December 2012 At Home in Berks by Hoffmann Publishing Group

ry ta n e im py l p m Co o C

Splashing in Style...

2012 hba parade of homes winners

Martin’s Offers Unique Style

for Any Home or Office

Interior Designers on Staff Offering FREE Design Service Residential and Commercial

We are only minutes from Reading. N

Adamstown

d Roa 272

Roa

di Rea

222

East Cocalico 76

Pennsy

lvania

272

Reamstown

222

897

rch

Hawk Valley Golf Club Bowmansville

oad vern R Dry Ta

Road Fivepointville

222

625 Turnpi

W Maple Grove Rd 625

Fivepointville

Brubaker Park

Broad St

Frysville Re

Carpet • Hardwood • Tile • Laminate • Vinyl • Window Treatments

dR un Rte. 897 Just off Ro ad V ine St Uni on 608 Dwight Road, Denver Gro Terre Hill ve

Reading Road

Rea ding

Photo by Don Carrick, Studio 413 Photography

Floor Maintenance Division

897

co Lin

Roa

625

Fivepointville • Harrisburg • Lancaster

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

1-877-445-7799 • www.martinsflooring.com

PA005901

HBAberks.org

Contents Features

4 Building a successful, value-driven social media plan.

“My Business is on Social Media...Now What?” and “Betweet YouTube and Me”...a two-part introduction to why social media has become a must for any business seeking to secure a place in both the traditional and digital marketplace.

Splashing in Style The latest in water related products, services, and tips for home builders, designers and homeowners in Berks County.

Angles 8 The Twitterverse Spread you message. 16 Are you “Pinterest-ed?”

With its tremendous growth over

the past six months, you should be.

12 YouTube: Move over Hollywood Are you paying too much for

advertising...YouTube may be the answer.

14 LinkedIn: Link it up

24 2012 Parade of

Homes Winners The HBA celebrated another sussessfull Parade of Homes in September. See who took home honors this year, and the homes that put them in the winners circle.

What is LinkedIn and how do you link it up?

16 Facebook: The face of the future Facebook is surprisingly easy to setup and even easier to manage.

Departments

2 From the President A message from HBA Berks President Kevin Kozo. Clarification from “What’s in a Name” article in the October At Home in Berks issue.

In reference to deck cleaning, Matt Breyer’s actual statement was, “every decking product has its own slightly unique maintenance requirements, but at a minimum, I recommend washing your deck each year. I would also suggest a bucket of deck cleaner and long-handled brush, and a hose over a pressure washer for most situations. A pressure washer can be a bit harsh, and typically you aren’t looking to actually strip off anything, but just scrub the dirt from the surfaces.”

Membership pages

New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events from October through December 2012.

2012 HBA Berks Board of Directors Officers: President Kevin Kozo Turnberry Custom Homes

First Vice President Cathy Sloan

Hartman’s Home Improvements

Second Vice President Patrick Dolan

Dolan Construction, Inc.

Secretary Chad Camburn

Bursich Associates, Inc.

Treasurer John Schmoyer Fulton Mortgage Company

Immediate Past President Kert Sloan

Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corporation

Builder Directors Marco Folino

Folino Homes, Inc.

Ed Anewalt

Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting

Diane Salks

Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc.

Daphne Frownfelter

Deer Mountain Kitchens

Associate Directors Jim Patterson

Lezzer Lumber, Inc.

Greg Eshbach

Malsnee Tile & Stone, Inc.

Jim Gavin

Masano Bradley Attorneys At Law

From the President

Time to buy

or anyone in Berks County waiting on the sidelines for the housing market to show signs of recovery before buying a new home or remodeling your current home, that time has come. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), economic indicators show that Berks County has been steadily improving for at least six months. The IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. It measures three sets of independent monthly data— employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac, and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau—to get a mark on the top improving Metropolitan Statistical Areas. While tough conditions continue to prevail across much of the country, momentum is building in communities such as Berks County that are showing consistent, measurable improvements in economic conditions. These steadily improving economic indicators should give potential home

buyers and those wanting to remodel more confidence, but they are far from the only reason to buy or remodel a home. Owning a home is the foundation of the American Dream. The emotional benefits should be considered just as much, if not more than, the potential financial advantages. A home is a place to create family memories and build a sense of stability, pride and accomplishment. At the same time, it serves as a long-term investment that can provide for children’s education and a home owner’s retirement. Not even the most well-connected, smartest economic experts can time the market to make sure they buy at the lowest point and sell at the top. Berks County is on the upswing. With competitive prices, interest rates at record low levels, and plenty of banks willing to make loans to qualified borrowers, if you’ve been thinking about making a move or improving your current home, now is the time. To find out more about home buying or remodeling in Berks County, check out the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) on the web www. HBAberks.org or contact the office at (610) 777-8889. Sincerely, Kevin Kozo

Owner, Turnberry Custom Homes 2012 HBA of Berks County President

HBA Staff Executive Officer & At Home in Berks Editor-in-Chief Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM

Membership Coordinator/ Office Manager Katie Mauger

The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of articles or images online or in print without first obtaining written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Berks County is strictly forbidden. Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. I 610.685.0914 2921 Windmill Road, Suite 4, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Dave Hessen, Director of Creative Operations dave@hoffmannpublishing.com

Together We Can Build A Strong Community!

Proud Sponsor Of The Berks HBA

Locally owned & operated in Berks! Call us for all of your insurance needs at 610-777-4123 or visit us online at www.galleninsurance.com

• How-to articles – leave them wanting more to click-through • Video content • Event or seminar coverage

Don’t Forget to Listen The most forgotten about aspect of social media marketing is listening. It is also very important to listen and engage on what others are saying about your business, your industry or upcoming trends affecting your clients and prospects. So, NOW WHAT?

ou’ve heard that social media is annoying or even scary. You’ve heard that it’s for kids talking about what they have eaten for lunch. Then, you’ve heard it’s the next up and coming thing. And, you’ve heard that it’s important for your business to be on it. SO you signed up, but now what? Regardless of what you have heard – social media is extremely important for your business to be on, in more ways than one. This article will summarize the social media process and include suggestions for business users.

Why? Social media is extremely important for a number of reasons including: search engine optimization, attracting future prospects, connecting with your current clients, becoming industry thought leaders, prospect research, HR research and much more.

Background The ‘big three’ as commonly referred to throughout the online world are: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. LinkedIn is also an extremely powerful tool in the professional world and is DEFINITELY worth using, and Pinterest is growing fast. If you have signed up already, you most likely realize that managing multiple social media platforms is not easy. In fact, social media management in a large amount of companies is a full time job. Even if your company does not have a full time social media manager, there are still some quick and easy tips and suggestions about handling the above mentioned social media accounts, and most importantly; keeping it manageable. 4

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

Beforehand When signing up (if possible) keep account names similar: Facebook. com/HerbeinCPAs, Twitter.com/ HerbeinCPAs, YouTube.com/ HerbeinCPAs, etc. This will help with search engine optimization, but also make it easy for your viewers. Fill out your profile in terms of locations, what your company does, hours, contacts, etc.

It is important to gauge your organization’s outlook on social media. Some organizations require a social media policy, some only allow employees to be online a certain amount of time per day, and others want their employees active with the company social media to help with outside engagement and recognition. Every company is different, but it is highly recommended to at the very least send out a detailed email with the new account information encouraging or discouraging others to engage and share. “What am I going to post?” To this often asked and Googled question, think what YOU care about reading. Post your opinions, your thought leadership on your product or service, your case studies, your customer reviews, or blog articles. Content across all social media channels can include: • Images from community events, from a job work site, etc. • Before and after images / stories • Press releases or pitches • Announcements • Blog posts / case studies you have written– share a compelling summary and link to the article

Facebook One of the largest websites on the internet, Facebook, started as a social site but has evolved through ‘business pages’ into a dynamic marketing tool. •

Build out your profile. Be sure to utilize the cover photo option for fan pages to help your page to stand out. Facebook has regulations on what can or cannot go on your cover photo, be sure to follow them.

•

Use the search tool to seek out current clients and prospects, local area media (PR opportunities), industry associations (HBA of Berks County), work contacts, or possible hires. Visit their pages and comment on their posts & images.

• Consider a drawing or a giveaway to attract people to your site. • Keep and maintain followers (those who have liked your page) by adding compelling content on a regular basis. Connect with the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA): Facebook: Page: Home Builders Association of Berks County Twitter: @HBAberks LinkedIn: Group: HBA Berks YouTube: Channel: HBAberks Pinterest: HBAberks

HBAberks.org

Twitter Twitter is a social media site that allows you to share up to 140 characters of information at one time. By using hashtags (#) to direct your conversation – twitter can be extremely useful for targeting prospects or as an information hub. It is just as important to ‘retweet’ other users content that you find interesting (and by giving them credit), as it is to share your own content for others to read and retweet.

YouTube All videos do not need to cost thousands (or more) of dollars. YouTube is an overwhelmingly powerful site (owned by Google), for users to share any video of their choice. For business accounts, suggested videos would be content worthy and related to your business, community, industry or employees. Over 800 million

via the “Insight” button on every uploaded video. This can offer valuable information on view statistics, as well as demographics, community, and data (information on how users came across the video, including the links they followed to get there).

* Statistics: http://www.youtube.com/t/ press_statistics.

HootSuite

unique users visit YouTube each month and it is localized in 43 countries and across 60 languages.* •

If you are overwhelmed after starting your business on social media, HootSuite (or another social media management platform) may be your lifesaver. With HootSuite you can filter, categorize, and organize data, so that you can figure out what is important quickly. HootSuite offers a free version and a pro version at $9.99 a month (30 day free trial).

Like all sites, take time to set up your account, including all information and designs related to your brand (logo & colors).

• Organize your content (instead of just uploading a list of videos - group them by date, event, or topic). •

Utilize tags and titles on your videos. Tags are how users will find your video, so be sure to include anything related to the video or targeted keywords.

•

Promote your video elsewhere (other social media sites, websites, QR codes, emails, etc.). Currently, 500 years of YouTube video are watched every day on Facebook, and over 700 YouTube videos are shared on Twitter each minute.

• Utilize YouTube analytics. YouTube offers every user free analytics data

HootSuite enables you to manage your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Foursquare accounts (HootSuite supports an extensive list of additional networks) all from one location. You can forget about the hassle and lost time clicking between multiple tabs and countless accounts. Some other advantages worth mentioning include:

• Link / Click Analytics – Create and use an Ow.ly account, which is HootSuite’s

URL shortener. HootSuite will track all of the clicks you receive and convey them in charts for you to analyze. HootSuite offers extensive analytics, monitoring and reporting features that allow you to create professional reports for your business.

•

Scheduling – Time is one of the top excuses for lack of social networking. HootSuite allows you to schedule messages from all different social media platforms in advance. As you schedule posts for your various platforms, you select the day and time you want it to go out. You can also view all scheduled posts in a calendar format. Scheduling is a great time saver, especially for different platforms, or repeat posts.

•

Streaming / Filtering – A great way to start connecting through social media is to notice what others are saying and then bringing your business’s value to that conversation. HootSuite enables you to track key phrases through the use of HootSuite streams. This can be done in real time directly from the HootSuite dashboard. After locating a conversation you are an expert in, comment with your thoughts and build a relationship. They could turn out to be your next customer!

•

Teams – HootSuite allows you to add multiple team members to the accounts of your choice (Pro version). This feature allows you to see first-hand who is responding, who is posting, and who has scheduled tweets. You can also control the ability to edit posts and assign tasks, which eliminates wasting time figuring out what is going on.

Social media platforms allow users to connect with your current and potential customers (in a fresh, unique way), build your online presence, and also help you develop long-lasting relationships with industry professionals, associates, and future contacts. If you are looking to really stand out in #BerksCounty and beyond, now is the time to implement a social media strategy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy B. Klatt, MBA is the Marketing Manager at Herbein + Company, Inc. a regional certified public accounting firm. Connect with her @amybklatt. december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

ouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook were born into an era of social networking and have blossomed into a world of art. Let’s sign in.

Social media has, almost overnight, become the ‘new media’. It can be defined as any type of digital platform in which content is provided by users and permits them to edit or respond to others in a myriad of ways. Social media is the new techno-savvy fad of our 20th century and more people are using it as a reference for life. In short, social media is communication gone digital.

Create More Time by Saving Time Time, our most precious commodity, is increasingly stretched threadbare with unrelenting obligations. Imagine the possibilities and information you can get from having access to a social network. It is right at your fingertips! No strenuous research or going-in-circles for the latest news; since, you can now access it through your smart phone, tablet, or home computer. More and more, we now get our emails on the run via smart phones. Text messages have replaced phone calls while busy parents read the news on their tablets waiting at soccer practice or the check-out line at the supermarket. Worldwide, we save time and trees in choosing to read, as an example, the Reading Eagle online. There’s no newspaper ink to wash away, no concern over opening the front door at 6 a.m. on a windy rain-soaked day or worrying about the risk of slipping on the front steps while bending over for the wet newspaper – thanks to a few clicks or taps. People everywhere have become, unwittingly perhaps, environmentally conscious through this transition to a more digital world in which we have become better tuned-in to the world at large. 6

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

Who Determines What is News Ted Koppel, the ‘face’ of Nightline on ABC for twenty-five years, wrote an article for The Washington Post last fall in which he lamented the decline of journalistic substance at the hands of profit-driven journalism. “We are no longer a national audience receiving news from a handful of trusted gatekeepers; we’re now a million or more clusters of consumers, harvesting information from like-minded providers,” he posited. But, we are no longer beholden to those very same ‘gatekeepers’ either. Our fellow man determines what he finds newsworthy to record, type, film, blog, write, or post. We decide, through our selection choices, if we concur. All the while, the world of information has sped up drastically. It had to in order to keep pace with today’s world.

YouTube–A New Kind of Television

Ever wanted to see news that you may have missed or re-watch a funny video your child made at college? Now you can with the video-sharing website called YouTube. It was created by three former PayPal employees in 2005 (Steve Chen, Jawed Karim, and Chad Hurley). Users can share, upload, and view videos.

YouTube has become a major reference source for people everywhere as it’s very quick to find step-by-step directions on how to make household repairs or renovations. YouTube videos offer clear images along with audio instructions that enable one to learn with relative

ease. Videos such as how to bake a soufflé, speak another language, grow edible plants (HBAberks channel: Food Gardens), save money on energy costs (HBAberks channel: Saving Energy Saves Money) or even how to salsa dance are at your beckoning call in a moment’s notice. Of course, music videos are a popular option, as are sports highlights of professional and amateur athletes alike. The possibilities are as seemingly endless as one’s imagination. YouTube, in May 2011, reported that its site was receiving more than 3 billion views per day and that it had increased to 4 billion views as of January 2012.

LinkedIn–a Modern-Day Professional’s Rolodex It is time to get connected with the social networking website for people in professional occupations called LinkedIn. Founded in December 2002, and launched on May 5, 2003, LinkedIn is a professional networking site in which registered users maintain a list of contact details of people with whom they have some type of relationship known as ‘connections’. Users can invite anyone, regardless of membership, to become a connection. The only way to make a connection is through an existing relationship or through the intervention of a mutual connection. This is designed to build trust among the site’s users as well as to discourage unwanted correspondence. Users can upload their own photos and view photos of others to assist in identification. They can also upload their resumes, bookmark jobs, search for business opportunities recommended by someone in their contact network, view the profile of hiring managers, and seek out an existing contact who may initiate introductions.

As of August 2012, LinkedIn is recognized as the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 175 million members in over 200 countries and territories.

HBAberks.org

Pinterest–Your Personalized Bulletin Board Let’s move forward to pinning new ideas on a much newer site called Pinterest. It was introduced to us in March 2010 and is set up like a cork board where you can pin your interests of recipes, crafts, and ideas. Sounds easy right? Well, 11.7 million users think so because in January 2012 that’s how many were signed up for it. And, by March 2012, it was considered the 3rd largest social networking site. The website is set up into different categories based on your personal interests. It ranges from home décor to technology to kids to food and even tattoos. The pictures give insight on a variety of information; including, how to do something this way or that way or even a whole new way.

The site also divides categories into what is popular or what everyone is looking at to a category that shows everything all at once. There is even a special section titled “Gifts” to introduce you to different ideas to gift someone with different price ranges depending on how much you want to spend on said person. Sign up today and get in-the-know on how-to’s.

Twitter–Quick, Concise Thoughts to the World Once you start pinning your favorite interests on boards, you’ll want to “tweet” about them on Twitter. Founded in July 2006, Twitter became the go-to spot to let the world know what is happening. It is a quick instant message to your friends and followers instead of going through your phone to text everyone individually or having to search for a phone number to call. Twitter gets it done quickly and efficiently. Twitter is organized as a newsfeed with over 500 million active users today. When you send message, it is called a “tweet”. Tweets can range from your thoughts on the happenings of the day to what you’re doing to promote an activity to sharing a news article or YouTube video

you found stimulating. Sometimes tweets get responses from friends and followers and even get “retweeted” to their list of followers. Followers are people who want to read your tweets. All of your followers will automatically get every tweet, an automatic setting, unless you change the setting to “private”. Twitter is also huge for celebrities. Many celebs have a Twitter account because of the fast-paced lives they lead. So, a lot of your favorites may be tweeting and will respond to one of your tweets to or about them!

Facebook–Largest Social Media Site Ever Tell us what is on your mind with Facebook. Created in October 2003, Facebook has become the largest social network source worldwide and is translated in over 50 languages.

connected with your child who is away at college or maybe that family member or long lost friend who has moved across the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHORs: Erica Caceres & Stephen Doyle are university students at Penn State Berks (both are in their 3rd year) majoring in professional writing.

Connect with the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA): Facebook: Page: Home Builders Association of Berks County Twitter: @HBAberks LinkedIn: Group: HBA Berks YouTube: Channel: HBAberks Pinterest: HBAberks

Facebook started out as a way to connect with friends personally; but, has evolved. Today, it is for both personal and business use. It is a trending network with over a Billion users as of October 4, 2012. You can personalize your profile with pictures, thoughts, quotations, or whatever is on your mind. Staying connected with people all around the world with Facebook has never been easier. Family and friends who move away can still stay connected through private instant messages or by posting directly on each other’s profiles. Perhaps now that we have explained some of the most popular social networks, you can log on and stay

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

to be @BrockBuilt not something like @bo578hh. Once you’ve created your username, be sure to fill in your name, website URL, background information and upload a photo or company logo. Additionally, if it is your company Twitter account, you will want to make sure everything you use is consistent with your brand image.

The Twitterverse:

Spread Your Message By Carol Morgan Flammer, MIRM

hat have you been tweeting lately? Whether you are an individual or company, Twitter, a social media microblog, is a great way to spread your messages and share the messages of others. Twitter users send and receive up to 140-character messages called “tweets”, which are similar to a text message or instant message, but to the whole world.

Open an Account When it comes time to start sharing your message, you’ll want to set up different accounts for your business and for your own personal use. Be sure to choose a name that makes sense for your audience. For example, if your company is named Brock Built, you would want your company twitter handle (name)

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

Tweet Away Ready to start tweeting? You only have 140 characters to make an impact, so make your tweets fun! What you say doesn’t have to be personal, but it should have personality. Tweet about everything from your company news, national or local news, pictures, tips and trends or even ask questions. It’s up to you to make it fun and start the conversations. In addition to sending out your own information, you can also use Twitter to “retweet” other user’s information (similar to forwarding an email), send a

private “direct message” to another user (similar to sending an email message) or simply tweet about a specific user by inserting their handle. In addition, you Connect with the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA): Facebook: Page: Home Builders Association of Berks County Twitter: @HBAberks LinkedIn: Group: HBA Berks YouTube: Channel: HBAberks Pinterest: HBAberks

HBAberks.org

may have seen the use of hash tags on other user’s posts (such as: #BerksCounty or #HBAberks); hash tags are created using the pound sign, and they are useful for categorizing tweets, searching for specific subjects and tracking trends.

Once you start tweeting, you’ll find that you start gaining new followers who want to see your content on their Twitter feed. Similarly, you or your company will also want to find people to follow. Good suggestions for business followers include clients, news outlets, industry influencers and your own staff. For example, if you are a home builder you may want to follow your homeowners, real estate agents, and local news publications. Individuals can follow their friends, accounts associated to their hobbies, news outlets, and more. By following users who are relevant to what you do or who you are, you will not only find more useful information, but you will also be broadcasting your message to the appropriate audiences who can help spread your message into the Twitterverse.

where you are. Another cool Twitter tool is www. BackTweets.com, which will show you exactly who has been tweeting the links you’ve created.

Managing Twitter If you’re ready to take your Twitter program to the next level, there are several useful applications and resources out there. Tweet Deck, Seesmic, and HootSuite can help organize your life on Twitter. These applications include built-in URL shortening, allow you to create groups of follows, sort through tweets quickly, and enable you to manage multiple accounts from one location. If you’re always on the go, you’ll also want to install the Twitter app for your smartphone device, so that you can tweet and check your Twitter feed no matter

Twitter, while it isn’t new to the social media scene, is still making a great impact for sharing and finding information fast. Unlike Facebook, tweets have a shorter shelf life, so you can and should update your account multiple times a day in order to reach a wider audience. And now that you have the basics, it’s time for you to start tweeting away!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carol Morgan Flammer, MIRM is the Managing Partner of mRELEVANCE. Contact Carol at: carol@mrelevance.com or at (770) 383-3360. mRELEVANCE can be found on the web at: www.marketingRELEVANCE.com

Instant message her.

Broadcasting Square Shopping Center Wyomissing • 610-374-9330 • VanScoy.com

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

have officially created your own personal Pinterest Account! Sounds easy enough, right?

Boards, Boards, and More Boards Now that you have an account, it’s time to start making your business the best it can be. Start off by creating a “board” for any projects you have completed or things you may be interested in as a company. A board serves as your company’s online Pinboard showcasing your talents in a creative way. Think of it as a cross between the break room cork bulletin board and your photo portfolio of your best work combined with a modern flair that everyone can see.

Are you “pinterest-ed?” By Jessica Ciesla & Alex Russo

oes Pinterest have you interested? With its tremendous growth over the past 6 months and its 10 million visitors worldwide, it should. Pinterest is a self-described “Virtual Pinboard Social Network” that allows you to organize and share photos you find on the web. It was launched in March of 2010, and its popularity sky rocketed shortly thereafter. According to Hitwise data, the site became one of the top 10 largest services in December 2011, with 11 million total visits per week. The following month, Pinterest created more online traffic to retailers than Google +, YouTube, and LinkedIn combined. It has become a phenomenon because of its visually appealing images and marketing potential. It allows businesses to create original online portfolios to gain views from possible customers. Your business can also gain consumer insights by showcasing completed projects. And, it is a great tool when it comes to competitive scouting, employee searching, and company growth.

join in Now let’s get started! Go to www.pinterest.com. From the home page, click the bright red box labeled “Join Pinterest”, and then choose which way you would prefer to sign up. Pinterest allows you to sign up with your e-mail address, 10

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

Facebook, or Twitter account information. Once you have done that, it will bring you to the “create your account” screen. Here you will plug in all the information requested to get your account started, then click “create account.” You

Click the “add” button in the top right corner of the home screen, and then select “create board.” This causes a box to pop up that allows you to name your board. Make your board name as creative and unique as possible–think marketing! This will draw the most attention to your business or project. Most importantly, it will

HBAberks.org

demonstrate what it stands for and what it means to you. Pinterest is an online art boutique that permits you to show off your work to the world–make it personal! Add feeling! Step outside your emotional boundaries to engage!

Customize to Make it You Pinterest serves as an online photo portfolio for either your own personal interest or the potential professional benefits it offers. Make your boards come to life! Do so by beginning back at the home page. At the top of the home page, there is a drop-down labeled “Categories,” with 36 unique categories to choose from – choose the best fit.

Select a category based on what you think will be most pertinent to your business’ or the project’s success. Next, scroll through all of the pictures under that category, selecting anything that draws your attention. Once you have selected a picture, click the “re-pin” button in the top left corner. This will automatically pin the picture to your board. Keep in mind that you can create as many boards as you like. The more variety you have, the broader your customer base will be.

Help It Grow Pinterest is about showcasing your unique style and using your creativity to market a specific product or service. The images you see under each specific category are general pictures that any user can obtain. To personalize your Pinterest, upload photos of previous projects you have completed. Start by clicking the “add” button in the top left corner of the home page,

and select “upload a pin.” This will bring you to a pop up box where you will select “browse” to search your own computer hard drive for photos you wish to pin.

The more photos you have on Pinterest, the more traffic will come to your account. This marketing tool is a great way to get your name out there with zero cash outlay and minimal start-up time. Whether you join Pinterest for entertainment or use it as a portfolio to help your business succeed, you won’t be disappointed. Pinterest offers a unique way to create buzz for your business while having fun in the process!

ABOUT THE AUTHORs: Jessica Ciesla & Alex Russo are students at Alvernia University under the guidance and tutelage of Assistant Professor Sue Guay in COM 330: News & Feature Writing in the College of Arts & Science. Professor Guay can be reached at sue.guay@alvernia.edu.

24-7 ELECTRIC LLC 24/7 elec. Rocco E. Cipolla

Owner

Phone: 610-898-0411 Mobile: 484-638-4575 415 Martins Road Sinking Spring, PA 19608 #PA011222

rocco247electric@gmail.com

Specializing in: Truck Lettering Sandblasting Hand Painting Banners Magnetics Trade Show Displays Electric Signs Windows/Doors Silk Screening 23 kt. Gold Leaf Full Color Digital Printing Bucket Truck Service

wisesigns.com / 610.929.7922 / 2603 Kutztown Rd. december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

Move Over Hollywood... By Chelsea Prosser & Colin Donovan

re you paying too much for advertising? Do you want to start getting your name out there, but yearn to find a way that is affordable? YouTube may be your answer. Small businesses and ordinary people no longer have to feel left behind because of expensive advertising. YouTube, the site for posting videos, allows anyone to upload anything they want for the world to see, free of charge. It is that simple. When YouTube went live in February 2005, it quickly became the go-to site to watch and share videos of anything and everything imaginable. Users typically create videos relating to music, movies, television shows, and even “howto” tutorials (Editor’s note: many of the dozens of videos on the HBAberks channel fit into this last category).

Business owners are finding more and more ways to use YouTube to promote their businesses each day. Even if you are not using it for business purposes, it is a great tool to use when you miss your favorite show or need help on how to do something. 12

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

Three former PayPal employees created the site. When Google agreed to buy YouTube in 2006, its popularity grew rapidly and it has continued to expand. The launch of advertising resulted in more professionally-produced videos to start appearing which drove views up drastically as users spent much more time on the site jumping from video to video. If you have never explored YouTube, there is no better time than the present to familiarize yourself with what it has to offer.

According to Alexa, a web information company, YouTube is the third most used site on the web. The site has become so popular, that some videos attract over 1 million viewers. It has launched or accelerated the careers of many wellknown celebrities; including singers (such as Justin Bieber and Straight No Chaser) and comedians (such as Tim Hawkins and Brian Regan), just from them posting videos of their talents. You may not be an aspiring celebrity, but that does not mean YouTube is not useful to you. It is a way for anyone to promote themselves or their business with relatively little effort.

in. However, if you plan to post videos, subscribe to others’ channels, comment, or like / dislike videos you must create an account.

Own One Yourself To create an account, begin by clicking the “Sign In” link in the top right corner. This will take you to the log-in screen. Since YouTube is a Google product, you must use your Gmail account to access YouTube, instead of creating another username and password. Proceed to Sign in, if you possess a Gmail account. If you do not have Gmail, you can create an account by clicking the red button “Create an Account” in the top right corner (shown below). Proceed by filling in your contact information that is required for log-in.

Explore You can begin to explore the site by simply typing www.youtube.com into your web browser. The screen shot below shows the home page of YouTube. Advertisements at the top are rotated and the order of videos change, but the

Upload Your First Video After creating an account or logging on through Gmail, you will be directed to the “Upload video files” page (shown next page). Here you can upload multiple files. If you want to upload a video from your computer, click “Select files from your computer.” A dialog box will appear, asking you to find the file of the video you want to upload. Once you find the file, click it and then click “Open.” Sometimes you will not be directed to the page shown below. This page shows up for new customers when they initially log-in. After you log-in for the first time, you must use the “Upload” link, located at the top of the site, to upload your video(s) (shown at top of next column). Connect with the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA):

basic layout of the home page remains the same. You have the option of searching for videos on the site without logging

Facebook: Page: Home Builders Association of Berks County Twitter: @HBAberks LinkedIn: Group: HBA Berks YouTube: Channel: HBAberks Pinterest: HBAberks

HBAberks.org

Bob Keeney

SALES

Fleet Manager

MANDERBACH FORD

bkeeney1@netzero.net

4450 5th St. Hwy.

manderbach.com

Temple, PA 19560

The screen shot below pictures a video uploading. While you are waiting, give the video a title, a short description and choose a category (movie, music, how-to, etc.). Modify the privacy settings to your liking and also choose to have your videos be private or open to the public (most of the time you will want: public). All of these settings are optional, but it is important to specify what you prefer because it allows viewers to find your video(s) more easily.

610.929.3683

Sloan Corp.

A REMODELING COMPANY Serving Berks County Since 1972

Kert E. Sloan CGR, CAPS, CGP President

Cathy A. Sloan CGR, CAPS, CGP Office Manager

It will be published on YouTube for everyone to see (if you chose for it to be public). YouTube also allows you to share your videos by posting a link on another website or embedding code directly into a web site to allow a video screen to be displayed on the that site with your video prominently displayed. When you do this, more people will know that you are using YouTube and they will be curious about what you posted.

From this guide, hopefully you have a better understanding of what YouTube has to offer. It is a free advertising tool that can enhance any business or you as an individual. Integrating social networking like YouTube, into your business, will guarantee great success. Subscribe to the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Berks County: YouTube Channel: HBAberks

Comment on our videos, make requests, and like or dislike them. The best thing about social media is the social interaction. Express yourself!

USING 90% AMERICAN & PENNSYLVANIA MADE PRODUCTS!

• Vinyl Replacement Windows • Steel Entry Doors • Storm Door • Patio Rooms & Roof

• Retractable Screens • Aluminum Awnings • Kitchen & Baths

Plus So Much More For Your Home! 610-921-2201

www.aluminumassociatessloancorp.com 2907 Mannerchor Rd., Temple, PA 19560 Showroom by Appointment PAOAGHIC: 000272 NAT-22208-0

ABOUT THE AUTHORs: Chelsea Prosser & Colin Donovan are students at Alvernia University under the guidance and tutelage of Assistant Professor Sue Guay in COM 330: News & Feature Writing in the College of Arts & Science. Professor Guay can be reached at sue.guay@alvernia.edu

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

Password you wish to be affiliated with LinkedIn (you can change these later) Click the Join Now button.

“Link It Up” By Kellie Lorence & Matt Bruno

a simple, entry-level LinkedIn account!

Unless you just happen to have an afternoon to dedicate to building your profile, we recommend doing a little bit, from this point on, over time. Spend a few minutes each week growing your network and completing your profile.

What is LinkedIn and how do you link it up?

ssentially, LinkedIn is a large professional database that has a strong search tool to aid you in finding others using very specific criteria. It is a great contact network that allows people to have direct connections with other professionals worldwide. This, in turn, makes their connection’s connections available (second tier) plus their connection’s connection’s connections available (third tier). Thus, the more connections you have, the more people with specific talents & experiences you can find and the more you can be found.

After completing the opening page, check the email account you just tied to LinkedIn. You will have a confirmation email waiting/arriving shortly from LinkedIn so the social media site can be sure the email you used is, in fact, yours. Clicking through

LinkedIn is a great way to manage professional contacts to grow a professional network. As an example, you should have left your previous employer on good terms, thus you should have a connection with your former boss. As your former boss advances in his career or changes careers, he expands his connections. Since the former boss is a connection of yours, anyone who is not a connection of yours that is connected to him is displayed as a mutual contact. You can ask the former boss to e-introduce you or approach his connection directly.

Linking to the Professional World It is incredibly fast and easy to get started on LinkedIn, but more time-consuming to build a full and complete profile. Focus on getting up and running. Browse to www.LinkedIn.com Enter in your First Name. Enter in your Last Name. Type the Email Address and 14

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

that link will take you to another general information entry page. Here you can enter: your

employment status (drop-down menu of selections), country, zip code, company name, the industry in which you work, and your position there. Click the blue “Create My Profile” button and you have

HBAberks.org

Growing Your Network To begin growing your network, click the Add Connections button to connect with people from your current email address books. This is a quick jumpstart to creating a presence and network. Additionally, you can join different groups or organizations; such as: high school, college, company pages, or professional associations (such as: HBA Berks).

Since you will need to wait for contacts you wish to “connect to” to accept your invitation, it is actually less timeconsuming to spread out your profile and network building over many short sessions as opposed to one longer one.

As each new connection is created, either by them accepting your invitation to connect or by you accepting theirs, LinkedIn will send you an email notifying you of the new mutual connection. Use this as a reminder to spend some time going through each of their connections searching for other professional people you know and may have forgotten about. This, again, is not a once-and-

done process. Like live networking, it is an ever-going, ever-growing activity that requires little, but some time on a continuing basis.

Using LinkedIn as a Tool With time, your online network will grow as will the associated search properties. You will then be able to easily search your connections and their connections for other professionals with the specific talent or experience you seek.

Rewards Far Outweigh the Time Investment

They can also use LinkedIn to build an online presence and have a series of links that lead to their company or business’ website. Users can follow different companies to see what jobs may or may not be available to apply for in the company. Overall, LinkedIn is a very helpful professional social network that provides people with the opportunity to find jobs, employees, and connections. Link It Up!

LinkedIn users can put their resume online for potential career opportunities and use LinkedIn to find jobs, connections, and business-related openings in their ABOUT THE AUTHORs: network. Employers Kellie Lorence & Matt Bruno are students at Alvernia can post job openings and research people University under the guidance and tutelage of Assistant Professor Sue Guay in COM 330: News & Feature Writing who may be qualified in the College of Arts & Science. Professor Guay can be for certain positions. reached at sue.guay@alvernia.edu

Upstanding delivery service for over 25 years. Meeting Your Expedite Delivery Needs We go anywhere! And we accommodate rush or high priority deliveries. If your needs are beyond Fed-Ex, UPS, or other common carriers, give us a call. Parcon Express is a leader on the East Coast for customer specific warehousing and trucking.

Services Warehousing Same Day Delivery Freight Transfer Expedite Delivery Animal Transport

Contact: 35 Queen Street Sinking Spring, PA 610.812.9579 parconexpressfreight.com trevor@parconexpressfreight.com

We specialize in office and business equipment warehousing and delivery

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

provides you a space to share how you are going to give your customers what they want. All you have to do is follow these easy steps.

Create Your Account

The Face of the Future

Start your Facebook account at the Facebook home page (www.facebook. com) to fill out some simple information that lets Facebook know who you are. Create a password and username. Having a safe and secure password is important to maintaining the safety of the Facebook group.

Add a profile picture to your new Facebook page. Pick a photo that describes your company well. It could be a picture of the outside of your company’s building, your company logo, or maybe a picture of the company staff. To add this photo, click on the “upload from computer” button and choose a saved photo.

By Sydney Glasmyre & Billy Tharp

re you looking for a way to promote your business, get more customers, or to have one easy place for people to find information? Facebook is the site for you! No matter your knowledge of computers, Facebook is easy to set up and even easier to manage. By taking the first step and getting a Facebook account, you are setting your company up for success and gaining a low-cost opportunity to network your company in a way that was never possible before. A Facebook page allows you to gain knowledge of what your potential customers want and

Write a brief description about your business. This is a very useful tool so that Facebook users who view your page can easily understand your company. Next, you will be taken to the screen to enter more specific detail about your business. Enter your address and other vital details about your businesses location. This information will be on your groups Facebook page which allows customers to visit your shop.

Manage Your Account With the above steps, your page is complete. The first thing you will notice when you see your created page will be the “Admin Panel” at the top of your home screen. This helps you keep track of your business

HBAberks.org

page. The section labeled “Notifications” shows if anyone has liked your page, liked any posts you have made, or commented on anything on your page. The section labeled “Messages” demonstrates if anyone has sent you a message through Facebook.

Add a bit of cheer to your décor with holiday lights from Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting!

To get started, peruse our beautiful, unique collection of lights and décor from the online catalog on our web site www.AnewaltsLandscape.com. We will generate a digital design of your location with the professional trimmings for your approval. From start to finish, let Anewalt’s care for your holiday trimmings including: Installation - Removal Storage - Maintenance

The top section of your page, with your pictures and company name, is where users will look to see what your company does, what it’s about, and if they are interested in it. Below that, there is a box that you can type in. This is called your “Wall”. In that box you can create a “post”. A post is anything you want to tell your customers and followers through Facebook. The posts can be about what events are coming up that are related to your business, or any new services/products your company offers that you would like to share with your customers. You can also add photos and videos in this box. Other Facebook users can “comment” on these posts which means they share their opinions on what you wrote. They can give you feedback, opinions, or simply say ‘hello’. Another thing users can do is “share” your posts to their Facebook or one of their friends’ Facebook page. This means that anyone who looks at their page or their friends’ page will see your post.

Whether decorating your home or your business, Anewalt’s has a festive solution! Anewalt’s offers you creative and durable holiday products and lighting. From the classical look of the Icicle LightLinks™ to the modern Star Lightlink™, you will surely find a style to compliment your home or enhance your business.

www.AnewaltsLandscape.com

Beautifying Pennsylvania...One Yard at a Time!

These steps will create your new Facebook page where you can connect with clients, attract new customers, and get feedback about your business. Now that you

know how to set up and run a Facebook page, your company is well on its way to communicating to your audience and making you money.

ABOUT THE AUTHORs: Sydney Glasmyre & Billy Tharp are students at Alvernia University under the guidance and tutelage of Assistant Professor Sue Guay in COM 330: News & Feature Writing in the College of Arts & Science. Professor Guay can be reached at sue.guay@alvernia.edu

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

HBAberks.org

Splashing in Style... The latest in water related products, services, and tips for home builders, designers and home owners in Berks County. By Phyllis J. McLaughlin

ince the times of transporting water in buckets from rivers, streams, and lakes for utilitarian purposes, the transfer of water from one place to another has continuously evolved and dramatically improved. Catering to our ever changing need for efficiency, comfort, and style in our daily lives, an entire industry has grown and developed devoted to satisfying the need for customers shopping for water related products and services. Today’s customer now faces unlimited choices for products and services for the bathroom, kitchen, entertainment and heating. In the wake of recent Hurricane Sandy, many of us had a taste, or even our fill of what it might have been like for our ancestors to manage without systems for the delivery of water and electricity into our homes and businesses. My research portion of this article fell a few days prior to the storm and lasted through the wake of the storm here in Berks County. Many of our building suppliers and plumbers were “on the job” during these hectic days, and we applaud them for the unyielding commitment to meet our needs in a time of crisis. Hence, I was fortunate enough to receive assistance for this article from HBA-member Lowes of Hamburg.

Let’s explore some of the latest trends here in Berks County.

Kitchen Trends Being noted most often as the central hub and gathering place in the home, the kitchen must straddle the line between providing a high level of functionality, while at the same time reflecting a warm, inviting, and stylish atmosphere. Choices for the modern kitchen literally include everything AND the kitchen sink! One of the popular trends includes the change 18

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

in the standard installation of the kitchen sink. The traditional drop-in kitchen sink has now found a new home beneath the kitchen counter top as undermount

installations have moved to the forefront. “Everyone wants an undermount sink right now,” says Grace Catranis, Interior Project Specialist for Lowes of Hamburg. She adds, “No one wants cracks between the sink and counter top where sticky food and bacteria can build up, plus you can push dirt and food right into the sink!

HBAberks.org

Reach the Right Consumers At Home in Berks reaches HBA members and Berks County residents who are business owners, homeowners and associated building trades, services and supply providers who purchase construction-related equipment, materials, supplies and services, and home and property-related goods and services.

Timeless Elegance

•Masano Architects Group, Inc. Balanced Architecture

Sensitive Design • Controlled Costs • Pro-active Service

610.376.4699 • (F) 610.375.3887 • magarch @ comcast.net C o m m e rc i al • I ndus t r i a l • M uni c i p a l • R e s i d e n t i a l

For advertising information: Web: nhgi.net/media email: HBAads@nhgi.net Call: 610.685.0914, ext. 201

717.645.2944

HarvP@stealthinsulation.com 109 Millers Lane Harrisburg, PA

Consider the air cleaned once and for all. Intr oducing t he ind ust ry’s best per fo rm ing ventil at ion syst em. * Built right int o t he dow ndraft cookt op .

Its powe r ful ventilatio n clears th e air of sm oke and odors as you cook. All w ithout a hood. Experience it at th e exclusive show room below or at jennair.com /cooktop .

Myerstown 800-887-7555

Brownstown 800-224-3612

Cleona

800-518-7555

Reading

866-497-2481

Ephrata

877-733-7730

Quarryville

800-786-7231

www.martinsappliance.com * Com pared to hoo ds and ot her dow ndraf t cooktops.

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

HBAberks.org

The Clear Choice for ALL your Glass Needs! Since 1963, B&G Glass has been providing quality glass products and service in Eastern Pennsylvania with knowledgeable, professional and friendly service. B&G Glass continues to set the standards of excellence in all avenues of glass–from repair and replacement, to custom design and installation.

Custom glass – to meet all your needs Frameless shower enclosures Mirrors for bathrooms & exercise rooms Committed to superior quality Our goal is to exceed your expectations

www.bgglass.com 1440 Carbon Street, Reading, PA 19601

610.372.7868

info@bgglass.com

Let our family secure yours Be in 2 places at 1 time with no worries! SAH, along with partner Alarm.com, can connect you to your system wherever you may be!

Gilbertsville (610) 367.2036

Pottstown (610) 327.1120

admoyer.com

AUT & IN OMATIO TER N SERV ACTIVE AVA ICES ILAB LE

Custom Deck Specialists    

Inspect Repair Design Build

PA 010620

610-376-8086 BreyerConstruction.com 20

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

PA#008492

formerly Secure-A-Home | 610.372.8872 | sahinc.com

HBAberks.org

that all information is coordinated with the plumbing contractor and the customer to create a positive project ending.

I received a resounding emphasis from both team members; the Brushed Nickel finish is now the most sought after finish in both kitchen and bathroom faucets and fixtures. Product lines from Moen, Kohler, Delta, Peerless, and Pfister provide a healthy variety of choices for the consumer. “One-handled brushed nickel kitchen and bath faucets are the most popular with our customers,” says Mark. An entire isle dedicated to kitchen faucets supports this ongoing trend for these functional products serving a dual role as fashion statements for the room. “Everything is Brushed Nickel right now! That’s the default finish,” echoes Grace.

Bathroom trends The traditional drop-in kitchen sink has now found a new home beneath the kitchen counter top as undermount installations have moved to the forefront. It gives the kitchen a nice clean look.” While composite granite and enameled cast iron have become popular, the standard stainless steel sink has remained in first place. “The standard stainless steel sink is popular because it is simple, sturdy, and functional,” says Mark Guigley, Plumbling Department Manager for Lowes of Hamburg

Serving the homeowner, and their guests, largely for functional purposes, the bathroom still rates high on the scale for comfort and style when shopping for products and accessories.

Less expensive shower head models often beat out the expensive ones in consumer tests. Whether one prefers a spa, a standard tub, a shower surround or a custom tile shower, today’s customer is presented with a number of quality choices based on their budget. “Many people are choosing showers rather than tubs as they age,” says Mark Guigley. “Tubs and showers are pretty standard for new construction and remodeling unless one chooses tile.” Mark adds that tile showers are still very popular, and provide a multitude of water pressure and flow delivery options from rainheads to single and multi-function

Whether one prefers a spa, a standard tub, a shower surround or a custom tile shower, today’s customer is presented with a number of quality choices based on their budget.

As Mark and I explored the isles of the plumbing departments for popular trends and options for products from a buyer’s perspective, I quickly realized the importance of organized collaboration between various areas of expertise while pulling together a new kitchen or bathroom project. While Mark was able to identify all of the products related to his department, it came to the point where we needed the expertise of another team member to complete the thought process. Grace added that since the installation of the kitchen sink has now changed dramatically. It’s imperative

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

HBAberks.org

The strong trend for brushed nickel in faucets and accessories carries over to the bathroom as well.

Hand held showerheads in the same finish have replaced standard showerheads, and a considerable selection can be found through Moen and Delta manufacturers. Today’s standard toilets are indeed crafted as thrones that are fit for a

The most popular trend in vanity top sinks is still the cultured marble and a wide variety of colors

heads, to spa misters and body sprays, and everything in between, but cautions homeowners to seek design support and installation by qualified plumbing and shower professionals to have the job done right. At this point Grace Catranis adds, ”I see a lot of people considering tile showers, but when they see the cost, they opt for a tub/shower surround. It’s lower in price for materials and labor.” Bathroom sinks and bases have expanded to include a wide variety of options. As with trends in kitchen sinks, the use of drop-in bathroom sinks has gradually faded as well. Vessel sinks, which include basin, bowl type units which sit on a base, and come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, have not been quite as popular here in Berks County as they have been in other areas of the country. This should be taken into consideration while building and 22

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

remodeling in your home, and possibly needing to resell your home to an audience which does not necessarily embrace this trend. “Of course, the most popular trend in vanity top sinks is still the cultured marble and a wide variety of colors,” says Mark.

king, or queen. All new toilets are manufactured with approved ADA (American Disabilities Act) standards which include 18” chair height seats, and elongated toilet bowls which have gravitated from the standard round bowls. This new standard has eliminated the need for costly remodeling when homeowners become seniors, or possibly disabled at any time in their lives. Kohler and American Standard lead the way with these bathroom necessities and, along with these improvements, they have continued to remain aware of conservation with water saving features in all of their products. Both toilets and tubs have gravitated toward neutral finishes, and away from color which tends to become outdated easily. A home would not be complete without the one major appliance which generally hides itself in a dark corner hidden from sight…so hidden, we often forget that it is even there...until...it is not working! Yes, it’s our home water

The strong trend for brushed nickel in faucets and accessories carries over to the bathroom as well.

HBAberks.org

You know us for our Outside products. Decking • Railing • Fencing • Roofing • Siding • Windows

see what we can do for you inside! Visit our showroom. Kitchens • Baths • Cabinets • Countertops

heater! Water heater manufacturers have also stepped up their product appeal to customers in an environment which emphasizes green living and conservation. John Amante says, “Homeowners seeking alternatives for water heating upgrades or replacements should look for higher ENERGY STAR rated heaters which could help them save up to 62% in energy costs over standard water heaters, and may qualify for selected utility rebates.”

1047 Old Bernville Road Reading, PA 19605 610.926.8800 800.578.5645

As I conclude the last leg of my journey, I realize with complete clarity that none of this information would mean anything without our professionals in the field...builders, building material and home goods suppliers, and plumbing contractors...those who pull it all together to make the magic happen!!

(South of 222 off 183 N behind Classic Harley)

So here’s a list of HBA members who could help you navigate toward a successful plumbing project. Feel free to seek them out for all of your future needs. Happy Splashing! Plumbing A P Merkel Inc. Blankenbiller Plumbing/Heating/AC Capital Plumbing Comfort Pro, Inc. GMI First, Inc.

Appliances LeRoy Schannauer Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Fromm Electric

Paul W. Essig, Inc.

Maidencreek TV & Appliances

Sentry Plumbing & Heating Wilson Home Improvement

L.H. Brubaker Appliances, Inc. Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning

december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

Parade of Homes 2012

WINNERS

he Home Builders Association (HBA) of Berks County would like to thank

everyone for the wonderful outpouring of support we received during the 2012 Parade of Homes. We received many wonderful comments about our homes, but we could not have done it without help from our committed contractors and suppliers. A special thank you to the corporate sponsors of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parade - for their commitment to the participating builders and the Home Builders Association of Berks County.

Kitchen:

Classic Homes and Renovations

Exterior Best Exterior - Etoile Development Group LLC Honorable Mention Best Exterior - Classic Homes and Renovations

Interior Best Interior - Etoile Development Group LLC Honorable Mention Best Interior - Classic Homes and Renovations

Kitchen Best Kitchen - Etoile Development Group LLC

Etoile Development Group LLC

Decorating Best Decorating - Etoile Development Group LLC Honorable Mention Best Decorating - Garman Builders, Inc.

Landscape Best Landscaping - Etoile Development Group LLC Honorable Mention Best Landscaping - Classic Homes

Honorable Mention Best Kitchen - Classic Homes and Renovations

and Renovations

Bath

Best of Show

Best Bath - Etoile Development Group LLC

Best of Show - Etoile Development Group LLC

Honorable Mention Best Bath - Grande Construction Company

Honorable Mention Best of Show - Classic Homes

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

and Renovations

HBAberks.org

Living room: Etoile Development Group LLC Home exterior: Classic Homes and Renovations

2012 Parade of Homes Winners (from left) Laura Grande, Grande Construction Company; Rosanna DiBiase, Classic Homes and Renovations; Shawn Garman, Garman Builders, Inc.; and Cindy & John Iglar, Etoile Development Group, LLC Best of Show Award Winners: John & Cindy Iglar, Etoile Development Group with 2012 HBA President Kevin Kozo

Best of Show Runner Up Rosanna DiBiase receives her certificate from 2012 HBA President Kevin Kozo Best Exterior Winner John Iglar, Etoile Development Group LLC receives his award from 2012 HBA President Kevin Kozo december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

HBAberks.org

Membership happenings 2012-2013 Upcoming Events...

dec 7

dec 13

dec 15

jan 22-24

jan 31

Annual Christmas Party & Installation Banquet Toscani

feb

RMCTC Career Roundtable

feb

HBA Power Education Hour: The Good Life Financial Group

6:00 pm–10:00 pm

New Membership Orientation HBA Conference Room 3:00 pm–4:30 pm

NYC Bus Trip

Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center

HBA Conference Room 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Leave from HBA Parking Lot 7:00 am–(return)10:00 pm

NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) Las Vegas, NV

Remodelers Council Mixer Location TBD 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

HBA of Berks County Committee Meetings

Education Committee

Government Affairs Committee

Quarterly: Second Tuesday @ 3:30 pm, HBA Conf. Rm.

Bi-Monthly: Third Thursday @ 12:00 noon, HBA Conf. Rm.

Building Task Force

Membership & Communications Committee

Bi-Monthly: Second Wednesday @ 1:00 pm, HBA Conf. Rm.

Monthly: Fourth Monday @ 12:00 noon, HBA Conf. Rm.

Executive Committee

HBA Board of Directors

Monthly: Third Tuesday @ 12:00 noon, HBA Member Restaurant

Monthly Fourth Tuesday @ 3:00 pm, HBA Conf. Rm.

AT HOME IN BERKs december 2012

HBAberks.org

Member 2 Member Discount Program

s one of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA), the following members are offering the discounts listed to HBA members only. If you would like to join the HBA or offer a Member 2 Member Discount, contact the HBA office: 610.777.8889. Aluminum Associates / Sloan Corporation Contact: Kert E. Sloan 610.921.2201

Welcome New Members! Yaculak Concrete

Blake Yaculak. 846 South Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. PH: 610.323.8134. FX: 610.323.6092. yaculakconcrete@aol.com. Sponsor: Kevin Kozo

Calling on writers...

One of the unique features about At Home in Berks AmeriGas Propane is the content is written by experts-not professional Contact: Jim Scheaffer 800.533.3537 authors. In fact, employFree tank set & 5 cent per gallon discount on propane ees of HBA member (Some restrictions apply) companies are given top priority to write for the magazine (in keeping with the editorial Berks Transfer calendar) about topics in which they are exceptionally proficient. Contact: Bob Quinn 610.926.7626 Additionally, budding amateur writers (defined as: unpaid), who $50 off 1st can order to new customers are Berks County residents and are earger to write about topics Quality Floors Inc. as assigned by the Editor-in-Chief, are also given the opportunity Contact: Chuck Smith 800.446.6035 to grow their talents and build their portfolios such that they may someday become professional writers (paid for their written 10% off any order work). As such, the magazine works with the communications and (Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases) journalism departments of our wonderful Berks County Colleges & Geoff Penske Buick GMC Universities to give students this unparalleled opportunity (though Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300 anyone is eligible to “try their hand,” not just students). GM affinity program & partnership with HBA Contact Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM, Editor-in-Chief to

5% discount on all services

(Call Victor for more details on how you can save)

Martin’s Flooring, Inc. Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799

discuss opportunities at 610.777.8889.

Preparing Your Own Whether Cycling or Tax 1040 Tax Returns? Planning, I Always Give 100%

10% off materials only (Ask about our contractor referral program)

Thank You to these renewing members of HBA Berks! 1st Year Anniversary Kevin K. Ohlinger Residential Design L.L.C.

2-5 years 24-7 Electric LLC Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting Berky’s Transfer and Site Container Service Bieber Electric & Remodeling Bogia Engineering, Inc. Control Alt Energy Creation Cabinetry E. G. Smith, Inc. Farm & Home Energy L. A. Kehres Building & Remodeling – Brad Kehres (Affiliate) Mast Roofing & Construction, Inc. Precision Fire Protection Inc. Sentinel Exteriors LLC Signature Sign, Inc.

■

ProBuild Ram Siding Co., Inc.

11-15 years

■

Santilli Oil Company ParenteBeard LLC Yale Electric Supply/Division of CED York International

16-20 years

Did you know the IRS estimates that the average taxpayer call now for who prepares his own return spends 23 hours y ear-end tax preparing his 1040?*

planning!

Did you know that Pennsylvania CPAs are required to pass the rigorous CPA exam and obtain 80 hours of Certified Professional Education every 2 years, to retain their licenses?

Did you know that CPAs can prepare your return for nearly theCPA same costTax as Planning the “chain” firms, For: Rodger Krause, Offers andtax Preparation with a better chance for above average returns?  Individual, Partnership & Corporate Returns

A.D. Moyer Lumber & Hardware, Inc. E J B Paving & Materials Co. Gallen Insurance, Inc. Stereo Barn

■

21-25 years

 Auditing, Reviews and Compiled Statements *According to the IRS Disclosure, Privacy ActFinancial & Paperwork Reduction Act Notice

Applied Geoscience & Engineering, Inc. Straub Roofing & Concrete, Inc.

26-30 years

6-10 years

Keepsake Homes, Inc.

Affinity Bank of PA C G R Construction, Inc. Dennis Gass Contracting European Builders Geoff Penske Buick GMC Liberty Environmental, Inc.

B & G Glass Bachman Iron Works, Inc. Brightbill Construction Dolan Construction, Inc. Greth Homes

31+ years

RODGERKRAUSE, CPA Certified Public Accountant

Expert & Professional Tax preparation for over 26 years. We take great pride in our work.

2210 Ridgewood Rd., Wyomissing

610.670.1040 info@RodgerKrauseCPA.com december 2012 AT HOME IN BERKS

Peanut Bar

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Gift Card

A BERKS COUNTY TRADITION

A Perfect Fit

COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

get baCk

to What You Love At HealthSouth Reading Rehabilitation Hospital, we’re committed to one thing—getting you back to what you love. That’s why we’re dedicated to bringing you a higher level of care in everything we do. Our ongoing commitment drives us to offer the newest technologies and customized programs that have helped HealthSouth Reading earn The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification for Stroke, Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. When you or a loved one needs rehabilitation, choose HealthSouth Reading Rehabilitation Hospital. Disease-Specific Care Certification by The Joint Commission for Stroke, Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

A Higher Level of Care

“ I fire up and test every furnace before it comes off the line.”

One reason York ® Heating and Air Conditioning Systems are so reliable is because our people “own” them before you do. From the assembly line to your home, they take personal ownership of each and every part they are responsible for. That’s what we mean when we say: Built right. Built by York. Visit us at York.com

Heating & Air Conditioning

866-307-7625

610-845-2261

610-926-4200 610-378-9616

610-670-1000