This piece was original published in Mid Atlantic Builder & Remodeler Magazine in July/August 2009. Click here to see it in its original format.
It’s been a busy year so far and your HBAM Remodelers Council is pleased to report continued and productive efforts to help you achieve professional success.
First, thanks to the hard work of the members and our lobbyists, we were able to stop the “Interior Design” bill from being enacted by the Maryland General Assembly this year. You may rest assured that HBAM Remodelers continues its effective legislative lobbying at the local, state and national level, advocating strong positions on issues that impact the industry.
Secondly, I want to remind you that our annual Awards of Excellence Dinner and Ceremony is growing nearer, and I hope that you have been taking your before and after photos for your entries. The format and some of the details of this prestigious event have changed, making it even more beneficial than ever to enter, so please make sure you carefully review the packets you receive from the HBAM Remodelers office. As usual, if you have any questions, please call or e-mail Vickie Martin at vickie@homebuilders.org.
Third, we’re currently planning a Fall 2009 Forecast Conference, featuring nationally-recognized experts from the homebuilding and remodeling industry. This conference will include opportunities for break-out sessions, question-and-answer sessions, data and research facts and figures and more. Attendees will receive critically important information on the economics of the national remodeling situation, and advice that has been proven effective on how to best position their companies.
Be on the lookout for specific date, place and time information on the conference — you DON’T want to miss this one!
Finally, as we said last issue, staying socially connected is the best form of advertising you can do, and this isn’t just for people: your company can (and SHOULD) have its own Facebook page. Many HBAM Remodeler members attended an informative seminar presented by KC Company/Pella Windows at our April General Membership Breakfast in Hunt Valley that discussed this topic in depth. Those in attendance learned how easy it is to set up a company Facebook page and keep it current. They learned how to use e-newsletters and e-offers and how to position a company to let “viral marketing” get the message across. We’ll revisit this topic frequently — because your next good job may be only a “friend” away!
Donaly F. Lynch, Jr., CGR, CAPS
President
HBAM Remodelers Council
