׉?ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://eJlygJ9G8sx2RAxOOjDkHROARg7KgYWt-U1H-tkS7_I!`׉ 7cassandra://x-vPkPJhrxB79bG3onRmpbkoFh5ZSlq8wkqA7Bl9WZor(`s׉ 7cassandra://UNL5jHH_lOQ14bQftH9PMJ3Lgpsw78AtnP1wTEiOdiw&A`׉ 7cassandra://dVxbY4YibZeiXUfZFfR08TT4GRm22hL3Z1VotWMlTJQN͠]WYR$P6 ט(u׈׈EWYR$P6 ׉E&BuildingConnections The Digital Magazine of the Fairfield County HBRA August 2016 Enjoying the Last of Summer Days... Upcoming Events General Membership Meeting Clambake at Fairfield Beach September 7, 2016 Yankee vs. Red Sox Game Dinner at Pasquale Rigoletto September 29, 2016 Upcoming Seminars Online Marketing Strategies and Tools for an Effective Online Presence September 9, 2016 Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever September 20, 2016 SOLD OUT ׉ 7cassandra://UNL5jHH_lOQ14bQftH9PMJ3Lgpsw78AtnP1wTEiOdiw&A`WYR$P6 WYR$P6 (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://G6rBz3FVZu3NnkOy5TTWqVJ6WP7EkZKvgObwGh6hsTg`iq׉ 7cassandra://4c1DJ_F9CxdTmAgR3Cu-xrLrAhC1GKyHbG0C6Cx-070`׉ 7cassandra://NZCS0j4VdBrlD4YfCmmibALEDPtxXYnX_IqT6SLN2RwC`׉ 7cassandra://WfxnMik838TC8q52tChecUv77E6XXGNQcP-LLjvz0JM9͠ WYR$P6נWYR$P6 pr9׉HKhttp://mailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=Newsletter%20FeedbackGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6 p9׉H-http://http://www.%20buildfairfieldcounty.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6 9׉Hhttp://www.ringsend.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6̻,9׉Hhttp://www.bankunited.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6>t̑9׉Hhttp://hocongas.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P62m9׉Hhttp://www.ridgefieldsupply.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6̇p̥̏9׉Hhttp://www.interstatelumber.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6̯̏̑9׉Hhttp://www.ehbuilders.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6>o9׉Hhttp://www.acadiainsurance.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6̺̐9׉H"http://www.fairfieldcountybank.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6NQ9׉Hhttp://www.dimatteogrp.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6h̼9ׁHhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ ЈנWYR$P6flv9ׁH$mailto:hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EIHBRA VIP CIRCLE 2016 ANNUAL SPONSORS 2016 Annual Sponsors Thank you to the folllowing VIP Associate Members for their support in 2016. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on! Elite Diamond Platinum gas Gold ׉ 7cassandra://NZCS0j4VdBrlD4YfCmmibALEDPtxXYnX_IqT6SLN2RwC`WYR$P6׉E HBRA Board of Directors 2016-17 Officers BuildingConnections The Digital Magazine of the Fairfield County HBRA President Sr. Vice-President Vice-President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders Kim DiMatteo The DiMatteo Group Secretary/ Treasurer Michael Church William Pitt Sotheby’s Immediate Past President Peter Battaglio Max Bender Steve Berko Ken DeLeo John Hertz Brian Kurtz Rob Michaud Steven Roth Alex Shook Michael Wood Joanne Carroll Jerry Effren Gary Fanali Peter Fusaro Maureen Hanley Andrew La Sala Jr. John Murren Michael Palumbo Nick Yanicelli Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders 2016-17 Directors Hocon Gas Bender Supply Four Square Build & Design Doherty & DeLeo Hertz Construction Interstate Lumber The Michaud Group Elevator Service Company Pella Commercial Wood Builders Life Directors JMC Resources The Greyrock Companies City Carting Preferred Builders United Bank Cannondale Building & Design Murren-Kane Construction ERI Building & Design Susquehanna Enterprises Regular Features HBRA Staff Gina Calabro Executive Officer Deanna Hiller Executive Assistant HBRA of Fairfield County 2228 Black Rock Turnpike Suite 307 Fairfield, CT 06825 203-335-7008 hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www. buildfairfieldcounty.com Want to advertise? Contact the office for more information and rates. August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 3 Page: 4 5 21-23 9 Executive Officers Message Upcoming Events Member Benefits Sponsors/Advertisers Please visit our Sponsors East Haven Builders Supply The DiMatteo Group Ridgefield Supply 10 11 12 13 13 Back Cover Hocon Gas Interstate+Lakeland Lumber United Bank Ring’s End 17 Page: 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14-16 IBS Early Bird Registration 2016 HOBI Award Deadline New Members News: Fleet Telematics Support Vehicle and Driver Safety The Dotted Line: How to Navigate ‘the 3 Cs’ of Construction Bonding A Future ‘Hot Target’ for Attackers: How Construction Companies Can Improve Cybersecurity Event: Yankee vs. Red Sox Game NAHB Survey: 82% of Americans Believe Homeownership is a Good Investment HBRA Training Online Marketing: Strategies and Tools for an Effective Online Presence How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever OSHA 10 Hour Construction HBRA Bookstore Now Open Inside this issue... WYR$P6WYR$P6(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://k7hTw2CwSjtdkCNvlYpuNWflf3LiU3OxdEbD3PCybRwDJ`iq׉ 7cassandra://48fQz0AHd9fkBYzQPiLyYhAH2WA8zrz5RYbDyRVSd00~`׉ 7cassandra://nvVmP_QmKlcqUN5gFPv_-FfKK2AmrK-z84Eyw4kPQr4C$`׉ 7cassandra://1y_EWl-ALL697Qo8s1oH8D_JvduN1JmnIQRWMM3mJLsWT͠ WYR$P6"נWYR$P6f 9׉H,http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/bookstore%0DGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6~]9׉H,http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/bookstore%0DGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6̏9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/9/online-marketing-strategies-and-tools-for-an-effective-online-presenceGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6P̏9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/20/your-next-home-will-be-built-out-of-styrofoam-how-to-attain-healthy-sustainable-homes-and-change-the-home-building-experience-forever%0DGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6^̏9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/29/yankee-vs-red-sox-game-pre-game-dinner-at-pasquale-rigoletto-on-arthur-avenueGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6;̏9׉H{http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/10/5/general-membership-meeting-at-the-waters-edge-at-giovanni-apos-sGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6 4̏9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/29/yankee-vs-red-sox-game-pre-game-dinner-at-pasquale-rigoletto-on-arthur-avenueGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6!8̉9׉H{http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/10/5/general-membership-meeting-at-the-waters-edge-at-giovanni-apos-sGׁ ׁ r׉E(HB RA Home Builders & Remodelers Assn. Fairfi eld County Dear HBRA Members, The days of summer are just about over - the kids will be back to school, and before we know the leaves will be changing over to autumn colors. But before that happens we have a some great events and seminars you cannot miss! I’m sorry to say that the Clambake is SOLD OUT! Space was limited to 100 attendees and we hit that mark on August 15th. The next BIG EVENT is the Yankee vs. Red Sox Game and pre-game dinner on Arthur Avenue on September 29th. One bus sold out at the end of July so we added ANOTHER ONE! This event is sponsored by City Carting, United Bank and William Pitt Sotheby’s. Tickets are limited so get them quick -- it is going to be a FANtastic time! The October General Membership Meeting will be held at Giovanni’s in Darien on October 5th. Peter Goia from the CT Business and Industry Association (CBIA) will be the evening speaker. The topic - CT Economic Forecast. Seminars and Training are starting up again September: September 9th - Online Marketing Strategies and Tools for an Effective Online Presence and on September 20th - Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever. Both will be at the Ring’s End Educational Facility from 8:00am to 10:00am. The next OSHA 10 class will be October 27 & 28. 4 | HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 The HOBI award application is available on the HBRA website - see page 6 for a Quick Link to the application. Deadline is September 9th. Be sure to check out the member benefits pages. Our members have been saving thousands of dollars on these programs - you should too! Plus, the HBRA Fairfield County Online Bookstore is now available at http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/ bookstore. Members receive a 10% discount on business and construction books. As always, if you have any questions, please call the office or email us at hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com! Best, A Message from the Executive Officer Gina Calabro gina@buildfairfieldcounty.com ׉ 7cassandra://nvVmP_QmKlcqUN5gFPv_-FfKK2AmrK-z84Eyw4kPQr4C$`WYR$P6#׉EVSeptember 9, 2016 Online Marketing October 5, 2016 Strategies and Tools for an Effective Online Presence 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford $20 - Members/ $40 - Non-members Click Here to Register September 20, 2016 Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford FREE to Members / $40 - Non-members Click Here to Register September 29, 2016 Yankee Game/Pre-Game Dinner on Arthur Avenue Tickets- $180/pp Bus Leaves 3:30 – Westport Commuter Lot – Exit 18 off I95 Register by Friday, Sept. 15, 2016 Click Here to Register General Membership Meeting CT Economic Forecast with Peter Goia at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd, Darien 6:00pm - 9:00pm $50 - Members $100/ Non- Members Click Here to Register October 27 & 28th, 2016 OSHA 10 Hour Construction 7:45am-2:00pm Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford $30 - Members / $60 - Non-members Click Here to Register November 2, 2016 General Membership Meeting Closet & Storage Concepts 356 Ely Ave, Norwalk 6:00pm - 9:00pm $20 - Members $40/ Non- Members Click Here to Register November 16, 2016 2016 HOBI Awards Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville Details to Follow August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County |5 WYR$P6$WYR$P6#(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://2W-yM9MbvePDUF2bNspX2cOqp6alaYmdGi2UEi1L97Ix`iq׉ 7cassandra://X2kvhm_BXDLFPjAcIn7ApQgYNNegMdYVnwoHoBS-Owg`׉ 7cassandra://Fb7z9KhpDpUeCIebIhFWst3SCgbYXM987e1oeiRfOQ4Kr`׉ 7cassandra://vOLVbySsymotwCgwDWa2EroaNaek3uxLu0MvscIO4H0 ͠ WYR$P6'נWYR$P6%^9׉H[http://buildfairfieldcounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016-HOBI-Awards-Application.pdfGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6&o!9׉H-http://http://www.buildfairfieldcounty.com%20Gׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6ci9ׁH#http://www.buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EIBS EARLY BIRD Registration - August Only January 10- 12 in Orlando NEW NAHB MEMBERS - Register for the Event for Only $150! Join the best in your industry by entering Connecticut’s only Home Building Industry Awards. Sponsored by the HBRA of Connecticut, the HOBI Awards offers recognition to builders, remodelers and suppliers for excellence in home design and construction, home technology, sales and marketing and home financing. Only HBRA members may enter any house, development or product built, remodeled, supplied, marketed or financed by an HBRA member after January 2014 or a community service project undertaken in 2016. Winners will be notified by October 14th. Awards and a Power Point show of the winning entries will be presented at the HBRA of Connecticut HOBI Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. Winners will be featured in Connecticut Builder magazine, and will benefit from local and state wide media coverage and publicity. TOP AWARDS will be kept confidential and announced at the dinner on November 16, 2016. DOWNLOAD THE FILLABLE PDF APPLICATION 6 | HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 ׉ 7cassandra://Fb7z9KhpDpUeCIebIhFWst3SCgbYXM987e1oeiRfOQ4Kr`WYR$P6(׉EOWelcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Bansley, Anthony, Burdo, LLC We have handled thousands of closings at Bansley | Anthony. We work with you to try to ensure smooth closing process. It is essential that all parties involved communicate and coordinate. Here, we understand that we have to be on the same page as you, the realtor, the mortgage broker, and the other side’s attorney. Many do not understand the intricate details involved in a closing from coordinating payoffs, utility pro rating, taxes, insurance, and all of the other essential elements of a closing. Member: Michael Burdo Koushouris Construction, LLC Koushouris specializes in custom remodeling, additions, alterations and luxury home building. The Koushouris name is associated with a long standing reputation for excellence, professionalism and award winning design. We believe truly superior homes are built by people of integrity whose convictions are brought to bear on both the building process and the client relationship. Such convictions include honesty, transparency, clear, continuous communication at all levels, an obsessive attention to detail, and a commitment to providing workmanship of the highest caliber. Koushouris serves Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan and Westport in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Member: John Koushouris HighLine Decorating, Inc. Highline Decorating, Inc. offers interior and exterior painting for residential homes and commercial offices and retail spaces. They work with contractors, designers, real estate agents and homeowners to deliver high quality finishes and a seamless experience. Member: Lora Mazurak Renato Gasparian Associates LLC Residential design/build firm creating custom homes and additions. Member: Renato Gasparian August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 7 WYR$P6)WYR$P6((בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://_McmYFSZ0ZFFfBeyO86VdV8uViammYrZjsIQPVybdSIX|`iq׉ 7cassandra://JC8Iv-8KClIEP6JACHuVdXiPC8hMoe86MtK1tNzU-AU.`׉ 7cassandra://yaYuuX04aVjRevXuYxf01LKxVXTqJdGA8n777mwyyzYU`׉ 7cassandra://-bCYb3PYf-IkGTYZgsZeq1Ff0IuNpwM_cER20r9LHEAT' ͠ WYR$P6-נWYR$P6*5!9׉Hhttp://www.ehbuilders.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6+]9׉Hmhttp://www.constructiondive.com/news/the-dotted-line-how-to-navigate-the-3-cs-of-construction-bonding/413514/Gׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6,Na9׉HGhttp://mailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=HBRA%20NewsletterGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6d Jf9ׁH$mailto:hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EXFleet Telematics Support Vehicle and Driver Safety According to OSHA, motor vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, lost productivity, and more. Looking at this in another way: • The average crash costs an employer $16,500 • A crash resulting in an injury costs an employer on average $74,000 • Costs can exceed $500,000 when there’s a fatality That’s why more transportation companies, fleet managers, and small business owners are investing in fleet telematics to help them make more informed safety decisions and set expectations for their drivers and vehicles . By combining vehicle performance and driver data, fleet telematics solutions deliver the “keys” to safety. Management access and oversight of results allow decision-makers to drive down costs, increase compliance, and boost productivity. It Comes Down to Data. Fleet telematics solutions are an excellent real-world example of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and the concept is simple: a device is installed into a vehicle or an app is downloaded and connects via the internet to software that can be accessed from computers, tablets, and smartphones by drivers and management personnel alike. While each fleet telematics solution offers a different set of features, they all generally enable fleet managers to make informed decisions and set expectations related to driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and routing. They deliver and make sense of the “big data” required to make vehicle and driver safety actionable and measurable. They make it possible for decision-makers to: Act, Not React Fleet managers can use the data provided by their telematics solutions to help mitigate accident risks, prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear on vehicles, and make sure vehicles receive timely and appropriate 8 | HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 preventive maintenance. Managers get insights into various diagnostics, such as gas consumption, speed, idle time, and the number of left-turns made. Adding it up paints a picture of a vehicle’s health and performance. Stay Agile in Real-Time Aside from informing of decisions that are made ahead of time, what about those made in-themoment? Most data is available to users in real-time, thanks to GPS technology and cloud-based anytime/ anywhere connectivity. Managers can set alerts for a number of metrics for 360-degree visibility into vehicles’ locations and drivers’ events. Is a traffic situation detected ahead? Call the driver, reroute them, and keep them out of harm’s way. Keep Drivers Informed Data can also be shared with drivers to help them see what they’re doing well and where they can make improvements. This information not only makes them more accountable for their time on the road, but it helps to create a safer driving culture at the company. It can also be used to create safety and accident prevention programs that keep drivers up to speed on best practices for operating vehicles, driving defensively, and eliminating distractions. It’s easy to see why more organizations are deploying telematics across their fleets. They’re getting data-driven insights into what it takes to keep vehicles and their most important assets— employees—safe. Acadia Insurance is pleased to share this material. Please note, however, that nothing in this document should be construed as legal advice or the provision of professional consulting services. This material is for general informational purposes only, and while reasonable care has been utilized in compiling this information, no warranty or representation is made as to accuracy or completeness. “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” --Theodore Roosevelt ׉ 7cassandra://yaYuuX04aVjRevXuYxf01LKxVXTqJdGA8n777mwyyzYU`WYR$P6.׉E(The Dotted Line: How to Navigate ‘the 3 Cs’ of Construction Bonding Payment and performance bonds required.” Those words can signal a giant dead end for some contractors who would like to bid on public work or large private projects but haven’t yet waded into the bonding world. However, the bonding process doesn’t have to be mysterious or sweat-inducing as long as companies are equipped with the right information. The most common types of construction bonds are performance and payment bonds, which are kinds of surety bonds. A payment bond guarantees the owner that the contractor will pay all the supplier and subcontractor bills associated with the project, and the performance bond is the owner’s assurance the project will be completed in a timely manner and with high quality. Those who have bumped into bonding requirements on past jobs might have seen a “bid bond” requirement. This is a bond that guarantees the owner that the contractor will be able to meet the requirements of the contract for the amount of the submitted bid. But if a company has bonding capability for performance and payment bonds, these aren’t usually a problem to secure. Read More hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com ANNOUNCING the arrival of our new 8-story BOOMTRUCK CONNECTICUT - East Haven - Manchester - Newtown SANDY HOOK - 2 Turnberry Lane - 203-426-0030 NEW YORK - Millwood • Mold / Mildew Resistant Board • Fire Rated Board • ½” Light Weight Board • Exterior Sheathing • Metal Studs • Acoustical Ceiling Tile August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 9 WYR$P6/WYR$P6.(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://OzXt1h9_wll2eE23uQ5FL6CSifAVFYGFiJknqnt6VWwC`iq׉ 7cassandra://-MT-NlOVmK5oigeX4UVF9NNCQxlwJVuD1iBQeEq2qCM*`׉ 7cassandra://dybQsXRoOQ5cShOBDhDa7H-izmpHyyz22n_PS9cXs_gX`׉ 7cassandra://uoa0ZN1kdCDEUfS9mTp1ODwsA1jWltWH2i0fcNfv2tcB.͠ WYR$P64נWYR$P60+_9׉Hhttp://dimatteogrp.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P61\ck9׉Hahttp://www.constructiondive.com/news/how-construction-companies-can-improve-cybersecurity/424217/Gׁ ׁ rנWYR$P62>̛#9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/29/yankee-vs-red-sox-game-pre-game-dinner-at-pasquale-rigoletto-on-arthur-avenueGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P638L9׉HFhttp://mailto:christina%40ridgefieldsupply.com?subject=Katz%20RoadshowGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6o 9ׁHhttp://bitly.com/KRׁ ׁ ЈנWYR$P6n 9ׁH%mailto:christina@ridgefieldsupply.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E A Future ‘Hot Target’ for Attackers: How Construction Companies can Improve Cybersecurity Construction companies are infamous for their reluctance to adopt the latest technologies. Most of the largest companies have made the leap, but for small and mid-sized firms, the process continues inch by inch. However, as contractors join the digital age and begin to reap the benefits of becoming more connected with fellow employees and the outside world via computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, they also risk opening their systems up to cyber attacks. “It’s a tradeoff for connectivity,” said attorney Michelle Schaap of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi in New Jersey. It’s the good and the bad sides, she said, of the belief that people need to be connected on demand. These assaults on a company’s computer systems and network happen for a variety of reasons — industrial espionage, access to client or employee information or just plain theft. So why are so many construction companies behind the curve when it comes to implementation of policies and procedures that would eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the chances of a security breach? And what can they do to reduce their chances of suffering an attack in the future? Why cyber attacker focus on construction will ‘increase significantly’ As it turns out, contractors aren’t the only ones lacking in this arena. “It is endemic to a number of industries,” Schaap said. With the exception of the financial and healthcare sectors, “many industries still have their heads in the sand,” she said. “Everybody is a target for attacks because everyone has something of value” Those orchestrating attacks know this fact as well. They’re also aware that construction can be a lucrative, high-cash-flow business, which makes them it the more appealing to criminals, according to Percipient Networks CTO Todd O’Boyle. The small and mid-sized businesses tend to be prime targets “because many don’t believe it will happen to them,” he said. READ MORE Look no further for an insurance agent who can work with you to design an insurance portfolio just right for your business. If you engage in construction or remodeling of one or two family residences in CT then I want to talk to you. Our construction insurance program includes: • General Liability • • • Property Business Auto Inland Marine • Workers Compensation • Umbrella • Builders Risk Kim Marie DiMatteo, CIC, MWCA I have been in the construction insurance business since 1992. I know the markets, the products, and what’s right for you. Call me today to schedule a convenient appointment. 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com 10 | HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 ׉ 7cassandra://dybQsXRoOQ5cShOBDhDa7H-izmpHyyz22n_PS9cXs_gX`WYR$P65׉EYankee vs. Red Sox Game Pre-game Dinner at Pasquale’s Rigoletto on Arthur Avenue September 29, 2016 LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE Tickets- $180/pp Transportation to and from Arthur Avenue and Yankee Stadium Field Level Seat in Section 133 Register Online or call the office at 203-335-7008 for tickets Sponsored by: FINISH CARPENTRY CLINICS WITH GARY KATZ RSVP TODAY! Take advantage Friday, September 16 7:30am-2:30pm Ridgefield Supply 29 Prospect St. Ridgefield, CT 06877 MASTER YOUR CRAFT If you believe in quality craftsmanship, don’t miss this FREE event! Christina McFarland • 203-438-2626 x 216 • christina@ridgefieldsupply.com or online: http://bitly.com/KR-Ridgefield August 2016| HBRA of Fairfield County | 11 WYR$P66WYR$P65(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Bl7-iOJW3GnNhjphMFOpPc3HPHTt3GrVFp-uCHW-kIg,`iq׉ 7cassandra://JCqxEjBsydTPum8SieONfu6EWgZLW0IsSOAdUE_svJo `׉ 7cassandra://hfn6kbZdA3c8zQpFwzzfq2CAMd178frcxE3Plfv09SgQC`׉ 7cassandra://KNDHyQ3kfDG5U_NtYSDaJdQIYfh8M-xoozDXC_BT6C4O*͠ WYR$P6:נWYR$P6759V9׉Hhttp://www.interstatelumber.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P681ȁ,9׉Hhttp://hocongas.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P695`9׉Hhttp://bankatunited.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6q v9ׁH"http://bankatunited.com/commercialׁ ׁ ЈנWYR$P6p pY9ׁHhttp://InterstateLumber.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E NAHB Survey: 82% of Americans Believe Homeownership is a Good Investment • A National Association of Home Builders survey of 2,800 registered U.S. voters released Wednesday found that more than four out of five Americans (82%) believe buying a home is a smart investment. • The survey, conducted by polling firm Morning Consult, also found that 81% of adults younger than 30 want to buy a home, 46% of all respondents believe now is a good time to do so, and 36% plan on purchasing a home within the next three years. • The survey also revealed the reality many potential homeowners face when trying to buy a home, as 55% of respondents said they had trouble finding something affordable, 50% said they didn’t have enough saved for a down payment, and 41% couldn’t get approved for a mortgage. NAHB Chairman Ed Brady said the survey results show that homeownership is still part of the American Dream. Therefore, government agencies, need to implement policies that will promote more homebuilding and protect homeownership, he said. A National Association of Realtors HOME survey released earlier this month found that almost 75% of American households believe it’s a good time to buy a home but that half of young people with student debt don’t want to assume the burden of a mortgage. Housing economists have long cited student debt as a barrier to homeownership. Confirming that sentiment was a June NAR/SALT/ American Student Assistance survey, which found 71% of those who carried student loan debt believed it was keeping them from owning a home. In addition, that survey also found that half of respondents believed their student loan obligations would keep them from buying a home for at least five years. During an NAR legislative event in May, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) emphasized the need for student loan reform, as student debt has created such a major obstacle to homeownership for potential buyers. She said the housing industry should support student loan reform if it wants “to see more young people live the dream of homeownership.” Propane and Natural Gas Products! Connecticut’s largest family owned Propane company with over 350,000 gallons of storage, HOCON GAS has a reputation for delivering propane energy and industry expertise for more than 60 years! Pete “Propane Pete” Battaglio with over 33 years of experience Sr. Regional Sales Manager Hocon Gas, Inc. • 6 Armstrong Road Shelton, CT 06484 Office: 203.402.7800 • Fax: 203.944.0300 Cell: 203.343.2199 Email: pbattaglio@hocongas.com www.hocongas.com NORWALK 33 Rockland Rd. (203) 853-1500 WATERBURY 20 Railroad Hill St. (203) 754-7601 12| HBRA of Fairfield County |August 2016 GUILFORD 736 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-2790 DANBURY 86 Payne Rd. (203) 744-4000 TORRINGTON 2407 Winsted Rd. (860) 626-0900 Copyright © Hocon • HOD#726-30 ׉ 7cassandra://hfn6kbZdA3c8zQpFwzzfq2CAMd178frcxE3Plfv09SgQC`WYR$P6;׉E3 3 3 3 3 Beautiful Low maintenance Resist mold, mildew Limited Lifetime Warranty Fade and Stain Warranty BUILD YOUR DREAM DECK Locations in Greenwich, Stamford, Bethel, Newtown CT & Shrub Oak, NY Call Us at 1-888-499-8889 or visit InterstateLumber.com MEET THE MOST POWERFUL BUSINESS PARTNERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Kathryn A. Eren, VP, Cash Management Officer; Lisa Stuard, AVP Commercial Loan Administrator; Maureen Hanley-Bellitto, SVP, Commercial Team Leader; Gregory Pastor, Jr. VP, Commercial Banking Officer; Kim Karl, VP, Commercial Banking Officer; Deep community roots. Unrivaled market knowledge. Unmatched customer service. When a bank builds its commercial banking team around the values that truly make a difference in helping your business and community grow and prosper, that’s more than banking. That’s changing the way you bank. Talk to us today. Visit bankatunited.com/commercial August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 13 WYR$P6<WYR$P6;(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://v86nSwg3OkRxyfYpHwVT7cPqbKSCMTlfY4zQYJHtiK0j `iq׉ 7cassandra://pq8NbXQF0i3PmgOBeyvQjQuxuk6NGd0ng3jn5FnHnvg͆`׉ 7cassandra://sxyzWoetH9Ip1J40kAbW5PIsCsXhtAckaend6XLCIOoAL`׉ 7cassandra://IkgQX4CA56ZkMaMahfuZFXzY-FzIqGGAj_A8FCpYdlw ?%`͠ WYR$P6AנWYR$P6=̦%9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/9/online-marketing-strategies-and-tools-for-an-effective-online-presenceGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6>C/ ̑9׉Hhttp://ringsend.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6?̰%9׉Hhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/9/20/your-next-home-will-be-built-out-of-styrofoam-how-to-attain-healthy-sustainable-homes-and-change-the-home-building-experience-foreverGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6@8 ̑9׉Hhttp://ringsend.comGׁ ׁ r׉E0Seminars and Training Breakfast Series Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 Online Marketing Strategies and Tools for an Effective Online Presence Friday, September 9, 2016 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford, CT Attend this information-packed seminar and learn the strategies behind having an effective online presence and the “how-to” specifics. This practical seminar will provide a concise and comprehensive overview of online marketing best practices and easily avoidable mistakes. You’ll discover which online tools are a “must,” which are best for customer acquisition and which are ideal for development of customer loyalty and repeat business. The presentation will cover: • Websites • Search Engine Optimization • Google AdWords • Social Media • Email Marketing You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, share experiences and network with peers. You’ll leave with realworld insights and knowledge that you can put to work immediately to help your business succeed. Join us and walk away with actionable, specific knowledge you can implement in your business. This is an information-packed presentation that thousands have already attended. HBRA Members: $10 Non-Members: $40.00 Sponsored by: 14 | HBRA of Fairfield County |August 2016 ׉ 7cassandra://sxyzWoetH9Ip1J40kAbW5PIsCsXhtAckaend6XLCIOoAL`WYR$P6B׉ESeminars and Training Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 Breakfast Series Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever Tuesday, September 20, 2016 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford, CT Join us for a discussion from an architect’s perspective on where the future of building is headed. Today’s structures have a disregard for human health and something needs to change. We need healthy homes and buildings that promotes good air quality, comfort, and overall body nourishment. Not only do we need healthier homes and buildings, we need sustainability. We need a structure that will not harm our environment and last for centuries, not years to come. Is there something that exists that can do both? ICF, or insulated concrete structures, can do just that! HBRA Members: FREE Non-Members: $40.00 Sponsored by: August 2016| HBRA of Fairfield County | 15 WYR$P6CWYR$P6B(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://0y8qWSpDl_8PAcWaV1ZrRkV9JYldhoaH1HL9r_t6NykgX`iq׉ 7cassandra://SFBsDl8Nv3jBldNdnM76pWTwbxIel8O7SwZevS5F_fUH`׉ 7cassandra://JB1q4sewJm3UZm3-9v4DjXym45wHm45aMfWDF74vF_s@~`׉ 7cassandra://yZ2PlsQ3SGj4Sf2J9Up7nkEAPEhhQRV_3wYhZ-8HVBI9 *͠ WYR$P6HנWYR$P6Ḓ%9׉HLhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.com/events-2/#!event/2016/10/27/osha-10-trainingGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6Ě̒9׉Hhttp://dimatteogrp.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6F64G̤9׉Hhttp://ringsend.comGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6GF̖9׉HUhttps://builderbooks.com/the-cost-of-doing-business-study-2016-edition.html?=HBREMODEGׁ ׁ rנWYR$P6u K̖9ׁHhttp://BuilderBooks.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ESeminars and Training Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 OSHA 10 Hour Construction Thursday, October 27 & Friday, October 28, 2016* 7:45am-2:00pm Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford, CT OSHA is coming to FINE you! Get ahead of them & learn what you need to know for your business and your employees. The OSHA 10hour construction training course is designed for anyone in the construction industry. Upon completion, participants will receive an OSHA construction safety and health 10-hour course completion card from the Department of Labor. OSHA 10 cards are good for 5 years. HBRA Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $60.00 *Must attend both dates in order to receive OSHA card-per federal regulation. Continental Breakfast & Lunch included both days. Payment must be received by October 24th to reserve your spot. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this course due to limited seating. Sponsored by: 16 | HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 ׉ 7cassandra://JB1q4sewJm3UZm3-9v4DjXym45wHm45aMfWDF74vF_s@~`WYR$P6I׉E_Member Benefits HB RA Home Builders & Remodelers Assn. Fairfi eld County Welcome to the Fairfield County HBRA Bookstore where members receive a 10% discount on all publications. The bookstore is linked to the NAHB BuilderBooks Bookstore where you will create your profile and place your orders. If you have purchased from the NAHB BuilderBooks Bookstore before all you need to do is login and place your order. Members Investing in Fairfield County HBRA Members when you purchase your books from the Fairfield County HBRA Bookstore you are helping your association earn a commission from all the sales derived from this bookstore with the association’s unique code: HBREMODE How Does Your Business Measure Up Against Your Competition? Results from the recently released Cost of Doing Business Study, 2016 Edition reported average revenue of $16.2 million, 19% higher than in 2012 and 130% higher than in 2010. " The Cost of Doing Business Study contains a wealth of information about the residential construction industry and is a critical resource for builders," said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a home builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill. "The updated study provides the benchmarks builders need to improve their businesses." The Cost of Doing Business Study, 2016 Edition, represents the most up-to-date comparative financial performance data available to builders. It gives home builders a rare glimpse at other builders' financial information providing data about profitability, cost of sales and expenses from hundreds of home builders across the country. This one-of-a-kind resource examines and compares financial performance according to builder type and size as well as industry-wide averages using the following key indicators: • • Gross margin Net profit • Cost of goods sold • Financial ratios (current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio and more) The Cost of Doing Business Study, 2016 Edition includes more than 35 proven cost-cutting, tips to reduce direct construction costs. Get your print copy of the Cost of Doing Business Study, 2016 Edition from BuilderBooks.com today! August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 17 WYR$P6JWYR$P6I(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://fh1z3o-Zqr7dSGWvZdZDne4ivvEekpqmVPgGif84rQ0Y`iq׉ 7cassandra://3AonBKZ4zArvEk5LszEqfgq-FNST5ld_FiQIiuqD4TEͽ `׉ 7cassandra://-ks5hqlaWPpYDtQ9OWcoNTvB4tFHHhQUakgzopgzpPg6q`׉ 7cassandra://XajAfd2gAbFkQouRQxOHlL3c4mldpKLp_3zeSPmIx6g͠ WYR$P6KנWYR$P6tc̔9ׁHhttp://www.nahb.org/ma.ׁ ׁ ЈנWYR$P6r c̦9ׁHhttp://www.Dell.com/NAHBׁ ׁ Ј׉E[Member Benefits Save $500/$1000 with the GM NAHB Private Offer We're pleased to extend to NAHB members a private offer 1 of $500 toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. NAHB members who are business owners can now qualify for up to $1,000 and also add on incentives from the National Fleet Purchase Program 2 and Business Choice 3 to get the best value on vehicles that run your business. To get this offer just visit your local dealer, choose an eligible GM vehicle, and present your NAHB proof of membership form. How it works: 1. Get your NAHB proof of membership form at www.nahb.org/gm. 2. Bring form to your GM dealer and mention this private offer. 3. At time of purchase or lease, present your NAHB proof of membership. For private offer details, visit www.nahb.org/gm. 1Private offer amount varies by model. Up to $500 offer for retail deliveries and up to $1,000 offer for fleet deliveries. Not compatible with other private offers. Not valid on prior purchases. Compatible with many current incentives. Incentives are subject to change without notice. FAN number required. See dealer for complete details. 2Offer eligible for non-CAP customers only through Dec. 31, 2016. See dealer for details. 3To qualify, vehicle must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. For complete program requirements, including information regarding offers, vehicles, equipment, options, warranties, and ordering, consult your dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com. Take delivery by Sept. 30, 2016. GEICO is a Great Catch Selecting an insurance company to protect your assets is very important to you. After all, you have worked your whole life to obtain them. NAHB and GEICO are here to help. GEICO has over 75 years of industry experience and understands what you need from your insurer. GEICO and NAHB are proud to be working together to offer exceptional insurance products and a great savings opportunity for members of NAHB. As a member of NAHB, you could qualify for an exclusive discount on GEICO auto insurance. When you consider the fact that new GEICO policyholders report average annual savings of over $500, you could be saving a lot of money. But there's more to GEICO than just great rates. GEICO policyholders receive 24/7, professional, courteous service. When it comes to claim handling, GEICO is able to settle many claims within 48 hours of being reported, and sometimes a check can even be written on the spot. That's why GEICO customers report a 97% customer satisfaction rate. As a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, GEICO has the stability of a company you can trust. Savings, service, and reliability? They can all be yours. Visit www.geico.com/disc/NAHB or call 800-368-2734 and mention NAHB, for a simple, no-obligation rate quote to see how much you could save with your exclusive member discount. GEICO can also help you obtain competitive rates on homeowner's, condo, motorcycle and more insurance coverage. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. Average savings amount based on national GEICO New Policyholder survey data through March 2014. GEICO is the second-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States according to the 2013 A.M. Best market share report, published April 2014. Customer satisfaction based on an independent study conducted by Alan Newman Research, 2013. Homeowners, condo and renters coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. 18| HBRA of Fairfield County | August 2016 ׉ 7cassandra://-ks5hqlaWPpYDtQ9OWcoNTvB4tFHHhQUakgzopgzpPg6q`WYR$P6L׉E JMember Benefits Don't Miss These Great Discounts from Dell! Save 40% off OptiPlex/Latitude/Precision Workstations/Power Edge Servers Use coupon code SAVE40% and save 40% off the list price of OptiPlex and Latitude PCs, Precision workstations, and select PowerEdge servers. 1 Save on select XPS & Inspiron PCs Get an additional 10% off select XPS & Inspiron PCs. Use coupon code SAVE10%PC. 2 Save an extra 5% Use coupon code STACK5% and save an extra 5% on Dell electronics and accessories 3 To learn more about your membership benefits visit www.Dell.com/NAHB or call 800757-8442 to speak to a Dell representative. 1Coupon offer valid 7/30/2016 - 10/29/2016 for Dell Professional Associations only. Save 40% off the list price of OptiPlex and Latitude PCs, Precision workstations, and select PowerEdge servers. Excludes the PowerEdge T20. Offer is not combinable with other offers, discounts, or coupons. Limit of 5 promotional items per customer. Not valid for resellers and/or online auctions. Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. 2Coupon offer valid 7/30/2016 - 10/29/2016 for Dell Professional Associations only. Save 10% off select XPS and Inspiron PCs. Offer is not combinable with other offers, discounts, or coupons. Limit of 5 promotional items per customer. Not valid for resellers and/or online auctions. Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. 3Offer expires 10/1/2016, 7:00 AM CT. Valid on Dell products only with select offers, but not with other coupons. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. Valid for new US online purchases through Dell Small Business Electronics and Accessories site and for phone orders of electronics and accessories purchased without a system only. Free shipping and handling offer available in Continental (except Alaska) US only. Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. Purchase limit of 5 items per order. Not valid for resellers and/or online auctions. NAHB Member Advantage Discounts NAHB Member Advantage gives members an easy way to reduce expenses, maximize profits and increase efficiency. Through agreements with leading national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. In the past year, members have saved over $17M through Member Advantage. For the most up-to-date information about which companies are offering discounts as well as detailed information on how to access the savings, please visit www.nahb.org/ma. August 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 19 WYR$P6MWYR$P6L(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://sEWpSCL6toaPaxyVI3c4CrWlCULhFziGh1XiFjhrFSA&`׉ 7cassandra://w_PU51MST8Y40mx9-4v4arW0oDrfEgZqac95SQ9skskv`s׉ 7cassandra://dTLJCyjyRE_HzQTDTOF3FcSsrgTLuYGC81Pt-vXKHAc)`׉ 7cassandra://K4uHU0q8q6zAB96uRamKwhQNOAMEAsOaQbLERRzBfY4U͠]WYR$P6OנWYR$P6N(E9׉Hhttp://ringsend.comGׁ ׁ r׉ERingsEnd.com Lumber Building Materials Millwork Kitchens Hardware Paint Mouldings Design & Decor ´ Since 1902 we have been helping you REbuild, REfine,REinforce and REfresh homes. We offer the highest quality building materials, knowledgeable Sales Associates, and dedicated educational programs. Our job is to make your job a success. Count on Ring’s End. The new model in home REmodeling. ׉ 7cassandra://dTLJCyjyRE_HzQTDTOF3FcSsrgTLuYGC81Pt-vXKHAc)`WYR$P6P׈EWYR$P6QWYR$P6P(, August 2016 Building ConnectionsWq