Greater Springfield Tops in Missouri, in Top 70 in U.S. for Builder Market Health

BUILDER Magazine has released its ranking of the best and worst builder markets in the U.S. and the Greater Springfield, Missouri market ranks as the healthiest building market in Missouri, at #67 in the ranking's top 100 U.S. markets.

Other Missouri builder markets appearing in the top 100 included Kansas City (#71) and St. Louis (#94). The Little Rock/North Little Rock/Conway, Arkansas market scored the highest in the immediate area, at number 16. Fayetteville/Rogers/Springdale, Arkansas was ranked 18th healthiest in the U.S.

The Builder Market Heatlh Index is a comprehensive measure of economic conditions that contribute to a healthy environment for increased residential construction. Rising unemployment, coupled with falling home prices and family incomes, conspired to add to the deterioration of housing market conditions throughout the country during the first nine months of 2009. With the possible exception of Austin, Texas, virtually no housing market in the country is "healthy" by historical standards. In a classically healthy market, employment would be rising, along with home prices and incomes.

Still, some markets are faring better than others, and the Greater Springfield, Missouri area appears to be weathering the storm better than most U.S. markets. For the full article and a list of the top 100 markets in the U.S., visit BUILDER Magazine online.

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Housing Summit & Residential Construction Forecast October 20

The HBA's October 20th Housing Summit and Residential Construction Forescast features Joe Zanola, Zanola Company, presenting Marketgraphics research/permit & development data for Greene, Christian, Taney, Stone and Barry Counties. You'll also hear local real estate sales updates from the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors. Also on the program - Springfield Mayor Jim O’Neal.

This research is essential to moving the housing market forward and improving our area economy. It provides exclusive local data for elected decision-makers, planners, lenders, developers, builders and realtors which identifies needs, gaps, risks and opportunities. It also gives insight into demographic changes affecting housing.

Tuesday, October 20
Doubletree Hotel, 2431 N. Glenstone
Luncheon & Program - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$15 per person
Space is limited -- RSVP required. Call 881.3711 or click here to register.
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HBA Home Remodeling Expo Starts Friday, October 16

The HBA's Home Remodeling Expo begins this Friday, October 16 at 1 p.m. in the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Attendees will find all the products and professionals under one roof that they would need for any scope of home improvement project.

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Hours:
Friday, October 16 - 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, October 17 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, October 18 - 11 am to 5 pm
Admission: $4

This year, show attendees will have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $250 gift certificate from American Glass. Expo attendees who opt to learn more at one of the Expo's educational seminars will have a special opportunity to win one of more than $3500 worth of prizes donated by exhibitors including one grand prize for which all seminar attendees will be eligible -- $1,000 toward a remodeling project performed by a participating HBA remodeler.

Seminars offered by the HBA Remodelers Council include:
Which Remodeler Is Right for Your Project?
Friday - 4pm Saturday - 1pm Sunday - 3pm
Tax Credits: Let’s Get Real - KPM, CPAs
Friday - 3pm Saturday - 3pm
Home Improvements for Value & Lifestyle
Saturday - 2pm Sunday - 1pm

"Remodeling activity is healthy," said Matt Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of the HBA of Greater Springfield. "Residential remodeling showed modest gains during the second quarter of 2009 with increases in all indicators, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). And, there are tax incentives right now for those interested in upgrading certain energy efficient appliances and equipment."

In the Midwest, the remodeling index climbed from 36.1 to 38.3. All measures for future expectations in the remodeling market increased significantly nationwide. Remodelers reported growth in calls for bids at 38.8 (up from 34.2 in the first quarter).
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Local Builder Opens Region’s First ENERGY STAR Subdivision

With Three New Energy Efficient Homes Already Underway

Only “Good Intentions” of Government Stand in the Way Now

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield home builder Richland Homes this week will unveil its plans for the area’s first 100% ENERGY STAR subdivision, with three ENERGY STAR homes already underway. Richland Homes owner Brian Willaby will be joined by representatives of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, Meek’s, and suppliers and subcontractors who are working together to build highly efficient new homes at an affordable price in Pearson Park subdivision in northeast Springfield.

The project illustrates two important newsworthy points:

1. New home construction has a heartbeat. Most of the news about home building hasn’t been positive in recent years, but here is a vibrant new subdivision with three quality new homes having broken ground in the last month.

2. Green Building doesn’t have to break the bank. Homes built to the ENERGY STAR standard will save anywhere from 15% to 50% on monthly utility bills, compared to homes of similar size built to minimum building codes. Meanwhile, the high-quality ENERGY STAR homes built in Pearson Park sell for competitive prices, beginning at $189,900. On a price-per-square-foot basis, these homes are priced comparably to non-ENERGY STAR homes. And these homes actually pay their owners back each month in lower utility bills.

3. The free market holds the key to going green. As the U.S. Senate prepares to take up “Cap and Trade” legislation (the House already has approved the bill), projects like this one illustrate that the best innovation originates in the private sector. For all the good intentions of the federal government, the legislation would cripple positive, market-based green efforts like this one, and put off any hopes of an impending invigorated housing sector and overall economic recovery. Costly and unnecessary regulations imposed by the federal government on new and existing housing, paired with the skyrocketing utility rates the bill would spark, would price homeownership out of the reach of millions of Americans. That means more new and efficient homes like the ones in Pearson Park simply won’t be built at all.

The media availability and news conference will be at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 18 at the site of three new homes that are under construction in Pearson Park subdivision. Members of the media are invited to attend the news conference, interview those involved, and tour the homes.

• WHO: Brian Willaby (Richland Homes); Matt Morrow (HBA of Greater Springfield); Michael Meek (Meek’s); Key subcontractors, suppliers and trades responsible for the green components of ENERGY STAR homes.
• WHAT: News Conference & Media Availability
• WHEN: FRIDAY, September 18 at 12 noon
• WHERE: Pearson Park subdivisionThe area’s first ENERGY STAR subdivision
• DIRECTIONS: Take Division (YY) 2.5 miles east of Hwy 65 to Farm Road 203, Left ½ mile on the right. Directions info: Tom Barr (894-4799)

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are third-party certified to perform more efficiently than standard new home construction. ENERGY STAR is one of the most widely recognized and accepted green building programs in the U.S. ENERGY STAR homes often include a variety of "tried-and-true" energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. To learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov .

To learn more about Pearson Park, become a fan on facebook or follow Pearson Park on twitter.

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Sam Bradley Receives Builder Member of the Year Award!

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield awarded outstanding builders and associate members for a variety of accomplishments at its annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, September 15 at the Clarion Hotel.

HBA Builder Member of the Year – Sam Bradley, GMB, CGR, CGP, Sam Bradley Homes.
Sam Bradley is a second generation builder in the Springfield area. He currently serves on the HBA Board of Directors and is a past Board President. This is Sam’s second time receiving the Builder Member of the Year Award – he was selected for this honor previously in 1998. Sam Bradley Homes was the official builder of the 2009 St. Jude Dream Home in Lions Gate subdivision. This collaborative project of the HBA’s Charitable Foundation raised several hundred thousand dollars for the children’s research hospital. (Sam donated his services and received no compensation for building the home.)

Sam currently chairs the HBA’s Green Building Committee. He is also an HBA Hall of Fame Inductee. A recognized leader in green building, in 2007 Sam completed the HBA’s office building in-fill as a green building demonstration, the first local project built to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Standards. Sam is a life director of the NAHB board of directors and a board member for the HBA of Missouri. Also a local leader in professional development, Sam has attained several NAHB professional designations: Graduate Master Builder, Certified Graduate Remodelor™ and Certified Green Professional.

HBA Associate Member of the Year – Lee Beaman, Beaman Electric
Lee Beaman currently serves on the HBA Board of Directors and is chairman of the Membership Committee. With more than 25 years in the electrical construction industry, Lee serves as president of Beaman Electric which employs approximately 40 people including several master electricians. He provides volunteer leadership and support for a number of HBA events including the state Legislative Day in Jefferson City and Green Product Showcase Night. Beaman was recently chosen by the National Federation of Independent Business to serve on its 26-member Missouri Leadership Council. In that role, he assists with developing NFIB's statewide agenda to support small businesses in Missouri.

HBA Associate Company of the Year – Kitchenland U.S.A.
This successful Nixa-based small business is known for its self-proclaimed, “slightly obsessive” approach to kitchen cabinetry. Peers say that company founder Brad Shrock is often the first to volunteer goods and services for charitable projects. Kitchenland U.S.A. is a sponsor of many HBA events such as the Belt Sander Races and a frequent participant in HBA activities.

HBA Education Partner of the Year – State Representative Eric Burlison, District 136
Rep. Burlison approached the HBA to partner on an educational project to help provide his constituents with useful information regarding the “Return On Investment” for a variety of energy efficiency related home improvement projects and products/equipment. Once the research was complete, Rep. Burlison developed an informational bookmark containing that information as well as additional resources which he will personally distribute to homeowners in his District.


HBA Ambassador of the Year – Sam & Michelle Clifton, Millstone Custom Homes
(HBA members submitted nominations. Awards Committee selected the recipient): Sam and Michelle are active members of the Association. Sam currently serves on the Board of Directors and executive committee as Secretary. Michelle is a past board member of the HBA Charitable Foundation. Millstone Custom Homes have been featured in the HBA Parade of Homes and are well-known for their incredible craftsmanship and quality. In June of 2009, Millstone Custom Homes was approached to build a home for the ABC television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Sam and Michelle embraced the opportunity to help a worthy family in Greene County and led a highly successful, uncompensated project – building a home in one week which under normal circumstances would take at least six months.

HBA Committee Member of the Year, Individual – Mike Benna, Meek’s Design Center(nominees submitted by various HBA committee chairs, recipient chosen by the member awards committee):
Mike Benna currently serves on the HBA Board of Directors, the Government Affairs Committee and chairs the Sporting Clay Tournament Event Sub-Committee.

HBA Committee Member of the Year, Company – Meek’s – The Builder’s Choice
(nominees submitted by various HBA committee chairs, recipient chosen by the member awards committee):
Meek’s is a sponsor for a number of HBA events throughout the year and has been instrumental in a number of large charitable projects during the past year. Meek’s employees currently serve on every committee of the HBA.

Most Involved New Member, Individual – Jason Bekebrede, Monticello Homes
(a new member is someone who has been a member of the HBA for less than 18 months. Nominees were submitted by various HBA members, recipient chosen by the member awards committee):
Jason is a home builder and has been an active member of the HBA’s Green Building Committee and participated in ’09 Legislative Day. One of Jason’s homes was also featured in the 2009 HBA Parade of Homes.

Most Involved New Member, Company – Insul-Tech Spray Foam
(a new member is a company that has been a member of the HBA of Greater Springfield for less than 18 months. Nominees were submitted by various HBA members, recipient chosen by the member awards committee): Insul-Tech has already sponsored and participated in a number of HBA events such as Legislative Day and exhibited in the HBA Home Show and Remodeling Expo. All employees have volunteered at events.

HBA Charitable Foundation Volunteer of the Year – The Kisling Family
Builder Scott Kisling and his family are at the heart of many HBA events and charitable projects. Scott is a member of the HBA Charitable Foundation (HBACF) Board and a past chairman. He built the St. Jude Dream Home in 2007, the first year of the collaborative project between St. Jude and the HBACF. Scott’s wife and two sons – Cindy, Zachary and Michael – have volunteered on all three St. Jude Dream Home projects. From clean up days to building retaining walls, they have been tireless in bringing these projects to fruition. Cindy also helped out with the Dream Home telethons for the past three years, as well.

CBBT Volunteer of the Year – Mike Benna, Meek’s Design Center
Mike Benna currently serves on the HBA Board of Directors, the Government Affairs Committee and chairs the Sporting Clay Tournament Event Sub-Committee. He is also the recipient of the Committee Member of the Year – Individual Award this year.

HBA Hall of Fame Inductee- Chris Torrisi, formerly of National Home Products
 Each year, the Past Presidents of the Home Builders Association meet to consider HBA members who have committed a lifetime of service going above and beyond the call of duty. These are recognized as the individual and company Hall of Fame inductees of the year.
 Chris Torrisi was the longtime owner of National Home Products in Ozark, until recently selling the business to his longtime employees, Monica and Andy Jenisch.
 National Home Products was inducted as a company into the HBA Hall of Fame in 2006
 In his years as an HBA member, he served on countless committees and councils. He is a past chairman of the Associates Council. He supported the political action committee and charitable foundation with time and finances.
 Chris Torrisi is the only HBA member ever to receive the Associate Individual of the Year Award on two separate occasions (1989, 2001) and the Associate Company of the Year Award in another year (1999).

For the following awards, HBA members submitted nominations and the Member Awards Committee selected the winner.
Administrative Support Person of the Year – Lisa Flint, HA Construction This award recognizes outstanding performance in an administrative support role for an HBA member company. Lisa embodies the word “commitment”. She provides support to every function of the company – and her fellow employees believe she is a “key player” in their success. An efficiency expert, Lisa is always improving internal procedures to save time and money. There have been times when she has worked late into the night to make certain employees had the resources they needed to make critical deadlines. She is also the touchstone for the company’s integrity and professional character. According to her husband and business partner Andy, not only does she do the job of 10 people at the office, she is also a great mom to their two teenage sons and “10 year old drama queen.”

Manager of the Year – Debbie Speake, Beaman Electric: This award recognizes outstanding performance by a management-level employee of an HBA member company. Debbie’s responsibilities involve her in every facet of the business – from bookkeeping to insurance and answering calls to dispatching personnel as needed. While one of Beaman’s employees was called up to serve in the military, Debbie stepped in and became an expert on parts used in the field on a daily basis. Her extra effort has helped make certain the technicians receive the proper parts in a timely manner while that position remained open for the employee’s eventual return. Debbie also volunteers her time and helps the industry through the Springfield Contractors Assn. and National Association of Women in Construction.

Foreman of the Year – Richard Goodman, Beaman Electric: This award recognizes outstanding performance by a job foreman for an HBA member company. After starting at Beaman Electric, Rich Goodman put in his time as apprentice and eventually got his Journeyman’s license. He quickly moved up, becoming a preferred technician for larger and complicated projects. Eventually he became an outstanding Project Manager for the company – not only are his technical skills outstanding but he does a tremendous job communicating with contractors, subs and fellow employees. He gives a great deal to his family and community – coaches his sons’ teams, sits on the Habitat for Humanity board and is always the first to volunteer for charitable projects.

Salesperson of the Year – Grant McCune, Missouri Insulation & Supply: This award recognizes outstanding performance in sales on behalf of an HBA member company. For more than a decade, Grant McCune has been an integral part of Missouri Insulation & Supply’s success. A highly effective salesperson, Grant’s knowledge and technical understanding of the company’s products have served his customers well – keeping them ahead of the game in every respect. As MIS has expanded, Grant’s dedication to his job has translated into an unparalleled level of expertise on a wide range of products – from insulation to fireplaces to siding, and more. After 13 years of loyal service, Grant’s customers consider him not only their MIS salesperson, but also a good friend.

Supplier of the Year – Metro Builders Supply: This award recognizes an HBA member company for outstanding service to builder members and the home building industry in supplying products and materials essential to home building. Metro Builders Supply is a highly professional organization which also offers a very personal touch in its sales and service departments. The company’s tag line has proven true over and over – they are the “home appliance specialists”. Metro invests in its staff and they are well-educated about the products they sell and service. They are well-informed about Energy Star ratings and other “green” features as well as manufacturer sustainability practices. As one nominator put it, they “are always willing to go the extra mile to inform us” about their products.

Media Partner of the Year – KY3: This year, the award recognizes the continued innovation and effectiveness of the Focus on Home advertising and branding program in partnership with KY3. It is a high profile benefit to members. It’s made a significant impact in educating the public about the HBA and its members who are required to carry consumer protecting general liability insurance and state required workers compensation insurance.

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Discover Green Ideas To Grow On at HBA's Product Showcase Night

Learn more from industry professionals about products and processes involved in building a green home. "Green Ideas to Grow On" is the theme of the 2009 HBA Green Product Showcase Night on Tuesday, August 18 at the Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave. This year, HBA members can attend the show during a members-only time, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, for a light buffet and exclusive time to visit the exhibitors. Prizes including golf balls, the book "Go Green, Live Rich," and a water-efficient shower head will be given away during that timeframe. The meal cost is $15. From 7 pm to 8:30 pm, the event will also be open to the public by invitation. To RSVP or for more information, call 881-3711 or email carrie@springfieldhba.com.

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Millstone Custom Homes Chosen for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

It’s official!! Millstone Custom Homes chosen for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

Special Southwest Missouri Family to Receive Dream Home

Millstone Custom Homes announced today it will join ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to build a home for a deserving family here in Southwest Missouri. On Tuesday July 14, 2009, the Millstone team will begin work and oversee an immense demolition and build project that will result in a new home constructed in only one week. Because five deserving Ozarks area families are now being considered for the project, information about the family and home location has yet to be released.

“We are honored and humbled to undertake this project,” says Sam Clifton, owner of Millstone. “When they first called, I thought they were kidding. But this is real. The families are real. And together with our community, this is a chance for all of us to make a big difference. We have been so blessed, and my family and I are thrilled to support a family that needs help in these difficult economic times.”

Conrad Ricketts, executive producer of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” explained that the show’s producers look beyond a company simply being a quality builder. "Millstone Custom Homes is a family-run business that takes pride in building not only communities, but neighborhoods,” Ricketts said. “Their devotion to giving back is what first caught our eye, and their long-standing tradition of charity and community involvement assured us that they were the perfect builder for this project."

The challenge is great. Demolish an existing home and build a new one, specially tailored to the family’s needs, and get it all done in only one week! Says Clifton, “it’s an Extreme dream…but our slogan says it all. “Failure is NOT an option!”

Millstone is in the progress of putting together a crew of hundreds of volunteers including subcontractors, suppliers, and both skilled and unskilled workers. “This is a massive endeavor but we know the Ozarks; there is no doubt we will all come together,” says Clifton. The build itself will take one week, with volunteers working 24 hours a day to complete the new home. The project not only requires building materials and labor, but also beverages, tents, printing services and cleaning crews, among other materials and services. Both construction and behind the scenes volunteers are needed. To learn more about the project and how to help, visit our website at http://www.millstoneextremedream.com/. Or call the “Extreme Dream line” at 417-885-9696


About ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its 7th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

About Millstone Custom Homes
As a second-generation builder, Sam Clifton has dedicated most of his life to learning his trade. Starting when he was a young boy, Sam worked for his father's construction company. From pouring cement foundations to installing drywall, Sam learned every aspect of the building process. To further pursue his passion for building, Sam also earned a Construction Management degree from Missouri State University. While completing his formal education, Sam continued tolearn on the job, building houses with his father.Today, Sam and his talented wife Michelle team up to provide their clientswith outstanding design-build services. It's their Millstone mission to bring new homes to life for couples and families. Raising their own three children in the Ozarks, Sam and Michelle are true neighbors to many of their clients. They forge a bond and friendship with their clients that lives onlong after the new home is complete. You can experience the Millstone difference when you walk into one of our custom homes and look around. No two Millstone homes are alike. Each home we build is designed with all your preferences in mind. To learn more visit http://www.millstonecustomhomes.com/.

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Sam Clifton was interviewed Tuesday morning (June 30) live on KSPR 33's morning show. Below is video of the two live interviews:

KSPR: Clifton To Build Extreme Makeover Home Edition Project in SW MO (Part One)

KSPR: Clifton To Build Extreme Makeover Home Edition Project in SW MO (Part Two)

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