Home Builders Association Introduces “THE BIG DEAL”
The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia plans to create a “Big Deal” of buzz about the local housing market this fall. From August 15th through October 31st homebuyers have huge incentives to get off the fence and make the decision to buy a new home.

Eye on the Economy: Drumbeat of Bad News Starts to Fade
Instead of singing, “Happy Days Are Here Again,” Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s campaign song when the country was in the throes of the Great Depression, maybe a more appropriate song today would be, “Less Painful Days Are Here Again,” as the drumbeat of bad news that has pounded the economy begins to fade.

Builder Confidence Continues Upward in August
Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose one point in August to its highest level in more than a year, according to the latest reading of the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), which was released on Aug. 17. Building on a two-point gain in July, the HMI reached 18 this month, its highest point since June of 2008.

Duke Energy Smart $aver Incentive Program
Duke Energy is currently offering a $300 rebate on high efficiency heat pumps (at least 14 SEER with an ECM motor). In new construction, the rebate goes to the builder. In an existing home, the rebate is split between the homeowner ($200) and the HVAC contractor ($100).

Horry Georgetown to Hold Mid-Winter Education Conference in November
The Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association is proud to present the Mid-Winter Education Conference on November 11, 12 and 13, 2009 at the Crown Reef Resort Conference Center.

Twenty-six Students Receive Scholarships From Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation
Over the past nine years, the Charitable Foundation of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBA) has awarded $197,000 in scholarships to children of HBA members who meet criteria set for the program. This month, the HBA Charitable Foundation awarded $27,000 to 26 students.

Safety Recall Notice Issued on Homelite Generators
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C., issued a voluntary safety recall notice for Homelite, Husky and Black Max brand generators.

Sign Up for Rooms at IBS as Low as $80 With August Registration
Industry professionals who register for the 2010 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas by Aug. 31 can take advantage of NAHB's red hot deals on housing — featuring hotel rooms for as little as $80 a night. South Carolina members can stay at the Paris Hotel with overflow going to Caesar’s Palace.

CEDIA Offers Home Technology Courses for NAHB Continuing Education
To get an edge in the market, builders know they have to differentiate themselves and keep up with the ever-changing expectations of potential customers. Staying abreast of the latest home electronics trends and techniques is a great way to strengthen business.

New Sales and Marketing Audio Seminar Explores Moving Beyond Downturn
Position your company to move beyond the downturn—participate in the “Beyond the Best Case” audio seminar. You can get Certified Master Builder continuing education credits by participating in this seminar.

NAHB Continuing Education Provider Directory Available to Members/strong>
Holders of professional designations from The NAHB University of Housing now have an easy way to find continuing education providers.

Seats Still Available for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Conference in Charleston
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District (Corps) will be hosting a conference for consultants, firms, and governmental agencies who regularly work with the Charleston Corps Regulatory Division. This conference is aimed at providing updated information on the Corps Regulatory Program.