As Derrick Hunt, of Drews Hunt Builders, and I sat down to discuss his board selection committee, I realized how fortunate we are to be able to draw from such a super pool of people in our industry.  That process filled me with a general sense of great hope for the future that I have not always had. 

As I was growing up I heard many people talking about how the world was going downhill fast.  I have heard it attributed to many things, but the most prevalent seemed to be how the next generation will never amount to anything. 

Whether it was being too enamored with Elvis’s pelvis; too much sex, drugs and rock & roll; too much time spent with our heads in video games, etc--it seems one generation to the next is sometimes looked upon harshly by our predecessors.  In my time as president, I have learned that there is still hope for our great country, our community, and consequently for TABA. 

One of the best things about our association is that we have people from many different age groups all working hard and working together to accomplish the singular mission of promoting and enhancing homeownership in our communities.  I believe this work is paying dividends and TABA is getting stronger every year. 

I see the wisdom of advice from experienced leaders is being heeded by our “young pups,” and I see the “pups” bringing great new ideas to the table that are in turn being given consideration by our veteran leaders.  Most of all I see members of every age working tirelessly to keep our association strong and growing stronger.  I am so proud to be a part of this growth.

Speaking of people working hard...  There is a much work going on in getting prepared for our annual Home-PAC Skeet Shoot on September 11th at Weber’s north of Temple on Interstate 35.  I hope to see everyone there.  It will be a great time even for those of you who don’t believe in shooting poor, defenseless little pieces of clay.   Also, a lot of work is going on to prepare for the upcoming Home-PAC Elected Officials Appreciation BBQ, which will be held on October 16 so be sure and put that on your calendars’ as well. 

Keep up the great work everyone and I will see you at the skeet shoot!

Associate Appreciation Fish Fry - A Fun Time For All!!

A great time was had by all in the relaxed atmosphere of the Lake Belton Overlook Pavillion as introductions of our newest TABA members were made at our Annual Fish Fry.  The live music at the event was a great addition, and we very much appreciate new member, Paul Cox of Mortgage Acceptance Corp for providing the live entertainment.

Paul, and his band Texas Acoustics, play regularly at the Stagecoach Inn in Salado.  Be sure to go out and support them whenever you can.

The Annual Associate Appreciation Fish Fry was held in August to thank all of our Associate members for all that they do for TABA during the year.  This event is a 'builder' sponsored event and many of our builders jump at the chance to be one of the sponsors because they know that without our associate members, they just couldn't conduct their business. 

TABA also appreciates our associate members as they provide so much of our committee support, sponsorships and leadership on an annual basis.  We couldn't do all that we do without them and we take every chance we can to say "Thank You!" 

Check out our photos from this year's fish fry.

KRISTI SUTTERFIELD of TAB

WINS NAHB EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD

   Kristi Sutterfield, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), recently received the 2006 Executive Officer of the Year Award from the Executive Officers Council (EOC) of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The EOC serves the more than 800 executives who manage NAHB’s state and local home builders associations, primarily through professional development and association management education opportunities.

The Executive Officer of the Year Award, named for NAHB’s former Chief Legal Counsel Gary Komarow, is presented annually to an executive officer whose accomplishments in association management have been extraordinary and who has gone over and beyond promoting the goals of the EOC, while assisting the advancement of fellow executive officers.

 “The Texas Association of Builders is fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated Executive Director as Kristi Sutterfield,” said Jerry Carter, President of the Texas Association of Builders.  “She is tireless in her efforts to support the home building industry in Texas and we are pleased that NAHB has recognized her as the 2006 Executive Officer of the Year.”

Sutterfield, who has been with the Texas Association of Builders since 2002, oversees the third largest statewide home builders association in the United States, with over 14,000 members and 31 local associations.

The 2008 Parade of Homes dates have been set and the committee is meeting to ensure other details are laid out for the upcoming tour.  Following the 2007 Parade, builders and committee members gathered to discuss the show to determine if anything needed to be changed, added or otherwise improved upon.  

As part of the planning, a survey was sent out to builders who have participated in past events asking them for comments on event dates and judging guidelines since these were the two items most discussed in that wrap-up meeting. 

Once comments were received, the committee reconvened and went through all completed surveys and made decisions based on the information they received.  They also considered housing sales data and calendar of area events is coming up with the best dates for the 2008 Parade of Homes.

The dates for the 2008 Parade of Homes will be April 19, 20, 26, and 27th.  The committee decided to push back the awards party to the Friday in between the first and second weekends, which should give builders and subcontractors an additional week to complete their homes. 

The awards party is therefore scheduled for April 25th.  The location has not yet been determined. 

Parade entry packets will be mailed in December.  If you have any questions concerning the 2008 Parade of Homes please contact either Cheryl Copeland, Executive Officer or Justin Scott, 2008 Parade Chairman.

As we are in the thralls of Home-PAC season, the Association is taking time to plan for the coming new year.  A Nominating Committee was appointed by President Pilkington and it has met to begin discussion about the 2008 Board of Directors.  Judging from the talk around the table, it's going to be another fantastic Board.

Committees and projects are also in the planning stages.  If you have interest in serving TABA on a committee, please contact me and I'll get your name to the appropriate people.

Home & Garden Show is BACK
Can you believe it is already time to book booth space for the 2008 Home & Garden Show?  I can't.  It seems like I just closed the book on this year's event.  Information has gone out to the 2007 exhibitors and response has been swift.  It's great to see everyone get excited about the upcoming show.  If you did not participate in the show this year and would like to be in next year's show, please contact me about the first of October. 

We always give our returning vendors first shot at reserving their booth.  If they do not respond by the deadline date, the booth goes up for sale and that will occur on September 30th.  Last year we had approximately 5,000 people attend the event over the three days and booth space was added to accomodate the growing demand to be in this show. 

Don't delay as space is limited and demand is high!

Parade of Homes 2008 Date Set
The Parade of Homes Committee, chaired by Justin Scott of Trinity Homes has met several times since the end of the 2007 Parade to discuss dates and other issues concerning the 2008 show.  Dates have been set for 2008 and are April 19, 20, 26 and 27th.  From the information that was gathered during the discussions, the committee found this to be the best time frame to accommodate our builders and the public. 

Building Update
The building rennovation is almost complete and I'm in my brand new office!!!  I love our new building (and my office).  John Kiella of Kiella Homes, has done a fantastic job of coordinating the effort to provide TABA with a state of the art conference room with ample meeting space; and Chris Alexander of Texas Tradition Homes has done a wonderful job of dressing up the building, selecting everything from masonry to furniture. 

If you have not come by to take a look, it's a must see!!  We are shooting for a grand opening in November to honor all those that have given so much of their time, effort and money to this project.  Troy and I have huge plans for our new space and we can't wait to implement them.

That's it from my desk.  Hope to see everyone at the Annual Elected Officials Appreciation BBQ at Clyclone Corral BBQ.

NEW HOME STARTS

Picture yourself a TABA member...

TABA leadership has been working hard to determine ways that we can tell the TABA story.  We want everyone to know who we are and what we do, and everyone has heard that a picture is worth a thousand words.

In that vein, we have decided to reach out to our members and ask you to provide a group photo of you, our TABA member, and your employees.  Please get this to us by September 20th for incorporation into a presentation that is being prepared for the open house of our new office complex, and for use at Elected Officials Night.

Please send your photo to Cheryl Copeland or Troy Glasson (preferably in digital format) so that they can add it to the presentation that will show the public the faces behind TABA.

TABA members play an important and influential role in this community, and we want everyone to understand that our 350 plus members represent thousands of employees in our local area.

Though the presentation will only represent a sampling of our membership, it should provide folks with a reminder that TABA members are the people this community send their kids to school with, go to church with, play local sports with, sell their wares to, buy their homes from, receive professional advisement from, and often see regularly in similar venues on a day to day basis.