text_newsletter

							January 29, 2010


TOP STORY
Wayne County townships concerned with new DEP sewage
requirements
Two recent news stories out of Wayne County provide details on new requirements from the
state Department of Environmental Protection that would affect the use of on-lot septic
systems in special protection (exceptional value or high quality) watersheds. Township
officials believe that the requirements— which are a response to a 2008 Environmental
Hearing Board case—will be extremely costly and time-consuming with which to comply.
This could harm new housing development in affected areas of Pennsylvania. PBA members
and staff will be meeting with department staff on this issue in the coming days.

Please click here and here for more information from the Wayne Independent.


EVENTS
2010 Installation Banquet
Members are invited to attend PBA’s 2010 Installation Banquet honoring incoming PBA
President Joe Mackey and the 2010 leadership team on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at 7 p.m. at
the Hilton, Scranton. The association’s most significant member awards for the year will be
presented during the event, recognizing winners of the Distinguished Achievement Award,
Builder of the Year Award, and Associate of the Year Award. Musical entertainment also is
planned. A reception will precede the banquet at 6 p.m. Admission is $75. Black-tie is
optional.

For more information, please contact Mary Ann Jackson at 800.692.7339, ext. 3019, or
mjackson@PaBuilders.org.

MEMBER ADVANTAGE
Member Rebate Program keeps paying members back; get your
rebate today
Are you a PBA builder-member who wants an easy way to put money back into your pocket,
or to simply recoup your association dues? Enroll in PBA's Member Rebate Program and do
both. The average rebate per participating member is $870. Builder-members are
encouraged to enroll today so they can begin receiving their rebates as soon as possible.
The deadline to submit claims for July 1-Dec. 31, 2009 is Feb. 19. Receipts aren’t
necessary, and there is no confusing paperwork needed to claim your rebate.

To learn more, to register and to download the rebate form and newsletter, visit the
Member Rebate Program’s web page. For answers to your questions about this rewarding
program, please contact Laura Pyne at 800.692.7339, ext. 3011, or at
lpyne@PaBuilders.org.

Builders: Alert your customers to PHFA programs
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency can turn anticipated homebuyer tax credits into
cash at the closing table! Eligible PHFA first-time homebuyers can receive up to $6,000 to
use for closing costs and/or down payment on a newly constructed home. Eligible non-first
time homebuyers can receive up to $4,000. In both cases, the funds are 0 percent, no fee
loans to be repaid when homebuyers receive their federal tax refund. PHFA is also offering a
special low rate of 4.5 percent to buyers purchasing new homes. Homebuilders should have
their customers check with a PHFA participating lender for the APR and other details.
PHFA is a PBA Premier Partner sponsor that works with PBA members to educate consumers
about its beneficial financing programs. Those programs can help builders sell more homes.
Visit www.phfa.org or call 1-800-822-1174 to learn more.

PBA’s Around the House blog
PBA will be reinstating the Around the House blog to reach out to potential consumers. This
feature gives practical advice to homeowners on everything from buying a home to
remodeling. It also discusses home improvements, energy saving measures, and what’s
going on in the building industry. PBA members can direct potential customers to the blog
as a way to demonstrate their commitment to customer service.

To view past entries, click here. Submit any questions or topics that you would like to see
discussed, to Laura Pyne via e-mail at lpyne@PaBuilders.org.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
PHRC conference discount about to expire
The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center will hold its annual conference from Feb. 10-11
in Cranberry. The cost to attend for PBA members is a special rate of $125 ($145 after Feb.
2). The conference is intended to bring together all sectors of the housing industry including
builders, remodelers, code officials, educators, design professionals and modular and HUD
code builders and manufacturers. Day one will detail the latest information on emerging
technologies and share tips on how to resolve problems facing the industry. Day two will
offer various training events.

For more information and to register, visit PHRC’s web site.

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT NEEDED
Industry and educational experts needed
A Secondary Endorsement Trade Program on-site evaluation will be held at both the east
and west campuses of the Berks Career and Technology Center on Wednesday, Feb. 10
from 7 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. The PBA Workforce Training and Education
Committee is requesting assistance from members during this evaluation process. The
carpentry and electrical programs on each campus will be evaluated, so experts are needed
in each field. All evaluation team members will be compensated for mileage and will be
offered a $100 stipend for their time.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping, please contact Arlene Miller at
800.692.7339, ext. 3020, or amiller@PaBuilders.org.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
NAHB Associate of the Year
PBA would like to extend congratulations to member Michael Kurpiel of ProBuild. He was
inducted into the National Association of Home Builders’ Society of Honored Associates
during the 2010 Builders Show in Las Vegas last week. Kurpiel was recognized by national
associates for his exemplary leadership. Also, he is serving a two-year term as the NAHB
National Associate Chairman, which is the highest officer position an associate member can
achieve within NAHB. Kurpiel is a member of the HBA of Bucks and Montgomery Counties.

NAHB Student Chapter Competitions
Every year, the Home Builders Institute awards honors to NAHB Student Chapter
competitors across the country. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their
ability to solve construction-related problems by working on real-life construction projects
which are judged at the end of the competition. This year, Pennsylvania schools ranked
highly among their competitors.

Secondary Teams:
2nd Place: Cumberland Perry ATVS, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
4th Place: Forbes Road Career & Technology Center, Monroeville, Pa.

Post-Secondary Teams:
4th Place: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pa.

OFFICER UPDATES
2010 Executive Officers Council
The 2010 Executive Officers Council has been elected, with names and titles listed below:

President-Nicole Foleno
Vice President-Frank Kocher
Secretary-Danielle Policare
Treasurer-Laurie Lourie
Immediate Past President-Kay Brown