Fall 2011

NORTHERN LIGHTS
A Publication of the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association
FALL 2011
Building
Your
Business
By
Association
BUILDERS ~ ASSOCIATES ~ CONTRACTORS ~ SUPPLIERS
WWW.NIHBA.COM
WWW.NIHBA.COM
NORTHERN LIGHTS. . .
Inside this Issue
Happy Thanksgiving………..………………………..
Page 3
Staff & Contact Information
Kudos Submissions
Renewing Members…………………………………….
Page 4-5
New Members……………………………….……………
Page 6
Page 7
Just One……………………………………………. ………..
Kudos ……………………………….……………..…...…
Special Kudos for Call Campaign Team…………….
Page 8-9
Page 9
A Look Back……………………………………………….
Page 10-12
SmartSeries Re-cap…………………………………….
Page 13-14
Page 15
Looking for Ideas…………………………...…………….
Committees & Updates………………………………..
Page 16-18
Articles of Interest……………………………..
Page
Page
Page
Page
Builder Confidence Rises……………………………………
New Homes in 2015—Smaller/Greener/More Casual
Single-Family Housing Starts, Permits Rise in Oct
2012 Installation & Holiday Dinner……………….
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Northern Illinois Home Builders Association
3695 S. Darlene Court | Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: 630-978-9000 | Fax: 630-978-9100
www.nihba.com
Happy Thanksgiving
from the NIHBA
Wishing you and yours
A wonderful, happy
& safe
Thanksgiving
Staff:
Donna Renzi - Executive Officer / Vice President
Nancy Fagarass - Marketing / Membership Director
To Contact Us:
Donna - email: drenzi@nihba.com
Nancy - email: nancy@nihba.com
NIHBA | 3695 S. Darlene Court | Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: 630-978-9000 | Fax: 630-978-9100
www.nihba.com
KUDOs Submissions
Any member is welcome to submit to the NIHBA Office a special event, milestone,
achievement, etc., that they feel is noteworthy and want to share with membership.
Send information to: nancy@nihba.com
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Renewing Members
from July 2011
`
BUILDERS
21 KRISTIN, LLC
Tim Lyons
KEELEY CONSTRUCTION, Inc.
William Keeley
ASPEN CREEK PARTNERS, Inc.
Herbert A. Getz
KRUGHOFF HOME BUILDERS
Roy Krughoff
AUTUMN HOMES, Inc.
Bill Zenger
MIKOLS CONSTRUCTION
Robert Mikols
FAGANEL BUILDERS, LLC
David J. Faganel
PATTERMANN BUILDERS, Inc.
Steven M. Pattermann
GLEN ELLYN HOMES
J. Randall Parker
SIEVERS & STEVENS
CONSTRUCTION CO., Inc..
Mike E. Stevens
GREGORY PROPERTY &
DEVELOPMENT GROUP, Inc.
Steve Gregory
WEISS BUILDING &
DEVELOPMENT
Brandon Weiss
HUBER HOMES
Dave A. Huber
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Renewing Members
from July 2011
ASSOCIATES
BRK BRANDS, INC
PARKSITE / TYVEK
Garrett Hovest
Eric Wikstrom
CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE
ENGINEERING
PRECISION PAYROLL
of AMERICA, LLC
Gary Young
Christopher B. Burke
COONEY & CORSO, LLC
John Cooney
ROGER BURRELL
CONSULTING
Roger Burrell
D&P RECYCLING/
CONSTRUCTION CO.
RATHJE & WOODWARD
J.D. Purvis
Hank Stillwell
DAILY HERALD
Isabella Noe
THE COUNTERTOP
FACTORY MIDWEST
Dave Simpson
DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Greg D. Abel
TECZA LANDSCAPE GROUP
Sean Mcatee
HOME MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Mike Cleary
TRIM-TEX, INC
John Calderaro
KNAUF INSULATION
Paul Gillen
WHITE EAGLE CUSTOM
SOLUTIONS, Inc.
LISLE SAVINGS BANK
Steve Elkins
Carl Renn
WOLF & COMPANY, LLP
METLIFE HOME LOANS
Vito Loisi
Matt Kaley
MUELLER & COMPANY
Roy W. Groesbeck
NECA-IBEW PLUS FIVE
AFFILITATES
DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Mike Dillon
Mike Zitkus
NICOR
Jim Stump
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Welcome
New Members to the
BUILDERS
FISCHER HOMES
HAMMERSMITH, LLC
Josh Fischer | Builder
630-637-9492
fischerbuilding@gmail.com
www.fischerhomesltd.com
P.O. Box 5881 | Naperville, IL 60567
Allen J. Lackowski | Builder
262-215-7930
hammersmithllc@yahoo.com
www.lakegenevaofficespace/hammersmithllc.com
P.O. Box 1327 | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147
MONTREUX CUSTOM HOMES
Jimmy Limparis | Builder
630-850-7105
jimmy@mtxhomes.com
www.mtxhomes.com
408 Pamela Circle | Hinsdale, IL 60521
ASSOCIATES
JUST SAVES U
Justin Ruddy | Associate
773-617-2651
justsavesu@yahoo.com
www.justsavesu.com
14423 Edison Drive, Unit F | New Lennox, IL 60451
PROSOURCE WHOLESALE
FLOOR COVERING
Warren Olson | Associate
630-579-0900
prosourcechiwo@hotmail.com
www.prosourcefloors.com
2012 Corporate Lane, Suite 136 | Naperville, IL 60563
U.S. BANK
Ed Sheehan | Associate
630-321-3820
ed.sheehan1@usbank.com
www.usbank.com
21 West 2nd Street | Hinsdale, IL 60521
AFFILIATES
TRIBUNE MEDIA GROUP
Mike Rodriguez | Affiliate
312-222-5575
mfrodriguez@tribune.com
www.tribunemediagroup.com
3 Westchester Corporate Center | Westchester, IL 60154
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Uno, un, ein, um, jedynka,
ONE
In order to continue to be a viable trade association and be able to
continue to provide the important benefits and programs we currently
offer, we need to increase our membership.
We all know the best and easiest way to get new business is by
referral. So, what better way to encourage new prospects to
join the association than through our own members’ sphere of
business associates and contacts.
You are our best advocate and resource to increasing our
membership…all we are asking is for each member
to bring in just one new member in 2012.
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POWERS CONSTUCTION GROUP...
has been listed as one of the Biggest Home Improvement Companies in US.
Congratulations to Michael & Lesley Powers...they has been ranked as #252 on the Annual Remodeling
550 LIST of the biggest HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANIES in the country by Remodeling Magazine.
Also, Powers Construction Group took part in the 5th Annual Solar Tour, held on October 1st from
10-3pm and sponsored by the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA). The tour was free and opened
to the public.
PARKSITE CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY!
Parksite celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 19th at their Bolingbrook facility, with an
Open House and Vendor Fair. Clients, customers and vendors were treated to lots of food, music,
fun and games.
A special “playhouse” was built by Parksite Employees and presented to “Hope Haven”, that helps
homeless families and individuals in DeKalb County.
D & P RECYCLING ….
FIGHTS BREAST CANCER ONE DUMPSTER AT A TIME
Throughout the month of October D&P contributed a percentage of the charge for every roll-off
dumpster ordered to help fight Breast Cancer. Typically October is a busy month for D&P’s industry,
so they were pleased to help in the fight against this horrible disease.
D&P looks forward to working with all of their great NIHBA customers, knowing that in some way what
they did may be helpful in finding a cure for breast cancer. Many of the NIHBA members are acquainted
with victims and survivors of this disease...it is a special cause at D&P; one of their valued employees is a
survivor.
If you are in the vicinity of their office and recycling center at 3800 West Lake St., In Melrose Park —
check out the “PINK” 30 cubic yard roll-off dumpster right in front. It is labeled appropriately to
commemorate their support for the cause.
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PROSOURCE WHOLESALE FLOOR COVERING hosted their annual
“NIGHT of APPRECIATION” on October 5th!
ProSource, a brand new member to NIHBA, generously invited all our members to join them for their
“Night of Appreciation”, which is held every year for their clients, customers, vendors, architects,
builders and remodelers.
A Big Thanks to Warren Olson, Showroom Manager, who graciously offered to provide a special area,
for the NIHBA Membership Committee & Staff, to set-up a display with NIHBA membership materials.
We were able to meet and talk to many of ProSource’s clients, decorators and contractors about
the benefits of joining the NIHBA.
WEISS BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT Gets Article in Daily Herald
A 1/2 page article appeared in the Daily Herald on 11-2-11.
Brandon got a great write-up and terrific exposure from the Daily Herald article that highlighted his
efforts to successfully renovate homes into energy-efficient homes.
Brandon’s recent remodeling, of an Elgin bungalow, actually got awarded several “green”
designations…to mention a few:
1st Emerald-level, Green Certified remodeled home
1st LEED Platinum remodeled home in Illinois
1st Remodeled home (in US) to get the highest NAHB & LEED certifications.
To read the complete Daily Herald article on Brandon Weiss enter link:
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111002/entlife/710029981/
A very special “THANKS” goes to Heather Runge, Nicor - Membership Chair
and her great “CALL CAMPAIGN” team...they took on a massive “call campaign”
project — calling hundreds of builders, associates, vendors and contractors…to
review the many benefits of membership and encourage them to join the association.
KUDOS to:
Heather Runge, Nicor | Membership Chairperson & Coordinator
Jeff Theis / Contractors Materials
Gary Young / Precision Payroll
Warren Olson / ProSource Wholesale Floor Covering
Sharon Deresinski / Cornerstone-Humbert Ins.
Lori Ambler / Lori Ambler Faux Finishing
Victoria Gile / Creative Mirror & Shower
Melissa Berecek / Globe Union
Karla Wagner / Tribune Media Group
Paul Gillen /Knauf Insulation
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SIZZLING BBQ
An end of the Summer BBQ was hosted by NIHBA on August 17th
at the office. Members from NIHBA, HBAGFV & HBAGC were
invited to join in our “End of the Summer Get Together”.
It was a relaxing night to just hang-out and mingle. Everyone
enjoyed a BBQ of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & don’t forget the Beer!
A BIG THANKS to Steve Gregory for volunteering to be the
BBQ Chef for the night and Sharon Deresinski of Cornerstone/
Humbert Ins. for sponsoring the event.
IT’S THE ANNUAL “BAGS & BBQ” AT SEARLS!
On Sept 13th, we once again gathered together
for the annual “BAGS & BBQ” tournament hosted
by Searls Windows & Doors.
It was a perfect night for the “Bags” Tournament.
But, before the games got started, everyone got
the chance to relaxed and mingle. Searls had a
delicious “BBQ Buffet” that everyone thoroughly
enjoyed.
After everyone got “energized” by the wonderful
BBQ — the games got started!
BAGS TOURNAMENT WINNERS FOR 2011:
1ST PLACE - Kelly Green / Kelly Green Construction
2nd PLACE - Jason Werr / JAW Builders
3rd PLACE - Bryan Sebring / Sebring Services
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OCTOBER 11TH WAS THE
DATE FOR OUR
ANNUAL NIHBA OKTOBERFEST
Our annual Oktoberfest is a major networking
& membership event for the NIHBA. Members
were encouraged to bring potential new members
and prospects to the Oktoberfest event allowing
them to experience, first hand, one of our NIHBA
networking event.
THANKS to our
CHEF “Bret Reifsteck”
& Assistant Garrett Hovest
for doing a terrific job of
cooking Bret’s special
“Beer Brats”
Members from the NIHBA, HBAGFV & HBAGC
gathered around the old “BBQ” for our Special
Oktoberfest menu of Brats, Hot Dogs & Beer.
Everyone had a great time, catching up and meeting new people.
A special “DANKE” to Sharon Deresinski of CORNERSTONE/HUMBERT Ins.,
Michael Breheny of J.L. HUBBARD Ins. &
Greg Abel of DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS
for being food sponsors!!!
And
Lauren Chirico of Great Western Flooring
for donating a case of
“German Beer” for a special drawings.
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What a fantastic & successful night for
our first joint event together with
HBA Greater Fox Valley. On Nov 10th,
over 165 people came out to mix, mingle
and enjoy this great event...it was an
amazing night from start to finish.
A special THANK YOU
to Debbie Miller, who
coordinated & organized
the Calcutta event.
From cocktail hour, to the delicious dinner,
to specialty cake desserts, plus the great
prizes, turkey give-aways and grand prizes,
it was a fabulous Calcutta Night.
A BIG THANKS to the sponsors and all
who helped to sell tickets. GREAT JOB!
The last 5 numbers left….
STEVE GREGORY
THE GRAND PRIZE
WINNER OF $4000
WAY TO GO STEVE!
Allen
Drewes
MC for
the
event
Hal & Donna Stembridge
Donna Renzi & John Schillerstrom
Debbie
pulling the
numbers
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A RE-CAP
The NIHBA SmartSeries offers educational programs and seminars on
new and relevant information that covers products, services, trends,
business developments and key technologies that affect
our industry and businesses.
The NIHBA’s SmartSeries mission is to keep you at the
forefront of the industry and help to provide you with a
“smart” edge over your competition.
LEAD PAINT CERTIFICATION COURSE The NIHBA received several calls inquiring about lead paint certification classes; so we
decided to hold another Lead Paint course on August 4th. This was our second Lead Paint
Certification Course that was held at the NIHBA Office in 2011. The lead paint EPA regulations
affects all remodelers, painters, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, carpenters and anyone
else who works on pre-1978 homes! The new EPA regulations took effect on October 1, 2010.
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST with Congresswoman JUDY BIGGERT
The NIHBA was honored to host a special “open forum” on August 9th. At the NIHBA Office.
This casual setting allowed Ms Biggert to meet members and answers their questions; and
also updated the group on what “is” happening and “not” happening in Washington. She was
very interested in members comments and suggestions on how to help the construction
industry, which is a key component in getting the
economy rolling again. Ms. Biggert advised the group
that she will be reporting back on what results she has
been able to accomplished.
Ms. Judy Biggert serves
in the 13th District of Illinois.
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A RE-CAP
On November 1st the NIHBA hosted a special
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST with
Congressman PETER ROSKAM.
The Legislative Breakfast was held at Sub-Zero Wolf
Showroom, in Glendale Heights, where members from
NIHBA, HBAGC & HBAGFV were invited to hear about
the latest session, updates and future legislation
coming to the floor. The meeting was then opened up
to members for their questions and comments.
Congressman Roskam serves the 6th District of Illinois
in the House of Representatives and is the Chief Deputy Majority Whip,
and is the 4th ranking Republican Leader in the House.
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Help Us Help You………..
The Education Committee will soon be
meeting to work on the 2012
Education Seminars for our
SmartSeries curriculum.
WE’RE LOOKING
FOR YOUR IDEAS...
Your ideas and interests are critical,
to the success of our educational
SmartSeries program...we want to
be able to present important and
interesting seminars that our
membership would attend.
Topics of interest from the surveys to date are:
SOLAR | ENERGY | APPRAISALS | MARKETING
Please take a minute to fill out the survey or just email your thoughts and ideas
to us at: nancy@nihba.com or smartseries@nihba.com or Fax 630-978-9100.
Greg Abel / DOW Building Solutions is the Education Committee Chairperson
and invites you call him with any questions and/or ideas. 630-262-0696
Feel free to join us at any future Education Committee Meeting (Posted on: www.nihba.com)
Do you want NIHBA to continue our SmartSeries Educational Program in 2012? Yes_____ N0 _____
How often would you want us to hold seminars? Monthly ____Every Other Month____ Other_______________
What time of Day works best: ___________Morning ___________ Lunch & Learn ______________ After hours
What topics /seminars are you interested in and would attend for 2012 :_____________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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Committees are the “heart & soul” of the NIHBA.
COMMITTEES
YOUR COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
EDUCATION - Greg Abel of DOW Building Solutions
630-262-0696 | gdabel@dow.com
MEMBERSHIP - Heather Runge of Nicor Gas
630-388-3458 | hrunge@nicor.com
PROGRAM - Bret Reifsteck of THE National Bank
630-335-3447 | bret.reifsteck@thenb.com
PR/COMMUNICATIONS - Karla Wagner of Tribune Media Group
312-752-8010 | kawagner@tribune.com
GOVERNMENT - Hank Stillwell of Rathje & Woodward
AFFAIRS
630-510-4909 | hstillwell@rathjewoodward.com
REMODELERS - Lesley Powers of Powers Construction Group
COUNCIL
630-963-7458 | lesleypowers@msn.com
We welcome and are pleased to add 3 new members
to the NIHBA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:
Melissa Berecek / Globe Union
Victoria Gile / Creative Mirror & Shower Doors
Warren Olson / ProSource Wholesale Floor Covering
Feel free to call any Committee Chairperson or NIHBA Staff
for more information about attending a meeting
or serving on a committee. THE NIHBA NEEDS YOU!!!
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EDUCATION - Greg Abel | Chair
We recently hosted a seminar titled, “Energy Impact Illinois”. It was learned that the EI2 website
is a very interactive site that offers a summary of the statewide builder/contractor incentives relative
to energy efficiency in the retrofit space. A special thanks to CNT for the presentation.
Moving forward, the Education Committee will continue to provide industry relevant topics to the
marketplace through the “Smart Series” curriculum. Stay tuned.
Best Regards,
Greg
MEMBERSHIP - Heather Runge | Chair
The Membership Committee will be hosting a "New Member Orientation" for first quarter of
next year. October's new member orientation was cancelled due to low registration.
Remember this is open to all members, as well as, potential members.
Our next joint Membership/Program meeting will be on November 29th at 9:30 at NIHBA Office both the HBAGC & HBAGFV associations are invited to participate in these 2012 planning
meetings.
Come join us and help plan our next year's events.
Heather
PROGRAM - Bret Reifsteck | Chair
Strength in Numbers When two organizations come together there are always concerns. Concerns that things will
change and they will no longer be like "they used to be". Guess what folks - this is absolutely true.
Change is not a bad thing (and NO - this has absolutely nothing to do with Obama and his empty
promise of "change"). This does have everything to do with two great organizations coming
together to be a much stronger unit - voice - organization - whatever you want to call it.
Last Thursday we joined forces with Fox Valley for their Calcutta drawing - what a great turnout
and what a great event!! This is the kind of shot in the arm both of these organizations need to
see moving forward. Over 300 tickets were sold with approximately 170 people in attendance.
This took the involvement of members from both associations to pull off. I have to give a lot of
credit to Debbie Miller from Fox Valley and her Calcutta Committee - they did the heavy lifting for
this event.
So what does all of this have to do with Programs? Soon we will be bringing both Program
Committees together to plan events that are conveniently located for all members and bring in
part of the history of both organizations. Our request to you is to get involved!! Join one of the
many committees that make these organizations work. Can we do it without you - sure - can we
do it 100 times better with you and others pitching in - ABSOLUTELY!
We all look forward to the day the building industry returns to respectable levels and we are working hard to make this happen. Your help is needed!
Take Care!
Bret
COMMITTEE UPDATES
What a year! Education continues to be a cornerstone to our growth. We have a very strong
committee and I am proud of the work we have completed. A huge thanks to all committee
members!
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PR/COMMUNICATION - Karla Wagner | Chair
Are you or your company’s actions contributing to the community in a way we can promote with a
press release? I’m sure there is an NIHBA member out there giving back…let us know about it!
Karla
Enjoy the holidays!
REMODELERS COUNCIL - Lesley Powers | Chair
We are looking to add new members to the Remodelers Council in 2012, to help us continue to
energize and support the remodeling industry.
Feel free to contact me at: lesleypowers@msn.com
PLEASE JOIN US!!!
Lesley
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS - Hank Stillwell | Chair
The Government Affairs Committee will continue to meet on an “as needed” basis.
Hank
JOIN A COMMITTEE IN 2012...
Make a New Year’s Resolution to serve on a committee.
Be a part of the NIHBA and help us create
an exciting agenda of events and programs
for 2012...GET INVOLVED!!!
We need & want your support,
ideas and involvement!
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Have you noticed emails from NIHBA coming a little less frequently? We’ve made our communication to you a Tuesday tradition with all encompassing information you need to keep up with
concerning all we have going on for our members.
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rose three points to 20 – its highest level since May 2010 – while the component
gauging future sales expectations rose two points to 25 – its highest level since March of
2011. The component gauging traffic of prospective buyers rose one point
to 15, which was its highest point since May of 2010.
The HMI rose in three out of four regions in November, with a three-point gain to 17
registered in the Northeast, an eight-point gain to 23 registered in the Midwest, and a
two-point gain to 21 registered in the South. After posting a big increase in October, the West
returned to trend this month with a six-point decline to 15.
Editor’s Note: The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is strictly the product of
NAHB Economics, and is not seen or influenced by any outside party prior to being
released to the public. HMI tables can be found at www.nahb.org/hmi.
More information on housing statistics is also available at http://
www.housingeconomics.com/.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
Our 2012 Installation & Holiday Dinner will be held on
Thursday, December 15th
at the Gaslite Manor - 2485 Church Road, Aurora, IL
Cocktails starting at 5:30 pm
Please join us for this Holiday Party
Make your reservations Now!
Gourmet Buffet Dinner with Carving Stations (Prime Rib, Turkey & Ham)
Includes 4 hours of Wine and Beer
Cash Bar available
COST: $ 50.00 per ticket
Be an Event Sponsor at the Installation & Awards Holiday Party
Get you name & Company on the program & table signs.
We are always interested in getting your ideas, and feedback on events.
If you have suggestions or would
like to host an event at your facility or office, please call:
Donna Renzi: 630-978-9000 | email: drenzi@nihba.com
SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION BY BEING AN EVENT
SPONSOR!!!
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