Professional Remodelers Organization » Special Events

NAHB Star

HBA PRO — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:15:57 +0000

Vote now for PRO members Arlene Stanley or Angela Todd. Voting ends Dec 18th!

Thanksgiving Fun Facts

HBA PRO — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:44:17 +0000

Sarah Josepha Hale, the enormously influential magazine editor and author who waged a tireless campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the mid-19th century, was also the author of the classic nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
The National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys—one fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States in 2007—were eaten at Thanksgiving.
In a survey conducted by the National Turkey Federation, nearly 88 percent of Americans said they eat turkey at Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds, which means some 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the U.S. during Thanksgiving in 2007.
The cranberry is one of only three fruits—the others are the blueberry and the Concord grape—that are entirely native to North American soil, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long. It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust.
Originally known as Macy’s Christmas Parade—to signify the launch of the Christmas shopping season—the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York City in 1924. It was launched by Macy’s employees and featured animals from the Central Park Zoo. Today, some 3 million people attend the annual parade and another 44 million watch it on television.
Tony Sarg, a children’s book illustrator and puppeteer, designed the first giant hot air balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927. He later created the elaborate mechanically animated window displays that grace the façade of the New York store from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Snoopy has appeared as a giant balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade more times than any other character in history. As the Flying Ace, Snoopy made his sixth appearance in the 2006 parade.
The first time the Detroit Lions played football on Thanksgiving Day was in 1934, when they hosted the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit stadium, in front of 26,000 fans. The NBC radio network broadcast the game on 94 stations across the country–the first national Thanksgiving football broadcast. Since that time, the Lions have played a game every Thanksgiving (except between 1939 and 1944); in 1956, fans watched the game on television for the first time.

Any one planning on attending The Remodeling Show?

HBA PRO — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:02:58 +0000

Is there anyone planning on attending The Remodeling Show to take the mandatory class to become a Certified Renovator? Also, we would love to have someone here in Portland trained to teach the class to become a Certified Renovator.

If you are attending The Remodeling Show to take the class or if you would like more information on how to become a trainer leave a comment below.

Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
Location: The Remodeling Show, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Speaker: John Zilka
Cost: $299 (NAHB, NARI Members); $399 (Non-Members)
Registration: Registration Required
Registration Code: EPA1

Beginning in April 2010, The Toxic Substances Control Act will require contractors to test for lead paint in pre-1978 homes and if detected, use Lead Safe Work Practices. This will require companies to be EPA registered and have a Certified Renovator available. This is the mandatory course to become a Certified Renovator. It is eight hours (one day) with an end-of-course exam. Two of the eight hours are hands-on. Successful completion of the course will entitle the student to receive a certification as an EPA-recognized “Certified Renovator.” The course taught will satisfy EPA’s Renovation, Remodeling & Painting Rule-40 CFR 745.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Communicate the dangers of lead paint to your prospective customers.
2. Understand the need for and ensure that proper Lead Safe Work Practices (LSWP) are being followed at all relevant job sites.
3. Train and supervise your installers to ensure compliance with LSWP.
4. Maintain proper records should your company be audited by the EPA or other state regulatory agency.

Remodeling Show Rolls Out Conference Program

HBA PRO — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:50:25 +0000

The Remodeling Show, co-located with DeckExpo in Indianapolis later this
year (October 28 – 30), rolls out its 2009 conference program this week. Owned and operated by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, the Remodeling Show is a trade-only event officially sponsored by NAHB, NAHB Remodelers and REMODELING magazine.

“One word that best describes this year’s conference program is ‘connectedness.’ Many presenters are collaborating with each other to demonstrate how a specific business practice affects another. The flow of information is concise and makes it easier to put into context. ,” said Paul Treanor, Senior Conference Manager for the Remodeling Show. Returning speakers include Bruce Case, Shawn McCadden and Beverly Koehn. “Now more than ever, small business owners need guidance from experienced industry leaders to secure their future. Instruction from the Remodeling Show conference program offers proven business practices and methods to boost the sales pipeline in any residential remodeling company.”

The Remodeling Show conference program consists of 51 courses from six education tracks: Sales, Marketing, Business, Production, Kitchen & Bath/Design, and Sustainable Remodeling (new for 2009). The Remodeling Full Conference Pass allows attendees to select from all 51 courses in the six tracks that comprise the Remodeling Show Conference Program. Conference attendees can capitalize on Deck Technical courses with an All-Access Pass registration, providing choices from all 60 courses and seven education tracks from both the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo. The Individual Seminar option allows attendees to choose courses one-by-one to accommodate a busy schedule or limited budget.

Pricing for the Remodeling Show conference starts at $75.00. A full list of conference package options and pricing is currently available online; course descriptions and a seminar search are available at www.TheRemodelingShow.com. All conference packages and individual seminars include admission to the Exhibit Hall for both the Remodeling Show
and DeckExpo for all three days of the event.

NAHB’s University of Housing returns offering designation courses at the show beginning Sunday, October 25, 2009 (CAPS, CGP and CGR designations). Details, pricing and registration for these
courses are available online at www.TheRemodelingShow.com.

NW Natural Street of Dreams Starts This Week!

HBA PRO — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:45:28 +0000

The 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams “Views of the Pearl” opens August 1 and showcases four of Portland’s premiere condominium home developments, featuring nine incredible penthouses ranging in price from $1 to $2.5 million. With a focus on LEED standard and eco-friendly materials, the dream condos include the latest in home innovations and design, including wrap around balconies and hot tubs with a stunning city view.

Viewing the 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams is a snap. Simply click on the tickets link to buy your 2009 Street of Dreams Pearl Pass.

Not only will your Pearl Pass provide access to nine gorgeous penthouses, all featuring the latest and greatest in design and sustainability, it will provide you with savings of over $6,500 at local Pearl District businesses, free rides on the street car and discounted parking for the month of August.

Don’t miss the NW Natural Street of Dreams website where you will find ideas and inspiration from the show, descriptions of the featured condos and profiles of the developers and designers.

Happy 4th of July!

HBA PRO — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:05:49 +0000

Don’t forget there will be no Fort Vancouver fireworks show this year. If you need an alternative location to get your yearly fireworks fix click here for a list of all the local fireworks displays.

Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Did you know: Robert G. Heft is a designer of the 50-star flag for the United States of America. He spent his childhood in Lancaster, Ohio, where he created the flag as a school project.

He designed the current U.S. flag in 1958 while living with his grandparents. He was 17 years old at the time and did the flag design as a class project. He unstitched the blue field from a family 48-star flag, sewed in a new field, and used iron-on white fabric to add 100 hand-cut stars, 50 on each side of the blue canton.

He originally received a “B-” for the project. After discussing the grade with his high school teacher, Stanley Pratt, it was agreed that if the flag was accepted by Congress, the grade would be reconsidered. Heft’s flag design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the union in 1959. According to Heft, his teacher did keep to their agreement and changed his grade to an “A” for the project.

Street of Dreams News: What you need to know

HBA PRO — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:11:25 +0000

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Professional Remodelers Organization will be running the official Street of Dreams parking lot as a fund raiser for our group. Volunteers will be needed to direct traffic, collect money and ensure safety within the parking lot. The parking lot will be open every Saturday and Sunday in August. Come out and have a great time interacting with an excited and energized public. Make sure to wear your company’s logo shirts, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. For more information or to volunteers, please contact Sarah at 503-684-1880.

IDEA GALLERY
The Idea Gallery is now open for a third weekend (August 22-23). The first weekend (Aug. 8-9) is a few slots from being full, and the second (Aug. 15-16) and third are well on their way. Don’t miss this great opportunity to showcase your products to the 60,000+ consumers that attend the show annually. Call Hallie at the HBA to reserve your booth today.

TICKETS
1. Tickets are available online at www.streetofdreamspdx.com for $13.00 until July 15. Simply type in “2off” when you check out to receive the discount.
2. Tickets are available at all Safeway locations beginning July 1. Receive a $2.00 discount by showing your Safeway Club card.
3. Tickets are also available at NW Rugs and Bedmart.
4. Bulk tickets are available at the HBA. They are $13 (for 10-19), $12.50 (for 20-49) and $12 (for 50+).

PEARL PASS
Seventy Pearl District businesses have now signed up to take part in the Pearl Pass Program, making your NW Natural Street of Dreams ticket worth close to $6,000 in discounts and freebies! Visit the SOD website to view a full list of the participating businesses and the discounts they are offering.

SPONSORS
Thank you NW Natural, John L. Scott and BASCO for your continued support of the Street of Dreams. This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most exciting and unique yet, and we are so glad that you are once again a part of it!

Also, thank you to the Oregonian, Oregon Live, NW Rugs, and BedMart for your support and participation in our first-ever urban edition of the show.

Midsummer Night’s Dream set to take The Pearl by storm in July

HBA PRO — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:12:56 +0000

The annual A Midsummer Night’s Dream charity benefit, organized by the Home Builders Association, has kicked off the NW Natural Street of Dreams with style and class for the last 25 years. And the 2009 rendition, which takes place July 30, promises to impress like never before as it takes guests on a unique journey through Portland’s beautiful Pearl District.

This year’s first ever urban edition of the event, themed Treasures in the Pearl, offers attendees a sneak peek at the nine condominium homes featured in the show while raising money for local charities. Since its inception in 1983, this benefit has provided more than $1.2 million for 72 local charities.

Special features of the 2009 event include:

Five parties in one: Delicious cuisine, wine, beer and live entertainment will greet guests at the event’s headquarters, Portland Center Stage, along with at each of the four highlighted buildings: 937, Block 90, Encore and Waterfront Pearl.
A uniquely Portland culinary experience: Bay 13, Henry’s 12th Street Tavern, Palamino Restaurant Rotisseria & Bar, Paragon Restaurant & Bar, and PF Chang’s China Bistro will provide the evening’s delicious local delicacies.
Limousines shuttles: Guests will travel in luxury as they are shuttled from location to location by JMI Limousines. (Contact JMI for evening deals.)
Live music and dance performances: Body Vox and a number of local musical performers will get the party started with unique live entertainment. Performers will also whimsically dance attendees to the event’s closer condo locations.

“This one-of-a-kind event is packed full of fun and surprises,” said Jennifer Wessling, the MSND coordinator. “There is no better opportunity for people to come experience the beauty that is the Pearl District while joining together for a good cause.”

Tickets are now on sale at www.streetofdreamspdx.com and can be purchased at the HBA office. Tickets are $100 and as an additional bonus, each MSND ticket may be exchanged at the end of the event for a ticket to the 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams (a $15 value). Ticket sales from this year’s event benefit three local charities known for their dedication to creating a better environment and better future for those in need in the Portland area.

HBA Golf Classic

HBA PRO — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:52:33 +0000

Nearly 150 golfers hit the links at Stone Creek Golf Club today for the annual HBA Golf Classic. Many thanks to our generous sponsors for making this event successful…

Breakfast Sponsor: W.B. Wells
Beverage Sponsor: Lakeside Lumber
Golf Cart Sponsor: Sherwin Williams
Hole Sponsors: Aflac, Alpine Mortgage, Apollo Pools, Art4orm, Gary’s Vacuflo, HBW 2-10, Home Builders Foundation, Newberg Ford, NW Natural, Pacific Lumber, PARR Lumber, Pro Build, Rodda Paint, The Saunders Company, ServePro of Tigard/Tualatin and Sterling Savings Bank

Fist Place Team

2nd Place Team

3rd Place Team

Remodeling 101

HBA PRO — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:49:53 +0000

Thank you to our sponsor Theresa Springer of Pacific Residential Mortgage for sponsoring the Remodeling 101 event.