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DIGITAL EDITION OF
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www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org
Builders Waiting for Stronger Growth NAHB Washington, DC
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429
The new year opened with hope that the 3% growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reported for the end of 2011 would lead to stronger job growth and improving housing markets. While January and February offered positive economic news, March and April reporting suggested that unusually warm weather may have accelerated some economic activity at the expense of the spring months. Overall, first-quarter GDP grew at a subpar, seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.2%. Declining growth in inventory investment and weak nonresidential investment were the primary reasons. Increases in inventory investment boosted GDP growth at the end of 2011 by 1.8 percentage points. In addition, federal government spending also recorded a significant (5.6%) decline.
However, the long-term trend remains positive for economic growth. Personal consumption and exports were up for the first quarter of the year. And excluding the inventory adjustment, growth in GDP increased from 1.1% to 1.6% from the last quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2012. Nonetheless, the slowdown was consistent with weak employment growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported only 115,000 net jobs were added to the economy in April. The unemployment rate ticked down to 8.1%, but this is a “good news is actually bad news" situation: The rate fell because 342,000 people stopped looking for work and left the labor force. Declines like these are bad for household formation and housing demand. Nonetheless, the recent average monthly employment gain stands at 200,000 jobs, so a pickup in GDP should lead to more robust job growth. The BLS March Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey reveals a disconnect worth watching in future months. The job openings rate has increased steadily since the end of the Great Recession. Total job openings totaled only about 1.75% of employment in early 2009. The openings rate is now at 2.7%. However, the hiring rate has experienced only a slight uptick over the same period, increasing from about 3% to 3.3%. An obvious question: If the number of job openings is growing, why have we not experienced a corresponding increase in hiring and thus net job creation? Two possible explanations seem likely. First, there may exist a skills mismatch between jobs needing to be filled and available workers. Second, ongoing problems in the housing market, particularly the ability of new home buyers to obtain affordable credit, may be preventing prospective workers from relocating to accept job opportunities. Despite the recent slowdown, consumer confidence remains steady according to both the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey. In fact, the three-month moving averages of both surveys continue to show dramatic improvement since the third quarter of last year. The recent pause in improving economic conditions has been reflected in recent housing market data. The May NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index fell slightly from a count of 101 to a total of 100 improving markets, according to an evaluation of local residential construction, housing prices and job growth. The index continues to
utlook show about one-quarter of all metropolitan areas as improving according to this conservative measure. Total private residential construction spending was, in fact, up slightly (0.7%) during March, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Single-family construction led the way, increasing 3.8% in March, more than offsetting the 1.3% decline from February. Multifamily, which has been the standout for home building in the past year, was down in March by 3.1%, although the February gain was revised up from 2% to 3.6%. However, home improvement slumped for the fourth consecutive month, registering a 1.9% decline. The lack of growth for remodeling spending in recent months is consistent with NAHB survey results. The NAHB Remodeling Market Index fell one point for the first quarter of 2012, falling to 47. Both components of the index, which measure current market conditions and future remodeling activity, fell during the quarter. It seems reasonable to believe that the end of the remodeling tax credit (the section 25C energy-efficient upgrade credit) is in part responsible. Other housing indicators also show a slowing of improvement. For the first quarter of 2012, the Census Bureau reported that the homeownership rate fell to 65.5%, after three quarters of hovering
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around 66%. House price data from the Case-Shiller and Federal Housing Finance Agency indicate that prices were relatively unchanged for March. Yet there are signs of future growth in housing demand. Perhaps most important is that the National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index for March increased more than 4%, reaching its highest level since the end of the home buyer tax credit period. This level suggests higher rates of existing home sales in the near future. However, builders should be aware of price increases for building materials. In particular, NAHB has been tracking the run-up in gypsum prices and, more recently, lumber prices due to supply issues in Canada. The increase in lumber prices may trigger a reduction in the import tariff. Finally, May is National Remodeling Month. With this in mind, NAHB recently produced research on home improvement issues. The research finds that the existing housing stock is in worse condition that previous estimates suggested and concludes that more than 10 million homes are physically inadequate, twice the total of previous estimates. And NAHB survey data indicates that bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects were the most common home improvement jobs in 2011.
Young Designers Scholarship opportunities for our next generation of home designers
The El Paso Independent Shcool District awarded the EPAB for our efforts in providing scholarship opportunites for student home designers. Read more about the Yung Designers competition on page 8.
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President’s Message |
Frank Arroyos President, El Paso Association of Builders
April came and went with lots of activity. Let’s not forget the Texas primary election scheduled for May 29; the 2012 runoff election will be July 31st. Since the legislative, congressional and state board of education districts have been redrawn according to state law, several district lines have moved. To find updated district information visit www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us Candidates will be selected for federal, state and local representation. For more questions on how, when and where to vote yo can visit www.votetexas.gov
El Paso Disposal
772-7495
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Heroes give selflessly and make time for others Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB
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his time around I have to say a few things about a great group of people who take time out of their daily lives to give back to the association. You know them as fellow members or perhaps a client or mentor. I know them as all of that and one more…heroes. I don’t like to use that word lightly and I would be remiss if I didn’t say that my gut wrenches when I hear “hero” used for comic book characters, ball players, actors or especially politicians. I will say that earning a living and in some instances a large living doesn’t automatically qualify you as a hero. Belonging to a profession doesn’t automatically make you a hero. According to Dictionary.com the definition of hero is: Noun, plural heroes; for 5 also heroes. 1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has
performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child. 3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc. 4. Classical Mythology. a. a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity. b. (in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability. c. (in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod. 5. hero sandwich. Now I have to say that the use of “man” better mean mankind, i.e. men and women so that I don’t get hate mail or worse. But clearly the message here is that someone has to do something extraordinary like saving a life, or providing for someone without expectation of reward. I’m a fan of American Idol the talent show. I got upset when the producers of that show called the finalist “heroes”. These kids haven’t done anything heroic, they have used talent to get into the finals and that’s it thus far. They are in fact “idolized” by many and therefore the tag idol is probably ok to use, but not hero. So I began to think about our heroes and I quickly
came up with names of those who give to the association without regard or expectation of personal gain. The volunteers who took time to be involved in the membership drive really qualify under that definition you would agree. They are busy, successful, powerful business people who give without regard to personal gain. The 1%ers of our association. So to all of our volunteers in the membership drive I would like to act as the Grand Wizard of this place we call our OZ, and bestow upon you the title of “Hero” for meritorious contribution and enthusiastic support of the El Paso Association of Builders. Thank you my heroes. We couldn’t survive without you.
ome Your New H eva
The editor of any publication, whether it’s a church bulletin or a major newspaper or blog must weigh what content will be presented in the publication and what his or her editorial commentary will be. In the last issue I editorialized on the impact that happens when someone close dies. I want to thank those of you who reached out to say that you understood the editorial and thanked me for saying something that they felt was said in good taste and with good intentions. I appreciate those kind words because that’s exactly how I intended them to be read. Now go out and get some members and do some business with the membership.
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Builders Outlook
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Construction self employment rates are on the rise Construction is known for employing a relatively high share of self employed workers. In fact, according to the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS), the construction sector registers the second highest share of self-employed among all industries, more than 26 percent of the employed labor force, i.e. more than one in four construction workers are self employed. Only agriculture has a higher share of self-employed, close to 34 percent, while a national average for all industries stands at 10 percent. It has always been common for some builders and remodelers to maintain relatively small payrolls and rely on subcontractors for a large share of the construction work. Interestingly, selfemployment rates in the construction industry started to rise during the housing downturn and increased from 24 percent in 2006 to 26 percent in 2010. At the same time a national selfemployment rate fell from 11 to 10 percent, and self employment in agriculture declined from 41 to 34 percent. Moreover, states known to have been hit hardest by the housing downturn – Florida, California, Nevada, and Arizona – registered some of the highest jumps in the construction selfemployment rates. According to the ACS, the share of self-employed construction workers rose in Arizona from 16 to 21 percent and in Florida
from less than 24 to 29 percent. Similarly, the share of self-employed construction workers increased by more than 4 percent in Nevada and almost 4 percent in California. It is likely that during the downturn builders and remodelers who were no longer able to maintain a steady work flow may have tried to manage costs by eliminating payroll positions and joining the ranks of the self-employed. It is also possible that some construction employees laid off during the downturn were able to stay in the industry by striking out on their own. The 2010 ACS data also show that five New England states have the highest shares of self employed construction workers. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire register shares in excess of 40 percent – 43.1 percent, 41.1 percent, 40.3 percent, respectively – well above a national average. Connecticut and Rhode Island follow with 38.5 and 36.9 percent. Montana registers the sixth highest construction self employment rate in the nation, 34.9 percent, i.e. more than one in three construction workers in Montana are self-employed. Interestingly, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Montana also stand out for having relatively high shares of residential construction workers in their state employed labor force.
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Private Residential Construction Spending Increases in March
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The Census Bureau’s newest report on construction spending showed a 0.7 percent jump in spending activity on private residential projects in March 2012. Initial estimates for January and February were revised from earlier readings of -0.1% and
generally unchanged to an increase of 0.5% and a drop of 2.2%, respectively. The new single-family component for construction spending gained 3.8 percent in March, which more than offset the 1.3 percent decline that occurred in February. On a 3-month moving average basis, however, spending has increased in each of the last 9 months and is now 23 percent above its cyclical low observed in mid-2009. While an improvement, and with more room on the upside given that recent data on building permits point to additional growth in homebuilding activity, stilltight mortgage lending standards and large volumes of distressed properties in many markets are expected to limit gains over the near term. New multifamily construction fell 3.1 percent in March, though February’s initial estimate was revised higher from a 2 percent gain to a solid 3.6 percent increase. The overall trend in multifamily construction spending remains positive, as this sector has increased in each of the last 12 months when viewed on a 3-month
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moving average basis. Demand for multifamily units has recovered noticeably in recent quarters as the rental vacancy rate recently fell to its lowest point in more than a decade and the absorption rate surged to its highest level since 2005. Permits authorized for 5+ unit dwellings have averaged approximately 220,000 annualized units during the past six months, which suggests continued strength for spending on new apartment buildings. The home improvement component of construction spending slumped for the fourth consecutive month, declining 1.9 percent. Total construction spending registered a very modest 0.1 percent gain from February as the gains in private residential and private nonresidential were offset by another weak reading on public sector construction spending. Office buildings and manufacturing facilities accounted for the bulk of March’s improvement for the nonres sector, but the level of spending on office buildings remains low as vacancy rates remain just below their cyclical peaks. The power and manufacturing sectors have been the key sources of support for nonresidential construction activity over the past year. Public sector construction outlays fell 1.1 percent in March, with weaker readings for all the major categories. On a year-to-date basis, public sector outlays on construction have declined 2.6 percent
Consumer Confidence Holds Steady in April
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The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey both pointed to consumer confidence remaining generally unchanged between March and April 2012. Nonetheless, viewing the overall indexes from both surveys using a 3-month moving average, one can still see an appreciable increase in consumer confidence since the third quarter of last year. The current and expected conditions indexes for each survey moved in opposite directions this month, but once again consumers are tending to view current economic conditions and their expectations for conditions 6 months hence more optimistically. Consumers’ perceptions of the labor market have also shown signs of improvement. Although the pace of net payroll growth slowed to 120,000 in March, the average monthly pace during the first quarter reached its highest level since 2006. A majority of respondents to the CCI still characterize jobs as “not so plentiful”, but at the same time the share of consumers reporting that jobs were “hard to get” dropped to its lowest reading since late 2008. Unfortunately, consumers still maintain a cautious eye toward making a home purchase; while the relative buying conditions are considered strong, thanks to softer pricing and extremely low mortgage rates, less than 1% of the CCI’s respondents plan to buy a new home within the next 6 months.
Builders
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Young Designers
The 2012 Young Designers competition for scholarship drew 11 entries from the El Paso Independent School District this year. Instructor Cecilia Orozco brought the students plans and models to be judged by our experts and once again the margin between first and second place was less than 8 points out of a potential 500 perfect score. Scholarships for first place were $1500 while second was $750 and third was $500. All the money is forwarded to the university or school to which the students will enroll at for use in help with tuition, books, or computers. This is the ninth anniversary of the Young Designer scholarship. John Chaney heads up the YD committee. The association also partners with the El Paso Community Foundation for this event. Bonita Johnson from the Foundation visited and looked over the work of the students. “I have to tell you that I am just amazed at the work these students did and the intricate work and plans,” Ms. Johnson said. “I had no idea how or what the association was looking at for the scholarship, but I can assure you this isn’t just an essay, this is work!” We would like to acknowledge our judges Kelly Sorenson, Ryan Harding, Robert Baeza and Bob Paschich. Winners of the 2012 Young Designer competition and scholarship are: 1st place ($1500) Adalberto Coronel; 2nd place ($750) Erick Avila; 3rd place ($500) Alexander Candee.
View more photos on our facebook page: elpasobuildersassociation
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Board meets and demos new rides The May Board of Directors was held at the Association offices on May 9. While regular business was discussed the meeting was capped by a presentation from Rudolph Chevrolet. Mike Ruffin, commercial sales manager brought several equipped trucks for demonstration, while Rick Armijo, Corvette Specialist, brought the 2013 Corvette. The rainy morning dampened the burn out attempts but some of the board took advantage of special pricing and demos. Kelly Sorenson and Edmundo Dena both commented on the demonstration. “I have been wanting to drive the new Vette for a while and this was a perfect opportunity,” Kelly said. Edmundo added that he too had often thought it would be fun to drive a Corvette. “Honestly when Frank Torres took the wheel first I was hooked, because you find out quickly that it’s everything you ever thought it should be and more,” he said. Meanwhile Rudy Guel was all business as he scoped out the new trucks. “With the pricing and special GM NAHB offer it’s a deal hard to pass up,” Rudy said. Our thanks to our GM NAHB Preferred GM dealer Rudolph Chevrolet for sponsoring our board meeting.
10 Lumber Prices Moving Higher, SLA Could Become a Factor
A mill fire in British Columbia sent lumber prices higher, adding to a number of supply side developments that moved the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price (FLCP) to $316 on Friday. This price, if maintained, would trigger provisions in the US-Canadian Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) reducing tariffs on imports of Canadian lumber. An average price above the $315 limit for the period from April 20 to May 11 would result in reduced tariffs for the month of June. The mill fire, the second this year, coupled with already lean inventories helped push up the FLCP which has climbed steadily from a low of $252 in early November 2011. But the fire, the result of wood dust from the harvesting of beetle killed timber, also renewed focus on the longer term supply implications of the bug kill. One study estimates the British Columbia Interior timber supply could be reduced by one third over the next 20 years. On the demand side, a slow but improving US housing recovery, combined with slower but still strong growth in China will keep upward pressure on lumber prices. But some downward pressure on lumber prices, in addition to the possible tariff reductions, could come from Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Membership is expected to increase competitiveness through reduced tariffs on Russian lumber exports, increasing exports to China and European markets. Theoretically, this would ease price pressures in the US market, but procedural issues of implementation could delay this effect.
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Builders Outlook
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Construction Jobs: Hiring Down but Open Positions Rising March data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey indicate a noticeable slowdown in construction sector hiring. Evidence suggests that this slowdown is more likely related to unusually warm weather and not underlying economic factors. For the economy as a whole, hiring rates have remained basically flat since the beginning of 2010. This is reflected in recent payroll employment reports that show weak levels of monthly job creation. At 3.3%, the March hiring rate represents the 14th consecutive month of hiring falling in a narrow band ranging from 3.1% to 3.3% of total employment. The job openings rate (the red line below) increased to 2.7% in March, the highest rate of job openings since the middle of 2008. Since the end of the Great Recession, the rate of job openings has had an upward trend and is a cause for optimism about household formations and housing demand in the medium term. An important question is raised by these data. Why is the number of open positions rising, but the level of job hiring relatively flat? It is possible that a skills mismatch exists between jobs in supply and available workers. It may also be the case that without a healthy housing
market, the job market itself cannot function efficiently. This can occur if credit for homebuyers is too tight (particularly first-time homebuyers who form new households), if existing homeowners cannot sell their homes to relocate for employment reasons, and/or if rental housing cannot be developed for areas with rising labor demand. And if people cannot relocate easily, then open positions do not transform into hires. For the construction sector, the March JOLTS data indicate a significant decline in hiring, falling from 318,000 hires in February to 286,000 in March. However, the February number was upwardly revised, and it is possible the decline in March was due to accelerated hiring in February due to unusually warm weather for much of the nation. Nonetheless, March was the first month in over a year for which the level of hiring for the construction sector fell below 300,000. Perhaps more reflective of fundamental economic conditions, the number of open positions in the construction sector increased somewhat in March. The number of open positions in the sector increased to 96,000, the highest level since September of last year. For the first quarter of 2012, per the
JOLTS data, net hiring for the construction sector stood at 28,000 positions. While disappointing given initial hopes for 2012, the first quarter stills stands favorably compared to all of 2011, for which net hiring for the sector totaled 67,000 for the entire year (although it was the first year of net job creation for construction since 2006).
Narrowing in on the residential construction sector, per the BLS Current Employment Statistics data, total employment for April stands at 2.038 million (566,000 builders and 1.472 million in associated trades). Total net job losses from the peak of employment (April 2006) fell slightly in April to 1.41 million.
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Chente Quintanilla State Representative
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ver the past years, my office has worked on many issues relating to Medicare. The most public had to do with Medicare Advantage Plan agents improperly soliciting seniors. I passed a bill that pretty much put a stop to that. Everyone knows that Medicare is one of many programs that give seniors and certain disabled persons the security health blanket they need to live. If every penny of Medicare went specifically to the intended health care, I don’t believe there would ever be a crisis of funding. An article on the CNN website caught my eye about that very subject. According to the article, funding for Medicare will fall short and only about 87% of full costs will be paid starting in 2024. It gets worse by 2050 when Medicare will only pay 67% of full costs. There are some obvious options such as cutting more
Medicare funding crisis and the free market
reimbursements for the highest income patients or raising the payroll deduction from 2.9% to 4.25%. The farther you are away from retirement, the less attractive the latter alternative becomes. But it should seriously be considered. Imagine the problem of indigent care for seniors or disabled if the reimbursements from Medicare drop substantially. One thing that is never, ever discussed is the cost of having Medicare on the open market. The amount that insurance companies make from Medicare must be substantial. The evidence is everywhere, especially during the open enrollment period. How many times have you seen advertising where the secret to a fulfilled life is to get the latest roundabout scooter; and it is all free because Medicare pays for it. The year round advertising by these companies for "free" scooters is also
paid by Medicare. No, there is no form to fill out to get reimbursed by Medicare, but the costs are embedded in the cost for the scooter. Shouldn’t a Medicare expense be determined by a doctor? When the application for one of those scooters goes in to the company and then to the feds, does anyone check to see if it would be in the best interest for the applicant; or, perhaps it might be better for them to do more walking? Not to be overshadowed, there are the Advantage Plans which take a federally funded and managed system and makes it a market driven system. When a program is market driven, the first thing that has to happen is to establish a gross profit margin. This margin, usually between around 30 to 35%, does absolutely nothing for those who depend on the Medicare reimbursements for their health. This margin provides the money for
all business expenses needed to market the Medicare Plans. And boy are there costs. Have you ever seen the slick mailers that are mailed multiple times and by multiple companies to prospects? People who design, write drafts, proof read drafts and print the mailer all make big time bucks. The marketed products are further promoted by agents who perhaps themselves have marketing people who target potential customers. The commissions paid for securing patients are not trivial. What I have shared with you is just the tip of the iceberg. They tell us that the free market is the best place for Medicare. What they don’t tell us is how much of Medicare dollars sustain private companies.
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EL PASo
ASSoCIATIon
years
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BUILDERS
www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org
B U I L D I N G E L PA S O ’ S F U T U R E S I N C E 19 4 6
Membership News UPCOMING EVENTS | MAY 22-23 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE EPAB OFFICE
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Builders Outlook
Small Business Small Business Development Center “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our communities. They create two of every three new jobs in America, spur economic growth, and spark new industries across the country.” President Barack Obama Many small businesses depend on the homebuilding industry, and many new industries are sparked by the homebuilding business. Building homes usually requires services which can include contractors, lenders, roofers, plumbers, landscapers, and businesses that sell furniture, fixtures,
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Special to Builders Outlook by Audrey A. Marufo, El Paso Community College and appliances. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at El Paso Community College (EPCC) has been helping build and strengthen the businesses that are connected to homebuilding. This in turn continues to strengthen the job market, encourage potential homebuyers to the homebuilding industry, and improve the small business community. The SBDC, the largest management and technical assistance program in the United States, enhances the development of small business enterprises through counseling, technical assistance and training services. Last year the El Paso Small Business Development Center helped create over 400 jobs in El Paso and Hudspeth County. Many of these jobs came from a large number of small businesses that are connected to the homebuilding industry.
The SBDC assisted many of these businesses start or expand their services. Henry Benning from Henry Benning Construction was assisted by the SBDC and successfully secured three (3) separate SBA guaranty loans over a period of five years. “I don’t know what I or my firm would do without the assistance of the SBDC,” said Benning. As small businesses face the challenge of economic survival in this difficult economic climate, the services of the SBDC are making a difference in the residential construction industry. The programs and seminars deliver solid solutions for business growth and utilize the expertise of industry and business professionals. Beginning Tuesday, June 5th, the SBDC will begin “The Small Business Management Institute” (SBMI) series
training program. SBMI is designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge and skills in strategic planning and management. It allows the participants to begin and/or grow their business enterprise profitably and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Sessions include strategic planning, marketing, analyzing financial statements, finance, importing and exporting, and business and contract law. Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday for 13 weeks. Registration is $375. Call the SBDC at (915) 831-7742 or visit www.elpasosbdc.biz for more information.
Hey guys and gals, another month has come and the year is off to a flying start. We have been bowling and golfing and it is just four and a half months into 2012. Speaking of golfing we are working on a real golf outing with a pro on each team. Don’t get too excited as we have to work out the details with our friends at Painted Dunes. John Chaney, Ray and I will be meeting with them soon to set the date and format. This tournament will require an official USGA handicap, so if you are a golfer you can get one at any course in the area by paying
$25.00 for one year and turning in five scores. This promises to be a big time event with some very nice prizes for the first three place teams. What would you guys say to another Bowling tournament in say November when it is cold outside and warm inside except for the cold beer? I would like to have an associates meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 3:30 if this works for everyone. Please bring any ideas or items that you would like to discuss at this meeting.
enterprise profitably and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Sessions include strategic planning, marketing, analyzing financial statements, finance, importing and exporting, and business and contract law. Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday for 13 weeks. Registration is $375. Call the SBDC at (915) 831-7742 or visit www.elpasosbdc.biz for more information.
Associates Council
Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply
Showroom: 2131 Missouri 915 • 533 • 6045
fax • 533• 6096
Thomas R. Brown, Owner
Builders
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EL PASO
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www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org 6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905 915-778-5387 • Fax: 915-772-3038 ■ execuTive oFFicerS Frank Arroyos - President Cisco Homes edmundo Dena - vice President Accent Homes Frank Torres - Secretary/Treasurer GMF Custom Homes Sam Shallenberger - Associates council Western Wholesale Supply Greg Bowling - immediate Past President Tropicana Homes ray Adauto - executive vice President El Paso Association of Builders
■ TAB STATe DirecTorS Doug Borrett, Karam Co., Life Director Randy Bowling, Tropicana Homes ■ NATioNAL DirecTorS Bobby Bowling IV. Demetrio Jimenez
NATioNAL ASSociATioN oF Home BuiLDerS (800) 368-5242 TexAS ASSociATioN oF
■ couNciL/commiTTee cHAirS Affordable Builders council Bobby Bowling IV Associates council Sam Shallenberger Build PAc Randy Bowling Desert Green Building council Javier Ruiz industry Promotions Greg Bowling Land use council Vacant Young Designer Award John Chaney remodelers council Rudy Guel membership Drive Mike Santamaria Finance committee Kathy Carrillo education committee Frank Spencer ■ ADviSorY To THe BoArD J. Crawford Kerr, Attorney, Firth, Johnson & Martinez
BuiLDerS (800)252-3625
2011 Builder member of The Year Greg Bowling Tropicana Homes 20110 Pat cox Award Kathy Parry Hunt Communities 2011 Associate of The Year Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply John Schatzman Award Bob Bowling III Tropicana Homes ePAB Special Award Rudy Guel Guel Construction
Honorary Life members Brad Roe Cliff Anthes Wayne Grinnell Chester Lovelady Don Henderson Anna Gil
■ BoArD oF DirecTorS Joe Bernal, Joe Bernal Insurance Doug Borrett, Karam Co. Kathy Carrillo, Pioneer Bank John Chaney, Passage Supply Sergio Cuartas, BIC Homes Ted Escobedo,Snappy Publishing Art Garcia, El Paso Door Juanita Garcia, ICON Custom Home Builders,LLC
Past Presidents committed to Serve Kelly Sorenson Mark Dyer Mike Santamaria John Cullers Randy Bowling Doug Schwartz Robert Baeza
Bobby Bowling, IV Rudy Guel Anna Gil Bradley Roe Bob Bowling, III E. H. Baeza
Samira Gonzalez, Edwards Homes Lorraine Huit, Cardel Design Group Walter Lujan, Dawco Home Builders Sal Masoud, Del Rio Engineering Bruce Meyer, JDW Insurance Edgar Montiel, Palo Verde Homes Kathy Parry, Hunt Communities Javier Ruiz, Senercon & Border Solar Frank Spencer, Aztec Contractors Henry Tinajero, Bank of the West Linda Troncoso, TRE & Associates Ken Wade, El Paso Building Materials Adam Winkler, MTI Ready Mix Paul Zacour, Zacour & Associates
ePAB mission Statement: The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated professional organization representing the home building industry, committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community by providing affordable homes of excellence and value. The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6) trade organization. © 2012 Builder’s Outlook is published and distributed for the El Paso Association of Builders by Snappy Publishing 240 Thunderbird • Suite C El Paso • Texas • 79912 915-820-2800