Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 pm and 9 pm, but can occur at any time.

For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit www.beready.gov.

Be Prepared!

Before a tornado:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

• Look for the following danger signs:

- Dark, often greenish sky - Large hail - A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) - Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

- If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

During a tornado: • If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.

Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Put on sturdy shoes. Do not open windows.

• If you are in a trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

• If you are outside with no shelter, immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

13  Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-Off

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

6th Annual Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation

Chili Cook-off

The Hoppe Law Firm

1stce

2nacde Pl

Bo oth

Bielenberg Builders, Inc.

2nacde

Pla

Pl

Bo oth

Chili Lowe’s

14  Lincoln Business Builder

Prairie Gold Homes

Chili Cook-Off

Nebraska Title Co.

The Home Depot

3racde Pl

Bo oth

Black Hills Energy

3racde Pl

Chili Midwest Bank

Raynor Doors, Frontier Group & Harrison Roofing

1stce

Pla

Chili Home Real Estate

15 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-Off

Stinger Elite LED Flashlight courtesy of HBAL

Kay Maxwell & Jennifer Meier

Chili Cook-Off Prize Winners!

Thank you to our Prize Sponsors!

$50 Phillips 66 Gas Card courtesy of Nebraska Title Co.

Hayley Lane

$25 Casey’s Gift Card

$25 Chili’s Gift Card

Chili Gift Baskets

Carla Waldbaum

Paul Johnson & Harry Wimer

courtesy of HBAL

Maytag Tool Bag

courtesy of HBAL

$25 Casey’s Gift Card

courtesy of Lincoln Title

courtesy of Nebraska Furniture Mart

courtesy of Nebraska Land Title & Abstract

Marjie McKibben

Jeff Bielenberg

Shelly Simonsen

Cooler & Chili Goodies

Alarm Clock w/ Docking Station

Lenette Schwinn

Randy Kreifels

courtesy of Union Title Company

16  Lincoln Business Builder

courtesy of Nebraska Furniture Mart

Garden Treasures Fire Pit courtesy of Lowe’s

Debbie Wike

4 Passes to the Children’s Museum

courtesy of the Lincoln Children’s Museum

Olivia K. & Gemma J.

Chili Cook-Off

Thank You! Lois Hartzel, Vistar Homes, Inc., and Dan Walker, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, for supervising the cooks.

Ken Svoboda, Ray’s Lawn & Home Care, for being our emcee.

Chili Cook-off Committee Mark Aksamit Perry Haralson Lois Hartzell

Jennie Korth Mike Rezac Dan Walker

Beverage Sponsor

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

Water Sponsor

Culligan Water Conditioning

Miller & Paine Cinnamon Rolls West Gate Bank

17 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Reservations About The Dollar

Reservations About The Dollar Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. • GraphsandLaughs, LLC

Since the start of the Great Recession of 2008 and the Fed’s decision to inject trillions of dollars into the banking system, there has been constant talk of the US dollar losing its position as the world’s reserve currency, the position it has held since the end of WWII. After all, our debt is huge and growing, DC is thoroughly dysfunctional, our share of the world economy is shrinking and China is increasingly pushing for a post dollarcentric financial system. Despite all the concerns above, the dollar’s position as the reserve currency of the world is safe for a long while.

First, which currency can realistically unseat it? The British pound is simply too small to do the job as the British economy is about 1/7th the size of the US economy. As for the euro, while it is large enough, there are too many structural problems including weak growth, over taxation, an inflexible central bank and the outside possibility of the collapse of the monetary union to entice many central banks to significantly increase their euro holdings.

As for the Yen, Swiss Franc or Chinese renminbi, you have got to be kidding! With a debt to GDP ratio greater than that of Greece, Japan makes the US look downright fiscally responsible.

Moreover, Japan and Switzerland are both pushing down the value of their respective currencies making them that much less appealing to hold. Lastly, the renminbi does not freely float and there are significant foreign exchange controls in place. As a result, it will take at least a decade before China has the necessary legal framework and deep and open financial markets that are a necessary prerequisite before the renminbi can become a credible reserve currency competitor.

Second, because of increased capital flows between nations due to increases in trade and investment, central banks have been repeatedly told by their respective governments to hold larger quantities of safe and easy-to-sell assets which can be easily liquidated in time of crisis. As a result, total foreign reserves have nearly quadrupled in the past decade and this has dramatically increased the demand for dollars. For example, when foreign capital suddenly flees a developing nation, it puts downward pressure on the local currency. By selling some of its dollar holdings to purchase its own currency, a country can stabilize its currency and avoid large currency swings. Moreover, simply holding a large supply of highly liquid foreign assets, like dollars, discourages speculation and demonstrates that a nation has the necessary reserves to pay foreign creditors for things like oil and wheat.

Lastly, with large holdings of dollars the last thing foreign nations want to do is harm the dollar as that would reduce the value of their holdings and that, in and of itself, reinforces the dominance of the dollar and thus improves its stability. That is at least partly why for the past 15 years 60% of world foreign exchange reserves have consistently been in dollars. Were that percentage to slowly fall to 50% over the next few decades, it would matter relatively little.

To sum up, despite lots of talk, there exists no strong competitor to the US dollar and one is unlikely to appear anytime soon.

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www.econ70.com.

Local service for the life of your mortgage loan.

At Cornhusker Bank, we believe when you come to us for a mortgage loan, you expect to continue to work with us well beyond closing.

This is why we offer to service your mortgage right here in Lincoln.*

Life is good when banking is simple.

Stop by, call, or visit us online to learn more.

56th & South St.

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CornhuskerBank.com

* Not all mortgage loans qualify for the local servicing program.

Please contact a mortgage lender for details.

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402-434-2265

Member FDIC

Your Hometown Source For • House Beams • Columns • Brick Lintels • Joists & Deck • Miscellaneous Plate, Angle, Pipe & Tubing

APOLLO STEEL COMPANY Fabricating The Future of Nebraska 7200 Amanda Road, Lincoln, NE 68507 Phone: 402-466-8587 • Fax: 402-466-0594

18  Lincoln Business Builder

|

April is New Homes Month

Almost Any Brick You Use Can Last for Hundreds of Years.

So Be Particular.

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ANKEE HILL BRICK manufactures the highest quality FBX brick in a color palette ranging from the traditional reds and buffs to the innovative pinks, maroons, and lavenders.

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Standard and custom color ranges, sizes, and shapes are our specialty.

Brick murals and ornamentation are brought to a new level of sophistication at Yankee Hill Brick.

Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the nest of materials.

3705 S. Coddington Lincoln, NE 68522

(402) 477-6663

4212 S. 133rd Street Omaha, NE 68137

(402) 330-2751

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• Sand / Gravel • Rock / River Rock • Promix / Colored Cement • Crushed Concrete Fines

• U-Kart Ready-Mix • Concrete Block • Mulch • Lennox Fireplaces

We provide quick delivery and quality service.

Visit us at www.dhmerritt.com

April is New Homes Month The home building industry brings attention to the many benefits of newly-constructed homes during New Homes Month in April.

Use the following talking points to speak to potential home buyers about the benefits of buying a new home.

• Analysis by the National Association of Home Builders, using data from the Census Bureau’s 2011 American Housing Survey, shows that maintenance costs and operating costs are lower for newer homes.

• Even though new homes tend to be larger, energy costs are about 10 percent lower in new homes compared to existing homes.

• Maintenance costs on average were 56 percent lower in new homes; $547 a year for all single family homes versus $241 for homes built after 2008.

• In fact, a home buyer can pay 23 percent more to buy a new home and their first year after tax cost of owning a home will be the same as buying a home built before 1960.

• The benefits of new homes are not just financial.

• New homes feature floor plans that suit modern lifestyles, with open space layouts, high ceilings, large windows and design features such as information centers in kitchens, laundry rooms located near bedrooms, walk-in closets and pantries and mudrooms for convenience and comfort.

• New home buyers enjoy the ability to choose the finishes, fixtures, flooring, paint colors and more that suit their preferences, without the hassle or cost of changing the previous owner’s tastes.

• Today’s new homes are built with environmentally-friendly features such as energy-efficient tankless water heaters, Energy Star appliances, HVAC systems, insulation and windows and doors that make the home more comfortable and can save the home owners money over the long term.

• New homes are safer, with electrical wiring systems that can accommodate modern appliances and components such as highdefinition televisions, security systems, fire alarms and complex lighting and audio setups.

• New homes not only benefit the home owner, they benefit the community.

• The estimated one-year local impacts of building 100 singlefamily homes in a typical metro area include:

- $21.1 million in local income,

- $2.2 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and

- 324 local jobs.

• The additional, annually recurring impacts of building 100 single-family homes in a typical metro area include:

- $3.1 million in local income,

- $743,000 in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and

- 53 local jobs.

• As the housing industry shows signs of a sustained recovery, today’s near-historically low interest rates combined with the benefits of new construction make now an ideal time to achieve the American dream of homeownership in a brand-new home.

19  Lincoln Business Builder

New Members | Directory Changes

Welcome New Members

CharterWest Mortgage Center Deb Melichar (Bruce)

Leighton Homes Leighton Schafer

2901 S. 84th Street, #10, Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-484-0363 Cellular: 402-430-3838 Fax: 402-484-0349 Email: dmelichar@charterwest.com Website: www.charterwest.com

310 1st Street, DuBois, NE 68345 Phone: 402-335-0771 Fax: 402-859-4577 Email: schaferleighton@yahoo.com Website: www.L8Nhomes.com

Sponsor: Lois Hartzell, Vistar Homes, Inc.

Sponsor: Ruth Hietbrink, Black Hills Energy

Reason I joined HBAL: To support the building community and affiliates in Lincoln, NE and networking.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Relationships with builders and knowledge on how CharterWest can assist in making them successful.

Desired areas of involvement: Home and Garden Show, Parade of Homes, golf tournament and membership.

Personal: We have four adult children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy long bike rides and travel.

Description: I have been in construction for decades starting with my father when I was 17. I have experience in many areas of construction and am onsite through most of the home building process. I have a crew of Amish men that help me full time with framing, siding, windows, doors, roofing, millwork cabinets, tile work, hardwood flooring and painting.

Reason I joined HBAL: I have moved to Lincoln and felt this would be a great way to start meeting new people, becoming recognized, eventually paying it forward.

What I hope to get out of my membership: I would like to network with people of the trades.

Desired areas of involvement: Parade of Homes, Sporting Clay Shoot.

Personal: I enjoy the outdoors, mountain biking, windsurfing, motorcycling and running.

Great Western Bank Tom Fischer

1235 N Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: 402-473-6161 Cellular: 402-219-2243 Fax: 402-473-6218 Email: tom.fischer@greatwesternbank.com Sponsor: Jim Christo, Christo Design Build, Inc.

Directory Changes

• Miranda Watson is a new affiliate member for Woods Bros Realty.

Phone: 402-617-1748. Email: miranda.watson@woodsbros.com • New principal contact for Security First Bank is Lisa Bynum.

Phone: 402-323-8003. Email: lbynum@security1stbank.com.

• Lenny Hill, Allied Building Products, is no longer an affiliate member.

• New address for Create Me Green Solutions is 40602 Road 728, Cambridge, NE 69022-6105.

• Jacob Hiatt is a new affiliate member for Raynor Doors of Nebraska. Cellular: 402-890-5512.

Email: jacobhiatt@windstream.net.

• Ron Fricke replaces Randy Deinert as an affiliate member for Window Options Specialists. Cellular: 402-440-9280.

Email: ronwindowoption@windstream.net.

• New address for Eagle 1st Roofing & Construction is 3800 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521-4122.

• New corporate address for HomeServices of Nebraska (includes HomeServices Lending, LLC, Home Real Estate and Woods Bros. Realty) is 225 N. Cotner Blvd., Ste. 102, Lincoln, NE 68505.

• New email address for Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes, LLC, is marlene@schwinnconstruction.com.

• JR Premier Designs is now a builder member.

• New email address for ICF Connection is info@icfconnections.com.

• Angie Loomer is a new affiliate member for Union Bank & Trust Company. Phone: 402-323-1833. Cellular: 402-890-8810.

Email: angie.loomer@ubt.com.

20  Lincoln Business Builder

Old City Building Group Andrey Rybak

1800 N. 129th Street, Lincoln, NE 68527 Phone: 402-580-0122 Email: andrey@oldcitybuildinggroup.com Sponsor: Vladimir Oulianov, Woods Bros. Realty

Pinecrest Homes Neil Smith (Lynn)

11205 S. 150th Street, Omaha, NE 68138 Phone: 402-891-0738 Cellular: 402-689-9455 Fax: 402-592-5381 Website: www.pinecresthomesomaha.com

Robison Design Build, LLC Richard (Dick) Robison (Ann)

1221 Evergreen Drive, Lincoln, NE 68510 Phone: 402-488-5650 Cellular: 402-730-2807 Fax: 402-488-5650 Email: robisondesignbuild@gmail.com Website: robisondesignbuild.com Reason I joined HBAL: Support and participate in industry.

Schneider Custom Homes Scott Schneider (Andrea)

3640 S. 6th Street, #5, Lincoln, NE 68502 Phone: 402-484-7292 Cellular: 402-429-9331 Email: scott@schneidercustom.com Website: www.schneidercustom.com Sponsor: Andrew Will, AW Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Terry Quality Homes Ray Terry (Debra)

7333 Canyon Road, Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: 402-423-1510 Cellular: 402-540-0468 Email: raymondvterry@aol.com Website: www.terryqualityhomes.com Sponsor: Mark Aksamit, Earl Carter Lumber Co.

Renewals | Cancellations

Thanks for Renewing Your Membership!

(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)

Advantage Remodeling, Inc., 13 years Barcroft Building, Inc., 5 years Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Radiant Floor Heating, 31 years BK Restoration & Remodeling, 5 years Bluestem SIPS, 4 years Briggs, Inc. of Lincoln, 15 years Buckley & Sitzman CPA, 5 years Cattle National Bank & Trust Co., 11 years Cohawk New Horizons Drywall, Inc., 33 years Culligan Water Conditioning, 48 years Custom Concrete, 16 years Delrae Designs, 14 years Derun Construction and Homes, Inc., 1 year Douglas Fireplace Services, 5 years DWS, Inc., 5 years Eagle Nursery, LLC, 2 years Entity Designs, 1 year ESPN/KLMS 1480 - Lincoln’s Sports Authority, 21 years First Choice Rolloffs, 5 years Galaxy Countertops, 10 years Geysun Style Homes, Inc., 1 year Hans Electric, Inc., 30 years Holly Well Drilling, 5 years HomeServices Lending, LLC, 19 years Hoos & Suing, 5 years Huenink Construction, Inc., 5 years

402.483.7575 3133 S. 7th Street • Suite D

Fax 402.483.7577 info@pioneerprintinginc.com www.pioneerprintinginc.com Multi Color Printing Graphic Design Ad Specialties Bindery Services

Digital Color Copies Digital Black & White Engineering Copies Personalized Service

Providing Offset Printing & Digital Services in Lincoln since 1980.

Infinity Excavating, 5 years Jerry’s Basement Waterproofing, Inc., 18 years JR Premier Designs, 3 years Judson Irrigation, 5 years KFGE Froggy 98.1, 22 years KFOR Radio, 45 years KIBZ The Blaze 104.1, 19 years King’s Home Inspections, LLC, 7 years KLNC-FM 105.3, 17 years KTGL The Eagle 92.9, 26 years KZKX - KX96.9 Lincoln’s #1 New Country, 28 years Legacy Homes, 1 year Lemke Meens Construction, 1 year Lincoln Laminating, Inc., 46 years Lincoln Winnelson Co., 32 years Manion Construction, Inc., 1 year Mark Manske Custom Trim, 5 years Mr. Amoto Lawn & Tree Service, 1 year Nebraska Printing Center, 12 years Nickell Construction, 5 years Nissen’s Hardwood Floors, Inc., 7 years ‘O’ Street Carpet, 5 years Old City Homes, 7 years Pinnacle Bank, 20 years Pioneer Printing, Inc., 28 years Precast Products & Landscape Village, 22 years Premier Distributing, 5 years Reese Construction, Inc., 27 years Roth & Troyer Construction, Inc., 8 years Salt Valley Customs, 7 years Schneider Electric, 27 years Shelter Distribution, 26 years South Shore Builders, LLC, 5 years Tru-Built Construction, 5 years Underfoot, Inc., 5 years Urban Homes, LLC, 8 years Wellmann Plumbing, Inc., 29 years Window Option Specialists, 17 years Woita Homes & Remodeling, 4 years

Sorry to See You Go! If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY! A & D Auto Truck Service Builders Hoback Custom Homes Lincoln Turf Modern Wood Floors, LLC Tomorrow’s Online Marketing Yankee Hill Landscape

21  Lincoln Business Builder

New Home Sales Bounce Back in January

New Home Sales Bounce Back in January The housing market and the broader economy shivered at the end of 2013 as weather-related factors held consumers back and generated production delays. These impacts should prove temporary and our forecast remains positive for housing and home building for the year to come. Indeed, reports from January suggest some improvement over disappointing December data.

New home sales in January, as estimated by the Census Bureau and HUD, were up 9.6% over the December pace, coming in at 468,000 seasonally adjusted annualized rate.

This pace is 2.2% higher than the January 2013 measure. The month-supply measure of inventory fell to 4.7, with the count of new homes for sales standing at 184,000. Only 45,000 of those were completed, ready-to-occupy new homes.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a measure of existing home sales that is determined on a contract basis similar to new home sales, was up marginally January (0.1%) after a 5.8% decline in December. Despite the January reading, the pace of existing home sales has slowed significantly, with the most recent PHSI down 9% year over year. The NAR measure for existing home sales was down 5.1% in January and was 5.1% lower compared to a year prior.

The combination of weaker starts and sales was due to some weather delays but also reflects some slackening of housing demand at the start of 2014. Nonetheless, the overall pace of residential construction remains positive. According to the Census, private residential construction spending – measured on a put-in-place basis – was up 1.1% from December and 14.6% from one year ago. The January reading marked the third consecutive month of increase.

The improvements in housing over the last two years are also apparent in the balance sheets of home builders. According to NAHB industry surveys, average builder net profit margins (4.9%) in 2012 were higher than prior readings in 2010 (0.5%) and 2008 (-3%) but still lower than 2006 (7.7%).

Current sector headwinds include continued tight credit access for building. NAHB survey data indicates tight but improving acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) loan conditions. FDIC data reveal multiple quarters of expansion of the outstanding stock of AD&C loans, but a lending gap persists between the demand for building and available credit.

Rising building material prices represent another challenge for builders. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index showed a significant increase from December to January in gypsum prices (7.4%). Softwood lumber prices moved up modestly in January after softening at the end of 2013. OSB prices firmed slightly after steep declines from early 2013 peaks.

Despite some declines in housing affordability due to rising interest rates, conditions remain positive. According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index, 64.7% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of October and the end of December of 2013 were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $64,400. This is virtually the same as the 64.5% of homes sold that were affordable to median-income earners in the third quarter.

Multifamily developers experienced a pullback in market sentiment at the end of 2013. The NAHB Multifamily Production Index (MPI) showed a slight weakening as the index declined four points to 50 in the fourth quarter of 2013. It is, however, the eighth consecutive reading of 50 or above. The index and all its components are scaled so that a number of 50 indicates that the same number of respondents report conditions are improving as report conditions are getting worse.

This quarter’s MPI results are in line with NAHB’s forecast of

22  Lincoln Business Builder

increased apartment production in 2014 but at a slower pace than last year. The results are also in line with recent downturns in other economic indicators, due to unusually severe weather in parts of the country that disrupted supply chains and affected confidence in several sectors of the economy.

The slowing of the pace of improvement for housing at the end of 2013 was mirrored by changes in overall macroeconomic conditions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis second estimate of real GDP growth for the fourth quarter was revised down to a 2.4% seasonally adjusted annual rate, from 3.2% in the advance estimate and down from the 4.1% in the third quarter.

With respect to consumer confidence, February was a month of mixed results, as the Consumer Sentiment Index increased while the separate Consumer Confidence Index decreased slightly. After a slide in late 2013, both measures have shown resilience in the face of extreme weather and high utility bills.

At the start of the year, NAHB economists published a number of reports concerning the type of housing being built in 2014. For instance, single-family home size increased in 2013, with the impact due to a market tilted more to high-end buyers. Top features in new single-family homes include walk-in closets, low-E windows, laundry rooms and a great room.

The size of typical multifamily units also increased, albeit off of cycle lows set in 2012. Apartment sizes can be expected to increase in the years ahead as the for-sale multifamily sector recovers.

Quarterly data from the end of 2013 indicate that the market share of owner- and contractor-built homes was relatively flat as the overall single-family market expanded. The market share of townhomes was down over the course of 2013 as the first-time home buyer market sagged. However, the share of single-family built-for-rent construction appears to be declining off recent highs as investors pull back. This market remained a niche segment even during cycle highs, peaking just below 6% one year ago.

Finally, in policy news, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee recently published a comprehensive tax reform draft bill that would have significant impacts for home buyers and home owners, builders and multifamily developers and property owners.

In general, the plan provides for lower tax rates, while trimming or eliminating many existing rules. NAHB will examine the bill in its entirety to help determine possible impacts on housing. While there is no expectation that the bill will move in the House in this election year, the draft will likely serve as a rough draft for future tax policy debates.

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23  Lincoln Business Builder

Online vs. Offline Marketing

Online vs. Offline Marketing…..DIFFERENT but the SAME! As part of our ongoing column for HBAL, Tomorrow’s Online Marketing is here as the “go to” resource for your marketing needs and questions about online marketing that actually works.

This month we are going to smash a myth many online marketing companies try to sell people. Unfortunately there are so many rumors and bad information about online marketing it is impossible to list them all. Some of the online marketing “gurus” and service providers try to confuse contractors and professionals so they can take advantage of them and avoid discussing important facts….. facts like results and accountability. The sad part is that individuals and companies who do this are sacrificing a potential long term relationship with a client for the sake of an easy quick sale…..and within 3-4 months they get fired by the contractor because they get tired of the BS and the lack of results. So the marketing company is constantly churning new clients and each new client spends a bunch of money with no results. This is a lose-lose situation.

In a presentation in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, Wayne Boesiger and Jeff Dousharm were featured speakers and panel members in front of room full of online marketing companies who were there to learn and grow their business. By the time it was all said and done, Wayne and Jeff were both the most popular and most hated presenters at the event. The reason for being either liked or hated was for the exact same reason---the message and truth about online marketing vs. offline marketing. You see Wayne and Jeff didn’t sugar coat things and weren’t willing to go along with the garbage that some of the others were spitting out from the stage.

So what was this message and truth? It’s actually kind of simple— online marketing, when done right, is NOT about branding. It’s about direct response marketing. Branding is a secondary effect

of great direct response marketing not the main goal! Too many online marketing companies are confusing exposure with results.

As a matter of ethical service, a good online marketing company MUST focus on results. The problem is many service providers don’t want to focus on measurable results because they don’t want to be accountable. They want money but won’t focus on results or accountability. That’s the pile of crap they expect clients to swallow.

Think about it this way: do you want random people who have no potential to be your client to find your website and say “wow, that’s a nice website” or do you want targeted potential clients to find your website and actually take action, call or contact you to become your client? As business owners, we all know the answer to that, yet it sometimes gets confusing when dealing with the online vs. offline marketing issues. Real results require a company willing to do the research for YOUR market, test things and have the experience to make things happen consistently.

So what it really boils down to is this. Online marketing and offline marketing are DIFFERENT but also the SAME: DIFFERENT: When done right, online marketing can deliver results in a more cost effective manner than direct mail, TV, radio and other forms of marketing.

SAME: In ALL marketing, results matter. Focusing on direct response first and foremost is what you need for success. Branding is a secondary effect.

Knowing the information above will help you in identifying and weeding out potential marketing providers both online and offline.

For more information or questions about online marketing, email the owners of Tomorrow’s Online Marketing (Wayne Boesiger and Jeff Dousharm) at Jeff@tomorrowsonlinemarketing.com.

At Norandex Building Materials Distribution we realize that in order to succeed we must be successful in helping our customers grow their business.

That’s why our distribution centers are fully stocked with top quality, top-of-the-line building products—siding, windows, roofing, doors and more. Complementing this selection is a sales and customer service staff that’s knowledgeable and truly cares about your business. And, we back you up with programs and warranties that are among the best in the building products industry.

Stop by your local Norandex branch and put our strengths to work for you.

Visit oNe oF our loCatioNs: 12201 Cary CirCle laVista, Ne 68128 (402) 334-8286 (800) 999-1494 Fax (402) 334-7994

24  Lincoln Business Builder

5601 N. 57th street liNColN, Ne 68507 (402) 464-7433 (800) 927-7969 Fax (402) 464-7437

www.norandex.com

Minimize Waste with These Home Design and Renovation Strategies

Minimize Waste with These Home Design and Renovation Strategies Whether you are renovating your home, building a new home, and/or planning to conduct a full-scale demolition, you have several opportunities to reduce waste. This can be done in a variety of ways including, new home design and building techniques, better management of construction and demolition and selection of salvaged and recycled content materials.

Better Management of Construction, Renovation, and Demolition Materials

Many of the waste materials generated from housing construction can be reused, refurbished or recycled into usable products.

• Salvage useful materials - Instead of creating a pile of mixed materials when renovating or building your home, consider separating and salvaging useful materials, including lumber, fixtures, hardware, and appliances. One way to do this for an existing home is through deconstruction, the systematic and careful removal of materials from structures for reuse or recycling. Outlets are available in many areas to collect or purchase used and salvaged building materials, and some nonprofit organizations also accept used building materials.

You can find local building materials reuse stores on the web.

• Recycle - Many home components can be recycled where markets exist: - Wood can be recycled into reclaimed or composite wood products such as furniture and plastic/wood-composite decks, as well as mulch and other products. (Note: wood from decks, roofing or other outdoor applications was likely treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a hazardous substance, and should be disposed, NOT reused, recycled or burned.)

- Asphalt, concrete, and rubble - These materials can be recycled into aggregate or new asphalt and concrete products.

- Metals, including steel, copper, and brass, are valuable commodities to recycle.

You can find C&D debris recyclers at www.wbdg.org/tools/cwm.php.

Reducing and recycling construction and demolition materials can reduce overall construction and disposal costs as well. Discuss salvage or recycling with your architect or contractor.

For more information on ways to better manage construction and demolition materials, go to: www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/index.htm www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm

Home Design & Building Techniques - Going the Extra Mile

Advanced and Efficient Framing Techniques for New Homes (or Additions) One of the best debris reduction techniques for minimizing the amount of material used in construction is advanced framing (also known as Optimum Value Engineering).

Advanced framing refers to lumber layout and usage techniques that minimize the amount of lumber used to construct a house without compromising its structural integrity. It can improve a home’s energy efficiency and durability, and reduce construction costs. Also, by optimizing the amount of lumber used to frame homes, more space is created for insulation in exterior walls. This helps to eliminate cold spots, which are susceptible to condensation, and mold growth.

For more information on advanced framing techniques, go to: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/35380.pdf Another green option is to buy a prefabricated or manufactured home. Many of these homes are built using advanced framing techniques and are designed to use smaller cuts of lumber that would be considered waste in designing a typical stick-built home.

Modern prefabricated homes are often well-bulit and more energy efficient than homes constructed on-site.

Design New Homes for Deconstruction/Renovation Architects and builders typically do not design homes with easy renovation or deconstruction in mind. The average U.S. family moves every 10 years. Homes often undergo many renovations over their lifetimes, or complete building removal is carried out to make room for a newer home.

When building a new home, consider long-range goals and work with your architect to create a design that is adaptable for future needs. Designing a home for deconstruction or renovation proactively addresses changes in a home’s structure by: • Designing for durability and adaptability.

• Using fewer materials to realize a design.

• Design for salvaging materials Using fewer adhesives and sealants, making it easier for construction professionals to salvage useful items and valuable building materials including lumber, fixtures, hardware, and appliances.

By designing homes to facilitate future renovations, and eventual dismantlement through deconstruction, a home’s systems, components, and materials will be easier to rearrange, recover, and reuse. Thus, designing for deconstruction maximizes the value of a building’s materials, while reducing environmental impacts. It also creates adaptable homes that can be more readily reshaped to meet the changing needs of owners.

For more information on this subject, go to www.epa.gov/greenhomes/ReduceWaste.htm “Reducing Waste.” EPA, 19 Dec. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

With Spring comes high winds.

Please be courteous to your neighbors, and do your part to prevent construction debris from blowing out of your work area into neighboring property!

25  Lincoln Business Builder

Building Permits Building Permits

City of Lincoln - 10 -Year Table

Jan. Feb. YTD

SF 54 66 120

Jan. Feb. Total Avg. Cost

2005 TH 21 10 31

#

MF SF 0 72 4 58 4 130

SF=detached single family - TH=townhouses - MF=multi-family (including duplexes)

2006 TH 14 20 34

2007 Cost 7 87,400 4 314,300 11 401,700 36,518

#

MF 0 2 2

2008 Cost 9 1,364,460 9 141,600 18 1,506,060 83,670

MF 4 12 16

SF 35 22 57

2008 TH 19 0 19

MF 6 4 10

SF 11 29 40

2009 TH 14 2 16

MF 0 3 3

SF 24 32 56

2010 TH 7 18 25

MF 2 60 62

SF 22 26 48

2011 TH 0 0 0

Remodeling Permits: Additions City of Lincoln - Detached Single Family - 8 Year Table 2009 Cost 2 52,000 5 125,240 7 177,240 25,320

#

2010 Cost 6 152,980 3 99,500 9 252,480 28,053

#

#

2011 Cost 3 80,100 7 178,700 10 258,800 25,880

#

MF 4 20 24

SF 27 31 58

2012 TH 4 13 17

2012 Cost 2 43,500 5 107,786 7 151,286 21,612

MF 0 144 144

#

SF 24 34 58

2013 TH 2 4 6

MF 0 0 0

2013 Cost 6 422,000 2 33,000 8 455,000 56,875

SF 34 40 74

#

2014 TH 6 18 24

MF 51 6 57

2014 Cost 3 59,336 3 64,000 6 123,336 20,556

Remodeling Permits: Alterations

Jan. Feb. Total Avg. Cost

2007 Cost 88 1,163,863 78 909,207 166 2,073,070 12,488

#

2008 Cost 81 907,619 76 947,505 157 1,855,124 11,816

#

City of Lincoln - Detached Single Family - 8 Year Table

2009 Cost 71 784,232 76 706,588 147 1,490,820 10,142

#

2010 Cost 57 502,454 69 600,743 126 1,103,197 8,756

#

2011 Cost 69 988,395 79 893,584 148 1,881,979 12,716

#

2012 Cost 81 804,484 69 565,929 150 1,370,413 9,136

#

2013 Cost 66 751,024 42 702,668 108 1,453,692 13,460

#

Single Family Permits (Jan. - Feb.)

2014 Cost 90 1,279,205 87 811,667 177 2,090,872 11,813

#

140 Single Family Permits (Jan. - Feb.)

by Year

uly Dec. 9 65 2 43 9 32 1 14 524 131

SF 40 35 75

2007 TH 8 4 12

140

120

120

100

100

80

80

60

60

40

40

20

20

0 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2013

2014

0 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Total Townhomes & Multi Family Permits (Jan. - Feb.) Total Townhomes & Multi Family Permits (Jan. - Feb.) 180 180

160

160

140

140

120

120

100

100

80

80

60

60

Aug. 40 Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec. 94 82 83 69 65 20 66 55 50 49 43 0 37 45 2005 45 2006 242007 32 2008 37 33 26 23 14 Lincoln20 Business 3726 ď ´ 39 25Builder 24 33 26 27 26 31

40 20 0 2009

2005

2010

2006

2011

2007

2012

2013

2008

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

27 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

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Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516

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There’s no disputing geothermal heat pumps are pricey. Or that they’re extremely efficient and save a lot of energy. That’s why they qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. And why, through our Sustainable Energy Program, LES offers homebuilders significant financial incentives to install them. Whether you keep these incentives or pass them on to clients, you’ll help save energy, reduce environmental impact and delay the need to build expensive power plants. Visit www.les.com or call 402.473.3275 for complete details.

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