Gearing up Gearing up - Tidewater Builders Association

The Tidewater
The official publication of
Tidewater Builders Association
Volume 53, Number 8
AUGUST 2006
www.tbaonline.org
© 2006
Inside
BB&T proves it’s more than just a bank
Summer camp
By Katie Marcum
Hard Hat camp offers
great education .........................2
Tee time
Annual PAC Fall Golf
Outing is coming ......................3
Good neighbors
TMHC member gets a
helping hand ............................7
Cruise to victory
Recruiting new members can
land you a cruise at sea ............8
A new life
Building Trades Academy
graduate learns life lessons ......11
Friendly advice
CPA sheds light on
avoiding dealer status .............12
Growing up
There are some things in life that just go together. Things that
compliment one another or just seem to create a perfect fit. Things
like peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, a hammer and nails, or
even a great diamond in a perfect setting.
And who doesn’t love a nice diamond? After all, diamonds Diamonds in The Cornerstone Foundation, that is – are Tidewater
Builders Association’s best friend.
A $10,000 Diamond-level contribution is the ultimate commitment a company can make to the local home building industry
through The Cornerstone Foundation, and Branch Banking & Trust
Company (BB&T) of Virginia has undertaken the big step from the
$2,500 Gold level to the Diamond level this year.
“It was a natural extension of what we do,” said Bob Boyd,
Regional President of BB&T of Virginia. “We’ve always been supportive of TBA and have a long history of being involved in construction and real estate business. It was such a natural fit.”
A TBA member for more than 20 years, BB&T prides itself on having worked closely with and had lasting relations with many TBA leaders
and members throughout the past two decades. An ever-present sponsor
at TBA events, BB&T is a diamond in a perfect industry setting.
“BB&T is a major real estate lender. We’re committed to the
builders and have a proven track record. We’ve maintained consistent
service to the real estate community and building industry,” said Boyd.
See BB&T, page 14
TMHC scholarship
continues to grow ...................16
The Main Event
What: Builders Breakfast Forum
When: Thursday, Aug. 24
Time: TBA Boardroom
Where: Begins at 7:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE for TBA builder members
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Norfolk, VA
Permit No. 2135
Preview: Great opportunity to hear
how to protect your business from
a recession. (Turn to page 3 for
details.)
From left, Regional President Bob Boyd, Senior Vice President
Sam Scott and Senior Vice President Joe Dreps help lead
BB&T of Virginia, a long-time industry supporter that has
increased its commitment as a Cornerstone member to the top
Diamond level.
Consumer shows combine forces to create
spectacular home and flower event
By Mary Prier, APR
What do you get when you cross the
Mid-Atlantic Home & Garden Show, held
each March at the Virginia Beach
Convention Center, with the Virginia
Flower & Garden Show, held each
January at the same venue?
You get the Mid-Atlantic Home &
Flower Show, presented by Tidewater
Builders Association and The Virginia
Horticultural Foundation on February 1518, 2007.
“We’re bringing together two of the
biggest consumer shows in Hampton
Roads under one big roof,” says
Tidewater Builders Association President
John Olivieri. “Our event has traditionally been a place to explore the latest products on the market for your home. Their
event is known for lavish display gardens
and horticultural experts. Consumers
gain a show that can truly help them
with both their indoor and outdoor living spaces.”
The event is expected to feature over
600 exhibits and to draw over 25,000
guests. It will feature celebrity speakers and
horticultural experts who cover a range of
topics pertaining to the home and garden.
“We are combining the best of both
shows,” says David Wike, Chair of the
Flower Show.
With a cadre of 300 volunteers, the
Flower Show’s theme of “dream gardens”
will offer horticultural experts, children’s
activities, window box competitions, a floral challenge, a European flower market
and lavish display gardens.
“Our mission is education” says Wike.
“But it’s more than teaching good horticultural practices. It’s the greater gardening
community coming together for a festival.
It’s a festival event, and it’s fun.”
On the home side, expect the construction of a systems-built (modular) home to
take place inside the Convention Center
during the course of the event.
It will be the 22nd year for Tidewater
Builders Association’s home show and the
14th year for the Virginia Horticultural
Foundation’s annual event.
For more information, call TBA at
420-2434 or email [email protected].
Tidewater Builders Association
2117 Smith Avenue
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320-2515
2006 Cornerstone Foundation Members
The Cornerstone Foundation supports the home building industry in South Hampton Roads.
DIAMOND
Kempsville Building Materials
BB&T of Virginia
Gearing up
Page 10
PLATINUM
SunTrust Real Estate Finance
Group/SunTrust Mortgage Inc.
Virginia Natural Gas
Dominion Virginia Power
Wachovia Bank/Wachovia Mortgage
Resource Bank/Resource Mortgage
TowneBank/TowneBank Mortgage
Bank of America
Superior Equipment Sales Inc.
GOLD
Ainslie-Widener
Tidewater Home Funding
Beach Ford Inc.
Countrywide Home Loans Inc.
Virginian-Pilot
RBC Builder Finance
Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern & Levy P.C.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Bank of Hampton Roads
Williams-Mullen
William E. Wood & Assoc.
Kotarides Builders
Wermers Development Inc.
Napolitano Homes
Clark Whitehill Enterprises Inc.
Enterprise Mortgage Corp.
Area Builders of Tidewater Inc.
Caruana Homes Inc by Gary
Caruana
Terry/Peterson Residential Cos.
Hearndon Construction Corp.
Ashdon Builders Inc.
Sadler Building Corp.
L.R. Hill Custom Builders Inc.
Miller Custom Homes
Joey Corp.
Greenbrier Lighting
Associated Development
Management Corp.
Real Estate Information
Network, Inc.
BECO
J F Schoch Building Corp.
Gateway Bank & Trust Co.
Home Theaters by DAS
It’s time to confront the stigma attached to careers in the trades
The Tidewater Builder
The Tidewater Builder
Owned and published by the members of
Tidewater Builders Association.
www.tbaonline.org
The mission of Tidewater Builders Association is to
improve the climate for affordable housing; promote
the growth and development of the shelter industry;
promote excellence and professionalism among members through educational and networking opportunities; and support and enhance the community through
charitable projects.
OFFICERS: John E. Olivieri, president, John W.
Ainslie Jr., vice president; Pamla H. Pekrun, associate vice president; Edward R. Sadler, treasurer;
Pete A. Kotarides, secretary; William Halprin,
appointee; Charles J. Miller, appointee; Jeffrey J.
Wermers, immediate past president.
BUILDER DIRECTORS: S.L. Cohen, Curtis Cole,
William Halprin, Pete A. Kotarides, Pete O.
Kotarides, Branch P. Lawson, Charles J. Miller,
Stephen Quick
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: G. Robert Aston Jr., J.
Gregory J. Dodd, Robert S. Duvall, Tom Dye, Scott
M. Gandy, Richard B. Thurmond, H. Mac Weaver
II, Edward O. Yoder
DIRECTORS EMERITI: Edward P. Brogan, William J.
Fanney, Richard D. Guy, William L. Hendricks,
Doyle E. Hull, Frederick J. Napolitano Sr., Richard
E. Olivieri, John H. Peterson, Owen B. Pickett,
Julian Rashkind, Stanley Waranch, Howard M.
Weisberg, Wendell A. White
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER: Channing A. Pfeiffer
The Tidewater Builder is published monthly, January
through December, by Tidewater Builders Association,
located at 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Editorial deadline is 5 p.m. on the 1st of the month
preceding publication. Advertising deadline for copy
and insertion orders is 5 p.m. the 10th, and for camera-ready ads, 5 p.m. the 15th of the month preceding
publication. All advertising published in The
Tidewater Builder is subject to current rates, copies of
which can be obtained from the Special Events,
Membership and Marketing Division, 420-2434. The
newspaper reserves the right to determine the suitability of any advertising or editorial copy, and all real
estate advertised is subject to the Federal Fair Housing
Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any
preference, limitation or discrimination based on race,
color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,
limitation or discrimination.
Managing editor .......................... Mary Prier, APR
Editor...............................................Katie Marcum
Staff Writer .......................................Valerie Myers
Advertising sales..................Ann Hall, Kim Powers
Production coordinator ..................... Jaime Borum
Sales Assistant .......................................Tara Davis
Advisor ..........................................Sandra Amidon
Copyright: 2006; all rights reserved. No permission to
reprint unless expressly given by Tidewater Builders
Association. The Tidewater Builder is published for all
TBA member firms through the $15 subscription
price, which is included in the annual membership
fee. Opinions expressed by contributing columnists
are not necessarily those of this publication.
2
August 2006
President’s
The group arrived eager to learn.
“Usually, the four-year college track is
non negotiable. Mom said they had to
go, so they go” is what Elena Musial, a
Kempsville High School guidance
counselor, told a reporter from The
Virginian-Pilot.
Encouraging students to consider
construction careers requires a “ shift in
this myopic paradigm,” is what Jeff told
the reporter. “Everyone doesn’t need to
go to 14, 16 or 18 years of school to be
successful.”
In light of a recent budget shortfall
to the TBA Building Trades Academy,
Jeff, his brother John, and partner Bob
Widener, have pledged a $50,000 contribution. They didn’t just do it to help the
industry – but also to help those who can
better themselves by learning a trade.
“Somewhere along the way, our
society has lost the respect we used to
have for the trades,” says Bob. “Our
society used to look up to the craftsmen,
who take pride in what they do. These
jobs have always provided a good living
and fed a lot of families.”
Bob remembers how his father
learned the plumbing trade from a
Vocational School and helped families
in rural Southwest Virginia to get their
first bathrooms.
We all know people who have created good lives for themselves in the
Sign Me Up!
As our babyboomer work force
retires, the shortage
of skilled labor in
the building trades
threatens to become
even more critical.
With so many goodpaying jobs to be
had, it makes us
wonder if the building trades have an
image problem.
Too many young people seem to be
getting the message the only way to
succeed is with a college degree and a
desk job.
To counter that message, past president Jeff Ainslie recently helped put
together a “Hard Hat Camp” for 36 high
school guidance counselors from all
over Hampton Roads.
With funds he helped obtain from
the President’s High-Growth Jobs
Initiative through the NAHB Home
Builders Institute, he worked with
Tidewater Community College, Paul D.
Camp Community College and our own
Building Trades Academy to pull off
two of these two-day events.
The community colleges recruited
trades people to share their experiences
with the group on the first day. On the
second, Jeff took them on a “field trip”
to an Ainslie-Widener job site and the
company’s corporate offices.
Area Hampton Roads
guidance counselors
work together to erect
a structure during the
classroom team building exercise at the
Hard Hat Academy in
Suffolk.
2005 HBAV President Jeff Ainslie of Ainslie-Widener talks building basics with Hard Hat Academy participants at one of its construction sites in Virginia Beach.
building trades. As home builders, we
are probably in the best position to recognize their value. We look to our vendors and subcontractors for everything
from the flooring to the roofing.
Without the specialty trades contractors – the electricians, the plumbers, the
heating and air conditioning technicians,
the framers and the carpenters — we
couldn’t be successful.
Your at-a-glance guide
to TBA events and activities.
Members can register for these events online at www.tbaonline.org
and go to Sign Me Up, by fax at 424-5954, by phone at 420-2434 or
by e-mail. Events are at TBA unless otherwise noted.
The U.S. Department of Labor has
identified the construction trades as one
of the top 10 areas of job growth over
the next decade. Almost two out of every
three jobs in construction are with specialty trades contractors.
There are still a lot of people who
would prefer to carry a toolbox instead
of a briefcase – and to work on the job
See Stigma, page 6
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
August
24
29
The next Builders Breakfast Forum will be at
7:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 24 at TBA. The
free program, sponsored by Carrier/Bryant, is
open to TBA builder members only and includes
a hearty breakfast. Register online at
www.tbaonline.org, or contact Lori McNeil at
420-2434, ext. 269, or [email protected] for more information.
The next free member orientation will be
from 9-10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29 at TBA.
President John Olivieri will give an overview
of the association for new, prospective and
veteran members. Register online at
www.tbaonline.org, or contact Lori McNeil
at 420-2434, ext. 269, or [email protected].
The 11th annual Fall Golf Outing will be Wednesday,
Sept. 20. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $99 per
player and includes lunch, green fees, cart and refreshments.
See full story on page 3 and contact Chris Woodfin at
[email protected] or 420-2434, ext. 251, for more
information.
The Charity Gala Preview Party - the official kickoff for
Homearama 2006 - will begin with opening ceremonies at
5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept 29. The proceeds from the evening’s
festivities will benefit Children’s Hospital of The King’s
Daughters. For more information or tickets contact
Tidewater Builders Association at 420-2434.
www.tbaonline.org
Register online. Click Events/Sign Me Up!
Builder Breakfast Forum,
7:30 a.m., TBA
Member Orientation, 9 a.m.,
TBA
September
11
13
20
21
29
TBA Executive Committee
meeting, 3:30 p.m., TBA
TBA Board of Directors
meeting, 5:30 p.m., TBA
NAHB Fall Board of Directors
Meeting, Salt Lake City
PAC Fall Golf Outing
HBAV Board of Directors
Meeting, Richmond
Homearama Charity Gala
Preview, The Estates of
Pitchkettle Farms, Suffolk
October
Sept. 30Oct. 15 Homearama
1-3
HBAV Certified Graduate
Builder Program,
Charlottesville, VA
19
Builder Breakfast Forum,
7:30 a.m., TBA
19-21 NAHB Remodelors Show,
Chicago, IL
26
Oyster Roast, East Beach,
Norfolk
31
Member Orientation,
9 a.m., TBA
The Tidewater Builder
Headliners • Headliners • Headliners • Headliners • Headliners • Headliners
Encore!
Lewis McGehee to return to
Oyster Roast at East Beach
Builders, mark those calendars!
Come to the next Builder Breakfast
Forum from 7:30-9 a.m., Thursday,
Aug. 24 at TBA and hear two past
TBA presidents – John Peterson, a
builder/developer, and Larry Hill, a
custom home builder – discuss
“Surviving a Changing Market: Two
Opinions.”
Both Peterson and Hill have been
through up and down markets over the
past 30 years in the industry. They will
lead a discussion on how you can
adjust to recession-proof your business.
Breakfast sponsor Carrier/Bryant
will also share how builders have a
unique opportunity and position within the market place by offering home
Peterson
Hill
generators during construction instead
of as an aftermarket add on.
As always the program is FREE to
builder members and includes a hearty
breakfast. To make reservations, contact Lori McNeil at 420-2434, ext.
269, or [email protected].
Back by popular demand!
Local legendary musician Lewis
McGeehee will be back for this year’s
membership Oyster Roast at the East
Beach Bay Front Club at 4550 East Beach
Drive in Norfolk from 5-8:30 p.m.,
Thursday, Oct. 26.
Plan now for the same mouthwatering
all-you-can-eat favorites, great tunes and a
great sunset at this exciting venue on the
Chesapeake Bay.
The presenting sponsor for the event
is Resource Mortgage/Resource Bank
and the entertainment sponsor is
Dominion Virginia Power. Other sponsorship packages are available and range
in price from $250 to $1,000 for various
levels of promotions and benefits. To find
out how an oyster roast sponsorship can
best benefit you, contact your TBA marketing representative at 420-2434.
Advance tickets for the oyster roast
are $38 per person and $45 at the door.
Contact Jeanettzy Gonzalez at 420-2434,
ext. 276, or [email protected] to
make reservations. Payment must accompany your reservation.
TBA members, mark your calendars now!
Returning due to great popularity, TBA’s second-ever Reverse Trade Show will be Nov. 1,
2006.
The Reverse Trade Show is a great opportunity for associate members to get some oneon-one time with multiple builders by visiting
the builder's booth and demonstrating or detailing their company's products and services.
Complete details are coming, so be sure to
look at upcoming issues of the Tidewater Builder and TBA’s e-newsletter, Nuts
& Bolts.
You won’t want to miss it!
Get ready for some serious fun
at TBA Fall PAC Golf Outing
Afternoon flight teams head out to the course during last year's outing.
You don’t have to be a serious
golfer to play in or sponsor the annual
Tidewater Builders Association Fall
PAC Golf Outing Wednesday, Sept.
20 at Sleepy Hole Golf Course in
Suffolk, just serious about the cause
and interested in a fun time.
The shots you take will benefit the
TBA Political Action Committee and
help drive home TBA’s message,
“Keep homeownership affordable for
all” in the legislative arena. TBA’s
Political Action Committee has
defeated Adequate Public Facilities
and Impact Fee legislation, as well as
assisted local and state candidates
who support the shelter industry.
The Tidewater Builder
Lunch will be provided. The practice range will open and lunch will
begin at 11 a.m., with the shotgun start
at 12:30 p.m. Bill Halprin of S.L.
Nusbaum Realty Co. is the event chair.
The tournament, which is limited
to the first 136 golfers, is always a
sellout. So sign up early! The cost per
player is $99, with every dollar going
to TBA’s political action committee.
Sponsorship opportunities are still
available.
For sponsor and player registration forms, visit TBA’s Web site at
www.tbaonline.org, or contact Chris
Woodfin at 420-2434, ext. 251, or by
e-mail at [email protected].
August 2006
3
Issues • Actions • Issues • Actions • Issues • Actions • Issues • Actions • Issues • Actions
TBA Builder Services
Help TBA Build the Vote in
time for upcoming fall elections
by Chris Woodfin
TBA’s Government
Relations Specialist
It’s not even Labor Day yet and the
November elections are already picking
up steam. The races of Thelma Drake and
Phil Kellam at the U.S. Congressional
level, and George Allen and James Webb
at the U.S. Senate level are quickly heating up as they head into the traditional
beginning of the election season.
With this in mind, TBA would like to
encourage all of its member firms to play
an active role in the Build the Vote
Program this fall.
After a successful first implementation of Tidewater Builders Association’s
Build the Vote program in May for the
city council elections, the excitement over
the program’s potential is continuing to
gain momentum. Your participation has
made this happen!
Through this program, the collective
voice of the building industry can truly
affect real change in bringing affordable
housing to our industry. By working
together, we can get more people regis-
4
August 2006
tered to vote and increase the overall voter
participation on Election Day.
From adequate public facilities to
impact fees, issues that drive up the cost
of housing are at the forefront of discussion, both locally and at the state level. If
we are to have a voice in deciding the
future of housing in our region and the
state, we must work together to show our
elected representatives the impact that
their decisions have.
There are many ways you can get
involved:
1.) Submit your company’s employee
list — Contact me, Chris Woodfin, TBA’s
Government Relations Specialist, at 4202434, ext. 251, or [email protected]
today. I will work with your Build the Vote
Coordinator to compile a list of whatever
information you can provide to enable
TBA to encourage your employees to register to vote and get out on election day.
Home addresses are needed to determine
the voting district(s) of the employees.
Please note, all contact between TBA and
your employees will be made through
Success Story
PARTIES AFFECTED: Builders awaiting
permanent address for new homes.
ADVOCATE:
Michelle Dorson, Construction Coordinator for
Napolitano Homes.
ISSUE: Dorson was waiting for a permanent
address for a model home so that she could get utilities connected before the grand opening that coming weekend.
ACTION TAKEN: Dorson, with direction from
Dorson
John Napolitano, contacted Builder Services’
Barbara York at TBA.
OUTCOME: After speaking with city representatives and expressing the
urgency of the matter, York was able to get everything moving for Dorson. The
home was given an address the same day and most utilities were connected in
time for the weekend.
COMMENT: “TBA was able to help move things along. I felt like I was beating
my head against a wall trying to get this taken care of. Barbara was able to get results.
“I didn’t realize there was a service out there like this and John was able to
direct me to TBA. Now when I’m up against a situation like this I know I can utilize this great service. It’s nice to find something like this and I know what needs
to get done will."
See GOTV, page 8
The Tidewater Builder
Alternative financing can help
in the construction industry
By C. Grigsby Scifres
Scifres, a partner in the Virginia
Beach office of the law firm of Williams
Mullen,
is
Tidewater
Builders
Association’s general
counsel. This column
features legal issues
of interest to TBA’s
members.
Access to working capital financing
is crucial for suppliers
and subcontractors
that have to purchase
materials and pay laborers before they
can issue invoices and get paid themselves. Despite this crucial need, owners
of new or growing businesses in the
construction industry often find it
extremely difficult to secure working
capital financing to fund their growth.
Even companies that have demonstrated
success in the marketplace through contract awards and rapidly growing revenues find that their requests for new or
larger lines of credit do not meet the
underwriting criteria of many commercial banks. As a result, successful companies are forced to turn away business
and bid on fewer projects. Worse still,
some growing construction companies
become the victims of their own success,
literally running out of cash as they
struggle to finance the materials and
labor required to service the contracts
they have won as their business has
grown.
Factoring companies can be an
excellent alternative to commercial
banks. Not all factoring companies, however, will finance companies operating in
the construction industry. Those that do
finance construction companies are more
likely to finance subcontractors and suppliers than bonded general contractors.
Fortunately, Hampton Roads is served by
a number of factoring companies that
will finance companies in the construction industry.
In contrast to working capital lines
of credit secured by accounts receivable,
factoring companies typically purchase
invoices issued by the company they
finance at a discount. While banks make
money by charging interest, factoring
companies make money by discounting
the price they pay for an invoice to an
amount below the face value of the
invoice. Banks are concerned with the
financial strength of their borrowers.
The Tidewater Builder
Counsel’s
Factoring companies, while still interested in the strength of their customers,
are typically more concerned with the
financial strength of the companies to
whom the invoices they purchase have
been issued (i.e., the account obligors of
the company seeking financing). As a
result of this different emphasis in risk
evaluation, factoring companies often
are willing to provide financing to companies that others view as too risky to
finance.
Factoring frequently is criticized as
being an expensive source of financing.
Although a factoring company’s discount rate is typically higher than a
bank’s interest rate, this premium is
simply market-based compensation for
increased risk. When bank financing is
not an option, or when bank lines of
credit can not be increased, factoring
companies may provide business owners with the only means of expanding
their businesses and increasing their
profitability.
Factoring companies also tout their
minimal application and documentation
requirements. Once a relationship is
established, subsequent financing typically require only a one page offer to
sell invoices that can be processed and
funded in a matter of hours. Interested
contractors should keep in mind, however, that while some factoring companies provide “spot factoring” that
enables contractors to factor invoices
only when desired, others require a one
or two year contract requiring that all
invoices be factored. Close attention
should be given to differences between
agreements used by different factoring
companies. Regardless of the structure,
contractors and suppliers should
explore factoring as a means of financing growth.
For further information contact C.
Grigsby Scifres at 473-5370 or
[email protected]. Jeffrey A.
Sanborn, who specializes in corporate and
securities matters, can be reached at [email protected] ort 629-0715.
August 2006
5
Think fall home show and plan
for a spirited marketing event
Plan now to capitalize on the home
improvement consumer craze at the second annual Mid-Atlantic Fall Home
Show at the Virginia Beach Convention
Center Nov. 17-19.
The show will spotlight home improvements & home décor with more than 150
exhibits and displays,
and some holiday flair.
More than 20,000 visitors are expected.
The show will offer
the same extensive layout and exciting display
opportunities exhibitors
have come to expect
from consumer trade
shows hosted by Tidewater Builders
Association and Big Home Shows.
Show headliner, The Mole Hunter,
also known as Jeff Holper, will take to the
stage on Friday and Saturday to answer
questions regarding animal and insect
Stigma
site – and not in an office. We need to
find those people and nurture them.
Those who develop their skills and a
passion for their work will find the
rewards are plentiful. And not just the
financial rewards.
One of our Building Trades
Academy students, a young mother
living in public housing, sees the
6
August 2006
problems. Show visitors will learn how
to say good-bye to pesky wildlife problems from Holper, one of the country’s
foremost authorities on nuisance wildlife
control.
Parents are sure to bring the kids to
see Dora the Explorer from the popular
Nickelodeon children’s
show, when she appears
on Saturday and
Sunday to meet, great
and take photos with
the family.
Other perennialfavorite displays, activities, celebrity demonstrations and much
more are expected to energize the crowds.
Trade show exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Call
TBA at 420-2434, or email [email protected] or [email protected] for
more details.
You be the judge!
Every year building industry
professionals travel the country
judging parades of homes, home
shows and Homearamas. It’s serious business – and fortunately
some folks love to do it!
Even so, it can be quite a feat
to line up a panel of out-of-town
judges for an upcoming show. To
facilitate the process, HBAV is
helping to coordinate an informal
“bank” of potential judges. If you
are a builder, architect, landscaper,
interior designer, Realtor (or are
involved with other aspects of the
building industry) who is interested in judging out-of-town shows,
contact the local associations listed
below. Judges are needed on the
listed dates. You may also visit the
HBAV Web site, www.hbav.com,
for more information.
Blue Ridge HBA, Oct. 3
Katie Hayes, (434) 973-8652
[email protected]
Fredericksburg Area BA, Oct. 2
Bea Phelps, (540) 898-2730
[email protected]
New River Valley HBA, June 16
Katrina Gravely, (540) 381-0180
[email protected]
Peninsula HBA, Spring 2007
Lynn Kirk, (757) 595-1600
[email protected]
HBA of Richmond, Sept. 27
Victoria Moody, (804) 282-0400
[email protected]
HBA of Southside Virginia, Sept. 26
Linda Anderson, (804) 732-2742
[email protected]
Continued from page 2
trades as a way up. She felt a sense of
accomplishment about the home that
was taking shape at the hands of her
class and their instructors.
“It makes me feel legendary,” she
said. “It’s like I was a part of history.
For years to come, it will always be
there. It’s like immortality.”
Many of us know how she feels.
The Tidewater Builder
Calling all TMHC cow-pokes
It’s time to round ‘em up and head
‘em out to the fifth annual Management,
Maintenance & Marketing Brainstorming
Extravaganza Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the
Chesapeake Conference Center.
During the event, hosted by Tidewater
Builders Association’s Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council and Peninsula
Housing & Builders Association’s
Peninsula Apartment Council, Hampton
Roads’ multifamily housing professionals will complete team building exercises and attend interesting break
out sessions including: Are you
Creating Mold, Mastering the
Telephone, Back to Basics
and Resident Retention.
Attendees will also hear
motivational speaker Terri
Norvell, founder of The Inner
Prize – a training, consulting and
coaching organization. Norvell
travels the globe working with companies to help them tap into the power
source of organizations – people. A highenergy speaker, Norvell helps organizations with maneuvering changes, overcoming challenges, effective communication and taking bold actions.
Registration and a continental breakfast will be from 8-9 a.m. The program
then begins promptly at 9 a.m. and ends at
4 p.m. Lunch will be included. Attendees
will earn 25 RAM/CMS points.
Register by Sept. 1 and pay only $60.
Registration after Sept. 1 will be $70.
Registration deadline is Sept. 15. No
refunds or cancellations will be given
after the Sept. 15 deadline.
The Tidewater Builder
Proceeds benefit TBA’s Shelter
Response Foundation, which provides
relief to fellow citizens whose basic housing needs have been altered due to disasters or emergencies.
Sponsors to date include: Platinum
level – The Apartment Book, The
Apartment Guide, Apartments.com,
Master Tek International Inc., PenSign
Inc., and Tidewater Fibre Corp. Gold level
– Automatic Leasing Service, Bennette
Paint Manufacturing, Cavalier Telephone,
Coinmach Corp., Fitness Resource, HOF
Laundry Systems, The Home Depot
Supply, Retail Alliance, Roto Rooter,
Waste Management and Wynne
Residential Corp. Silver level – Aaron
Rents & Sells Furniture, Duron Paints &
Wallcoverings, Registry-SafeRent and
Superior Equipment Sales
Sponsorships at all levels are available. For tickets or more information contact Maggie Rickard at 420-2434, ext.
253, or [email protected].
It Helps To Have Friends!
Competition aside, you can’t beat generosity and heart! The purpose of this letter is to personally thank Bill Halprin and Mike Devine of S.L Nusbaum Co. and the
American Red Cross for the support they gave us immediately following a catastrophic fire at one of our communities.
At 2:30 in the morning on July 4th the residents of Hampton Creek
Apartments were awakened by smoke and the sound of sirens. An entire building
was engulfed in flames. The end result was damage to twelve apartments with four
being totally destroyed and twelve newly homeless families.
We did our best to assist the residents, fire department, media and insurance
companies during this ordeal; however, two outside organizations were of considerable help. The American Red Cross had people on the ground handing out survival
kits and cash vouchers so residents could obtain clothing and shelter. Additionally,
S. L. Nusbaum quickly came to our aid.
I would like to share what Mike Devine wrote on July 5th to five communities in
the immediate vicinity of Hampton Creek. Mike wrote (to the Nusbaum staff ),
“As you probably know, our friends at Lawson Realty suffered a major
fire a few days ago at Hampton Creek Apartments on Little Creek Road.
In the event that a fire victim wishes to rent an apartment at your community, you may offer bi-monthly leases at no additional fee if the
prospect prefers this to a 12 month lease. Additionally, application fees
should be waived.”
It is my understanding that several of our residents have taken advantage of
Nusbaum’s generosity.
To the nameless individuals who assisted with the Red Cross and Bill, Mike
and all at S. L. Nusbaum who lent support, thank you again for helping our residents in a time of need. Your prompt actions are appreciated and well respected!
Sincerely,
Carl Hardee
President, Lawson Realty Corporation
August 2006
7
GOTV
Continued from page 4
your Build the Vote Coordinator at
Your Company.
2.) “Opt Out” letter — If you are
unable to submit your employee list
outright, then TBA can provide you
with an “Opt Out” letter – allowing all
of your employees to opt out of the
program before any information is
submitted to TBA. It is imperative that
all of your employees understand the
importance of this program to our
region and our very livelihoods.
3.) Appoint a Build the Vote coordinator to act as the point person —
While it is not optimal, if your company is unable to submit your employee
list due to company policy, contact me
and I will work with you to arrange
the distribution of information
through a Build the Vote coordinator
that you appoint. The employee list is
necessary for full participation in the
program, but TBA will work with all
companies to insure their participation
at whatever level is possible.
4.) Company picnics/registration — With your permission, TBA
will send me, the Get Out The Vote
specialist, to your company picnic or any
company gathering you may have to
explain the program and register your
employees to vote right there on the spot.
Many of you may have seen me working
at the TBA Picnic on June 2. I would be
more than happy to work your events to
explain the importance of the program to
your employees.
Many members who already submitted employee lists attended the Build the
Vote special reception with Attorney
General Bob McDonnell March 3. Other
similar events are being planned for the
future. Take advantage of this unique
opportunity — become involved in this
important program.
If you have already submitted your
employee list to TBA and have assigned
a Build the Vote coordinator at your
company, we thank you. Also, thank you
to all employees that exercised their
right to vote in the city council elections
of May 2.
If your company is not currently
involved and would like to be, please contact me, Chris Woodfin, at 420-2434, ext.
251, or [email protected] today.
Tap into the power of
www.tbaonline.org
Link up with new and existing customers
through TBA’s Products and Services directory.
Call 420-2434, ext. 246
It’s a snap.
8
August 2006
How do you stack up?
Membership is the lifeblood of
Tidewater Builders Association.
TBA’s membership goal for
2006 is a record-breaking total of
1,250 members.
To help in the effort, a “Totem
Pole” has been established. With it,
unclaimed applications for membership are given to the last member recruiter that brought in a new
member, earning one Spike credit.
That recruiter will continue to
receive any unclaimed application
credits until another member
recruits a new member. That recruit
will then receive the unclaimed
credits and so on.
To create incentive for current
members to recruit new members,
the TBA Membership Committee
recently put together a contest with
great prize packages.
Each month a lucky recruiter,
with three members or more, will
have the chance to win tickets to
the Virginia Beach amphitheater,
limousine service and dinner for
four people. June’s winner was Kept in the TBA office, this membership drive totem
TBA President John Olivieri.
pole shows who is currently on top of the totem pole
At the end of the year, if a and is receiving the unclaimed spike credits.
recruiter has brought in five new
members he/she will be eligible to win a cruise or a trip to the islands. For every
additional five new members recruited, an additional chance is entered into the
drawing.
Recruiting can be as simple as asking a potential member to come to a Member
Orientation meeting (the next meeting is Aug. 29) or contacting Jeanettzy Gonzalez
at 420-2434, ext. 276, or jgonzalez@tbaonline for helpful recruiting tips.
Can't you just feel the island breezes? Help out TBA by bringing in new members and you can sail away into the sunset as a reward.
The Tidewater Builder
What exactly is Spike Club?
With all the recent
talk about membership
and the benefits of
recruiting,
Tidewater
Builders
Association
would like to give a brief
overview of what the
Spike Club is.
Spike credits are
earned by recruiting and
retaining members. Members earn one
Spike credit for each new member they
sponsor and every year the new member
renews thereafter the sponsoring member will receive a 1/2-renewal credit.
A Spike Candidate is an individual
who has earned between one and five
credits and will soon become a full
Spike with continued credit accrual.
Once an individual has earned at least
six credits within a two-year period,
he/she becomes an official Spike!
Awards are earned
beginning with the six
credits and at different
increments up to the status of All-Time Big Spike
of 1,500d. The awards
range from certificates to
plaques.
The benefits include
an invitation to the
biggest sought after party of the year, the
Spike/Directors’ Reception at the
National Convention in Orlando;
increased visibility, recognition, and networking opportunities at industry
events; unique and valuable rewards for
each level of achievement; and VIP
treatment throughout the year.
So don’t miss out on the fun and
opportunities afforded by becoming a
Spike. Simply recruit 6 new members
and you’ll be a member of the club.
TBA’s current Spikes:
John W. Ainslie Jr.
Jeffrey W. Ainslie
Edward P. Brogan
David Bunn
Kristen Campbell
S. L. (Sam) Cohen
Richard Divers
Paul Farrell
James Ferber
Skip Ferebee
Don Garlow
Deborah K. Gayle
Dennis M. Graf
William H. Halprin
Larry R. Hill
Tom Huxtable
John W. (Chip) Iuliano III
James E. Jackson
The Tidewater Builder
Jack Jennings
Ed Kimball
Pete A. Kotarides
Steven Lawson
Thomas Leffew
Cathy Lockwood
Steve Magula
Jim McCrory
Charles J. Miller
Frederick J. Napolitano II
John C. Napolitano
Vincent A. Napolitano
Michael D. Newsome
John E. Olivieri
Pamla H. Pekrun
John H. Peterson Jr.
Stephen B. Quick IV
Julian Rashkind
Michael Rashkind
Joe Rover
Edward R. Sadler
John Scanelli
I. Smith Sr.
Ralph Soussan
Kimberly Thompson
Richard B. Thurmond
Stanley Waranch
Howard Weisberg
Jeffrey J. Wermers
Bill West III
Wendell A. White
Robert A. Widener
Donald L. Williams
Emma J. Williams
Edward O. Yoder
Builders, architects, developers…
Is your new home community
worthy of an award?
The National Association of
Home Builders is looking for
builders, architects, designers, developers and land planners to enter their
communities for the 2006 Innovations
on Workforce Housing Awards.
Despite a half-century of big gains
in homeownership, millions of working families are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase or rent a home
in or close to the communities where
they work. In order to recognize the
efforts of the home building industry
to address this affordability gap, the
NAHB announced the third annual
Innovation in Workforce Housing
Awards.
Communities that exemplify
“workforce housing,” identified by
NAHB as providing decent and
affordable homes for nurses, police
officers, schoolteachers, retail workers, etc. near areas in which they
work, are eligible to win.
It’s easy to enter. Simply prepare
a project statement of no more than
500 words describing the project context, relationship to the surrounding
area, stakeholders and any challenges
that were overcome during the development. Applicants should also submit a binder of supporting materials
that detail the project.
Communities are eligible for the
award if they were completed, their
first unit was occupied, or their first
model opened between Jan. 1, 2004
and Oct. 27, 2006. Entries must be
postmarked by Oct. 27.
Winners will be announced at a
press conference during the 2007
International Builders’ Show in
Orlando. Winners will receive a
plaque and an award logo to use in
marketing materials.
Visit www.nahb.org/workforcehousing for entry form, official
guidelines or more information.
August 2006
9
Pitchkettle Postings
Homearama to mark 25-year anniversary in Suffolk countryside
Other event highlights
•
“Two for Tuesdays” with Cox Communications offering two-for-one admission to anyone presenting a Cox Communications cable bill.
•
Military Appreciation Day on Monday, Oct. 2 allows buy one get one free
admission to active duty military members presenting a valid military I.D. card.
•
Realtors Day, sponsored by SuffolkFirst Bank is set for Wednesday, Oct. 4, when
area realtors are admitted free all day long with a business card. Early birds can enjoy
a hearty breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m.
•
A Taste of Suffolk, sponsored by Virginia Natural Gas and HR Magazine, from
6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10 will allow guests to sample some of the best cuisine
this area has to offer.
•
Uncle Charlie's All-American Kids Carnival will take place Sunday, Oct. 8 at the
Charity House. It will be an old-fashioned neighborhood carnival event with lots
of fun surprises including the CHKD healthy bear, pet therapy dogs, games, face
painting and carnival treats.
•
Southern Hospitality Auto Group and Cutting Edge Water Sports will showcase the latest models in vehicles and boats in selected driveways.
•
Presenting sponsor Branch Banking & Trust Company of Virginia (BB&T) will
have an ATM machine located on-site for visitors’ convenience.
•
An exhibit center featuring over 100 booths showcasing housing-related
products and services along with a variety of workshops and entertainment
that are scheduled throughout the event.
The homes have gone up and the finishing touches are being put on the 15 homes of the 2006
Homearama, presented by Branch Banking & Trust of Virginia (BB&T).
“Celebrate 25 Years of Building
Dreams” at this year’s Homearama,
Sept. 30-Oct. 15.
This year marks the 25th anniversary
of the custom home showcase event featuring the latest in home
construction, design, furnishings and technological innovations.
This year, the annual
showcase is proudly presented by Branch Banking
& Trust of Virginia
(BB&T) and will take place at the new
Ainslie-Widener development, The
Estates of Pitchkettle Farms, in Suffolk.
Media co-sponsors are The VirginianPilot and Cox Communications. Official
sponsors are the City of Suffolk,
SuffolkFirst Bank, Wachovia Bank,
Dominion Virginia Power, Virginia
Natural Gas, Southern Hospitality Auto
Group, Farm Fresh and Nextel. Select
sponsors are Realty World Hampton
Roads and Cutting Edge
Water Sports.
Some of this year’s
theme homes include:
• The Charity House
built by Charlie Anderson
Builder Inc. to benefit the
Children’s Hospital of the
King’s Daughters.
• The Building Trades Academy
House built by J.F. Schoch Building
Corp. to benefit Tidewater Builder
Association's Building Trades Academy.
Sponsorship opportunities and limited exhibit booths are available. Contact a TBA at
420-2434 to find out how you can be a part of this silver anniversary! For more
Homearama information, visit www.tbaonline.org.
See Homearama, page 14
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July 2006
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The Tidewater Builder
Building Trades Academy graduate embarks on a whole new way of life
By Valerie Myers
Sharon Kingsbur has always been a
hard worker. The 26-year old had been
employed in a variety of jobs, from working at a local linen company to the naval
shipyard. But the
young mother of
three girls found that
she wanted something more. She
wanted a career.
For
years,
Kingsbur had relied
on state aid to supplement her income
Kingsbur
and the assistance of
other social services programs such as
Medicaid and food stamps to provide for
her family.
With help from the Norfolk
Department of Social Services’ Virginia
Initiative for Employment not Welfare
(VIEW) program, Kingsbur was able to
begin taking steps towards becoming selfsufficient. It was through the VIEW program that Kingsbur was referred to the
Building Trades Academy where she
learned, among other things, the fundamentals of electrical work.
Upon completion of the BTA training
program in March of this year, Kingsbur
was hired as an electrician’s helper at
Commonwealth Mechanical in Virginia
Beach. Funds provided through the VIEW
program have assisted Kingsbur with daycare expenses so that she can maintain
full-time employment.
In just the short amount of time that
she’s been with the company, Kingsbur
has worked on job sites all over the
Hampton Roads area and she is really
enjoying it.
“I’m learning so much from this job,”
states Kingsbur. “Every day is something
new and every day I use the training that I
learned at the Building Trades Academy,”
remarks Kingsbur. “The guidance the
instructors gave me has been very helpful
on the job.”
It so happens that, upon first coming
to Commonwealth Mechanical, Kingsbur
was partnered with Carlton Cooper, a
2005 Building Trades Academy graduate,
to work and train with.
Soon after they first met, Kingsbur
discovered that Cooper had grown up in
the same area of Portsmouth as her father,
who passed away in 1992. When she told
Cooper her father’s name, he instantly
recalled the popular athlete whom he
looked up to and watched play basketball
on the neighborhood courts as a child.
Kinsbur could hardly believe the coincidence.
Cooper doesn’t think of it as coincidence. “I feel as if Sharon was sent here so
that I could help to watch over her, since
her father no longer can,” states Cooper.
“She’s handling the job great and she’s
nice to work with.”
Being the only female on most of the
job sites has given Kingsbur a true sense
of pride in her accomplishments. She also
realizes the importance of setting a good
example for her children by being a positive role model for them to emulate.
“I tell my girls about what I actually
do on the job,” remarks Kingsbur. “And
now they think I can fix anything that
breaks down around the house,” she adds,
with a laugh.
Completing the Building Trades
Academy training program has already
enriched the lives of Kingsbur and her
children by providing her with steady,
well-paying employment. But she’s not
stopping here.
One of Kingsbur’s next goals is to enter
into a journeyman’s licensing program.
Kingsbur is aware that career upward
mobility and higher earnings potential for
herself relies on her continuing education
and certification in her chosen trade.
“I’ve met guys who have the work
hours required for a journeyman’s license,
but aren’t interested in putting in the class
hours,” says Kingsbur. “That’s not going
to be me.”
Also, before enrolling in the BTA
program, Kingsbur had begun taking
classes at Tidewater Community College
in pursuit of an Associates degree. Now,
with the certificate of completion from the
See Academy graduate, page 16
You can help the Building Trades Academy!
Earlier this year, due to unforeseen circumstances, The Tidewater Builders
Association’s Building Trades Academy lost essential program funds from its traditional funding source, the U.S. Department of Labor. The program had planned to
train 130 students this past fiscal year (July 2005-June 2006).
People say when a door closes, a window opens. The Building Trades Academy
is currently knocking on a lot of windows. Over the past few months, TBA and the
Building Trades Academy has work to spread the word we need help to save this
program.
There are many small and large ways that you can help – You can help us identify and pursue possible funding sources, public and private; you, your company, or
your organization, can sponsor a student for $5,000; or if you know someone who
could benefit from the program, you can sponsor that specific student. All contributions to the Building Trades Academy are tax deductible.
If you're a United Way giver, you can designate your contribution to the
Building Trades Academy by simply checking the box next to "Special
Instructions" on your pledge form. Then write in Building Trades Academy, w/
TBA, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320.
If you would like to help, please call Keith Curtis at 420-2566. We are counting
on people to recognize the value of our program and to help us support it.
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The Tidewater Builder
August 2006
11
Avoiding dealer status can help maximize real estate profits
By: W. Michael Howlett, CPA
Mike Howlett is a member of TBA
and currently serves on the membership
committee.
This
article
features
financial issues of
interest to TBA’s
members.
The rise in real
property values over
the last several
years has attracted a
Howlett
greater number of
investors to the real estate market. Many
property owners looking to cash in on
their investments are able to significantly reduce their potential income tax burden by achieving capital gains treatment
of the sale. Recent Tax Court rulings can
provide taxpayers with a better understanding of how best to avoid “dealer
status,” and take full advantage of the
potential tax savings.
Federal tax laws allow for the sale of
real property by individuals, partnerships and S corporations classified as
investors to be taxed at the preferential
capital gains rate. The value of the sale
is considered to be a return on an investment, and thereby is generally subject to
a maximum tax of 15 percent. For taxpayers who are classified as dealers
under tax law, the sale of real property is
considered to be ordinary income, and is
taxed at the taxpayer’s marginal rate of
up to 35 percent.
The difference comes down to
whether or not the property is held by
the taxpayer for sale rather than as an
investment. Engaging in the development and/or marketing of land are exam-
12
August 2006
ples of activities that generally warrant
dealer status. Although the dealer status
designation on one property does not
disqualify the taxpayer from holding
another property as investment property,
it does make it more difficult for the taxpayer to prove that the sale should be
taxed as a capital gain.
Unfortunately, there is no defined
safe harbor for taxpayers to use in determining their status. However, tax courts
have generally ruled that if a taxpayer is
in the business of selling real property
held primarily for sale, and sells a property in the ordinary course of that business, then the property sold is not considered a capital investment. The frequency of sales and the significance of
sales activity are the most important factors used when determining whether or
not a taxpayer receives dealer status.
Although there are no fixed guidelines regarding how many lots can be
sold by a taxpayer, the key to claiming
investment status is to avoid activities
that can be considered “dealer-like.”
Maintaining a business office and spending a significant amount of time and
effort engaged in the sales and marketing of property are examples of what
type of action to avoid. Such “dealerlike” activities lend themselves more
toward the perception that the property
was held for sale rather than investment.
There are also several simple things
taxpayers can do to treat property as an
investment. Pay attention to word choice
in partnership agreements and in naming
partnerships, opting for words like
“investment” as opposed to “development.” It’s also important to be sure you
classify the property as an investment in
your financial statements and on your
tax returns.
If you own different lots, you should
separate the ownership of these lots into
different business entities, documenting
the time spent on each. Owning multiple
lots can be prohibitive for taxpayers
seeking investment status. Also, refraining from explicit sales activities, such as
advertising or hiring a broker, can
not a property should be considered an
investment, the capital gains rate is only
applicable to property held by the taxpayer for at least one year. The longer a taxpayer holds a certain property, the more
likely that property will be considered as
an investment.
Although these guidelines can prove
helpful for taxpayers seeking capital
gains treatment of their real estate transactions, taxpayers should proceed with
Unfortunately, there is no defined safe harbor for taxpayers
to use in determining their status. However, tax courts
have generally ruled that if a taxpayer is in the business of
selling real property held primarily for sale, and sells a property
in the ordinary course of that business, then the property sold
is not considered a capital investment.
demonstrate the investment status of
your property.
It may make sense, when feasible,
to create a separate entity in order to
fully segregate development activities.
Remember though that any correspondence associated with development
issues should be restricted to the development entity. It’s also important to
observe business formalities properly
when communicating between entities.
You need to document correspondence
between entities carefully to ensure that
they do not operate on one another’s
behalf.
Since the length of ownership is a key
consideration in determining whether or
caution when filing for the reduced tax
burden. There is an inherent risk of
greater scrutiny as the IRS regularly
contests investment status in sales of
real property. Contacting a real estate
tax specialist to help you fully understand the complex factors involved, and
properly structure your real estate holdings is essential to realizing greater tax
savings.
W. Michael Howlett, CPA is a Tax
Partner with Cherry, Bekaert &
Holland, L.L.P. with over 20 years of
experience. Mike serves a variety of
local clients in the real estate and construction industry. He can be reached at
757-456-2400 or [email protected].
The Tidewater Builder
IT’S HERE. ARE YOU READY?
Hurricane season is upon us.
How ready are you should a
hurricane head for Hampton Roads?
The following are excerpts from
a Hurricane Preparedness Guide created by Prepare Hampton Roads.
Create a Disaster Plan
• Meet with your family and discuss
preparations for a hurricane. Discuss where
to go, what to do and the route you will
take in an evacuation.
• Pick two places for your family to meet:
one near your home and one away from
your neighborhood.
• Make plans for those with special needs
as well as arrangements for pets.
This guide is a good tool to getting
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be
your “family contact.”
ready and organized.
• Read generator and chainsaw manuals to
learn recommended safety procedures
Build a Disaster Supply Kit
• Documents including driver’s
license, Social Security card, proof of
residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds,
birth and marriage certificates, tax records,
medical information, etc.
When a Hurricane WATCH is issued
• Listen to local radio or NOAA Weather
Radio for up-to-date storm information.
• Bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor
decorations, trash cans, plants and anything else that can be picked up by the
wind.
• Cover all windows of your home. If working shutters have not been installed, use
pre-cut plywood.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• First aid kit and essential medications
and/or prescriptions.
• Listen to the advice of local officials and
evacuate if told to do so.
• Canned food, foods not requiring refrigeration, snacks, utensils and a can opener.
After the storm passes
• At least three gallons of water per person,
and make plans to gather as much ice as
possible as the storm approaches.
• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and
extra batteries.
The Tidewater Builder
• Keep listening to radio stations for
instructions, water safety information and
availability of aid and services.
• If you evacuated, return only after local
officials tell you it is safe.
August 2006
13
BB&T
Continued from page 1
That ongoing commitment to the
industry and to TBA didn’t stop with
their Cornerstone Foundation membership either.
BB&T is proud to have recently
signed on to become the presenting sponsor of the upcoming 2006 Homearama in
Suffolk. Held at the Ainslie-Widener
community The Estates of Pitchkettle
Farms, the event promises to be another
perfect pairing of TBA and BB&T when
it takes place Sept. 30-Oct. 15.
Communities are at the heart of
BB&T. According to Sam Scott, Senior
Credit Officer, one unique feature of
Homearama
• The Nathaniel Lee II, a high-tech
house built by Area Builders Inc. that
will feature never-seen-before wholehouse technological integrations.
• Virginia Celebration: The
Jamestown 2007 House built by
WATAB Construction Corp. in commemoration of America’s 400th
anniversary and establishment of the
Jamestown settlement.
• The Ultimate Chef’s Kitchen
inside the home built by Richmarc
BB&T is its organizational structure.
While BB&T Corporation is the ninth
largest bank in the country, the bank is
divided into 35 distinct regions which
function as community banks. Each region
has a president, credit officer and other key
executives which allow virtually all decisions to be made at the local level. As a
result, BB&T can deliver all of the sophisticated products and capabilities of a large
bank with all of the personal service of a
community bank.
“It’s important to us at BB&T that we
have a strong commitment to the communities and make our local communities a
Continued from page 10
Building Corp. that will host area
chefs doing cooking demonstrations
and feature the latest professional grade
appliances for home food preparation
and entertaining.
• The Ultimate Retreat built by
Shade Tree Custom Homes &
Development L.L.C. will showcase the
ideal in home relaxation and enjoyment,
including a lavish pool, game room and
home theater.
Can’t get enough?
Want more Homearama info and insights?
Simply log onto www.homearama.tv to see Homearama builder features
and video of the 2006 Homearama site: The Estates of Pitchkettle Farms.
14
August 2006
better place to live and work,” said Boyd.
“And TBA has a strong community outreach program as well – from the Building
Trades Academy apprentice program, to
the Scholarship Foundation, to the
Charity and Scholarship Houses. It was
only natural to align ourselves with TBA.”
Going beyond the
banking stereotype
BB&T has a goal of maintaining the
best service to all clients and forging
good relationships.
An easy way they have accomplished
that is by fostering reliable relationships and
making banking simple with a one-stopshop for all their clients’ financial needs.
“On top of our traditional loans and
lines of credit for builders we also have
a great mortgage company, an established insurance division, a premier title
company, an investment company, and
an asset management group,” said Joe
Dreps, senior vice president and corporate banker.
“That’s another reason it was a logical fit to sponsor Homearama. We’re
excited to showcase all the different levels of banking and all our capabilities,”
said Boyd.
BB&T has a number of special products developed for local builders. The
Builder Advantage Program offers significant savings to larger builders. These
savings can be passed through to the
home buyer. BB&T Mortgage offers a
construction to permanent product which
requires only one closing that is very
popular with custom builders.
And you need not go far to get it. In
the local Hampton Roads region, BB&T
has 72 branch locations employing more
than 700 people. With the region encompassing areas from Charles City to
Gloucester, and the Peninsula to the
Southside, and the Eastern Shore to areas
beyond Franklin, great service is always
available.
Age can be a good thing
Dreps notes his real estate lending
team has “120 years of combined work
experience. We’ve been through the
thick and thin of it and have seen it all.
That’s why BB&T is number one in real
estate banking.”
BB&T has roots dating back to 1872
when the Branch family started in the
business. “We’ve been in the banking
business a very long time,” said Dreps.
“We stick with our customers and they
rely on us to be there for them and provide good service. BB&T stresses four
key tenants of service to all of its
employees. They are to always be –
Reliable, Responsive, Empathetic and
Competent.
BB&T understands everyone has a
choice where to bank. So they emphasize
to their clients how valuable their business is by creating world-class service
and quality relationships. Their passion is
people and the local communities, making BB&T a jewel (let’s say a diamond!)
of a company to do business with.
For more information about BB&T
or the services they can offer you, visit
them on the World Wide Web at
www.BBandT.com or call 1-800-BANKBBT (1-800-226-5228).
The Tidewater Builder
The Tidewater Builder
August 2006
15
Possible Dream
TBA
TBA scholarship recipient
is no slouch during school
By Mary Hearring
Director, TBA Scholarship
Foundation
Colin Wang will
begin his junior
year this fall majoring in chemical
engineering with a
3.21 GPA – no easy
feat.
Interested
in
biotechnology and
Wang
the pharmaceuticals, Wang has a great interest in creating new drugs. Thermodynamics, the
study of how heat and energy play into
different chemical processes, is just
one of many challenging courses he
will undertake during his college
career. Among his favorite completed
courses are engineering writing and an
invention and design class where he
was charged with creating an invention
for which there is a social need.
Between his classes, a heavy load
of homework and studying for strenuous exams, his overall workload for
school is pretty hefty. Then, add a part
16
August 2006
time job at Ruby Tuesday’s two days a
week to his already busy life and you
can see how Wang’s plate constantly
remains full.
Despite his packed schedule, Wang
loves the University of Virginia and his
time spent on the campus. He had the
distinct honor of being interviewed for
and selected as a member of the distinguished University Judiciary Committee,
the student self-governance body.
When home in Virginia Beach during the summer, Wang waits tables at
Kegan’s, a job he has held since the age
of 16. Although he finds the pay good
and flexible work hours nice, he realizes the importance of education every
time he walks through the door.
Wang’s future plans are undecided,
but one hopeful idea he’s considering
is to work overseas engineering more
affordable drugs for developing countries.
Colin expressed his appreciation to
TBA for his four-year scholarship – as
having to work additional hours to supplement his income would have greatly
reduced his time spend on campus and
studying.
TMHC Scholarship fund
continues to grow toward goal
Many thanks go to Andy Heatwole of Ripley Heatwole
Co./RH Builders Inc. for his personal contribution of $2,500
to the annual Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council
Scholarship Fund.
TMHC is working toward the goal of having its own selfstanding annual scholarship.
With Heatwole’s generous contribution, TMHC is more
than a third of the way to raising the $100,000 needed to
establish the annual scholarship.
Heatwole
If you would like to help donate toward the TMHC scholarship or the TBA Scholarship Foundation, please contact Mary Hearring at 4202434, ext. 281, or [email protected]. All donations to the non-profit are
tax deductible.
Academy graduate
BTA under her belt, in addition to the
valuable work experience she’s gaining,
Kingsbur would like to return to TCC
soon to complete her degree.
Armed with the knowledge and training she received at the BTA, a whole new
way of life has been opened up to
Kingsbur. She has embarked on a new
career and now knows that earning a jour-
Continued from page 11
neyman’s license or an associates degree
is well within her reach.
With her accomplishments, Kingsbur
has already dispelled many stereotypes
surrounding young, single parents. With
her ambition and determination, she will
undoubtedly succeed in realizing her
dreams for the future for herself and her
family.
Would you like to contribute to the
TBA Scholarship Foundation?
Contact Mary Hearring at 420-2434, ext. 281,
or [email protected].
The Tidewater Builder
© 2006 Reico is a Division of Reico Distributors, Inc.
I GUESS YOU COULD SAY I AM A stickler FOR details.
WHICH IS WHY I choose TO partner WITH REICO.
Stephen Thomas has been building homes in the Richmond, VA area for over 25 years,
and in that time has earned a reputation for quality workmanship and his attention
to detail. When he was looking to partner with a kitchen and bath supplier, he chose
Reico. In his words, they were the only company “that is as demanding as I am when
it comes to getting things done right.” So if Reico can please a perfectionist like
Stephen, they can certainly please you.
20 Locations serving DE, MD, VA and PA
1-800-REICO-11 (1-800-734-2611) ~ www.reico.com
The Tidewater Builder
August 2006
17
18
August 2006
The Tidewater Builder
Shop Talk
News BriefsC
Kerr Environmental
announces hiring
Monarch Bank
announces new hires
Terry-Peterson community
has grand opening
Kerr Environmental Services Corp.
recently announced that Thad B.
McDonald was hired as a Senior
Environmental Scientist.
McDonald has over six years of experience in the environmental science profession. He provides
environmental services for the firm’s public and private clients.
McDonald has a
Bachelor of Science
degree in biology
McDonald
from
Christopher
Newport University in Newport News.
Monarch Bank recently announced
the hiring of Daniel T. Cronin as the
Virginia Beach President for Monarch
Bank, Kaylyn V. Conner as Vice President
and Commercial Loan Officer and James
G. Spencer as an
Investment Officer.
Cronin
and
Conner will have an
office at Monarch’s
Town Center Office
and Spencer will be
located
in
the
Lynnhaven Office.
Cronin
Cronin, previous
employed
with
SunTrust Bank for 23
years, graduated from
Virginia Tech and is a
board member of
Goodwill Industries
of Hampton Roads.
Conner, previously a commercial
Conner
banker at SunTrust
Bank, has 18 years of
mortgage and commercial loan experience and graduated
from Arizona State
University.
Spencer has 19
years of insurance
and investment expeSpencer
rience. Spencer graduated from Old Dominion University.
The new Kings Fork Farm residential
community celebrated their grand opening with a concert and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, July 30 at the Kings
Fork Farm Pavilion in Suffolk.
The Honorable Mayor of Suffolk
Linda Johnson, city officials, local business
leaders, and members of the realty community were on hand for the ceremony.
Kings Fork Farm is a Terry-Peterson
Residential Cos. community. The community will be comprised of 314 homes
featuring 160 acres of open space and
wetlands.
Reese Smith Construction
announces new manager
Reese Smith Construction recently
announced that Ken Kirby has been
appointed as Project
Manager.
Kirby currently
oversees the construction of homes in
Saddlebrook Estates
in Suffolk, and manages several commercial projects. Prior to
Kirby
joining Reese Smith
Construction, Kirby worked as a sales
associate at 84 Lumber.
Kirby, a Virginia Beach resident, is a
graduate of Old Dominion University
with a degree in civil engineering.
VB Contractors wins
Big50 award for 2006
VB Contractors has been selected by
REMODELING magazine as a winner of the
2006 Big50 Award in the Fine Design category. The Big50 awards were presented
at a gala dinner at the Remodeling
Leadership Conference in Washington,
D.C. Winning companies were featured in
the May issue of REMODELING magazine.
Each year, REMODELING magazine
inducts 50 companies who have set the
standard for professionalism and integrity
through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact in their community or the
industry at large. Big50 remodelers run
successful, often growing, companies of
various sizes that have taken the lead in
raising industry standards.
“We are very honored to receive this
distinction,” says Chris Ettel, President of
VB Contractors. “The award recognizes
excellence and leadership, and we are
privileged to be named to this select group
of remodelers.”
REMODELING editors, columnists,
industry leaders, and the companies themselves make the nominations each year.
Following a lengthy evaluation process
REMODELING’S editors select the 50
remodelers who exemplify the very best
of the industry that year, and who have
something to offer other remodelers in
proven practices.
HGTV searches for
Dream Home builder
The search is on! HGTV is scanning
the country to find an exceptional
builder/developer team to design and construct the 2008 HGTV Dream Home, the
grand prize of the most successful promotion in cable television history - the
HGTV Dream Home Giveaway.
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway
sweepstakes has served as the signature
promotion for the HGTV lifestyle network since 1997 with the grand-prize
home presented to one lucky viewer each
year.
For each one-of-a-kind project,
HGTV has teamed with the best builders,
developers and architects to create a residential showplace of superior beauty and
innovation, enhanced by breathtaking surroundings and fully furnished by top-rung
corporate sponsors.
The promotion has achieved celebrity
status, drawing nearly 54 million entries
in 2006 and maintaining a year-round
interest among homeowner hopefuls.
Builder/developers interested in being
considered for the 2008 HGTV Dream
Home project can visit HGTVPro.com,
HGTV’s companion Web site for building professionals, through September 1
to find submission guidelines and application materials.
WELCOME ABOARD
Please welcome these new members into Tidewater Builders Association with a call or a personal introduction.
American Home Mortgage
Mortgage banking
477 Viking Drive
Suite 100
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Doug Huston . . . . . 431-9800
Coastal Wood & Iron
Products
Carpentry work
589 S. Birdneck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Cliff Cason . . . . . . . 328-6599
Ram Jack
Foundation contractors
5017 Neal Road
Durham, NC 27705
Thomas Oakley
. . . . . . . . . . . 800-310-6354
Battlefield Development
Group L.L.C.
Single-family custom building
P. O. Box 15524
Chesapeake, VA 23328
John Hoehlein . . . . 472-8600
Fawcett Architectural Metal
Iron work
P.O. Box 951
Wakefield, VA 23888
Trevor W. Fawcett
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377-2954
Verizon Wireless Virginia
Beach Amphitheater
Concert venue
3550 Cellar Door Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Eddie Roebuck . . . . 368-3000
Bill Thow Home
Improvements
Remodeling-residential
829 Plymouth Lane
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Bill Thow . . . . . . . . 685-1594
Hurt & Proffitt Inc.
Engineering
6330 N. Center Drive
Suite 141
Norfolk, VA 23502
W. Page Cockrell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461-4009
Woodall L.L.C.
Single-family spec/tract
building
P.O. Box 14069
Norfolk, VA 23518
Samuel A. McFie
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 963-0371
JSB Property Enterprises
L.L.C.
t/a Blount Builders
Single-family custom building
927 N. Battlefield Blvd.
Suite 200
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Jack S. Bloun . . . . . 547-9000
ZTW Trinity
Construction Inc.
Carpentry work
5560 Morris Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Zack Williams . . . . 689-3310
Carlson Enterprises Inc.
Single-family spec/tract
building
P.O. Box 16105
Chesapeake, VA 23328
Ronnie R. Carlson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-7509
The Tidewater Builder
August 2006
19