Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, home builder confidence edged higher for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory. Builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes moved one point higher to 84 in December, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released in December. This ties the highest reading of the year that was posted in February. Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 35 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospec- tive buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor. The HMI index gauging current sales conditions rose one point to 90 and the gauge charting traffic of prospective buyers also posted a one-point gain to 70. The component measuring sales expect- ations in the next six months held steady for the third consecutive month at 84. HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi.
FREDERICKSBURG - STAFFORD - SPOTSYLVANIA - CAROLINE - KING GEORGE - ORANGE - CULPEPER
Home Builder Sentiment Strong as 2021 Comes to a Close
BUILDERS FRAMEWORK
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FREDERICKSBURG AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
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Volume 6: Issue 1 January 2022
January 2022
Take Advantage of IBS Pre-Show Education The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) provides access to critical professional development opportunities through education sessions and workshops. Attendees can get a head start on these educational tools through pre-show education. Ten NAHB Education courses and five Master Workshops are available on Sunday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb. 7. Participants may register for NAHB Education courses and Master Workshops for an additional fee. Register today. Sandra L. Thompson Nominated to Head FHFA President Biden in December nominated Sandra L. Thompson as the new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Thompson currently serves as acting director of the FHFA. She replaced Mark Calabria in June after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the FHFA director can be removed at will. Thompson previously served as deputy director of FHFA’s Division of Housing Mission and Goals since 2013. Prior to joining FHFA, Thompson worked at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for 23 years in a variety of leadership positions.
Congress Pushes Commerce on Lumber At the behest of NAHB, 84 members of Congress sent a joint letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressing urgent concern regarding the Commerce Department’s recent decision to double tariffs on softwood lumber products from Canada. The letter highlights the critical need for the United States and Canada to renew negotiations in an effort to come to an equitable solution that will satisfy all sides, including domestic industries and consumers, that need a reliable supply of softwood lumber.
Fed Tightening May Bring Higher Rates The Federal Reserve on Dec. 15 signaled that it will be shifting from an accommodative monetary policy stance that has supported the economic rebound from the 2020 recession toward a tighter policy as a direct result of ongoing, elevated inflation data. This policy pivot means that mortgage interest rates are likely to rise in 2022. This will reduce housing affordability and again emphasizes the need for policymakers to fix the nation’s supply chains that are impeding more robust housing construction.
EPA Publishes Proposed WOTUS Rule The Federal Register in December published a proposed rule by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rescind the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) as finalized during the Trump administration. If finalized as proposed, the new rule will rescind the WOTUS definition NAHB supported under the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and replace it with a new WOTUS definition that includes elements of the 1986 definition and elements of the Supreme Court’s 2006 Rapanos decision.
NAHB Provides Safety Videos Working in construction can be dangerous. Workers can be exposed to hazards such as falls, electrical shock, and harmful chemicals. Before your employees step on the jobsite, be sure they understand how to protect themselves while at work. NAHB has published a new safety video toolbox talk, Safety Basics, to help home builders familiarize their staff with the hazards of a residential construction site. While construction work can be inherently dangerous, understanding hazards and creating a safety plan to address them will help keep everyone safe on the jobsite. Visit NAHB's video toolbox page for a Spanish version of the safety basics video.
NHE Offering Grants to Support Workforce Development
A committee will consider each application and will award funds based upon merit and funding availability. Applications are due Feb. 16, 2022, for career events taking place by Nov. 18, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in March. Contact Mark Pursell, NHE President and CEO, with any questions.
DHS Expands H-2B Visas The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule making available an additional 20,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2022. These additional visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or before March 31, 2022. H-2B visas allow employers to hire foreign workers who come temporarily to the United States and perform temporary non-agricultural services or labor – including construction work – on a one-time, seasonal, peak-load or intermittent basis. Eligibility and filing requirements can be found on the H-2B Nonimmigrants webpage.
The National Housing Endowment (NHE) has set a bold goal for 2022 – to introduce 10,000 young people to career oppor- tunities in the residential skilled trades. NHE encourages state and local home builders assoc- iations to apply for the Career Connections grant program. The program is funded by the Skilled Labor Fund (SLF) and managed by NHE. The funding is designed to support career fairs, presentations, participation in school- organized career events, and other activ- ities that introduce students to careers in residential skilled trades. The fund will award grants up to $2,500. A committee will consider each application and will award funds based upon merit and funding availability. Applications are due Feb. 16, 2022, for career events taking place by Nov. 18, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in March. Contact Mark Pursell, NHE President and CEO, with any questions.
Green Tour Series Looks at Mid-Century Modern in Texas
The NAHB/NAR Home Performance Counts: Virtual Green Home Tour Series continues on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. ET with a full home remodel in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Greening the existing housing stock is critical to reducing the environmental footprint of residential construction. Check out the high-performance remodeling journey of a mid-century modern home in North Texas with Heather Ferrier Laminack of Ferrier Custom Homes. See the process, from demo to finished product on how the home was updated to be efficient, healthy and comfortable while maintaining its mid-century character. Learn about the challenges and rewards of a green update to an existing home and how to realize the added value of those updates in the real estate market. A live Q&A will take place immediately after the tour with Laminack and Mike Garza, Global Real Estate Advisor, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, Fort Worth, Texas. These free 45-minute programs are planned quarterly for 2022. Register at nahb.org/greentour. Can’t make it on January 20? Registrants can also access the replay for this event and others in the series through NAHB's webinar replay library. The series is a product of Home Performance Counts, a joint educational initiative between NAHB and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Home Performance Counts is designed to help members of both associations work together and succeed in the rapidly growing marketplace for high-performance homes.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
February 4th, 6:00PM FAB Valentine's Dance Renatos - SOLD OUT February 8th, 3:30-4:30 Young Professionals Meeting FABA Office February 9th, 9:00-10:00AM Associates Committee Meeting FABA Office or Zoom February 9th, 10:30-11:30AM Membership Committee Meeting FABA Office or Zoom February 17th, 8:30AM Legislative Committee Meeting Zoom February 17th, 5:00PM Hard Hat Sponsored by Ray's Siding Mexico Palace February 23rd, 2:00-3:00PM Community Service Committee Meeting FABA Office or Zoom
Calendar at a Glance
Spike Recruitment Award - Mike King, Ray's Siding
This individual is recognized for their many years of commitment and participation within our association. He has supported me in my role as President and has continued to provide exceptional contributions to the board of directors. He is also involved in representing Fredericksburg Area Builders Association at local associations, state association and industry meetings. It is with great appreciation that we recognize the exemplary dedication, years of service, outstanding achievement and commitment to the board of directors. He has been an invaluable asset to me as president.
The spike award goes to the FABA member that has sponsored the most, new members during the year.The award is granted in appreciation and acknowledgment of their dedication and support that leads to membership growth allowing the association to have a bigger voice in the building industry.
2021 Award Winners
President's Award - Dan Sandoval, Republic Homes
Government Affairs Award - Jeh Hicks, Jarrell Properties
Presented to the person who has been the most active in local government affairs activities, in multiple counties, and has supported the interests of FABA and the building industry by contributing time, knowledge and expertise to maintain a healthy legislative and regulatory climate for FABA builders, developers and associates.
Community Service Award - Suzanne Surles, Holt for Homes
Presented to an individual who has given back to our community in a very special way and has given his or her time and energy out of a busy schedule, freely and unselfishly, to one or more good causes. This person became active with the associates and membership committees in the beginning of 2017. Has attended most events and always arrives with a smile!Since they joined FABA, they have been a tremendous help behind the scenes as well as participating front and center.Always supportive at whatever is asked of them, from Hard Hats to golf and Crabfeast to Trees and blood drive.
Presented to the person who has been the most active in local government affairs activities, and has supported the interests of FABA and the building industry by contributing time, knowledge and expertise to maintain a healthy legislative and regulatory climate for FABA builders, developers and associates.
Rookie of the Year - Ron Downing, Green Matters Construction
This award is presented to an individual member who stands apart from the rest in his/her first full year of involvement with Fredericksburg Area Builders Association and has recently become an active and contributing volunteer on a FABA committee or special project. Coming to the clay shoots armed with his grill and amazing culinary skills.
Public Service Award - Mike Smith
The Spirit of FABA award - Sherrie Shaw, Universal Title
2021 FAB Foundation Award Of Excellence Sean Halsey, Halsey Homes
This award is presented to an individual member who has shown their commitment to the FAB foundation mission of growing the incoming workforce and to nurture the next generation of the building industry. This person has been active with the foundation on all levels.
This is given to a member who embodies the spirit of the association through attitude, engagement and energy. This member attends most every FABA event, volunteers at most, leads several others, and is always willing to help. She checks in with the office regularly and no matter what is asked of her – big or small – she is there. She is one of our biggest Cheerleaders! Thank you for all you do for the association.
2021 Committee Chairman of the Year Award - Michael Pollaci, Contractors Website Plus
This award is presented to a FABA member whose dedication and service to the association is demonstrated through an extraordinary number of volunteer hours. The commitment of this year’s award winner is un-matched. If you look behind the scenes at every FABA event, you’ll find this member setting-up, cleaning-up, or picking-up the slack wherever needed. We can always count on this volunteer to get the job done!
This award is presented to an individual whose leadership of a specific committee within the prior calendar year has resulted in extraordinary results for the committee activity or charge. This person joined the Membership Committee at fast speed and didn’t stop. Not only, did they participate in every event, they were selected to be a leader. Their exceptional demeanor and their leadership helped DRIVE the success of the committee. For their incredible work all year, above and beyond.
2021 Volunteer of the Year Award - Kathy Roscoe, Topside FCU
They must have a deep and abiding commitment to providing quality housing at an affordable cost, be active in the community and their integrity must be beyond reproach. The qualities noted above could almost spell out the name of this years’ recipient. This individual supports the association in many aspects, from supporting events, committees, fundraising and all around he consistently, has helped the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association with sponsorship and has served on the associates and membership committees. He is an active member of the community service committee, rebuilds homes, engages student chapters, is a family man, and is actively involved in the community. He always puts quality first in these homes and sets a great example for the community on what it is to be a good neighbor. He is a prime example of how our next generation of builders will be working in the industry and community
2021 Associate of the Year - Mike King, Ray's Siding
2021 Builder of the Year - James Roberson, 516 Project
This award is perhaps one of the most distinguished honors to bestow upon an Associate Member of the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association. Presented to an individual who is dedicated to his or her profession and is recognized for that fact by his or her peers. To be considered for this award an individual must be extremely visible and active with the Association and either chaired a major committee or served in a very specialized role for the Association. Over the past year, this individual has been a key player on the associates committee, has helped take the FAB foundation to a new level, and has helped in every aspect of the association. They’ve come in to help whenever needed, and they were a valuable resource with vendors, and engaging members. As one of many of our wonderful FABA cheerleaders they have attended almost every function this past year. In addition, their business and work ethic are impeccable. They have recruited numerous new members and has helped revive existing members to renew their memberships and to become more involved. We look forward to what they will bring next to move the association forward.
The James L. Carver Lifetime Achievement Award - Bruce Reese, Legacy Engineering
This individual is recognized for their many years of commitment and participation within our association. He has supported the association and has continued to provide exceptional contributions to the board of directors. He is also involved in representing Fredericksburg Area Builders Association at local and state association in industry meetings. It is with great appreciation that we recognize the exemplary dedication, years of service, outstanding achievement and commitment to the legislative efforts of the association and the community.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee brings builder and associate members together to focus on recruitment of new members and retention of current members. This committee hold a hybrid meeting (in-person or zoom) every 2nd Wednesday at 10:30AM.
Meet the Membership Committee
Chair - Marc Simes, msimes@tricordinc-va.com
Every Third Thursday of the month, join us for our networking Hard Hat Events from 5:00-7:00. This month is sponsored by Ray's Siding Welcome Patty Pollaci from 610 merchant Services as our Hard Hat Chairman for 2022!
The Associates Committee plans member events to promote doing business with members. These volunteers coordinate networking and social events for business connections. This committee has a hybrid meeting (in-person or zoom) every 2nd Wednesday at 9:00AM.
Chair- Mike King- Rayssiddingcompany@gmail.com Rays
Associates Committee
2022 Events Committee Conference President's Gala Spring Golf Spring Clay Shoot Crab Feast and Auction Fall Clay Shoot Holiday Party A little something for everyone!
Associates Committee Hybrid Meeting Zoom Link: Second Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM
Thank you to our associates committee for organizing the baskets that were raffled off at the President's Gala. Thank you so much to all of our members who donated these fabulous prizes!
Curious about what the legislative committee and PAC does for our members? Here are a few examples:
King George County Quarterly Zoom February 4th, 10:00AM City of Fredericksburg Quarterly Meeting Zoom February 4th 9:00AM Spotsylvania County Bi-monthly Meeting Zoom February 7th, 3:00PM Stafford County Bimonthly Meeting Zoom February 14th, 9:00AM Culpepper County Quarterly Meeting Zoom March 3rd, 9:00AM Caroline County Quarterly Meeting Zoom March 16th, 11:00AM
Legislative Committee
Upcoming County Zoom Meetings
Latest updates from your three in one membership hard at work for BUSINESS
Events for 2022 Legislative Golf Twilight Golf PAC Fund Raiser
Developers Council The working mission of the Council is to stay on top of land development issues affecting local builders and developers in our region and work together to advocate for our positions as needed. The Council is open to Builder and Developer members of FABA. Jeh Hicks, Jarrell Properties , Inc., is the chairman of the Developers Council. This group meets every other month. For more information contact Chrissy Urian at c.urian@fabava.com
Defeated legislation to allow localities to enact their own building codes
Chair - Bruce Reese, bruce@legacy-eng.com
The Legislative Committee meets monthly to discuss the status of local and state level legislation that affects the building industry. For more information from each county, plan to attend the Legislative Committee meeting. This committee meets virtually every third Thursday at 8:30AM.
Blocked legislation to allow Project Labor Agreements in Zoning Ordinances
Check out the upcoming events for 2022
Chair - Greg Schmidt, greg@pestsolutionsva.com
CANstruction March 25-27 Blood Drive - April Community Service days - With 516 Project May 14th Saturday Fall work day - with 516 Project, October 15th Trees of Hope - November
Community Service Committee
This committee holds a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual/zoom) every 4th Wednesday at 2:00PM.
The Community Service committee seeks to increase civic engagement among the members of FABA and utilize professional skills to actively benefit the Fredericksburg area. We are always looking for new ways to get help and support the community. If you are interested in submitting an idea for the community service committee feel free to join us!
We are excited to kick off the Young Professionals Learning Lunches Series on March 8th from 11:30-1:00! Tickets are just $10 for lunch and insight on financial education from Topside Credit Union. Join us at the FABA office bimonthly for more educational opportunities that can help everyone!
Click here for more!
Meghan Butcher - FABA Staff Meghan@FABAVA.com
The Education Committee coordinates workshops and virtual learning opportunities focused on industry safety, marketing, and personal growth.
Sean Halsey - Halsey Homes
Access training and educational materials on YouTube
Education Committee
Young Professionals Committee
Young Professionals committee is for individuals in the 21-40 age group to connect, and provides opportunities for professional development, social networking, mentoring, and personal growth for our members. To join the FABA Young professionals committee email Meghan@fabava.com
As a Cornerstone benefit for Partner, Platinum and Diamond levels they are able to contribute educational content to the newsletter each month. Check out this month's contribution from Contractors Websites Plus
If you’re like most contractors and builders you’re reflecting on 2021 and questioning why you didn’t hit your goals. We’re all good at setting goals but most of us suck at planning for them. Maybe the question should be, did I create a marketing plan, and did I stick to it? The problem is marketing plans sound a lot like work. Who the heck wants to create a marketing plan after a long day in the field? Who has the energy? Who has the time?! It doesn’t have to take much time. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be a plan. Do yourself a favor in 2022, decide on your goals and create a plan to reach them. Here’s four simple steps you can follow: 1. Goal? Is it a sales goal or a revenue goal? Whatever it is, write it down. 2. What? You may be able to do everything but choose one you love to do and makes you the most profit. 3. Who? If you are trying to market to everyone you will market to no one. Be specific: Upper middle-class females in their 50’s living in Spotsylvania needing windows is a lot better than anyone with a house and a wallet. 4. Where? Are they on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube? With this simple exercise you know what your goal is, what you’re selling, who you’re selling it to, and where you can find them. Now go talk to them! It really doesn’t have to be complicated but remember what Benjamin Franklin said: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.Need some help? Contact us for a Builders Brand Schematic. We’ll help you layout and plan to reach your 2022 goals.
Member Contributions
Do You Have a Marketing Plan for 2022?
Did you know one of your Cornerstone benefits includes an ad in the newsletter. For Partner, Diamond, and Platinum you also have the option to provide educational content each month Submit your ad or article to Meghan@fabava.com
Cornerstone 2021
FABA Student Chapters
Spotsylvania High School Gladys H Oberle School Orange County High School Caroline High School
Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center James Monroe High School Stafford High School
FAB Foundation
Donate or apply today!
FAB Board of Directors Greg Schmidt Glen Raymond Eddie Payne Guy Miller-Richards Emily Hall Christine Singhass Mike King Ricky Robinson Tim Thompson Gary Parker Scottie Davis
The FAB Foundation board of directors meets monthly to discuss ways to involve the association with local workforce educators and help promote workforce development in our area. If you would like to be involved with these students, contact FABA for more information.
The FAB Foundation recently awarded Sandra a grant request for her communications education courses! FAB Foundation is pleased to offer this workforce grant to assist students in continuing in the trades in the building industry. This grant will provide financial assistance for continuing education, tools, equipment, training costs, certification, or other expenses that may be necessary to further them in the building industry. Must attend school in the following counties or cities: Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, Fredericksburg, Culpeper and Orange.
2022 FABA Board of Directors
President Scott Hine Union Home Mortgage 1st Vice President Marc Simes Tricord Companies 2nd Vice President Jeh Hicks Jarrell Properties Secretary Michelle Hall J. Hall Homes Treasurer Jeremiah Horstick CORELOT Immediate Past President Stacey Lampman Spaces Design Studio Associate Vice President Michael King Ray's Siding Executive Officer Maria Moore FABA Legal Counsel Charlie Payne Hirschler NAHB State Representative Shawn Callahan Metwood Building Solutions Builder Director Tim Hall Tricord Companies Builder Director Allen Harrison Battlefield Homes Builder Director Steve Flanagan Built Right Homes Builder Director Teressa Taylor-Griffis Foundation Homes Associate Director Sara Fila Legacy Engineering Associate Director Rick Furnival Sullivan, Donahoe & Ingalls, PC Associate Director Emily Hall Spotsylvania Career & Tech Center Associate Director Bruce Reese Legacy Engineering, PC Associate Director Greg Schmidt Pest Solutions Life Builder Director Sean Halsey Halsey Homes Life Builder Director Dan Sandoval Republic Home Builders
FABA has been working with our exclusive, private partner, Small Business Growth Partners (SBGP) to help our members reach maximum growth and potential through their one of a kind BPA Process. This has been refined for over 10 years of working exclusively with Builders, Remodelers & HBA Associate Members. As an exclusive FABA member benefit, we are offering you the chance to register for and redeem your 2021 Business Diagnostic & Plan of Actions. An annual BPA is included 100% with your FABA Member Benefits (A $2,200 value).
Learn More Here
HBAV Housing Excellence Awards Awards to recognize and highlight HBAV members who exemplify leadership, engagement, and dedication to the success of the HBA, community, and the Virginia building industry. HBAV will announce 2022 award winners at the Housing Excellence Awards Celebration on June 9, 2022, held at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Call for Entries is Open! **announcing 2 new award categories!** CALL FOR ENTRIES PACKET Questions? Contact Emily Lucas: Phone:804.643.2797 Send a Message
Enter here!