Las Cruces, NM - The Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico is proud to announce and welcome Summer Irvin to the position of Membership Services Director.  Summer is a native of Las Cruces and graduate of Onate High School. Summer

 joins BIA from the Las Cruces Sun-News, where most recently she served as a Multi-Media Sales Executive. In addition to that role, she also served as General Manager of the Real Estate Press, which is published by the Las Cruces Sun-News. Summer brings with her a wealth of experience in the sales and marketing industry, which will prove to be an asset in the continued growth of the association. "We are pleased to have Summer on board, and look forward to a prosperous future with her," says David Roewe, Executive Director. Summer will assume her duties as of August 30th. Her responsibilities at BIA include increasing the membership base, managing the association's web advertising, facilitating rental of the 2200 square foot meeting hall, plus sponsor revenue development. For more information about the Building Industry Association of Southern NM, please visit www.biasnm.org.

• September 8^th: Collection Law
• October 13^th: Lien Law
• November 10^th: Contract Law
• December 8^th: Worker's Compensation & Employment Law

All courses will be taught by Joshua Dwyer of The Dwyer Law Firm. The firm is a member of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, the Southern New Mexico Estate Planning Council, the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, and the Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico. Licensed to practice law in New Mexico and admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, Joshua Dwyer is a member of the Taxation and Business Law Sections of the State Bar of New Mexico as well as a member of the American Bar Association. A graduate of Regent University School of Law and Texas A&M University, Mr. Dwyer is an involved member of the Las Cruces community.

Members can take any of the above listed courses at a discounted price $25 per person, per class. Non-members, $50 per person, per class. For questions, call (575) 526-6126. To register, download a form online at www.biasnm.org.

Outstanding Opportunities

Now that the tax credits for first-time and repeat home buyers have expired,* many people are wondering if this is a good time to buy a home.

The answer is easy: Yes. It's a very good time to purchase a home. The recession is in retreat, and even though housing is on the mend, it's still a buyer's market. Moreover, Congress has made it clear that the home buyer tax credits are gone for good and will not be renewed.

Even without the tax credits, there are many opportunities in today's market including affordable prices, low mortgage rates and great new homes. But market conditions can change, and these opportunities may not be around for long, so home buyers shouldn't wait.

Great Selection

An excellent selection of homes on the market makes today a very good time to buy. A plentiful inventory provides a great choice of homes, and many builders have brand new homes that are "move-in ready."

Additionally, many owners of existing homes who postponed trading up or downsizing due to market conditions are now ready to sell. And as employment improves, the number of relocations will increase, bringing more homes into the market.

Attractive Pricing

If there's a silver lining to the recession and the housing downturn, it's that homes in many markets are more affordable. Prices in some areas have moderated significantly, especially in major markets where they increased the most during the housing boom that occurred in most of the country.

Low Interest Rates

Like inventory and pricing, mortgage interest rates are still at very favorable levels, but rates are sensitive to market forces and can change quickly. There's no indication that rates will suddenly surge upward, but even a slight rate increase can push monthly payments to the point that a buyer might miss out on their first choice for a new home .  

Prospective home buyers also should be aware that lenders are looking more closely at borrowers today than in recent years. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, buyers should consider pre-qualifying for a mortgage and having financing in place before shopping for a new home. Buyers also may find that some home builders have arranged favorable financing for their customers or offer financial incentives.  

Greener and Better

With energy costs near the top of consumer concerns, it's good to know that new homes can be more energy efficient than ever. Innovative materials and construction techniques mean that today's new homes are built to be much more energy efficient than homes constructed a generation ago. Not only can they be more affordable to operate, new homes also are significantly more resource efficient and environmentally friendly.

Designed With Buyers in Mind

Designed to accommodate today's busy lifestyles, new homes feature open floorplans, flexible spaces, improved safety features, low-maintenance materials and other amenities that make them more appealing than ever before.

And in many areas, prospective home buyers who wish to live in age-qualified communities for those 55 and older will find a large selection of homes tailored to the evolving lifestyles of the baby boom generation.

Benefits for Home Owners

Homeownership also provides important benefits to owners.

Tax Benefits: For Home Owners Only

Unique tax benefits that apply only to housing help lower the cost of homeownership. Both mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible. Moreover, for  married couples, profits of up to $500,000 on the sale of a principal residence ($250,000 for single taxpayers) are excluded from tax on capital gains.

Home owners who qualified for and received the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers or the $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers will realize greater tax savings during the first five years of homeownership.

The Advantage of Leveraging

Leveraging is another advantage of homeownership. A buyer can purchase a home and receive the full benefit of homeownership with a cash downpayment that is only a fraction of the total purchase price. This is called leveraging, and it makes the rate of return on a home purchase greater than on other purchases with the same value, such as stocks, where the buyer must put up the entire price

Building Personal Resources

For most Americans, homeownership is a primary source of net worth and an important step in accumulating personal financial assets over the long term. Although property values have declined in many markets, Americans currently have a total of more than $6 trillion in equity in their homes, and for most families, home equity represents the largest share of net worth.

There Really is No Place Like Home

Although there are many positive financial aspects to homeownership, a home cannot be valued in monetary terms alone. Not only can homeownership be a steppingstone to greater financial well-being, it provides a permanent place to call home and great personal satisfaction.

Academic research also shows that homeownership provides a wide range of social benefits and strengthens the nation's people and its communities.

Homeownership is truly a cornerstone of the American way of life.

*Qualified buyers who had a binding contract in force by April 30, 2010 have until September 30, 2010 to complete their purchase.

Qualified members of the military, foreign service and intelligence communities who were on official extended duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days between Jan.1, 2009 and April 30, 2010, may qualify for a one-year extension of the tax credits. Go to FederalHousingTaxCredit.com for more information.

While NAHB has used its best efforts to provide accurate information, NAHB makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or comprehensiveness of this brochure's contents. NAHB specifically disclaims any implied warranties. The information provided in this document may not be suitable or applicable to your unique circumstances. You should consult with a qualified professional when applying this information to your own situation. NAHB will not be liable for any loss of profits or damages, including incidental, consequential, special or other damages.

For more information about this item, please contact Brooke Fishel at 800-368-5242 x8061 or via e-mail at bfishel@nahb.org.

The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home, due to possible  lead paint contamination.

The EPA rule lists prohibited work practices, including open-torch burning and using high-heat guns and high-speed equipment such as grinders and sanders unless equipped with a HEPA filter. It also requires a cleaning inspection after the work is completed.

Additionally, the rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including sharing a copy of Renovate Right with the home owner, posting warning signs for occupants and visitors; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course.

The full rule and brochures for consumers can be downloaded from the EPA's Web site.

A 2006 NAHB study on lead-safe work practices showed that a home was better off after a remodel than before, as long as the work was performed by trained remodelers who clean the work area with HEPA-equipped vacuums, wet washing and disposable drop cloths.

Tips for Home Owners

1. Hire a Certified Renovator for your home remodeling project.
   Professional remodelers who have achieved EPA Lead-Safe Certification are trained and prepared to work in pre-1978 homes for minimizing dust and potential lead paint exposures. These workers also have certified their firms and will carry an EPA seal verifying their qualifications to follow lead-safe work practices. Certified Renovators have the knowledge and tools to contain dust and keep your family safe. Do not attempt remodeling work yourself or hire an uncertified remodeler as this puts you at risk of lead poisoning.
2. Read Renovate Right.
   Your Certified Renovator will provide you a copy of the Renovate Right brochure produced by the EPA. This brochure describes the dangers of lead poisoning and how the practices of the remodeler will be employed to contain dust, clean, and minimize the dangers of lead paint exposure.
3. Pay attention to warning signs and do not enter containment areas.
   The Certified Renovator will post warning signs and set up areas of containment using plastic to keep dust under control. Pay attention to these notices and stay away from these areas. The remodeler uses these techniques and lead-safe work practices to minimize lead dust exposure.
4. Consider testing for lead.
   You may ask the Certified Renovator to use LeadCheck test kits for testing certain surfaces for lead. If the test comes back negative, the remodeler will not need to use lead safe work practices because the component has tested lead-free. A home owner may alternatively hire a certified risk assessor or lead inspector to conduct testing in the home for lead. Any pre-1978 home can be tested for lead and if the results are negative, the EPA lead rule does not apply.
5. Maintain records about your home remodel.
   After the remodeling job is complete the EPA Certified Renovator will share records with you, such as a checklist describing the work practices used and any results from lead testing. Be sure to keep these records and share them with the next home owner if you should sell your home.

Learn more about EPA's lead paint rule by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or by downloading the pamphlet, Renovate Right.

The draft ordinance is available here, as is a copy of the agenda for Monday's meeting.  Please note that this topic will be presented early in the meeting, under the "Presentation on Erosion Control" segment of the opening ceremonies.  Parts of the draft ordinance are simply astonishing in terms of the magnitude of control that government regulators would be able to exercise over your daily private business.  You are urged to read the draft and to stay informed and active on this issue.

Thank you for your time and support.

Beginning April 2010, a new federal law based on the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule and HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule took effect. This new law requires contractors who perform renovation, repairs, and painting jobs in pre-1978 housing to become EPA Lead Certified Renovators. The new law also applies to work done on facilities occupied by children. Fines issued for uncertified contractors are significant.

This course will provide the necessary training to meet the new federal requirement and teach safety in lead-based paint facilities. This course is primarily geared toward persons working in the fields of renovation, repair and painting. However, the course is also recommended to individuals working in social service organizations, state or municipal agencies, and home inspection contractors. Anyone requiring this training is encouraged to attend.

The course is strictly limited to 30 participants. Registration forms are available online at www.biasnm.org or in person at the Building Industry Association office - 2825 N. Main Street, located off of N. Main and Temple. For more information, you may contact the BIA at (575) 526-6126.

In honor of Earth Day, the New Mexico Recycling Coalition is pleased to announce leading businesses, communities and individuals who have played a critical role to help increase and improve recycling efforts in the state. Awardees will be recognized at a ceremony during the New Mexico Recycling Conference on June 22 at 4:00 PM at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

English Bird, Executive Director of New Mexico Recycling Coalition said, "With a national average of 33% to compare to New Mexico's much lower 12.4% recycling rate, we desperately need these pioneers leading the way to encourage everyone to change their habits and make a difference for the environment. Recycling is something everyone can do on a daily basis."

To attend the event, please contact sarah@recyclenewmexico.com or 505-603-0558. You can use an online Recycling Directory to find out where to recycle in your community at www.recyclenewmexico.com.

-----------------
Contact:
English Bird, Executive Director
505-983-4470
english@recyclenewmexico.com

Green Street Parade of Homes is a single site event that will feature 7-10 new homes that are all built to New Mexico Green Build standards with the additional covenants that all homes will be constructed with active solar. The subdivision, owned by Gabriel Sandoval and Scott Bannister, have protective covenants that require all homes built in this subdivision be meet these same standards.

The date of April 21 at 9am has been set for the project groundbreaking which is intended to kick-off and coincide with the recognition of Earth Day 2010 on April 22. The subdivision is located on the corner of Brown and Compress Streets.

"I know this is the first subdivision and the first show in New Mexico and the Southwest that requires solar as well as green built, but it maybe the first show of its kind in the Nation" said David Roewe, Executive Director of the BIA.

The Green Street event will be held September 17 through October, 2010.

"Green Built is the future", said John Hadley, President of the BIA, "This is a great venue to show the public that we can build solar, green built homes, that are affordable. The homes will range in price from $175,000 to $225,000 and will average from 1,300 to 1,800 square feet. We are even certifying that the subdivision is being developed to Green Build standards."

"We have selected the subdivision because it is an infill subdivision", said Hadley, "It is within a mile of the New City Hall and the new Federal Courthouse. It fits in with the City of Las Cruces' vision of redevelopment of the inner core of the City."

"We will have interactive displays throughout all the homes to show the public what makes these homes so special" said Roewe. "We are excited about being able to demonstrate how inexpensive building green with solar really is."

JB Stearns, Farrell Thurston, John Hadley, Robert Hines, and Tony Calderon are some of the builders participating in this project.

If you have interest in constructing a home for this project, you may contact John Hadley at (575) 640-5736, Dave Roewe 526-6126 office or 360-606-9285 cell, or Gricel Mendoza at (575) 526-6126. For general questions about the event, you may contact Gricel Mendoza, Special Events Director at 575-526-6126.

The following builders will be featured in this years show: Burke Construction, Capron Builders & Design Co, LLC, D.R. Horton Homes, G. Sandoval Construction, GL Green & Associates, Hakes Brothers, Jones Construction, Planet Development Design-Build, R. Hines Construction, Schueller Construction, LLC, Soledad Canyon Earth Builders, Sonoma Ranch Construction, Summit Development, Tayvis Estates, Twilight Custom Homes, and Veloz Homes.

The 22 homes are presented to the community by the builder members of the Building Industry Association of Southern NM.  Homes in the show are modest to lucrative, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $700,000. There is NO charge to tour the homes.

Dates and hours of Showcase are:

April 23, 24, 25 and April 30, May 1, 2

Friday (April 23 and April 30): 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday (April 24 and May 1): 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday (April 25 and May 2): 12 noon - 5 p.m.

A guidebook to the event will be available after April 19 at numerous Las Cruces locations, inside each home, and at the BIA office - 2825 N. Main Street. A map and list of the homes will appear in various print publications and can also be found on the official show web site www.lascrucesshowcaseofhomes.com.

General admission is $3, and FREE for kids 12 and under. There are a wide variety of qualified contractors in Deming and surrounding areas, some of which will be showcasing their products during this one day event.

You can expect:

• Over 20 exhibitor booths
• Plant Sale at the Friends of Rockhound State Park booth
• Drawings for chances to win a variety of prizes
• FREE hot dogs

Logon to the BIA website for more information at www.biasnm.org. You may also contact the Building Industry Association office at (575) 526-6126.

You can expect:

• Over 80 exhibitor booths
• A series of seminars every hour on the half hour with topics ranging from organization to sustainability and home safety.
• Cooking demonstrations every hour on the hour.
• Farmers & Crafts Day on Sunday.
• Plant Sale at the Pond-S-Scapes booth to benefit Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Ponds for Kids Program.

Admission is $4 for adults, 3 for senior citizens, and FREE for kids 12 and under.  Parking is also FREE. 

Visitors to the show can enter for a chance to win prizes, including:

• 1 of 2 Rawson Builders Supply gift cards ($100 value)
• Ornamental Iron Gate from Torres Welding ($250 value)
• 1 of 5 granite vessel sinks from Kitchen Concepts ($150 value)
• A drinking water filter from Sun-Tech Services ($350 value)
• Surprise Giveaway for kids ages 8 + from Sunspot Solar Energy Systems
• Koi and pond supplies from Las Cruces Koi & Pondscum, LLC ($300+ value)
• Bathroom vanity, complete with countertop and sink ($400 value) from Antix, Inc.

Also, your vote for the People's Choice Award booth enters you into a drawing to win more prizes! Voting to take place during show hours on March 6. The prize and People's Choice Award winners will be presented March 7. Buzztown.com, the newest way to connect with your local scene, will be filming from the show both days! 

Logon to the official show website for more information, where you can also register to win a pair of free tickets - www.LasCrucesHomeandGarden.com. You may also contact the Building Industry Association office at (575) 526-6126.

 ###

The monthly general membership meeting is set for Tuesday, February 16, from 6pm to 8pm in the association's meeting hall, located at 2825 N. Main Street.

Members $17 advance/$20 at the door. Non-members $20 advance/$23 at the door.

Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. For information or to make a reservation, please call (575) 526-6126 or logon to www.biasnm.org.

Green Street is a single site event that will feature 8 new homes that are all built to New Mexico Green Build standards with the additional covenants that all homes will be constructed with active solar.

The sub division, owned by Gabriel Sandoval and Scott Bannister, have protective covenants that require all home built in this subdivision be built to these same standards.

"I know this is the first subdivision and the first show in New Mexico and the Southwest that requires solar as well as green built, but it maybe the first show of its kind in the Nation" said David Roewe, Executive Director of the BIA.

The Green Street event will be held September 17^th thru October 3^rd.

"Green Built is the future", said John Hadley, President of the BIA, "This is a great venue to show the public that we can build solar, green built homes, that are affordable. The homes will range in price from $175,000 to $225,000 and will average from 1,300 to 1,800 square feet. We are even certifying that the subdivision is being developed to Green Build standards."

"We have selected the subdivision because it is an infill subdivision", said Hadley, "It is within a mile of the New City Hall and the new Federal Courthouse. It fits in with the City of Las Cruces' vision of redevelopment of the inner core of the City."

"We will have interactive displays throughout all the homes to show the public what makes these homes so special" said Roewe. "We are excited about being able to demonstrate how inexpensive building green with solar really is."

The yet to be named subdivision is located at the intersection of Brown & Compress Streets.

JB Stearns, Farrell Thurston, John Hadley, Jim Reedy, David Coyle and the Community Action Agency are some of the builders interested in this project.

"We have been in conversation with El Paso Electric and the City of Las Cruces to include them as partners in this cutting edge event", said Hadley. "Our sponsors are stepping up to the plate as well; it would be a real advantage to be a Green Built sponsor.

John Hadley-640-5736

Dave Roewe 526-6126 office or 360-606-9285 cell

In addition to her position at the BIA, Beth is an active real estate with Steinborn GMAC Real Estate. Her responsibilities at the BIA include increasing the membership base and membership programs, managing the association's website advertising and facilitating rental of the 2200 square foot meeting hall.  

"As an active member the past 12 years, I have watched and participated as the Las Cruces Homebuilders Association has grown.  Now that we are the Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico, I feel that as Membership Director I can help the organization continue to grow in numbers and will also work to increase member benefits."

Las Cruces, NM - Candidate for Governor of the State of New Mexico, Susana Martinez is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the January 12^th general membership dinner meeting, sponsored by 1^st Advantage Mortgage. Martinez will speak about the issues on her agenda, while members of the association will be given an opportunity to ask questions about issues relevant to them. Martinez was quoted on her website saying, "There are many challenges ahead for the people of our great state. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must address them head on and create opportunities for a new generation of New Mexicans. Together, we can make New Mexico safe, prosperous and free of corruption." The association is honored to have Martinez as their featured speaker. The monthly meeting will be held at the association's facility, located at 2825 N Main Street. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. For information or to make an RSVP, please call (575) 526-6126.

Beginning April 15^th, a new federal law based on the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule and HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule mandated will take effect. This new law requires contractors who perform renovation, repairs, and painting jobs in pre-1978 housing to become EPA Lead Certified Renovators. The new law also applies to work done on facilities occupied by children. Fines issued for uncertified contractors may be significant. 

This course will provide the necessary training to meet the new federal requirement and teach safety in lead-based paint facilities. This course is primarily geared toward persons working in the fields of renovation, repair and painting. However, the course is also recommended to individuals working in social service organizations, state or municipal agencies, and home inspection contractors. Anyone requiring this training is encouraged to attend.

The course is strictly limited to 25 participants. Registration is available in person only at the Building Industry Association office - 2825 N. Main Street, located off of N. Main and Temple. For more information, you may contact the BIA at (575) 526-6126.

By Brook Stockberger
Sun-News Business Editor Posted: 12/14/2009 03:52:20 PM MST

LAS CRUCES - John Hadley believes that when you're a builder, you never really take off your builder's cap.

"What's funny, is if I go into a nice restaurant, or if I'm on vacation somewhere, I walk in and say 'Look at how they did that,' or you say, 'Boy, that's cheap,'" Hadley said. "When you walk into a new McDonald's, you're critiquing because you know what it takes to get it done."

Hadley owns Desert Sky Builders in Las Cruces as well as Desert Star Realty. On Jan. 1, he will become president of the Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico.

He said that building homes satisfies a creative streak in many builders.

"You have sense of pride and, in some houses, you have a sense of loss (when the job is done)," he said. "But you're proud of it."

With BIA of Southern New Mexico - he has been member of the board of directors since 2004 - Hadley said he hopes to change some people's perception of builders.

"I do like to talk to people who don't know much about it," he said. "They think we all make a lot of money. Maybe they have they never taken time to talk to a builder about what happens and what we do."

Hadley experienced the downturn in the economy the past two years as a builder and a real estate agent. He said he took comfort from people who had been in the business longer who told him that they've seen the up-and-down cycles before.

"We (BIA) had our (60th) anniversary this year and while we were digging around and looking at articles from the past, we saw a newspaper from the '60s and it was about how builders hope the cost of building won't go up, and all the same things we deal with now," he said.

A Nebraska native, Hadley attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a degree in advertising and marketing. He started a career in sales that took him to New Jersey before he found his way to Las Cruces in 2003.

Hadley said that he would like to take up painting, but "right now my hobby is my 6-year-old who acts like she's 16," she said with a chuckle.

He said he spends time with his wife, Claudia, and daughter, Nicole.

Hadley said when Las Cruces picked up some snow earlier this month, Nicole was enthralled and father and daughter spent time collecting snowflakes in a bag. He also enjoys teaching her how to use a computer, he bought her a laptop when she was three and he said she has become very proficient with the device.

Brook Stockberger can be reached at bstockberger@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5457

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lisa Cooley
505-239-3446
lcooley@cce-inc.com

Centennial Contractors Seeking Subcontractors for Construction Work with NMSU and other Owners

Las Cruces, NM-November 30, 2009- Centennial Contractors Enterprises will host a subcontractor fair in Las Cruces on December 3^rd from 7:30am-9:30am at the Ramada Palms, 201 E. University.  The event is free and open to all licensed construction contractors interested in working as a subcontractor to Centennial.

Centennial was recently awarded a four-year Job Order Contract (JOC) with New Mexico State University.  JOC is a performance-based contract vehicle created by the military in the 1990's to reduce backlog and change orders and improve construction quality.  NMSU implemented JOC in 2003 and has used it for over $12 million in projects.  JOC is typically used for smaller projects, with an average delivery order size of just $37,000.

"Centennial relies solely on small local subcontractors to perform the contracted work," says Project Manager Rebecca Garcia.  "Subcontractor outreach is an important part of our startup when we open an office in a new area, and we seek to be a true community partner"

Subcontractors will have the opportunity to register to do work with Centennial and to learn more about work opportunities and the JOC process.

Fair details can be found at www.cce-inc.com/subfair or by calling 505-296-8577.

About Centennial Contractors Enterprises

For more than 20 years, Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc., has been a leader in providing responsive construction solutions supporting government, educational and business facilities and infrastructures, with projects focused on renovation, rehabilitation and repair. Centennial has had a New Mexico presence since 2005, with offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and now Las Cruces.  Centennial serves University of New Mexico, Los Alamos Public Schools and the City of Socorro. To learn more, go to www.cce-inc.com.  

# # #

Each year, the BIA Community Service Committee packs boxes with all the grocery items needed for a Thanksgiving dinner, including turkeys, pumpkin pie, even cool whip and delivers the boxes to disadvantaged families at the Families & Youth Center and McCarthur Elementary School.  The committee raises funds for this endeavor through its raffle at the BIA monthly membership dinners and relies on donations of money from the general membership and community businesses.  In 2008, the Community Service Committee provided a combined total of 200 boxes to the organizations. 

For more information, contact Elena Wood, Office Manager at 575-526-6126 or Morgan Switzer, Committee chairwoman at (575) 532-2365.

# # # #

"We want people to know that we are more than an organization of just home builders. We are also commercial builders, remodelors, suppliers and service people. If you are part of the construction industry, you belong with us," states Dave Roewe, Executive Director for the organization. "Our goal for the future is to become an association of more than 1,000 members. It won't happen this year, but it will happen."

While highlighting their 50 years of commitment to the industry and the community, the organization developed a slogan for 2009 - "Looking Back, Moving Forward." They will continue celebrating this important milestone throughout the year, but have much to look forward to.

The Building Industry Association's mission "is to promote and protect the building industry," and whose territory spans from Las Cruces to Deming, Truth or Consequences and down to the Texas border. If you are considering becoming a member of the association, you may contact Wes Ostic at 575-526-6126.

The morning picnic will be hosted at Klein Park, located at 155 N. Mesquite from 10am - 2pm. There will be activities for the kids, food vendors and more. Entertainment includes music by Nuevos Soul, who proclaims to take, "the best of the Latin world, the best of the jazz world and the best of the reggae world and the best of the rock world and transforms them into a powerful, energetic performance, and a style all their own." At 11am, the BIA will draw a winner for the long-awaited playhouse raffle (valued at $1500). The 64 square foot children's playhouse is a southwestern style marvel built in February 2009 that consists of working windows and a door; even a 24 square foot patio.

The afternoon picnic will be held at Young Park, located at 1905 E. Nevada from 4pm - 7pm. Entertainment will be provided by Moby Disc DJ's. $2 burger and chip combos will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own food. There will be various games for children and adults, including a dunking booth and potato sack races.

Members of the BIA will be on hand displaying their products or services, and answering questions from the public. The BIA asks that attendees bring their own chairs and blankets. For more information, contact the BIA Office at (575) 526-6126.

The four-hour seminar has been held throughout the country and is presented by Rob Oliver of The Oliver Group LLC. The Oliver Group will also be working with the BIA of Southern New Mexico in August and September during the BIA's first DIRECT Drive, a membership recruitment program that has brought in over 24,000 new members into over 35 local associations nationally to date.

BIA of Southern New Mexico members are encouraged to attend the Renegade Direct Marketing 101 Seminar and Workshop as half of the proceeds will go back into the Association. The cost to attend this seminar is $97 with additional attendees from the same company or business paying only $87. "This Seminar will Get you and your Business Pumped Up!"

Earlier this year, the Renegade Direct Marketing 101 Seminar and Workshop was held in El Paso, Texas. Mike Santamaria, Mountain Vista Homes and El Paso Association of Builders past president coordinated the event at his local HBA and was pleased with both the turn out and the quality of the seminar itself.

"I just sat through a 4 hour marketing seminar that blew my socks off," said Santamaria. "I have been in contact with (The Oliver Group) for about 2 years and have really been impressed by them. If you want help selling more of anything they are great. I truly considered myself a savvy marketer and now realize I know nothing. I would highly recommend to (our) group that we consider having them give the same seminar at our next meeting. They are awesome."
This fast-paced Seminar is geared towards any kind of business. Rob Oliver of The Oliver Group says it provides real tools and strategies that can be implemented right away.

"One of the purposes of this Seminar is to allow owners to take "hold" of their business and quit wasting time, money and energy on sporadic advertising and marketing that is not helping them," Oliver said. Oliver, who has been a national public speaker and professional marketer for over 20 years, says that regardless of the type of company, the goal for being in business remains the same.

"Whether you have a retail or wholesale service company, a retail store, if you are a professional services provider or any other kind of business, the reason for your being in business is to attract new customers and clients, increase sales to these current clients and create a steady stream of referral business. If you learn and utilize just one or two of the tools that will be revealed at this event you will increase your sales and your profits - Guaranteed!!"

To sign up for the Renegade Direct Marketing 101 Seminar and Workshop, contact Wes Ostic at 575-526-6126 or email: weso@lchba.com. Or you can register online at www.renegadedirectmarketing101.com/BIASNM.html.
For more information about the Oliver Group and the Renegade Direct Marketing 101 Seminar and Workshop, go to www.OliverGroupMarketing.com or www.RenegadeDirectMarketing101.com

Contact: JB Stearns, BIASNM President, 575-649-2854

Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, (202) 306-2731 or   eeisenberg@nahb.com

David Roewe, E.O. (575) 526-6126,        daver@lchba.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY SHOWS

HOME BUILDING PAYS ITS WAY IN LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

LAS CRUCES - An economic impact study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Policy Department shows that Las Cruces' home building industry not only pays for itself, its economic impact results in new income and jobs for New Mexicans and additional revenue for local governments.

Every 861 single-family and 139 multifamily homes that were built in the Dona Ana County in 2008 will generate a cumulative $124.9 million in revenue, compared to $59.7 million in costs over the next 15 years. By the end of the second year the housing industry's economic impacts more than offset the fiscal costs resulting in a fiscal surplus to local governments. And, by the end of the second year the fiscal surpluses generated are more than enough to pay off all debt and result in a surplus available to pay for additional government services. Single-family and multifamily housing produces a net income to local governments of $4,794,500 the second year and $4,943,714 each and every year thereafter.

"These results show that home building is more than paying its own way and should put to rest the notion that existing home owners are subsidizing new home construction here in Las Cruces," said Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, the Senior Economist who conducted the analysis of the impact of home building in Dona Ana County, NM.  "This is an excellent result and tells me that local residents should be thanking the building industry for footing the bill for a lot of city services."

The economic impact study looks at the impact of the construction industry in three phases: the construction phase; the ripple effect; and, the occupancy phase. The impact of the three phases are added up, and then compared to the cost of services such as education, fire, police, utilities, parks and recreation and roads that are required to support the new housing units.

During the construction phase, the building of every 861 single-family and every 139 multifamily homes creates 2,151 jobs (1,487 jobs in construction alone), generates $15.3 million in local taxes and $110.1 million of local income in the first year. The ripple effect of those homes, which includes the wages and profits local area residents earn during the construction period that are spent on other local goods and services, results in 1,229 jobs, $8.8 million in local taxes and $57.7 million in local income, also in the first year.  The ongoing annual effect of those homes, which includes local jobs, income and taxes generated as a result of the home being occupied, is 534 jobs, $7.0 million in local taxes and $24.1 million in local income per year.

"It is important for us to look closely at these numbers," said BIASNM President JB Stearns. "We've been saying for a long time that local home builders are doing their part to build community, and these numbers show that we are a very important player in the overall economic health of the Las Cruces economy."

The NAHB model used to determine the economic impact of the housing industry was first developed by NAHB in 1997 and has been applied to construction in more than 500 areas of the country. This study looks at economic impact of building 861 single-family homes and 139 multifamily homes across Dona Ana County, NM in 2008.  Complete copies of the study are available by contacting the LCHBA at (575) 526-6126.

The Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico is a non-profit trade association representing more than 450 members who employ more than 8,000 people in the Las Cruces metropolitan area. BIASNM members include residential builders, remodelers and businesses related to the housing industry. Learn more at www.lchba.com

Las Cruces, NM - The BIA of Southern New Mexico is hosting a seminar on green building Thursday, July 30, 2009 from 11:30am - 1:00pm, which will be conducted by Steve Hale, Director of Build Green New Mexico (BGNM) and President of Hale and Sun Construction, Inc. The program is titled "How to certify your project for Build Green New Mexico."

Build Green New Mexico is a state wide certification program that is modeled after the ANSI National Green Building Standard. The purpose of the seminar is to familiarize Las Cruces builders and industry professionals with the process of certifying individual homes to different levels of green building standards; homes that will be more energy efficient, more comfortable and conserve water. "I went up to Albuquerque to participate in this informal, informative session," says JB Stearns, President of the BIA and owner of Stearns Custom Homes. "Steve Hale does a great job of simplifying what seems to be a very difficult documenting procedure. I'm very excited to have this seminar scheduled in Las Cruces," he adds. "It is crucial for industry professionals to attend this course."

The State of New Mexico offers tax incentives to builders and homebuyers for certification in the higher levels of green building. The tax incentives are completely transferable and assist in offsetting the cost of the new initiatives. Albuquerque is currently ranked at the top for most homes certified BGNM, with Las Cruces closely behind.

"How to certify your project for Build Green New Mexico" is being presented by the Building Industry Association of Southern NM and will be held in their meeting hall, located at 2825 N. Main. The cost for the seminar is $20 per person, which includes lunch and reservations are required. For more information on the seminar or to make a reservation, please call the BIA office at (575) 526-6126.