One of the victims of the recession has been the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund that protects workers when they were laid off from work. New rules are changing how businesses pay unemployment benefits, meaning that nearly half will see their payments reduced, but a few will pay more - a lot more. HBA members must help the HBASC government affairs staff take action to stop these soaring rates. As seen with the fire sprinkler issue last year, there is power with numbers and businesses across the state must take a stand.

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In the recent SC Supreme Court case of Crossmann v. Harleysville filed on January 7, 2011, the SC Supreme Court ruled that faulty workmanship which results in property damage to a builder’s work is no accident. Instead, such property damage is intended, foreseen, expected, and a natural and probable consequence of the builder’s faulty workmanship. Therefore, faulty workmanship does not rise to the level of an “occurrence” and as a result is not covered by a builder’s General Liability policy.

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South Carolina’s Home Builders Association members will have a real treat on March 30 during the Day at the Capitol Legislative Luncheon, which leads up to the Bird Supper later that night. David Crowe, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the National Association of Home Builders, will be address South Carolina’s economic forecast at the Marriott Downtown Columbia

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One of the benefits of being a S.C. Builders Political Action Committee contributor is getting FREE tickets to the Bird Supper and to the Hammer & Trowel Reception just prior to the Bird Supper. Tickets are FREE to those who contribute at the Silver Hammer level ($250) and above. If you’ve already made your calendar year contribution, then expect tickets in the mail soon.

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Builders who want to join in alerting Congress that it needs to act quickly to restore the flow of credit to the nation’s housing sector should mark their calendar now for the most important grassroots event of the year — the 2011 NAHB Legislative Conference — which will take place on Wednesday, March 16, in Washington, D.C.

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During last month’s International Builders Show in Orlando, a HBA of Greenville member was awarded the NAHB Certified Graduate Builders of the Year Award. Congratulations to Todd Usher, CAPS, CGB, CGP, GMB, president of Addison Homes in Greer, S.C. for receiving this prestigious national award.

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The Internal Revenue Service announced recently that taxpayers have until April 18 to file their tax returns, rather than April 15. The IRS reminded taxpayers impacted by recent tax law changes that using e-file is the best way to ensure accurate tax returns and get faster refunds

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The National Association of Home Builders’ National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC) has named Hal Von Nessen, MIRM, the 2010 recipient of the Bill Molster Award. The award was presented to Von Nessen, president of RESH Marketing, at The Nationals Awards gala, held during the International Builders’ Show this week.

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Over the past two years the NAHB Associates have created multiple sources to communicate with social media being the main growth for contact. NAHB Associate leadership would like to invite you to join the following so that you, the associate member, can stay up to date with news, education and expanded networking opportunities.

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The NAHB Building Systems Councils (BSC) recently announced the 2011 winners of its annual Excellence in Marketing & Home Design Awards competition honoring builders and manufacturers in the concrete, log, modular and panelized home building industry for their marketing materials and home designs. Congratulations to Southland Log Homes in Irmo for winning the Outstanding Model/Sales Center (Manufacturer) award.

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During last year’s National Designation Month, home builders associations across the country held classes with a total of 1,616 registrants. Even in today’s challenging economy, interest in NAHB Education’s courses and designations continues to grow. Why? Because these associations know that designations can lead to more earned income, credibility and prestige for members and their companies.

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Omaha Steaks is offering HBASC members a Filet Mignon Feast for Four at discounted prices through March 31. The perfect meal for any occasion, the Filet Mignon Feast starts with four, fork-tender filet mignons, seasoned with Omaha Steaks’ signature seasoning blend. Completing the meal are stuffed baked potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon and a roasted vegetable medley in seasoned butter sauce — conveniently packaged to serve two meals for two.

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