May 14 Audio Seminar Explores Government Contracting Options

During an hour-long NAHB audio seminar next month, developers, remodelers and single-family and multifamily builders can learn how to use the economic stimulus package to diversify into commercial construction.

“Stimulus Opportunities for Builders: Exploring Commercial Opportunities in the Stimulus Package” will begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 14.

Sponsored by the National Commercial Builders Council (NCBC) and The University of Housing, the seminar will help participants on:

• What parts of the stimulus package are relevant to your business
• How members are getting involved in stimulus-funded projects
• Private funding alternatives that are working

Scheduled speakers include builders who have more than 20 years of experience with government contracts and an attorney who specializes in contract law. “This audio seminar will provide knowledge that individual companies do not have the time, resources or direct access to the government to attain on their own,” said Fred Hoppe, NCBC chair and scheduled seminar speaker. “This is the benefit of NAHB and council membership in today’s tough market. They will help do the homework necessary to run your business.”

Hoppe, a partner at Hoppe & Harner, LLC in Lincoln, Neb., specializes in contract law in construction, commercial real estate, business, landlord/tenant and banking. He is also president of Hoppe Homes, Inc., a real estate ownership, operation and development company.

Audio seminar participants will learn about a variety of government-contracted construction projects listed in the stimulus package and what they need to know to bid on — and win — government contracts.

The seminar will also include information about connecting with federal contractors to work as subcontractors on commercial construction jobs.

“Our members need to learn how to get in on these projects.” said Carl Harris, vice president and general manager of the Carl Harris Company in Wichita, Kan. and NCBC vice chair and moderator of the seminar.

Harris said that government project money is available for schools, fire stations, public works, water treatment plants and even pseudo-government projects like hospitals.

“Now that the stimulus package has passed and project money is being allotted and will be spent on these types of projects, NAHB members should be actively going after it,” said Harris.