February 7, 2008

Held the first rather than the second Thursday of the month (because of Valentine's Day on the 14th), the February 2008 meeting was sponsored by N2 Granite, Inc.  Randall Deighan of N2 Granite announced that they will soon be opening a new showroom in West Jefferson across from the Antique Mall.

President Dub Lewis gave an update on our community outreach efforts.  Besides cutting firewood in January for those in need, the ACHBA has also donated $350 to Blue Ridge Electric for those having trouble paying their heating bills and has donated $1,000 to buy a handicap accessible shower for a local family that has recently experienced great tragedy.   The ACHBA also donated last week $3,500 worth of tools to the High School.

I think it is fair to say that our organization is having a positive impact in our community.

Sponsored by West Jefferson Chevrolet, Brandon Cheek was recognized as our February Vocational Student of the Month.  Brandon was awarded a certificate and an incredible drill donated by Parker Tie Company.  If you have a chance to stop in at Parker Tie sometime, please take a moment and say "Thank You" to Rick Woodie for being so generous and supportive of our efforts to help the kids in the High School's vocational programs.  He has been amazing! 

Our program for the night was conducted by Mr. Steve Tedder of DENR out of Winston-Salem.  Speaking on water quality, he showed some UNBELIEVABLE pictures of projects gone wrong in our area and what it took to clean them up.  It was really educational.  His presentation brought home the fact that an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of disaster!!!  Although he was a very nice man and most kind in driving all the way up from Winston-Salem just to talk to us, I hope he is not one that you will ever have to meet on your jobsite.  If you do, it means that you are in TROUBLE.

Vaughn Brown of Yadkin Well won our 50-50 raffle (again).  Doorprize winners included Nathan Eggers, Kristen Deighan, and Warren Shepherd.

See you in March!

Your EO,
Kelley

January 10, 2008

Our first meeting of 2008 was hosted by our new President, Dub Lewis.  Sponsored by AF Insurance and attended by 45 people, Dub introduced our 2009 President-Elect, Warren Shepherd, of WGS Contractors.

Dub also introduced our 2008 Officers: Treasurer Natalie Lambert of Yadkin Valley Bank, Secretary Matt Rumfelt of AF Insurance, and Board Member Kevin Reed of Timber Solutions, Inc.

Our educational program for the night was on Insurance.  And for those of you who thought that insurance was boring...boy, were you wrong!  If you weren't there, you missed the Truck Monkey!!!  It was also good to hear that Builder's Mutual is surveying all members to gauge the level of interest for them to provide health insurance.

Dub also announced that we will be having a wood cutting for those that are having trouble heating their homes this winter.  Running from 8am-Noon this Saturday (January 19) at Dub's sawmill, we will be splitting wood to deliver to folks in the community that are in real need.  If you can be there for the four hours (and if you have a log splitter to bring), it would be greatly appreciated.  Hot chocolate will be available.  Please let me know if you can be there by emailing me at eo@ashehomebuilders.com.

We will also be collecting donations at our monthly meetings for helping people struggling to pay their power bills.  I am happy to say that we will be giving Blue Ridge Electric $350 this week to use for those in need.  Thank you for donating to this very worthy cause!!!

We also recognized our newest member, N2 Granite.  They will soon be opening a showroom across from the antique mall in West Jefferson to showcase their granite countertops.

Mike Walker of Cub Creek Countertops won our 50/50 Raffle in the amount of $103.00.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 7th (which is the FIRST thursday and not the second thursday that we usually meet on each month).

Thank you for your support and I hope to see you there!

Your EO,
Kelley

December 13, 2007

Almost 80 people attended our year-end Christmas Party held at Jefferson Landing. Sponsored by Community One Bank (Thanks James Young!), the Christmas Party was an informal time for fun and fellowship.

2007 President Mike Shatley thanked the 2007 Board Members for all their hard work and then presented each of them with a windbreaker featuring the ACHBA logo.  For the Board Members rotating off the Board--Darrel Hamilton, Tracie Jordan, and Carolyn Miller-- he also presented each with a special plaque thanking them for their faithful service to the organization.

Due to technical difficulties, a short 4:38 film highlighting the year's accomplishments was not able to be shown.  However, I have uploaded it HERE for you to view online.  A high speed internet connection is recommended for viewing it.

Mike Carpenter, Executive Vice President with the North Carolina Home Builders Association, swore in our new Board Members:  Natalie Lambert, Kevin Reed, Matt Rumfelt, and Warren Shepherd.

He also swore in our 2008 President, Dub Lewis.

2007 was a fantastic year for the ACHBA.  If you haven't heard yet, we are closing out the year by making a $3,000 donation of tools to Ashe County High School Vocational Department. Thank you to all members and sponsors who helped make this year so very successful.

We honestly could not have done it without each and every one of you.

Yours in building,

Kelley

November 8, 2007

Wow!  Sponsored by Skyline Telephone, this just might have been our best meeting of the year!  With a crowd of 50 people, the food was great (who doesn't like turkey and dressing?), the speaker was informational yet very funny (who ever thought that we could laugh so much during an air quality program?), and the door prizes (provided by Natalie at Yadkin Valley Bank were first class.  Better yet, George Gess didn't win the the 50-50 draw (although, he DID win another door prize!).

Our funny yet informative speaker was Margaret Love, Regional Supervisor, Division of Air Quality from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  Her number in Winston-Salem, for anybody that might have any follow-up questions, is 336-771-5000.

Our November Student of the Month was Mr. Daniel Farmer.  Daniel is currently enrolled in Drafting 1 and Transportation Technology classes at the high school. His drafting skills are among the best seen for his age. Daniel is also a leader among his peers involving himself in various clubs and organizations at ACHS.  He has been nominated for Young Leaders of America and is currently on the “all A” honor roll.

The ACHBA presented Daniel with a Dremel Lithium Ion Cordless Drill/Driver, along with a Certificate of Achievement.  If any of our members would like to sponsor/buy the tool (which varies from month to month depending on what the winner requests) that we typically present to our Student of the Month, just let me know.

Finally, it was announced that we will have our December Christmas Party at Jefferson Landing, the same as last year.   The date is Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 pm.  The cost is $25 per person for an incredible buffet.  Mike Carpenter, head of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, will be present to induct our new Board Members.

Reservations for the Christmas Party are required by Tuesday, December 4th.  If you need me to invoice you, simply email me at eo@ashehomebuilders.com.

Yours in Building,

Kelley

October 11, 2007

Thank you to everybody who attended our October Member Meeting. It was good to be back at Jefferson Station (where we will be for the foreseeable future). This seems to be a good central location that is easy for everyone to access.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to Tarheel Lumber for sponsoring our meeting. Call Jake at 336-452-0717 for any of your building supply needs.

Thank you also to Parker Tie Company (336-246-2611)for providing door prizes and the Student of the Month Award (a $225 jig saw kit!!).

Speaking of the October Vocational Student of the Month at Ashe County High School, we were happy to recognize Kenneth Faircloth. Walter Pugh, one of Kenneth’s teachers, noted that Kenneth has an A average in Construction 1 & 2 and is always willing to work in the class room, shop, and on job sites. Congratulations Kenneth!

2008 ACHBA Board Nominees were announced. These include Natalie Lambert, Kevin Reed , Matt Rumfelt, and Warren Shepherd. These candidates will be voted upon at the November meeting.

President Mike Shatley gave a Spec House update. Things have proceeded smoothly and the closing should be on October 18th. The two Open Houses and the Realtor Reception have been great successes with nearly 200 people touring the home. That is a fantastic number!

Speaking of the Spec Home, a video was shown of its construction and everybody that contributed to its completion. If you missed the meeting and would like to view the video online, please go here:

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewalbum.html?alb=134378

WARNING: You will want to have a high speed internet connection to view the video because it is a large file. Also, once the menu screen loads on your computer, simply click on it to start the video. If you would like to purchase a DVD copy of the video to play on your TV, they are available for $10 each.

Finally, Don Sloan and Walt Petersen gave an update on Habitat for Humanity. They are working hard to bring the program to Ashe County. They have a large dream and we look forward to seeing it develop. Affordable housing, or the lack thereof, is an important issue in this county.

Of course, George Guess won the 50-50 drawing for the umpteenth time. We are going to have to stop him from buying a ticket.

See you at the November 8th meeting held at Jefferson Station. We will be voting on the new 2008 Board members.

Yours in Building,

Kelley

August 17, 2007

Important Notice-There will be NO General Member Monthly Meeting in September.  Instead, we will be having our Second Annual Prime Rib and Reverse Raffle to benefit our Vocational Scholarship Fund for graduating Ashe County Seniors.  Click Here for more information!

Last night we were privileged to have Mr. Robert Privott, Director of Codes with the North Carolina Home Builder Association, as our featured speaker.  He talked about some important changes to the new code book that every builder needs to be aware of.

Let me know if you would be interested in attending a 4 hour code session that we could offer in October, 2007 where Robert would have more time to go into greater depth about some of the changes that we are facing.  The charge for such a session would be $25 per person. 

The August meeting was sponsored by TruLine Truss from Sparta, NC.  We appreciate Darrel Blevins attending our meeting and saying a few words.  Certainly keep them in mind for all your truss needs.  Doorprizes were furnished by St.Germain Media Services (yup, me!).  Please remember them for all your website and print advertising needs.

Walt Petersen announced the fantastic news that that we already have a contract for our spec house (that isn't even finished yet!).  It looks like this project is going to be a TREMENDOUS SUCCESS for our Association and we really do owe a huge debt of gratitude to our President, Mike Shatley, who has worked untiringly (and for free) to make this project a reality.  I really don't think that it would have happened without the countless hours that he has devoted to it.  The next time that you see him, make sure you slap him on the back and say, "Thank you!"

We also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of the vendors and donors that have stepped forward out of the ranks to also help make this dream a reality.  We want to recognize each one of you and will do so in the very near future at our Spec Home Open Houses, which will be held between September 30th-October 14th.

Please call me to buy your Reverse Raffle ticket (336-620-2000)!!!

Yours in Building,

Kelley

July 13, 2007

Can you believe that we are halfway thru the summer? Where does the time fly???  And even though many of our members are out of town on vacation, we still had 50+ in attendance at our July meeting.

This meeting was generously sponsored by Vaughn Brown at Yadkin Well.  Vaughn was unable to stay and talk to us, as all sponsors get to do, because he was leaving on a mission trip to build churches in Brazil the next morning. We appreciate Yadkin Well's sponsorship and pray for safe travel for Vaughn.

Super doorprizes for July were provided by Phil Mock of Phil's Designs and Jake Billings from Tarheel Lumber.  Thanks guys!

Maria Whaley gave a membership update.  She announced that we had won a national membership award for 2006 from the National Home Builders Association and showed off the plaque we recently received.  She also announced that out of the entire state of North Carolina, we have the second (President Mike Shatley) and the eighth (Dick Workman) ranked recruiters of new members.  She also presented a Lifetime SPIKE award to Mike for having passed his 25th recruited member.

Our featured speaker for the night was Senator Steve Goss.  I believe that Senator Goss is a true friend to our industry and believes in the importance of what we do.  His spirit of non-partisanship and willingness to listen is refreshing, to say the least.

Senator Goss also complimented the ACHBA and stressed the importance of groups such as ours.  He very rightfully said that it is a key thing for us (the ACHBA) to speak loudly on the issues, or we may not be heard. 

After all, we are all in this together.  And this is a time when Government is looking for more and more ways to impose restrictions on us, while simultaneously trying to find new ways to tax us.

Individually, it is hard for any of us to have much effect on anything political.  That's just being honest.  However, if we all work together  within our organization, WE CAN HAVE A POWERFUL VOICE.  That is why every single member of the Ashe County Home Builders is important. We need EVERY single member to participate in our organization.  The old adage, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" is truer than ever.

Yours in Building,

Kelley

June 14, 2007

Our attendance continues to set new records.  The summer meetings generally have a lower attendance, but I am glad to say that we had 59 members at our June Meeting.  Outstanding!

The meeting was sponsored by Tom Phillips of Mountain Home Utopia.  Tom has been an outstanding advocate of the ACHBA, donating over $3,000 worth of door prizes and sponsorship monies in 2007.  We appreciate him very much and encourage anybody in the market for outdoor appliances, fireplaces, fine art, and high end patio furniture to visit him in downtown West Jefferson.

Thanks also to Tom for giving us an educational briefing on ventless fireplaces in the home.  Our main speaker was Ms. Dona Stankus, from North Carolina State University.  She spoke on the Healthy Built Home program that NCSU is sponsoring in the state.  This program is growing fast and will soon be local as Appalachian State will be the area coordinator of program classes and certification.  Building "green" is becoming a subject that is growing in our community and country.  If you start to embrace it now, you will be ahead of the game and may have a leg up on your competition. I know I get calls about who are "green builders" every week from prospective home builders.

Our June Vocational Student of the Month was Cody Jones.  Nominated by Steve Scott at the High School, Cody was presented with a certificate and a construction calculator.  Good job Cody!

If you haven't seen your BUILDER magazine yet, our Student of the Month program is recognized and there is a picture of Gwynita Steele (not Maria as the caption mistakenly states) presenting Amanda Ham a pink hardhat.  This program is a win-win thing for both the high school and us.  I think it is a great way for us to give back to the community and I know that other HBA's will be copying it.

If case you haven't heard, we have also won two BuildPac awards from the state Association.  In May we had given 233% of our goal (a higher percentage than any other HBA in the state) and we were also named the Most Improved BuildPac giver.  Thank you for your generosity!

Finally, our July 12th speaker will be Senator Steve Goss.  He will be giving us a legislative update on what is happening in Raleigh that could and will affect our industry.  This will be a very informative meeting and one that EVERY MEMBER  should be wanting to attend, because some of the legislation being floated around in Raleigh could REALLY affect us...and not in a good way. 

Don't forget to make your reservation for this meeting so that I can have plenty of food for everybody.  We will be meeting in the Ashe County High School cafeteria once again.

Yours in Building,

Kelley

May 10, 2007

This meeting, generously sponsored by Mountain Home Utopia, was our first at Ashe County High School.  In fact, we will be meeting in the High School Cafeteria for June and July also.

With 55 members present, the May Vocational Student of the Month was recognized, Mr. Robbie Wurth.  One of his Vocational Teachers, Mr. James Sechrest noted about Robbie, "His desire to learn is outstanding, as well as his willingness to practice what he has learned. This young man has a work ethic that is seldom seen in one so young. From a teacher's perspective, Robbie is a pleasure to teach and a joy to work around.

Robbie was presented with a certificate and several brand new tools including a hand plane, a 4 foot level, and a trowel.  The tools were generously donated by Darrel Hamilton Builder.  Congratulations to Robbie and "Thank You" to Darrel Hamilton!!!

Our program for the night was on Interior Design and was presented by Libby Miller from McLean's Floor Coverings in Wilkes.  Door prizes were donated by McLean's as well as New River Building Supply in Boone, courtesy of Brad Matheson.  The 50-50 winner was Tom Patterson of Gershel Kitchens and Baths, who promptly gave the winnings back to be donated to BuildPac.  Thanks Tom!  If you haven't visited Tom's brand new cabinet showroom in Deep Gap, you need to, its beautiful.

New ACHBA members recognized included Appalachian Blind and Closet, Cabin Creek Builders, Dean Holman Masonry, and Exterior & Lighting Concepts.

Renewing members included Cub Creek Countertops Inc, Larry Richardson Construction, M.H.S. Technologies, Riverchase Homes, Inc., and Scott Welch Construction.

In conclusion, I would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Mr. Steve Dukes of Carolina Cabinetry.  I continue to be amazed at the generosity of our members.  Steve walked up at the end of the meeting and handed me a check for $200.00.  He told me that it had been a good year for his company and that he just wanted to give back and that I could use it however the ACHBA needed.  Well Steve, thank you very much!  We will use it to purchase tools for future Students of the Month.  It is this spirit of generosity that makes Ashe County such a special place.  The good Lord has been better than we deserve to each one of us, and it is right and fitting that we reach out to help to those in our community that need it.  I am proud that the ACHBA has been active in community giving during the last three years.  I have no doubt that we will do even more in the future.

Yours in Building,

Kelley

April 12th, 2007

If you missed this meeting, you missed a LOT!!!  We recognized our first ever Vocational Student of the Month from Ashe County High School.  Congratulations to Amanda Ham for having outstanding grades and earning this honor!  Thanks also to Mr. Pugh for nominating her and to the North Carolina Professional Women in Building for donating $200 to buy Amanda a new finish nailer and a VERY pink hard hat!

Membership Chair Maria Whaley next announced that our one-month membership campaign had culminated in over 20 new members!!!  Congratulations to everybody that worked so hard to recruit all these great new folks!!!

President Shatley presented Ron Zapcic of "Raise a Roof, Rebuild a Life" with a $1,000 check from the Ashe County Home Builders Association.  The ACHBA strives to find ways to offer a helping hand to the community in which we work and live, and this is one more way that we are fulfilling that mission.

Susie Thompson, from the North Carolina Home Builders Association, told members about some of the many benefits that are available to members both at the state and national levels.

Vaughn Brown, of Yadkin Well Company, won the "large" 50-50 pot.  Special thanks to Parker Tie Company for providing our door prizes and to Blue Ridge Electric for sponsoring the meeting.

See you next month!

Your EO,
Kelley
P.S. Building Matters in Ashe County!

March 8th, 2007

If you missed the meeting last night, you missed the arrival in town of the
"Big Top-New Member Recruitment-Home Builder Circus".

Ringmaster Extraordinaire, Maria Whaley, told the assembled crowd (for the third straight month we had 50+ members present...A NEW RECORD!!!) that for the next 35 days, culminating at our April 12 meeting, we would be having a new member drive. 

She encouraged every member to bring a prospective member to the April 12th meeting.  We would LOVE to reach 200+ members in 2007.  BIG PRIZES are available for the best recruiters...click HERE for details!!!

A great big "Thank You" goes out to Maria for being such a good sport and having such fun with this!!!

Although it was hard to follow up the "circus", program sponsor GUTTER GLOVE OF NC spent a few moments telling us about their product.  You can learn more HERE.

The main program for the evening was Technology Trends in the Modern House.  Speakers included Tony and Mike from Elite AudioVideo.  They explained some of the new technology on the market and evolving trends.

President-Elect Joe Weddington, who was filling in for a vacationing President Mike Shatley, next told us about some hot topics that our State HBA is heavily involved in.

Mike Whaley was the big winner of the BUILDPAC 50/50 draw.

The meeting adjourned at 7:36.  See you next month!  Don't forget to bring that prospective member!

Your EO,
Kelley
P.S. Building Matters in Ashe County!

January 11, 2007

Wow!

What a Meeting!!! 

January is usually our lowest attended meeting, but we had 49 people at this meeting. 

Sponsored by Yadkin Valley Bank (Thank you Carolyn Miller!) we debuted a new dinner menu and had the best door prizes we have EVER had (A great big "Thank you" to Tom Phillips from Mountain Home Utopia).  If you missed this meeting, you missed a LOT!

President Mike Shatley recognized the new Board Members and encouraged the general membership to feel free to approach them at any time.  2007 promises to be an exciting year for the ACHBA as the Board is busy meeting to plan out the year's activities, which could include building a house as a major fundraiser for the Association.  Many other North Carolina Home Builder Associations do this with great success.

Other meeting speakers included Darrel Hamilton, who discussed the dangers of the Windmill Farm being proposed in Ashe County.   Zack Edmiston, from the Planning Board, took questions from members.  Beth Dixon, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, discussed a new children's literacy program founded by Dolly Parton, that is available for Ashe County children.  Ron Zapcic told members about a worthy new program, "Raise a Roof, Rebuild a Life".

Steve Dukes, from Carolina Cabinetry, joined the ACHBA as a new member.  Steve also won the 50/50 Raffle.  Chris Fields, from Mountain West Builders, renewed.

All in all, it was a great meeting!  Thank you to all those members who attended!  We hope to see even more next month (Lowes will be providing February's door prizes).

Your EO,
Kelley
P.S. Building Matters in Ashe County!

December 14, 2006

Our 2006 Christmas Party was held at Jefferson Landing Country Club.  With over 70 people in attendance, everyone was able to experience great food, great fellowship, in beautiful surroundings.

Out-going President Darrel Hamilton thanked everybody for their support and those Board Members going off the Board were recognized and presented new jackets emblazoned with the ACHBA logo.

Regional Vice President Robb Collier swore in the new Board of Directors.  2007 President Mike Shatley made a few remarks before thanking everyone for coming.

November 9, 2006

Good morning all:

Sorry I did not get this out earlier this morning, this machine has a mind of its own and it was not a good morning for it.

Our meeting went well. Marty Gambill, newly elected county commissioner, updated all on how well permits will be required come January 1. President Hamilton gave a year in review talk; needless to say it has been a busy and productive year for our association.

As it was my last official meeting as EO I was presented with a lovely plaque, thanks to all.

Two new members, Tom Phillips of Mountain Home Utopia and Ronnie Roten, and his wife, of R. L. Roten Woodworking joined us for their first meeting. Joe Weddington was our fifty fifty winner and he promptly handed me part of his winnings as a contribution to our on-going fuel fund, thanks Joe.

A part of Darrel’s year in review speech thanked Carson Staley, Dick Workman and Kelly St. Germain for being active 2006 board members. All are coming off the board as of December 31. 2007 will see Dick doing membership work for the state association and Kelly has become the new association EO.

Our Christmas Celebration and Officer Installation meeting is set for 6:30PM on Thursday December 14. It will be held in the Club House of Jefferson Landing, attire is business casual [no jeans please]. I had a sneak peak at the menu, fantastic. Tickets are $20 each, $40 per couple. We need a head count by December 4 so please RSVP to Kelly [336-620-2000 or eo@ashecountybuilders.com] by December 1. Another favor, when you come to the party please bring a canned good or two so others have a joyous holiday season.

It was election night and the results were unanimous, your new board members for 2007 are Darrel Hamilton, Mike Shatley, David Hodgson, Dub Lewis and Joe Weddington [build board members] and Tracie Jordan, Carolyn Miller, Maria Whaley and Gwynita Steele, associate board members. Please join me in wishing them well.

Plan now to join us on the 14th, RSVP to Kelley today.

Bill

September 15, 2006

Good morning:

If you missed our meeting last night check out our website as Kelley St.Germain has already updated it with some neat photographs he took with his new fancy camera at the meeting. We had forty four members and two quests present.

Cliff Bagot was our fifty fifty PAC drawing, left the meeting with an extra $115 in his pocket. Tracie Jordan won a neat door prize that she is not sure what she will do with, a door handle set donated by Blevins Building Supply.

Our association, through Parker Tie and Hart Equipment Company, is donating $2,500 worth of new tools to the vocational program at Ashe County High School. The formal donation will take place next Monday or Tuesday and ALL members are invited to join in the presentation. We will have the press present and we have high hopes that we will get good PR from both local newspapers. I will contact you via email as soon as the specific date and time are fixed.

I collected checks and cash for another 29 sold fund raiser tickets however we still have a bunch to sell, dinner is just one month away. Call a board member, or me, to buy a ticket NOW.

Mark you calendar for TUESDAY OCTOBER 12, this will be our October Candidates Forum meeting, as it now stands we have eight candidates who will be responding to four or five Ashe County building industry questions we recently sent to them. A record turnout for this meeting will show the candidates our organization, and our industry, are a force to be reckoned with here in the county.

Chuck Kennedy, of Elite Audio Video of Ashe County, joined our association last night. Elite has a fantastic new store on Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson, stop in and say hello and welcome the next time you are in town.

Again, I will keep you posted on the high school donation presentation.

Support YOUR association and show the local political folks we are concerned about the future of our industry by being at our October meeting.

September is National Association Associate Member month; thanks to all of you for support you lend our group. Associate member Joyce Sechrest renewed her membership last night, thanks Joyce.

Bill

August 10, 2006

Good morning all:

Another successful meeting last night, think everyone enjoys the Membership Roundtable format, learned a good deal about many of the members and the contributions their business make to the home building industry here in the county.

Our September meeting will be on the 14th again at Jefferson Station.

Four new members joined our ranks last night: Rebecca Hass, Arcadian Mortgage, Eddie Reed, Woodland Construction, Terry Elliott, EXCEL Builders and Jeannie Fox of Carolina Mountain Properties…….we keep growing.

The meeting produced a lot of discussion of the size and impact new home building, and all that is associated with it, has on our county. To illustrate, according to the Federal Government’s Census Bureau website, for the year 2005 Ashe County saw 340 single family home building permits, with a total permit value of $59,324,465 issued, impressive for a county this size. As of June 30 the same figure, for this year, is on track to hit almost $70,000,000.

The interesting point is the above numbers reflect the efforts of many of you, our builder and associate members, and it is easy to see why our association is a force to be reckoned with and why membership is an asset to every member.

Johnny Worley was our fifty fifty winner, went home with $138 in his pocket. We also gave away some nice door prizes, complements of Parker Tie and Blevins Building Supply.

You missed a great dinner, roast beef.

As of Wednesday [16th] you can register online for the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference in Charlotte the 23rd through the 25th, go to www.21buildingexpo.com.

Please plan ahead, our October Candidates Forum meeting will be on TUESDAY OCTOBER 10. Our prime rib fund raiser is on the 14th and we still have lots of tickets available. A $100 ticket gets you a prime rib dinner for two plus a good shot [odds are 1 in 23] at winning a share of the $10,400 [grand prize $7,000] we will be giving away.

Every member buying one ticket and selling one ticket would quickly get the job done. I have the tickets so call or email me and I will get them to you.

Have a great day.

Bill

July 13, 2006

Good morning:

If you were not with us last night you missed a good meeting, we had forty nine members and guests present.

Our PAC fifty-fifty drawing raised $210; drawing winner was Tony Kennedy, a prospective new member and one of the owners of the new video store on Main Street in West Jefferson. Tony donated his winnings to our community fund, thanks Tony.

Our guest speaker, Janice Gregory of the Tax Research Institute, gave an interesting talk on how the IRS sees the real world, interesting and informative. Member guest speakers were Natalie Lambert, Mortgage Lender with Yadkin Valley Bank and Jerry Cook, Mountain Central Vacuum.

Our August meeting, on the 10th, is membership roundtable discussion night, mark the day on your calendar and come prepared to give the group a brief overview of your business.

Several members stepped up to the plate and went home with five to twenty tickets to sell for our fall fund raiser. Darrel had the group recognize member Carolyn Miller, Yadkin Valley Bank, she has been busy and has already sold twenty tickets. The fund raiser is an event that will benefit our organization so we have high hopes that EVERY member will sell a couple of tickets. Contact me and I will get tickets to you, the sooner the better for October 14 will be here before we know it.

The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference is just around the corner [August 23-25 in Charlotte]. I have tickets that get you a free pass and, after August 16 you can register online at www.21buildingexpo.com.

Have a great July and, as always, if I can be of help call me or drop me an email.

Bill

June 9th, 2006

Good morning all:

A sincere thank you, from our entire association, goes to Sharon Hennis and Judy Current, and the management of Skyline/Skybest for hosting last night’s meeting. The facility is great and Skyline provided some great door prizes plus every attendee when home with a neat little gift bag, well done ladies.

Our fifty-fifty ticket sales went well, winner, a nice lady, and potential new member, went home with her half, $150.

Bobby Reed, as always, was informative even though his remarks where on a good news bad news basis [building permit costs are going up]. Gerold Elliot opened a lot of eyes talking about alternative types of septic systems and the two ladies [Sharon and Judy] brought all up to speed on several exciting things Skybest will soon be offering all its customers.

Michelle Anysz, from the state association office, updated us on the upcoming [August 23-25] 21st Century Building Expo and Conference in Charlotte. I have tickets you can fill out and mail in to get free admittance to the expo, contact me if you need them.

We have raffle tickets available and last night several members stepped up to the plate and went home with tickets to sell. Based on the size of our association as of June 1, if each member sells [or buys] just two tickets all 300 will quickly be gone. Our fund raiser is money well spent; a $100 ticket gets you a prime rib dinner for two plus a 1 in 23 shot at winning a share of $10,700. Contact me and I will send you all the tickets you want and bill you at a later date.

If you were with us, you enjoyed, if you missed the meeting plan ahead and be sure you do come to the July 13th meeting.

Again, contact me ASAP and I will get raffle tickets to you, it would be great if we could sell all 300 within the next couple of months.

Have a great day.

Bill
 

April 13, 2006

Hello all:

Our meeting on the 13th was great, including members and guests sixty one folks were present, best turnout this year, thanks for supporting your association.

Our guest speaker, Pat Mitchell, Director of Economic Development for Ashe County, gave an interesting talk and, in summary, the growth in the building industry is projected to continue through 2012, great news for everyone present.

President Darrel [Hamilton] introduced two new members to the group, I gave membership applications to three prospective members and I received applications from two more folks [we continue to grow]. Darrel also introduced our newest board member, Chris Fields, welcome aboard Chris.

Several folks went home the winners of some great door prizes from Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust and Parker Tie, thanks go to both for their support of our organization.

While a few familiar faces were missing, we where glad to have Matt and Marty Peters, of Mountain Advantage Tree and Landscape, join us. We missed Kim Edwards, the Whaley’s, Joe Weddington and several others; do hope they all make it to the May 20 picnic.

Speaking of the picnic, please let me know, via telephone or email, the number and ages of the young ones who will be coming to the picnic, we want to make sure we have some appropriate activities planned for them. As a reminder, the picnic is May 20, Ashe Park, Lake View shelter, it will start at 10:00AM and end at 4:00PM.

Our PAC fifty fifty drawing raised $284, drawing winner was Doug Combs who donated his winnings [$143] to our community fund, thanks Doug.

President Darrel will be the guest speaker at the May 9 meeting of the Ashe County Board of Realtors.

May is National New Member month, please recruit one new member and let me know who he or she is by the 22nd as I have to call the national organization on the 23rd and give them a new member’s total. Membership is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends to all who join.

Remember that our picnic is our ONLY May meeting and that our June meeting will be at the Skybest facility on Radio Hill in West Jefferson, specifics will follow.

ACHBA is YOUR association, support it and join us on May 20.

As always, call or send me an email if you have questions or comments.

Bill
EO
ACHBA

Good morning everyone:

For those of you who were not with us last night you missed a fantastic, and crowded, meeting, we had [members and guests] fifty seven folks. The networking opportunity was great, I opened the doors at five and it was just after 8:15PM when the last folks headed out the door.

Bobby Reed gave a great overview of how this February, building permit wise, compares to last year, value of the 2006 permits is more than double that of 2005, great sign that this will be another great year for all in our association.

We continue to grow; three new members were introduced last night. I received completed applications from three more and gave applications to three who were guests at the meeting and now want to join.

A fun part of every meeting is the fifty fifty cash drawing, last night’s winner, George Gess, Gess Carpentry, Inc., was our winner and he promptly donated his share of the pot, $142, to our fuel fund, thanks George. Thanks also goes out to Parker-Tie and Blevins Builders Supply, six folks went home with some great door prizes complements of these two firms.

President Darrel introduced our newest board member, Carolyn Miller, Yadkin Valley Bank & Trust, to the group and Dave Finder, from the NC Propane Association, gave a great talk on the progress being made in his industry. He keyed on the improvements made in on demand hot water systems, my wife and I had one in our cottage back in Virginia, great efficient energy saving device.

Plan ahead, our April meeting, on the 13th, will be at Jefferson Station and, like last night, I will open the doors at five.

Our May meeting, Saturday May 20, will be our association family picnic at Ashe Park, 10AM to 4PM and our June meeting, on the 8th; will be held in the conference room in the Skyline/Skybest Communications facility in West Jefferson, details to follow.

It would be great to see EVERYONE on April 13, support YOUR association and attend this meeting. Members doing business with members is just another benefit of being part of our dynamic association.

Check our website; www.ashehomebuilder.com soon, Kelly will be posting a calendar of events for the balance of the year.

Stay safe and well, looking forward to seeing you in April if not sooner. As always, if you have ideas on how your association can be even more productive and informative, give me a call [877-5802] or drop me an email.

Bill

EO
 

February, 2006
Good morning:

If you were not with us last night you certainly missed another great meeting and an awesome networking opportunity as well over half of our active members were in attendance. Jefferson Station, our new meeting location, impressed everyone.

Beth Dixon, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, gave a well received talk about what (as we all already know) a great place Ashe County is and what the chamber does, on an on going basis, to promote the county to flat landers. She praised our association for all that its members have, and are doing, to meet the new home demands here. Membership is the chamber is, just like our association, a worthwhile investment, give Pat a call (336-846-9550) for more information. Pat spoke just after Bobby Reed, Ashe County Director of Inspections, gave a great over view of how strong 2005 was and how this year, February year-to-date, the county is on track to do even better.

Robb Collier, NCHBA Region 8 Vice President joined our meeting and took the honor of presenting SPIKE awards to Darrel Hamilton and Dick Workman, each of these gentlemen is credited with bringing twenty five new members into our group.

President Darrel reminded all present to mark May 20th on their calendar, this is the day of our association family picnic. It will be held at Ashe Park; more on this later but do go ahead and mark the date as it will be a fun filled day for all ages. He also updated all on how well our association did, last year, in meetings its PAC goal and increasing membership, we ended up (on a national basis for NHBA Group 6 associations) tying for second place.

Several great door prizes, complements of Blevins Building Supply, we given away and the winner of our fifty-fifty PAC draw went home with $140 in his pocket. Our fifty fifty goal for March is $150 for some lucky winner and, of course, there will be some more neat door prizes up for grabs

Our March meeting will be on the 9th and again at Jefferson Station. Felton Crews, VP of the NC Propane Gas Association will be our guest speaker.

Kelley St. Germain was busy with his camera so check our website, www.ashehomebuilders.com, in a day or two.

Our ranks continue to grow, Jennifer Tuttle, Mortgage Loan Officer with TriStone Community Bank joined our association last night.

Have a great weekend and keep an eye on the weather.

Bill
EO

ACHBA

PS A perk of membership is a wealth of solid business practices that are available at www.nahb.org/biztools, check it out.