Jack McCombs - Home Builders Association of West Florida

Jack
McCombs
Career Achievements
Land Him In Florida
Housing Hall of Fame
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
1
2
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
2011
Leadership
Board
2011 Home Builders
Association of West Florida
Board of Directors
Russ Parris
President
Frameworks, LLC
Luke Shows
1st Vice President
Shows Construction
Eric Witt
Treasurer
Kenneth E, Witt Carpentry
Judy Gund
Financial Officer
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Newman Rodgers
Secretary
Newman Rodgers Construction
Steve Geci
2nd Vice President
Geci & Associates Engineers
Builder Members
Pam Caddell, Gulf+Atlantic Constructors
Miller Caldwell, III, CCG Design Builders
Jeff Godfrey, Paragon Custom Homes
Darrell Gooden, Gooden Homes
Robert Harris, Adams Homes
Doug Henry, Thomas Home Corporation
Doug Herrick, Coastal ICF Concrete Wall Systems
Shelby Johnson, Johnson Construction Co.
of Pensacola
Ron Mangum, Residential Renovation Company
Scott McCartney, 1st Choice Home Improvements
Bryan Moore, BRM Residential Homes
Jennifer Rigby, Gleaton & DeMaria Commercial
Development
Kevin Russell, Russell Home Builders
Steve Sessions, Sessions Contractors Group
Keith Smith, Keith Smith Construction
Todd Stafford, Heaton Brothers Construction
Ron Tuttle, Bennat, Inc.
Chris Vail, Urban Infill Corporation
Thomas Westerheim, Westerheim Properties
Associate Members
Rod Hurston
3rd Vice President
Fisher-Brown Insurance
Tina Monie
Immediate 2nd Vice President
KJM Surveying
Billy Moore
Immediate Past President
Southern Home & Construction
Cornerstone
The official magazine of the
Home Builders Association of West Florida
4400 Bayou Blvd., Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503
(850) 476-0318
Stephen Moorhead
Legal Counsel
McDonald, Fleming, Moorhead
Angela Carter, Gulf Power Company
Bret Cornett, ProBuild
Rick Endsley, Builders Specialty Supply
Jill Grove, Energy Services of Pensacola
John Hattaway, Hattaway Home Design
Tom Hammond, Hammond Engineering
Ron Harper, GCS Building Solutions
Towana Henry, Surety Land Title
Blake Jochum, All Pro Sound
Pat Kozma, Jenkins Brick & Tile Company, LLC
William Merrill, Merrill, Parker, Shaw
Christopher Moorhead, Coastal Bank & Trust
Bernie Mostoller, The Mostoller Group
Ric Nickelsen, Whitney National Bank
David Redmond, PrimeLending
Gary Sluder, Gene’s Floor Covering
Doug Whitfield, Doug Whitfield Residential Designer
Jayer Williamson, Williamson Electrical Company
Brent Woody, Advanced Roofing and Waterproofing
John Carrell, Gulf Power Co., Remodelors Council Chair
Angie Cooper, Gulf Power Co., Auxiliary Council Chair
Jim Harris, Coastal Bank and Trust, Membership Chair
Natasha Reynolds, ESP, Green Building Council Chair
Newman Rodgers, Custom Builders Council Chair
www.westfloridabuilders.com
Cornerstone is published for the Home Builders Association of West Florida by
Nicholson Publishing and distributed to its members. Reproduction in whole or part
is prohibited without written authorization. Articles in Cornerstone do not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the HBA of West Florida. Articles are accepted from
various individuals in the industry to provide a forum for our readers.
Ex-Officio Members:
Keith Furrow, Pensacola Association of Realtors
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
3
In This
Issue
Cornerstone
Cover Story
Jack McCombs: Career Achievements Land Him Into
Florida Housing Hall of Fame! ................................................................. 6
Jack McCombs At A Glance ........................................................... 7
Photos of the Gala Affair ............................................................. 8
Thank You Jack McCombs by David Peaden ................................ 9
Jack & His Family ...................................................................... 10
CORNERSTONE COLUMNS
President’s Message:
HBA Members Made 2011 a Fun and Productive Year ........................ 5
David Peaden II
Executive Director
[email protected]
FEATURED STORY
NAHB News’ New Features on Green Building
Website make Searches Easier ............................................................... 12
NAHB News: Judges Appear to Oppose NAHB Arguments
to Reinstate “Opt Out” Provision in Lead Paint Rule ............................. 13
Home Builders Applaud Congress
for Restoring Higher FHA Home Limits ................................................ 13
Alecia Overman
Accounting Manager
[email protected]
Amy Lord
Membership/Marketing Director
[email protected]
Next Issue: January 2012
Edit: December 5, 2011
Space: December 15, 2011
Materials: December 21, 2011
Magazine Design & Layout by
warren wight creative services
www.ww-cs.com
ASSOCIATION NEWS
2011 HBA of West Florida Leadership .................................................... 3
HBA Green Building & Remodelers Council News .............................. 11
HBA Fall Golf Classic, A Great Success ............................................... 14
HBA Fall Golf Classic Winners .............................................................. 15
HBA Fall Golf Classic Sponsors, Thank You for your Support! ...... 15, 16
HBA Membership News, Welcome New Members, Thanks for
Renewing, Time to Renew, & Don’t Lose Your Membership ................ 17
HBA Calendar of Events, Mark your Calendar ................................ 17
Spike Club Update .................................................................................. 18
DEPARTMENTS INDEX
Next Issue Deadlines ……………............................................……. 4 & 17
Advertisers Index, Web, & Email Addresses ………….....…………… 18
Cornerstone, the monthly publication of the Home Builders Association of West Florida serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, is published
monthly, twelve (12x) per year. Send address changes to HBA of West Florida, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503-1910.
Cornerstone, is published in the interests of all segments of the home building industry and is distributed to its members and others associated with
the HBA of West Florida. HBA of West Florida and Richard K. Nicholson Pub., Inc. does not accept responsibility for, or endorse any statement
or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles. Every effort has been made to assure accuracy of information, but authenticity cannot be
guaranteed. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of Home Builders Association of West Florida, Copyright
©, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503-1910, 850.476.0318. Advertisers and advertorials in Cornerstone do not constitute
an offer for sale in states where prohibited by law.
4
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
HBA Members Made 2011
a Fun and Productive Year
My year as president of
the Home Builders Association of
West Florida has come to an end.
For me, it has been a wonderful
year and a great thrill for me to
lead this association. It seems like
Russ Parris
yesterday that I was being installed as president, and now, I’m writing my last article. Like
every president before me, I have to let go and
make way for other fine leaders to follow. I
could not be more pleased to turn the reins over
to my good friend, Luke Shows, of Shows Construction. You can rest assured that the HBA
will continue to prosper under Luke’s leadership. Luke has a lot of great qualities including
honestly, integrity and character. I wish him a
lot of success in the year to come.
It has been a busy year for our HBA.
Even though it has been a challenging time for
a lot of people, I am proud of the character and
work ethic of the volunteers who continue to
do great things for our association.
In spite of the market conditions, the
year could not have been the success that it
was without the help and support of the many
individuals whom contributed their time and
energy on behalf of the association. I am very
thankful for the leadership provided by our
Committee and Council Chairs. Your work is
vital to the success of this association and I
thank you for your service and please allow me
to touch on a few highlights:
The Governmental Affairs Committee kept a watchful eye on county government
thanks to the leadership of Tom
Hammond of Hammond Engineering. Tom stayed abreast of
hot construction industry issues
in Escambia and Santa Rosa
Counties as well as statewide
issues.
Residential Designer Doug
Whitfield led the Cost & Codes
Committee and conducted
meetings with Escambia and
Santa Rosa Counties Building
Departments. Doug is a tremendous asset to our association,
and he continues to help HBA
members understand the massive Statewide Building Code.
Under the direction of
Treasurer Eric Witt, of Kenneth E. Witt Carpentry, and
Financial Officer Judy Gund, of
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund,
they worked hard to make sure
that our association ran as efficient as possible. The committee also kept a close eye on our
fiscal successes of our Parade of
Homes, Home & Product Expo,
and Golf Tournaments.
The Home and Products
EXPO Committee had another
banner year under the leadership of HBA Show
Manager Alecia Overman. Alecia is a seasoned
professional who developed a new Expo website and increased the marketing of the show.
She always impresses me on her knowledge of
how to make the show run in professional manner. She did a fantastic job and we were thrilled
with the success of the show.
The Parade of Homes was an exciting
time with the Dream Home in Robinson’s Mill.
KW Homes built a very nice home that sold in
a timely manner. The proceeds from the home
cannot be underestimated in that we need every
dollar to keep our HBA running. I am very
pleased and thankful to the team of professionals at CHB of Northwest Florida who understood the mission of the Dream Home and
made it into a reality. We certainly could not
have made an impact without the support of our
members who generously give to the Dream
Home. Thank you.
President’s
Message
“I have enjoyed
my year serving you
and I wish you all the
best in the future.”
The Membership Committee, led by
Jim Harris of Coastal Bank and Trust, did a
phenomenal job as membership chair. Jim has
the help of many fine membership committee
members and other HBA volunteers. Through
Jim’s leadership, the HBA was able to gain 50
new members in our May membership drive..
I’ve never seen so much excitement for a membership drive. Fantastic!
Our Councils also played an important role within the association:
The Auxiliary Council, led by Angie
Cooper, of Gulf Power Company, continued
its impressive work with the children of the
Lakeview Center. From providing Christmas
and Easter gifts to hosting parties for children
who would not otherwise have happy occasions, the council made an impact in the lives
of countless children.
I am also pleased that builder Newman Rodgers, helped keep the Custom Builders
Council moving forward with its informative
educational programs.
The Green Building Council continued to host informative meetings thanks to
the leadership of Natasha Reynolds of Energy
Services of Pensacola. We are proud of the
council’s efforts this year.
Special thanks to the Senior Officer
team of First Vice President Luke Shows,
Financial Officer Judy Gund, Treasurer Eric
Witt, Secretary Newman Rodgers, Second Vice
President Steve Geci, Third Vice President
Rod Hurston, Immediate Past President Billy
Moore, and Legal Counsel Stephen Moorhead.
The meetings are too many to count; however,
I can tell you that it was well worth it. These
dedicated professionals have been a joy to
work with and this association’s future is in
good hands.
Also, I would like to sincerely thank
the HBA staff of David Peaden, Alecia Overman and Amy Lord. For a small staff, they take
on a lot and their enthusiasm and passion for
our industry is greatly appreciated.
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
5
Cover
Story
Jack McCombs
Career Achievements Land Him
In Florida Housing Hall of Fame
It's 9 o'clock on
a Friday morning and
Jack McCombs has
already been at work
for three hours at the
electrical, heating and
air conditioning company he owns and operates
from the Santa Rosa
County metropolis of
Pea Ridge.
Now it's time for a
once-a-week treat – a fried egg,
bacon, ham and cheese sandwich.
Healthy-diet advocates would
croak but McCombs, at age 77, is
going strong and looking forward
to his October 22, 2011 induction
into the Florida Housing Hall of
Fame.
For McCombs and his
beloved HBA of West Florida, it’s
an historic achievement. He's the
first person from Northwest Florida Jack and Miller McCombs share a moment before Jack’s Induction into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame
in Tampa.
selected to the elite group, which
includes 59 individuals (inducted
Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham
local, state and national levels of the buildsince the Hall of Fame was instituted in 1990),
(whose work led to the creation of the Florida
ers association and when he successfully led
who have made significant and lasting contriHousing Finance Agency), Orlando builder
an effort to earn a place for associates on the
butions to the Florida’s housing industry.
Bill Demetree (who conceived of the idea of
Board of Directors of the National Association
He joins people like former Florida
Parades of Homes in the late 1950s), Tampa
of Home Builders (NAHB), he made history by
developer Matt Jetton (father of
being the first associate from Florida to serve
the master-planned community),
and vote as an NAHB Director.
and legendary home builders like
It’s a safe bet that a Hall of Fame
Arthur Rutenberg.
career wasn’t on McCombs’ “to do” list when
“In many respects, Jack
he started toting tools for an electrician in
was a pioneer, a ground-breaker
1959. At the time, very few homes had central
and game-changer for our industry air conditioning and no one had yet thought of
and our association,” says Paul
in-home dishwashers, telephone and television
Thompson, the CEO of the Florida jacks, smoke alarms and other electricity-based
Home Builders Association who
inventions that have made life easier and safer
first met McCombs in the midfor many Americans.
1970s when he served as Execu
McCombs had just one truck when
tive Officer of the HBA of West
he went into business for himself in the midFlorida.
1970s. Now he has 28 employees covering
“Yes, the HBA was a
Santa Rosa and Escambia counties and, despite
‘builders’ organization but Jack
the sour economy, his phone still rings. "I was
paved the ground that made aslucky more than anything, but I was a workasociates full-fledged partners with
holic," said McCombs, who still regularly logs
the builders, working side-by-side
12-hour days.
for the good of the industry,”
He's adaptable, too. When home
recalls Thompson.
building starting slumping a few years ago,
Jack McCombs thanks his family, friends and members
In fact, McCombs champihe switched to more service calls, picking up
of FHBA for his induction into the prestigious Florida
oned the role of associates at the
dozens of new customers each month to offset
Housing Hall of Fame.
6
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
the plunge in construction. "It's all word of
mouth and our employees do a great job," he
said, beaming as he flashed customers' notes
praising employees' efforts and punctuality.
"That makes you feel good," he said.
The strategy has paid off. McCombs
has weathered the downturn without laying off
any workers; many have been with him 20 or
30 years or more. "I try to treat people the way
I want to be treated," he said. "We don't have
lots of turnover."
His honesty, integrity and "get 'er
done" attitude has helped McCombs build
many professional and personal relationships.
"Jack is one of my favorite people in the
world," says prominent Pensacola commercial
builder and businessman Jim Cronley, who
served as president of the HBA of West Florida
in 1977. "He is steady and dependable. He has
a heart of gold. And if he tells you something,
you can take it to the bank."
Carmel Morris is a Jacksonville
electrical contractor who, like McCombs, has
earned a place in the Florida Housing Hall of
Fame for his career achievements, most notably
apprenticeship training.
Morris and McCombs readily share
disparaging stories and anecdotes about each
other but deep down, there is great mutual
Jack McCombs at a Glance
•
•
•
•
•
Florida Home Builders Association’s
first Associate member on the National
Association of Home Builders Board of
Directors.
Appointed by Gov. Reubin Askew to
the committee that drafted the original
Florida State Model Energy Code in
1973-76.
Along with FHBA Past President Ed
Giuliano, spearheaded the effort to start
the Florida Home Builders Credit Union
to help contractors obtain financing during the credit crunch of the late 1970s
and early 1980s.
Spearheaded the idea of making the
FHBA Immediate Past Second Vice
President an advisor to the FHBA
Senior Officers. To put Second Vice
Presidents on equal footing as the other
Senior Officers, Jack budgeted, for the
first time, a travel expense for Second
Vice Presidents (implemented only after
he left office).
2nd Vice President of the Florida Home
Builders Association.
Service to local, state and national home builder associations
• Super Spike (270 members)
respect. “Jack’s a doer," says Morris. “A lot of
people talk a good game… Jack delivers.”
McCombs' energy and reliability propelled him into leadership positions at the HBA
of West Florida after he joined the group as an
associate. "I felt it would be good for business,"
he said, noting the association's value for him
when it came to learning about new issues and
having his and the industry’s interests protected
in the Florida Legislature and the halls of Congress.
With a mixture of determination and
gruff humor, McCombs was able to motivate
associate members, who come from diverse
fields such as banking, architecture, real estate,
and subcontracting.
As an associate, McCombs worked
with other members on numerous issues, including developing Florida's first model energy
code, improving insurance and financing for
members and builders, and negotiating with
lawmakers and other officials over permitting and safety issues. He feels his impact was
increased by working alongside home builders.
McCombs is humbled by the Hall of
Fame attention but it’s clear that his greatest sense of accomplishment comes from a
business that has survived the ups and downs
and created livelihoods for his son Mike and
•
Cover
Story
employees like Barbara Mitchell and Benny
Baxley who have worked at McCombs Electric
since they were in high school.
Even at 77, he looks forward to every
day at work. "I've been in business for myself
since I was 40 and I've had only one heart attack," he said with a chuckle. "I'm doing good.”
Indeed he is.
Turn the page to check out a
little photo history of Jack!
Past 2nd Vice President, Florida Home
Builders Association 1981-1982
Past NAHB Board Member 1986
Past 2nd Vice President, Home Builders
Association of West Florida 1978
FHBA Life Director 1984
Board Member, HBA of West Florida
Board Members, HBA of West Florida
Remodelors Council
Past Chair, FHBA Credit Union
Committee, 1985-86
NAHB President appointment to first
NAHB Associates Member Council
(15 members)
HBA of West Florida Parade of Homes
Committee 1976-1995
PAC member NAHB and FHBA
(Capital Club)
HBA of West Florida Codes Committee
1976- 1995
Florida Housing Hall of Fame Original
Committee Member
•
Other housing-related activities
• Santa Rosa County Planning Board
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(3 years)
Santa Rosa County Subdivision Regulation Board (3 years)
Past President and current Board
member Eletrical Contractors of
Northwest Florida
•
•
•
Heat Pump Association, Board of
Directors
Past President and Board of Directors of
Air Conditioning Contractor Association
Santa Rosa County Electrical Board
(8 years)
NAHB Political Contact to U.S.
Representative (4 years)
Community Service
• Mental Health Board of Directors (3
•
•
•
•
•
•
years)
Avalon Center for Drug Abuse (5 years)
United Way Committee (2 years)
American Cancer Society Board
(1 year)
Hospice of Northwest Florida Board
(3 years)
Naval Aviation Museum Foundation
(10 years)
Habitat for Humanity House that
Congress Built 1998
Habitat for Humanity FHBA
Tallahassee Build 1999
Recognition
• 1977 HBA of West Florida Associate of
•
•
the Year
1985 FHBA Associate of the Year
1987 NAHB Hall of Honored
Associates
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
7
Cover
Story
Right: McCombs said that having his family
and friends with him made his induction into
the Hall of Fame a memorable event. From
bottom left, Mitch Heath, Sherry Compton,
Jack McCombs, Margaret Jones, Miller McCombs, Terressa McCombs. Top left, Reed
Compton, Bonnie Sparks, Sam Sparks, and
John Jones. (not pictured Roger McCombs).
From left, Jack’s son Roger McCombs with
Randy and Trent Compton during the
Installation Banquet.
Above: From left; HBA of West Florida Past President Ron Tuttle, HBA 3rd Vice
President Rod Hurston, Hall of Famer Jack McCombs, HBA Executive Director
David Peaden and HBA President Russ Parris were on hand to celebrate Jack’s
achievement.
Top Left: Jack McCombs pictured with HBA Executive Director David Peaden.
During Jack’s induction speech, he recognized the HBA of West Florida Executive Officers over the past 51 years including John Appleyard (1960-1974), Paul
Thompson (1974-1976), the late Mike Green (1976-1982), Tom Bell (1982-1997)
& David Peaden (1997–present).
Bottom Left: Hall of Famer Jack McCombs with fellow Hall of Famer Paul
Thompson who served as the HBA of West Florida Executive Officer in the early
1970s. Thompson is now the longtime Executive Vice President of the Florida
Home Builders Association (FHBA).
8
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
Spending a lot of time away
from his business in 1979, Jack
McCombs shares a lighter mo-
Cover
Story
ment during an FHBA meeting.
Thank you,
Jack McCombs!
When I first
heard the news that
Jack McCombs was
elected to the Florida
Housing Hall of Fame,
it’s hard to describe
the sense of pride I
felt… both for Jack and
Jack McCombs accepts his
FHBA 2nd Vice President
Award for serving on the
FHBA Senior Officer team
in 1981.
During his time as
FHBA 2nd Vice
President, Jack
McCombs met with
many state leaders
including Florida
Governor Bob
Graham.
for our association. It’s truly
heart-warming to see someone
who has worked so hard for so
long receive the recognition
they so richly deserve. On a
personal note, Jack was and is
someone who I could call on
anytime for anything. As an
EO, selfless members like Jack
are worth their weight in gold.
I know I speak for President
Russ Parris, the Board of
Directors, and all the members
of the HBA of West Florida
in congratulating Jack on this
landmark achievement… and
thanking him for his incredible
legacy of service to our association and our industry.
David Peaden,
executive director of
the HBA of West Florida.
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
9
Cover
Story
“Put Jack in the box” was the campaign
slogan developed by Dick Appleyard, of the
John Appleyard Agency, that was used successfully while Jack was running for FHBA
Second Vice President.
Right: The McCombs Family in the 1970s.
From left, Jack, Jonnie, who passed away
in 1992, Cal, who passed away in May 2011.
Top left: Rodger, Terressa and Mike.
10
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
Left: The bearded Jack
McCombs in 1982
Below: Florida State
Senator George Kirkpatrick, of Gainesville,
was on hand for the
celebration as Jack
McCombs was named
the 1984 FHBA Associate of the Year. One
of the traditions is to
drink Champaign out
of the trophy!
HBA
Council
News
The Green Building Council of the HBA’s October meeting
featured speaker Lonzelle Noack, Mass Markets Renewables Specialist with Gulf Power. The presentation focused on renewable energy
options. The Green Building Council is gearing up for a productive 2012. On Wednesday,
February 8, 2012, the Green Building Council will be hosting a seminar with Internationally
Acclaimed Energy Efficiency expert, Joseph Lstiburek. More information on sponsorships and
registrations for this event will be coming soon! For information on joining the Green Building
Council or Custom Builders’ Council please contact Amy Lord at 476-0318 or [email protected]
John Hattaway of Hattaway Home Design;
Kimberly Larkin; Keith Swilley of Gulf
Power; Lindy Hurd of RELS Title; Shelby
Johnson of Johnson Construction; Kristi
Colabianchi of Sailwind Construction; Glenn
Lubel of Coldwell Banker; Rocky Williams
of Rock Solid Surfaces; Lonnie Noack of
Gulf Power; Duane Nisewonger of Gateway
Lighting; Thomas Westerheim of Westerheim Properties; and Green Council Chair
Natasha Reynolds of Energy Services of
Pensacola.
The Remodelor’s Council met in November to make plans for
the 2012 year. The council is off to a great new start with a lot of ideas to help those in our
community and the local building industry.
From left to right: Ron Castner of Castner Construction; Dave Smith of Smith and Sons Construction;
John Tucker of Coastal Insulation; Amy Schnupp of KW Cowles; Beth Shoemaker of Advanced Insulation; Larry Hunter of ESP; Tanya Underwood of Emerald Coast Granite; Tabitha Comis of Castner
Construction; Heather DeLorme of Emerald Coast Granite; John Harold of JM Harold Construction;
“Little” Bennie Baxley of McCombs Electric; and Kevin Trulser of Emerald Coast Builders
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
11
NAHB
News
“We will work with
you and other local
stakeholders to ensure
the standard is considered at least on par
with other nationally
available green certifications in those instances...”
12
New Features on Green
Building Website Make
Searches for Builders and
Remodelers Easier
The NAHB Research Center is adding new features to The
National Green Building Program’s website — www.nahbgreen.
org — to make it easier for home buyers and home owners to search
for green builders and remodelers.
The “Find a Participating Builder” tab has been replaced by “Find Your Green Home.”
The Single-Family Homes and Remodelers sections are now complete, allowing consumers to
choose the state where they want to buy or remodel a home, and select from among those program
participants listed on the site who have had projects certified by the NAHB Research Center. Later
this fall, the Apartments/Condominiums and Green Communities/Lots tabs will display additional
consumer-oriented information — including the project or community’s name, its website and a
brief description of the property.
Another new feature is an Incentives Summary for all known state, county and city
incentives directly tied to certification to the National Green Building Standard. The NAHB Research Center is asking members to inform it of any additional green certification rewards.
“We will work with you and other local stakeholders to ensure the standard is considered at least on par with other nationally available green certifications in those instances,” the
Research Center said. “It benefits everyone in the program when the standard gets that kind of
recognition,” it said.
For additional information on certification to the National Green Building Standard,
visit www.nahbgreen.org.
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
Judges Appear to Oppose NAHB
Arguments to Reinstate 'Opt
Out' Provision in Lead Paint Rule
Efforts to reinstate the Environmental Protection Agency’s
Lead: Renovation, Repair and
Painting Rule’s “opt-out” provision — which allowed remodelers
working in homes built before
1978 to disregard more expensive
work practices in cases where
there were no children living in
the home and the owner gave
permission — may have to wait
for a new Administration.
On Nov. 1, the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia Circuit heard
arguments from NAHB and the EPA on the
agency’s recent removal of the opt-out provision from the lead rule.
A central issue tackled by the court
was whether the agency had contradicted the
findings of its earlier scientific research by
revising the rule.
In taking a look at the issue, one
judge appeared to side with the EPA. The
EPA’s decision to remove the opt-out provision
was a way of making the existing regulation
“safer, more effective and more reliable” and a
way to “protect people that would not be protected under the opt-out rule,” said Judge Merrick Garland, one of the appeals court’s three
Justices presiding over the oral arguments.
The judge suggested that the Obama
Administration had the right to discontinue the
opt-out provision even if the previous Administration thought it should be included in the rule.
That would give a future Administration the
ability to restore the opt-out provision.
NAHB noted that the law does not
cover home owners who elect to do the work
themselves — effectively ignoring about half
of the nation’s renovation jobs. “Congress
specifically decided to exclude a huge segment
NAHB
News
of renovation activities: the whole category
of do-it-yourselfers,” said Thomas Jackson,
the attorney who argued the case on behalf of
NAHB.
However, the judges seemed to place
little importance on this omission. The court
will discuss the briefs and oral arguments
before presenting its decision at a later date.
“I’m glad we got our day in court,
but it’s still clear to me that the opt-out provision was removed without carefully considering the consequences,” said NAHB Remodelers
Chair Bob Peterson.
“We’ll continue our outreach to help
our members comply with the law even as we
continue to advocate for a just and equitable
regulation,” he said.
For more information, email Amy
Chai at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242
x8232.
Home Builders Applaud Congress for
Restoring Higher FHA Loan Limits
The National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB) applauded Congress for reinstating for
another two years the higher conforming loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA),
noting that this is an important step to help mend
the struggling housing market. “We commend congressional leaders in both parties and each
chamber of Congress for taking this action to boost overall mortgage
liquidity in the marketplace, create jobs, and provide home owners and
home buyers with safe and affordable financing,” said NAHB Chairman
Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. “Restoring the higher FHA loan limits will help to stabilize
home values, provide constancy while private investors re-enter the market, and enable millions of creditworthy consumers to get home loans
with the best mortgage rates and lowest fees and downpayment requirements,” he added.
This was a major grassroots, legislative and media push led by
NAHB. Congress was urged to reinstate higher loan limits for mortgages
purchased or backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration.
When the loan limits fell on Oct. 1, millions of potential home
buyers were shut out of the conforming market and forced to seek out
“jumbo” mortgages, which charge higher interest rates and fees and
impose tougher downpayment and credit requirements. “This is the last
thing the housing market needs in this current economic climate,” said
NAHB Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin, who, along with NAHB economist
Rob Dietz, participated in a Nov. 8 NAHB teleconference highlighting
for the media why the loan limits need to be raised.
The teleconference drew 30 participants — including reporters
from the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CQ and The Washington Post.
In a spending bill approved by the Senate, the limits would be reinstated
for another two years. House Republicans are currently debating whether
to keep this provision in the legislation or strip it out.
Last month, the national ceiling for mortgages securitized
by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or insured by the FHA dropped from
$729,750 to $625,500.
At the same time, the formula for establishing area loan limits
became more restrictive — resulting in decreases in more than 650 counties in 42 states in addition to those bound by the national ceiling. Dietz
said that the higher ceilings are having a ripple effect in which millions
of homes nationwide can’t be purchased with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA funding.
Underwriting standards for mortgage borrowers have tightened
considerably overall and are especially stringent for loans above the
conforming loan levels. “It is too early to say what impact these changes
will have, but anecdotal evidence suggests that high-cost areas will see
some reduction in housing demand,” said Dietz. “The changes mean that
prospective buyers will need to find additional funds for downpayments
or pay higher interest rates, perhaps 50 to 75 basis points. This will
depress demand at the local level,” he said.
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
13
HBA
News
HBA Fall Golf Classic
The HBA’s Annual Fall Golf Classic was held on Thursday,
November 17 at Stonebrook Golf Course. Golfers enjoyed lunch provided by
Florida Insurance Agency and beverages throughout the course. Thank you to our sponsors,
volunteers and golfers for making the tournament a great success!
Golf 3rd Place Team
1st Place Team Member Jimmy Bowden
Hole Sponsor
University Lending
Group Jason Weber,
Donna K Smith, Kelly
Bousquet and Rhonda
MCGhee
Hole Sponsors Gulf
Power; Justin Tyner,
Christine Swails,
Tina Pace and Karen
Columbus
Wayne Wilson, Swift Supply,
Longest Drive
14
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
HBA
News
The Ladies from Wing Stop served wings to
our players
Mike Patterson working hard on the beautiful links of Stonebrook
Silver Sponsor
Klumb
Mainstreet
Mortgage America
Lunch Sponsor
Florida Insurance Agency
Beer Cart Sponsor
Thank you to Lindsay, Melissa, and Crystal
with Pen Air FCU for sponsoring
Jimmy Bowden, Dan Drew, and Chad Edgar
At the Fall Golf Classic
NuconSteel
Mobile Lumber
Hole Sponsor
University Lending
Sandy Sansing
SPONORS
Gold Sponsor
Patterson Structural
Mr Margarita
Gulf Power
Alston Electric
Robert F Henry Tile
ABC Supply
Mulligan Sponsor
Surety Land Title
Jimmy Coe, Pensacola Hardware;Bruce Carpenter,
Mortgage America;and Keith Furrow, Keller Williams
ABC Supply, Hole Sponsors
Al Bowen
Jimmy Bowden
Mike Patterson
Scott Douglas
2nd Place - Paragon
Scot Nipper
Mark Fisher Jr
Dennis McGehe
Anthony Rice
3rd Place
Lynn Bishop at the
Henry Tile Swamp hole
Jim Harris
Brian Barner
Luke Street
Marty Stanovich
Closet to the Pin
Dennis McGehe
Longest Drive
Wayne Wilson
WINNERS
1st Place - Pro Build
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
15
Golf Classic
Sponsors
16
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Builder & Developer Members
TIME TO RENEW
Dec. 2011 Renewals (Renewal
None to Report
invoice to be mailed 3rd week of Nov.)
Associate Members
1st Choice Home Improvements
31-W Insulation Co., Inc.
Greg Hedge
3951 C Meldum Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32507
T: (850) 380-4965
[email protected]
www.31w.com
Pella Windows & Doors
Greg Haynes
15470 Airline Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
T: (251) 459-2176
[email protected]
Rock Solid Surfaces LLC
Rocky Williams
208 S. Hwy 29
Cantonment, FL 32533
T: (850) 968-1000
[email protected]
www.rocksolidsurfaces.net
THANKS FOR RENEWING!
Builder & Developer Members
A & C Building Contractors, Inc.
Adams Homes of Northwest Florida, Inc.
Bucco Construction Company
J. M. Harold Construction, Inc
Kyle Watson Homes, Inc.
Snellgrove Construction Inc.
Terhaar & Cronley General Contractors
Associate Members
Alston Electric Supply
Boyett’s Portable Toilets, Inc.
Carter & Sons Septic Tank Service
Dean’s Solid Surfacing, Inc.
Digital Now Reprographics
Williamson Electrical Co., Inc.
Mark Your
Calendar!
Auxiliary Council
Meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Custom Builders Council
Meet Quarterly starting in January.
Green Building Council
Meet on the last Wednesday of each month.
Membership Committee
Meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Remodelor’s Council
Meet on the 1st Thursday of each month.
Board of Directors
Meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Membership
News
Aaron James Custom Homes, Inc.
Anchor Pest Control, Inc.
Avia Homes, Inc.
Bob Price Jr. Builder Inc.
Builders Specialties Supply, Inc.
DON’T LOSE YOUR
MEMBERSHIP
Charter Development Corp.
(You still have time to renew)
Bontrager Builders Group, Inc.
Dean A. Spencer Engineering, Inc.
Eddie Zarahn Agency
Emerald Coast Mosquito Misting & Pest
SEPT EXPIRATIONS
Southern Forest Products Assn.
Southern Mirror
Energy Services of Pensacola
Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co.
FoamSeal Insulation Systems, Inc.
OCTOBER EXPIRATIONS
Gooden Homes, Inc.
Columbia Construction, LLC
Newman Rodgers Construction, Inc.
DeGraaf Systems, Inc.
Sears Commercial Sales
Jones Flooring America
Superior Granite
Outer Spaces, LLC
Walther Custom Homes, LLC
Verizon Wireless
Wible & Wible, Inc.
If you do business with
or know anyone in
the “Don’t lose your
Membership!” section,
please give them a call
and reinforce the value
of membership as well
as the importance
of Members Doing
Business with Members.
NEXT
CORNERSTONE
ISSUE:
January
2012
To advertise, call
Richard Nicholson
561.843.5857
[email protected]
December 8
OSHA Fall Protection Course
December 13
Auxiliary Council Ornament Exchange
and Luncheon
December 15
Installation Banquet at New World Landing
Interested in sponsoring a General Membership Meeting?
Contact Amy Lord at 850-476-0318 for more information!
For further event details, please visit our website:
www.westfloridabuilders.com
Please note that dates and locations are subject to change.
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
17
Advertiser’s
Index
In construction, a spike is a steel object that is essential to making a building strong. As in construction,
the HBA of West Florida sees a Spike as someone
that works to keep our association strong. Spikes
work on the recruitment and retention of members
in addition to keeping members active with the
association. Anyone is eligible for Spike status.
On Spike credit is awarded for each new member
recruited and an additional credit is awarded for that
new member’s renewal on or before their anniversary
date. If you help to retain a member, you are eligible
to receive a half point for each member.
Spike Club Levels
Spike Candidate
Blue Spike
Life Spike
Green Spike
Red Spike
Royal Spike
Super Spike
Statesman Spike
Grand Spike
All-Time Big Spike1500+
1-5 credits
6-24
25-49
50-99
100-149
150-249
250-499
500-999
1000-1499
Spike Club Members and their credits
as of 10/01/2011
18
Super Spike
Harold Logan
Rod Hurston
Jack McCombs
250 Credits
499.5
400.5
272.5
Royal Spike
Mike Blanton
Ron Anderson
Edwin Henry
Rick Sprague
Carlton Bowers
Bob Boccanfuso
Betty Evans
150 Credits
203.5
198.5
193
189
160.5
159
153.5
Red Spike
Thomas Kennedy
Collier Merrill
Alan Brock
Lee Magaha
Don Suarez
Dan Gilmore
100 Credits
145
129
127
124.5
117
113.5
Oliver Gore
William “Billy” Moore
111.5
102
Green Spike
Ricky Wiggins
Doug Sprague
Ron Tuttle
John Harold
David Holcomb
Kenneth Ellzey, Sr.
Wayne Underwood
Millie Carpenter
Chris Pate
Kevin L. Ward
Paul Stanley
Tina Monie
50 Credits
90
79.5
76.5
76
71.5
60.5
58.5
56.5
55.5
55.5
54
50
Life Spike
West Calhoun
Bob Price, Jr.
Wilma Shortall
Eddie Zarahn
Thomas Westerheim
Darrell Gooden
Garrett Walton
Russ Parris
25 Credits
48.5
48.5
43.5
38
37
35
28.5
26
Bonded Builders Home Warranty 17
800.749.0381, ext.800
www.bondedbuilders.com
Blue Spike James Dillaha
Doug Herrick
John Hattaway
Ed Wonders
Newman Rodgers IV
Keith Swilley
Jim Harris
Doug Whitfield
Steve Moorehead
Todd Stafford
Michelle Bean
Dean Williams
Towana (Rudd) Henry
Brent Woody
Beth Shoemaker Bernie Mostoller
Bret Cornett
6 Credits
21.5
18.5
18.5
18
18
17.5
17
16
15
14.5
12
10.5
10
8
7
7
7
FHBI13
888.513.1222
www.fhbi.com
If you would
like to join the
Spike Club
or Desire
Additional
Information,
please contact
Alecia Overman
Advertiser’s Index
Alpha Closets and Company 850.221.8771
[email protected]
www.AlphaCloset.com
19
Anchor Pest Control 850.435.7696
[email protected]
www.AnchorPestControl.com
2
Energy Services of Pensacola 850.436.5050
www.espnnaturalgas.com
Gulf Power
850.505.5338
www.GulfPower.com
2
Back Cover
YOUR AD HERE!
Business Card Sized Ads
(850) 476-0318
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011
(ad will be actual size of this promo)
Contact Us For Special
Promotional Rates
Richard Nicholson
561.843.5857 / [email protected]
December 2011 • www.westfloridabuilders.com
19
20
Home Builders Association of West Florida • December 2011