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Celebrating more than 50 years of service to housing in Virginia Vol. 22, No. 3 April 2009

2009 Convention: A day’s drive away

Green wide open Membership pays

Your very own field expert can provide free individual consultation at the jobsite and help you control losses. Plus, our policyholders have unlimited access to Builders University OSHA-approved safety courses, English/Spanish Fall Protection Certification, and our risk management CD containing valuable safety reference material. We even offer discounted “Safety Stuff,” like the attractive safety glasses above, through our online store. Staying safe and productive is just a matter of having the right tools.

Our WorkSafe program provides our policyholders with valuable information and safety training to avoid accidents like this one.

800.809.4859 www.buildersmutual.com

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,t yOu glAd yOu hAve Builders mutuAl?

Construction debris can do irreparable damage to the unprotected eye.

April 2009 VirginiA Builder 1

2009 HBAV officersE. Rand Sompayrac, presidentMichael D. Newsom, first vice president- treasurerC. Richard Bogese Jr., second vice presidentKevin DeChristopher, associate vice presidentRobin S. Newhouse, vice president-secretary

Regional vice presidentsRegion I: Robert J. FlynnRegion II: Hugh MitchellRegion III: Chip HudnallRegion IV: David BlalockRegion V: Richard ColemanRegion VI: David Hepler

State representativeJohn D. Stokely Jr. (Northern Virginia)

HBAV staff Michael L. Toalson, executive vice presidentBarrett Hardiman, vice president/director of regulatory affairsKathy M. Harley, director of administration

and finance/education directorJames D. Bonnell, director of member benefits servicesBarb Preddy, administrative assistantRhonda Allison, legislative assistant 707 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 643-2797 www.hbav.com

Editorial inquiries can be directed to:Stacey Enesey Klemenc E-mail: [email protected] 2112 Flowerdew Ct. Virginia Beach, Va. 23454, (757) 427-6355

Advertising inquiries can be directed to:Lisa Nixon E-mail: [email protected] 2213 South Brook Drive, Orange Park, FL 32003, (877) 449-2535

Published by Association Publishing Inc.www.associationpublishinginc.comSandra K. Amidon, Joyce F. Hearn APR 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, Va. 23320 (757) 420-2434Advertising sales assistant Valerie MyersGraphic designer Paige Takach

To change your address (804) 643-2797 Virginia Builder mails copies of the magazine to names supplied by the Home Builders Association of Virginia. To correct your address, please contact HBAV at the number above. Nonmember subscriptions are available from the publisher for $27 a year. Virginia Builder (ISSN 1552-8715) is published nine times a year for members of the Home Builders Association of Virginia and is edited according to AP style. Acceptance of advertising in Virginia Builder does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the Home Builders Association of Virginia. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted and not necessarily those of the Home Builders Association of Virginia. Mention of specific products or services in editorial content does not imply endorsement by Virginia Builder or the Home Builders Association of Virginia. No material may be reproduced for further publication without the express permission of the association and the publisher.

Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.

departments

2 President’s Perspective

4 Counsel’s Corner: Americans with disabilities Act: Hidden traps for employers

6 Product Roundup: Windows and doors

8 HBAV Build-PAC Honor roll

10 Stateline

11 Membership Benefits update

13 Advertisers’ index

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3 2009 convention promises to be a day at the beach

9 Top 10 business writing mistakes that cost you money

FeatUres

On the cover: It’s April. What are you waiting for? Don’t pass up your opportunity for an escape to a nearby island in South Carolina June 21-24. HBAV’s annual convention will be held at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and the only ingredient missing is you.

The official magazine of the Home Builders Association of Virginia Vol. 23, No. 3 April 2009

VIRGINIAbuilder

Several window and door manufacturers are introducing green, eco-friendly products to their various lines. JELD-WEN, for instance, now offers products with no-added formaldehyde such as its interior molded doors.

2 VirginiA Builder April 2009

The Home Builders Association of Virginia had an extremely good year at the General Assembly. This success was made possible

by the hard work of our fine legislative team consisting of HBAV Executive Vice

Teamwork pays off during 2009 Virginia General Assembly for HBAV

By Rand Sompayrac, 2009 HBAV president

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President Mike Toalson and Vice President Barrett Hardiman, and Reed Smith’s Bill Thomas and Maureen Stinger, who lobby and promote for our benefit. Their suc-cess also confirms the valuable role our Build-PAC trust plays in helping elect pro-business candidates.

In years past, valuable time and resources were personally spent by HBAV’s Legisla-tive Committee members who traveled weekly to Richmond while the GA was in session. We would travel from across the state to establish policy on a wide variety of proposed legislation that could potentially harm our industry.

For each weekly trip to the capitol city, legislative committee members had to purchase ever-increasing fuel and search for more and more scarce and expensive parking spaces. This year we decided to conduct most of the Legislative Committee’s weekly meet-ings by conference call and only travel to Richmond for three meetings — the GA’s beginning, cross-over (the half-way point) and upon session adjournment. This deci-sion proved to be enormously popular as it saved huge expenses and, most importantly, our member’s valuable time.

For those of you who have never par-ticipated in our HBAV Legislative Committee process, I encourage you to attend your local association during one of our regularly scheduled conference calls to experience the high level of discussion and strategy that takes place for the benefit of you and your businesses.

This year HBAV sponsored the fol-lowing legislative initiatives that have been approved for the benefit of our industry. These will have wide applicability across our industry. Please take time to read and understand these initiatives and use them to your benefit:

House Bill 1788 and HB 2294 — Alternative Septic System Installation which would not allow a locality to prohibit the use of “alternative” or “nonconventional” on-site wastewater treatment systems that would have been approved for use by the Department of Health. This legislation would also prohibit localities from imposing maintenance require-ments on such systems that are more stringent

than required by the Department of Health or, in their absence, the manufacturer’s rec-ommendations, once certain state regulations are adopted.

HB 2029 — Reduction in Ad-ministrative Bond Fees would tem-porarily reduce the local govern-ment’s 25 percent administrative fee to 10 percent above the estimated con-struction costs.

HB 2077 — Plan Validity Extension would extend the validity of any subdivi-sion plat, plot, preliminary plan, final plan, construction plan, public improvement plan, site plan, or any other land-use document or action valid and outstanding as of Jan. 1, 2009, for a period of five years from its current expiration date, and any deadline or scheduled event specified.

Senate Bill 1335 — Expedited Proffer Amendment Process will allow, not require, a local government to waive the requirement for a public hearing in its consideration of an amendment to an existing proffer, where such amendments don’t affect the conditions of use or density.

Finally, HBAV’s “Proffer Reform” legislation is still a work in progress and continues to be studied by the General Assembly. As I have pledged in the past, we will con-tinue to monitor and fight for this reform legislation.

Statewide membership drivelooks promising

I would like to extend a most sincere “thank you” to all the executive officers and local presidents for their enthusiasm for the statewide membership drive, scheduled for April and May. All 16 local associations have committed their valuable time and resources for this most worthy cause. It should be fun and exciting, and I’m eager to announce the “superheroes” that emerge from this cam-paign scheduled to coincide with NAHB’s National Membership Day.

RANd somPAyRAC

Dominion lineman Dennis mcDaDe helps turn “Don’t Walk” into “Walk” all over virginia.

WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY, POWERS YOUR EVERY DAY.

At Dominion, we’re leading the way to a brighter energy future. It takes a balanced mix of new energy sources to ensure that we have the reliable electricity we’ll need as Virginia continues to grow. Using a combination of wind power, clean coal, emissions-free nuclear energy and clean-burning natural gas—along with conservation—Dominion’s plan will help strengthen our economy, keeping our businesses growing and communities vibrant. It’s a strong step in the right direction for Virginia.


With the unanimous participation from all 16 locals and the excitement generated by everyone, this program should be a ter-rific success. It’s critical we convey to our potential members the many benefits of the federation of local, state and national services, programs and lobbying efforts.

Special thanks to First Vice President Mike Newsome, who traveled around the state visiting local associations to explain and sell the drive, and to Second Vice President Richard Bogese for his leadership of the Membership Committee.

Third-quarter board meetingscheduled for Williamsburg

In years past, all HBAV’s board of direc-tors’ meetings were held in Richmond except for our second-quarter meeting that’s held during our annual convention. This year we’re moving these meetings around the state to allow more local involvement and exposure to HBAV’s good work.

We just had a very successful first-quarter board meeting in Fredericksburg. Our second-quarter meeting is scheduled for June 22 in Hilton Head and our third-quarter meeting will be Sept. 17 in Williamsburg.

If this year’s program is successful, we’ll continue to move to other venues around the state. This plan isn’t designed to poach talent away from our hardworking locals but instead to bring new thoughts and ideas to the state.

2009 HBAV Annual ConventionRemember to register to attend the 2009

HBAV Annual Convention at Hilton Head Island. It is a short drive for most Virginians and an outstanding program and social events are planned. I am confident that the HBAV Associates Committee has planned another great event for Hilton Head. It usually ranks as the top annual social event for HBAV and I would love to see you there. Please make plans to join us! It is scheduled for June 21-24 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.

2009 HBAV Annual Convention registra-tion materials can be found at www.hbav.com. VAB

Polly wAnt to SPonSor?Calling all associates who would like to be Parrot Head sponsors

during HBAV’s upcoming annual convention in Hilton Head, S.C., this June. Sponsorships, which start at $600, promise “one-on-one” time with convention attendees and lots of recognition throughout the event. It’s your chance to put a feather in your cap and support your favorite association. Visit www.hbav.com for details on how you can lead the flock.

Heading for Hilton Head

2009 convention promises to be a day at the beach

S unny days and warm nights are predicted to rule the Home Builders Associa-tion of Virginia’s 2009 Convention Sunday, June 21, until Wednesday, June 24, on the island of Hilton Head, S.C.

Located along a pristine stretch of sandy white beach in Port Royal Plantation, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa promises to provide HBAV members and guests the utmost in Southern hospitality. Named to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2002 Gold List, this rejuvenating resort features plenty of activities for all ages.

Within the plantation, there are bicycle and jogging paths, three championship golf courses and 16 tennis courts. There are also lots of other activities you can engage in nearby — such as kayaking, deep-sea fishing and horseback riding — which the hotel’s concierge can help you arrange.

The Westin offers several renowned dining options, including a AAA four-diamond restaurant, The Barony Grill. There are several outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool at the hotel, as well as a white sand beach for those who prefer the Atlantic Ocean.

If you register by May 21, the cost to attend the 2009 convention is $395 for members and $295 for spouses, guests and children older than 6. After May 21, the price goes up to $495 and $395, respectively. Children 6 years and under are free. No HBAV registration refunds will be given after June 6.

There’s an additional $87 fee for golfers who want to sign up for the HBAV Annual Business Networking Golf Tournament Tuesday, June 23. Tee off begins at 11 a.m.

There is no charge to play in the HBAV Annual Business Networking Tennis Tournament from 2-4 p.m. Monday. However, players must preregister.

As in years past, HBAV’s associates are planning to sponsor a night to remember. “Cooking with the Associates,” a Parrot Head Deck Party, is slated for 7-11 p.m. Monday, June 22.

Conventioneers must register directly with the hotel before May 20 to reserve a room at the group rate, subject to availability. To reserve a room, call (800) 937-8461 or visit www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/8B18. The hotel’s number is (843) 681-4000.

For more information about the upcoming 2009 state convention, call HBAV at (804) 643-2797. A registration form is on page 4.

Don’t miss out on the fun and networking opportunities during HBAV’s annual convention June 21-24 at The Westin Resort in Hilton Head. Consult your accountant to determine the positive benefits of combining business with a vacation well deserved.

THe RACe iS on!The HBA of Richmond is holding its

Builder Bash Picnic from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Richmond Race-way Complex. Tickets are $20 per person.

For more info, e-mail [email protected]


HBAV registration Form2009 Annual Convention • The Westin Hilton Head island Resort & Spa

Sunday, June 21 - Wednesday, June 24Price through May 21, 2009 Price AFTER May 21, 2009

Member $395 Member $495Spouse/Guest $295 Spouse/Guest $395Children $295 Children $395(Children 6 years and under are free.)

No HBAV registration refunds after June 6, 2009

Return this form with payment to:HBAV, 707 East Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219(804) 643-2797 • Fax (804) 780-2482

Payment: l Check Enclosed l VISA l Master Card

Amount Paid: _________________________________________________

Card Number: ________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _______ Signature: ______________________________

Hotel reSerVAtIonS may be made at the following Web address before June 6, 2009:

http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/8B18or by calling 800-937-8461

Name: _______________________________________ $ ______________

Spouse/Guest _________________________________ $ ______________

Children: ____________________________________ $ ______________

____________________________________ $ ______________

____________________________________ $ ______________

Golf ($87) $ ______________

TOTAL $ ______________

Tennis (N/C)

# of People ________________________

Company: ____________________________Phone: _________________

Address: _____________________________Fax: ___________________

City: _________________________________State: ______ Zip: ________

E-Mail Address: ______________________________________________

Local Association: ____________________________________________

l Builder l Associate l Other

Americans with disabilities Act:

Hidden traps for employers by Betty S.W. Graumich and Stacy L. Haney

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An employee comes to you and tells you he has cancer and needs two months off for surgery, and then intermittent leave thereafter for treatments. He has no paid leave left.

What do you do? Another employee’s work performance has dropped

dramatically. She begins exhibiting symptoms of what you think is depression. Should you assume she has a disability? How do you deal with the work per-formance?

If you have difficulty answering these questions, you need to learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it affects everyday decisions about your employees.

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and imposes an affirmative obligation on employers to offer reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The ADA defines a person with a disability as one who:

• Has a mental or physical impairment that sub-stantially limits one or more major life activities,

• Has a record of such an impairment or• Is regarded as having such an impairment.In the past, many courts have applied the ADA’s

definition of “disability” narrowly, so it was fairly difficult for an employee to establish eligibility for the ADA’s protections. In 2008, however, Congress amended the ADA, reversing years of court decisions favorable to employers and greatly expanding the number and range of individuals who will qualify for protection.

How important is the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) to your business? You decide.

According to the latest statistics maintained by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, more than 47,000 charges of disability discrimination were filed between 2005 and 2007. In the year 2007 alone, employees in the United States filed 17,734 charges of disability discrimination with the EEOC. Of that number, the EEOC obtained monetary settlements or awards totaling $54.5 million and benefitting 3,190 charging parties.

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Even before it was amended late last year, the ADA provided protection to thousands and thousands of employees with hidden impairments that constitute disabilities. For example, monetary settlements involving claims of disability discrimination because of cancer or a psychological disorder (e.g., depression, manic depressive disorder, anxi-ety disorder) led the list. Now — with the latest amendments — the number of employees entitled to protection may double or triple.

Prior to the amendments, the EEOC categorized disability discrimination charges as falling under 35 specific mental or physi-cal disabilities and five catch-all categories, ranging from alcoholism, allergies and anxiety to depression, epilepsy and cardiovascular impairments. Most of the impairments on the EEOC’s list are mental or physical impairments not readily visible.

As discussed below, the ADAAA retains the general def inition of disability, but greatly expands its application. Reversing an employer-friendly decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the ADAAA specifically directs that “the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures” cannot be taken into account in deciding if an individual has a disability, except for ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses.

This means an employee with a condi-tion controlled or corrected by medication, equipment or some other means is likely still considered “disabled” and protected by the act. For example, employees with diabetes or epilepsy whose condition is controlled by medication likely will be considered to have a disability under the ADAAA, even though they are not actually limited by the condition.

In addition, the ADAAA has redefined the term “major life activity” by providing a noninclusive laundry list of activities consid-ered “major life activities,” which includes a very broad range of activities from eating, sleeping and bending to learning, reading and concentrating.

The ADAAA also makes “the opera-tion of a major bodily function” a major life activity under the ADA. Thus, anyone with a condition that substantially limits even one of these “major life activities” will be protected by the ADA. The ADAAA also makes clear that impairments that are episodic or in remission are still protected disabilities if, when active, they would sub-stantially limit a major life activity.

Do not be led by these changes, how-

ever, to assume that an employee with a known or suspected impairment is disabled. A wrong assumption could lead to charge of disability discrimination for erroneously regarding an employee as disabled.

More charges are filed every year by employees claiming to be “regarded as” disabled than by employees with an actual mental or physical impairment. In 2007 alone, the total amount of monetary settlements obtained by the EEOC for “regarded as” claims exceeded $10 million.

The ADAAA also expands the protec-tions for employees who are “regarded as” disabled. Under the new amendments, employees are protected by the ADA if their employer regards them as having an impairment, whether or not the impairment actually limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity.

The only exception is for a transitory impairment, defined as an impairment with an actual or expected duration of six months or less. Nevertheless, the ADAAA does not require an employer to provide reasonable accommodation to an individual who is “regarded as” disabled, but only to those who have actual impairments that

constitute a disability. As the EEOC statistics quoted earlier

indicate, the area of disability discrimination is one that can potentially be very costly for employers. The new amendments to the ADA will likely only increase the costs to employers as more individuals than ever will fall within the act’s protection.

Employers who take the time now to become familiar with the ADA and the new amendments, and to train their supervisors and managers, will be in the best position to meet the requirements of the act and to avoid costly discrimination charges.

(Betty S.W. Graumlich is a partner and Stacy L. Haney is an associate in Reed Smith LLP’s Richmond of f ice. Graumlich specializes in labor and employment law, and Haney‘s practice focuses primarily on commercial litigation, employment law and education law. For more information, you can reach Graumlich at [804] 344-3456 or [email protected], and Haney at [804] 344-3428 or [email protected]. This article is not intended to provide legal advice. You should consult with an attorney regarding questions or issues that arise in this area.) VAB

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Windows and doors By Stacey enesey Klemenc

Seeing doubleBlending tradition, function and style, Loewen just launched a new

double-hung window, adding to its extensive collection of Douglas fir and mahogany windows and doors.

The new window features a hidden jamb liner (no exposed track or vinyl) and integrated, profiled glazing legs that replicate traditional architecture. Standard features include proprietary hardware available with a variety of finishes, brass screws and grom-mets, a single-handed tilt mechanism and the company’s HeatSmart glazing.

It’s available in clear wood and metal clad. For more information, call (800) 563-9367 or visit www.

loewen.com.Loewen’s new double-hung window features

authentic stile and rail construction, with a traditional large bottom rail and a minimal checkrail.

No. 10 in the side pocketBlurring the lines between indoor and out-

door living spaces, Weather Shield Windows & Doors’ pocket door system is available in an easy-to-operate manual version or a con-venient motorized configuration. The system readily stores doors from two- to 10-panels wide into a wall cavity.

Doors can be configured in lineal, bi-parting

Marvin Windows

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In the blackIntegrity from Marvin Windows and Doors recently added Ebony to its All Ultrex line of replacement windows and doors. The UV-resistant line features units made entirely of Ultrex, a tough pultruded fiberglass material eight times stronger than vinyl. Able to deflect heat up to 350 degrees, Ultrex will maintain its structural integrity under the high temperatures dark frames can reach when continually exposed to the sun. The colors of Evergreen and Cashmere on the exteriors also were recently added to the line. The windows come in a range of sizes and factory-mulled configurations. For more information, visit www.integritywindows.com.

Loewen


or 90-degree applications in heights ranging from 6-foot 8-inches to 10 feet.

A patented interlocking mechanism couples panels together, allowing the entire door sys-tem to open and close by pulling the lead panel. Stainless-steel rollers glide easily along rails recessed into the threshold and in the header and out of the way of passers-by. The motorized option opens and closes the door by a press of a button on a handheld remote or a wall-mounted touch screen. A battery back-up system and a manual override enable operation during power outages.

The pocket door system is available in a choice of exterior colors, decorative options and various wood species. For more information, call (800) 477-6808 or visit weathershield.com. VAB

One less thing to replaceA new doorstop introduced at the 2009 International Builders’ Show may make those pesky rubber bumpers — a common choking hazard for children and pets — a thing of the past. Perfect Products’ innovative design of the DoorSaver2 enables a door’s motion to be absorbed into the hinge, effectively eliminating the need for bumpers found on other base- and hinge-mount doorstops. The new doorstop simply replaces one hinge pin on any residential or commercial door, interior or exterior. It never touches the door, wall casing or baseboard. For more information, visit www.doorsaver.com or call (877) 366-7728.

Opened or closed, Weather Shields’ new pocket door system is dramatic and flexible.

Be a super team player … and Win!

Join HBAV in its Statewide Push for Members May 13-14

Local associations and current HBAV members have from now until 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14, to vie for rewards for

members recruited. The member who recruits the most people will win a whopping $1,000 from HBAV. Second place will be awarded $500; third place, $250; and fourth, $100. All members will receive double Spike credits from NAHB for their recruiting efforts.

HBAV will report the numbers to NAHB May 19, National Member-ship Day.

For more information on how you can participate, call your local association today.

Visit One Of these LOcatiOns:fishersViLLe, Va 22939

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fredericksburg, Va 22401(540)373-5253 (888)246-5264

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gainesViLLe, Va 20155(703)753-8814 (800)237-5434

fax(703)753-8834

gLen aLLen, Va 23059(804)550-3711 (800)544-7701

fax(804)550-5137

newpOrt news, Va 23606(757)873-3939 (800)927-4477

fax(757)873-0134

nOrfOLk, Va 23502(757)857-5377 (800)868-5377

fax(757)855-4201

richmOnd, Va 23237(804)714-0974 (800)818-3853

fax(804)714-1397

rOanOke, Va 24012(540)362-9200 (800)346-2230

fax(540)362-2529

winchester, Va 22603(540)662-2244 (800)327-2142

fax(540)667-8779 www.norandex.com

Follow these instructions for building the ideal dream home. 1 Use only top quality exterior building products;2 Choose a local, reputable distributor; 3 Choose one that offers an expansive line of products; 4 One that offers exemplary service and stands

behind its products; 5 Choose Norandex Building Materials Distribution.With a nationwide system of fully stocked branches, staffed by knowledgeable professionals, you can count on the products you need, on time and where you need them, including: Siding / Soffit / Manufactured Stone / Windows / Doors / Gutters & Downspouts / Storm Products / Skylights / Vinyl Fence Deck & Rail / Specialty Roofing / Accent Products, and more.

All the Parts You Need to Build a Dream Home!


GoVernor’S CluBJeffery Ainslie Ainslie group Tidewater BAMak Koebig Peak Construction Co. inc. Shenandoah Valley BA/ Piedmont BiArobin newhouse/ dominion Virginia Power Fredericksburg Area BA Pam Pekrun Tidewater BAHenry H. Stephens Personal Peninsula H&BA

GenerAl ASSeMBly CluBrichard A. Coleman Coleman Homes inc. Fredericksburg Area BASam Craig Craig Builders Blue ridge HBAC. richard napier Personal HBA of richmondVincent napolitano napolitano Homes Tidewater BA

CAPItol CluBdavid Blalock FSK Management Peninsula H&BAC. richard Bogese Jr. Personal HBA of Southside VAJames l. Carver James l. Carver Builder Fredericksburg Area BAAnthony Clatterbuck graystone Homes inc. Piedmont VA BiAMichael newsome Clark Whitehill Co. Tidewater BAPreston Stallings Personal Blue ridge HBAWilliam g. Thomas/ reed Smith llP northern VA BiA Maureen Stinger

2009 HBAV Build-PAC Honor Roll(as of Feb. 16, 2009)

Century CluBroy O. Beckner S.W. rodgers Co. inc. northern VA BiAPam Comstock/gilbert Martin gilbert C. Martin Co. inc. HBA of Southside VArichard entsminger Personal northern VA BiABill garrett W.B. garrett inc. HBA of richmondChip Hudnall Chip Hudnall Custom Building HBA of rappahannockJohn Olivieri Associated development Mgmt. Tidewater BAMark granville-Smith Personal northern VA BiACharles Miller Miller Custom Homes Tidewater BAJames Petrine enirtep inc. roanoke regional HBAJ.M. Snell ii Valley renovations inc. Shenandoah Valley BAroland Specter Specter Construction HBA of Southside VA

PArtnerS CluBC. eugene Baker C.e. Baker Construction inc. Peninsula H&BAClaudia K. Cotton Personal Tidewater BAPeter Fields Fields Construction inc. roanoke regional HBAWilliam Halprin Personal Tidewater BAJim Jackson Superior equipment Sales inc. Tidewater BAPete Kotarides Kotarides developers llC Tidewater BASteve lawson The lawson Cos. Tidewater BAdavid & Judy Milstead Milstead Construction Shenandoah Valley BAKenneth Patterson d.K. Patterson Construction Shenandoah Valley BATommy Shields Jr. Shield’s Construction Co. inc. Augusta HBArandy Wade r.d. Wade Builder inc. Blue ridge HBAWendell A. White Personal Tidewater BA

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In business, every word counts. This holds true for writing, too, particularly when the economy is putting pressure

on every decision, stress on every partnership and expecta-tions on everybody. Don’t let small mistakes in your business writing make a big impact on your potential customers. Here are 10 common errors in busi-ness writing and how to avoid them.

Spell check your work. We’ve all received resumes and letters with spelling errors. Don’t make the same mistake. Spell check every business e-mail or correspondence you send. In many cases, nothing can sour the tone of a future partner-ship faster than a grammatically incorrect correspondence filled with spelling errors.

Include a salutation. How many business e-mails do you receive that don’t greet you by name? Starting an e-mail without a salutation is akin to starting a conversation in the middle. A salutation marks the beginning of a correspondence, and omitting one is not professional. Worse yet, your e-mail could be confused for spam, since an e-mail without a personal salutation usually means the message went to many people simultaneously.

Don’t forget your signature. Everyone receives a lot of e-mail nowadays. How frustrating is it to receive one without a proper signature line? Don’t assume the person you are writing remembers who you are and what company you represent. Fail-ing to include a signature demonstrates a lack of respect for the recipient’s time or workload.

Don’t use jargon, acronyms, slang or Internet speak. At best, using acronyms makes you appear lazy. At worst, they confuse your reader. Using jargon isn’t any better. Best-case scenario: You seem aloof. Worst case: Your reader feels stupid. Examples of “Internet speak” include “LMAO,” “noob,” “l33t” and “rofl.” Do know what these all mean? If you don’t, how does that make you feel?

Don’t use emoticons. A close cousin to jargon and acronyms are emoticons (punctuation in the form of a “face”). Eventually you may reach an informal level of communication that warrants an emoticon, but let the other person breach this ground first.

Include a call to action. Every business communication, on one level or another, involves some type of selling. You are either selling yourself, your company, your idea, your product or

your service. There needs to be a call to action. It can be as simple as ending an e-mail with an “I look forward to hearing back from you” at the end, but one way or another, every correspondence needs to inform recipients of your expectations regarding their next step.

Make it the right length. Business correspondence comes in a variety of forms or formats, and each one has an appropriate length. Contracts are supposed to be long and scary. E-mails are supposed to be short and sweet.

remember, you could be quoted. Recently there was an e-mail from a company’s accounting department posted on the Internet. It was ad-dressed to company employees, presumably with an understand-ing of conf identiality since it contained private information about that company’s finances. Nevertheless, there it was on a public forum. The Internet

has focused a gigantic microscope on all of us. When you write something, assume everyone in the world will see it and know that it came from you.

Don’t use absolutes. Since you now realize your writing can come back to haunt you at any time, it is best to avoid writing in absolutes. Avoid using terms like “never” when you can use “rarely.” Don’t use terms like “will be” when you can use terms like “may be.” If your feet are held to the fire, words that are not absolute are more defensible.

Don’t include unnecessary information. In other words, cut to the chase. Since every word counts, be as succinct and applicable as possible. Including superfluous information opens you up to a variety of mistakes. It makes your writing unnecessarily long; it increases the chances of breaking one of these other rules; it communicates to the other person that you’re unable to censor, prioritize or organize; and it could contain information that turns your “sale” into a “bail.”

No one is perfect, but if you take the time to make sure your business writing avoids 10 basic pitfalls, you will be that much closer to succeeding while wielding a pen. And what do you know…? It is mightier than the sword, after all.

(Brent Sampson, president & CEO of Outskirts Press, is the best-selling author of Sell Your Book on Amazon, as well as Self-Publishing Simplified and Adventures in Publishing. For more information, visit www.outskirtspress.com.) VAB

Top 10 business writing

mistakes that cost you money

by Brent Sampson


Benefits through Anthem Life

Anthem Life’s group life insurance helps employees provide

financial security for their loved ones. As an association member

you now get this security as part of your benefits plan at no

additional cost.

ALL COVERED EmpLOyEEs AnD DEpEnDEnts RECEiVE:

$10,000 Life and AD&D coverage

• Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance promise timely benefit payments for the family if an employee passes away or faces a qualified loss in

an accident.

$2,000/Spouse and $2,000/Child Dependent Life coverage

• Dependent Life Insurance pays a benefit to your employee if a spouse or child passes away.

Resource Advisor

• This program gives employees and their families free and confidential access to support resources, including:

• Up to three legal and/or financial consultations for all employees

• Up to three visits per year with a counselor for employees with a disability

• Up to three in-person counseling sessions as well as three legal and/or financial consultations for beneficiaries

• 24/7 telephone counseling and referral services

• Web site resources for child care and elder care databases, wellness information, wills, and power of attorney forms

Travel Assistance

• Provides emergency medical assistance, travel services, and pre-departure information for members in case a medical emergency arises

while traveling 100+ miles from home for personal or business reasons.

This insert is only one piece of your enrollment package.

Exclusions, limitations, and applicable policy numbers can be found in the enrollment brochure.

vALue-ADDeD ASSoCiATion BenefiTS

As an association member, you receive — at no additional cost — special benefits and programs designed to bring even more value to your Anthem plan.

payment of the premium by the employer constitutes acceptance and agreement of the terms detailed in the group insurance policy and certificate and as outlined above.

In Virginia: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. (serving Virginia excluding the city of Fairfax, the town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123). Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMOs, HealthKeepers, Inc., Peninsula Health Care, Inc. and Priority Health Care, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM and 360o Health are registered trademarks of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

EVASH4220A (10/08)

<Type Your Association Name Here>

This ad is only one piece of your enrollment package. Exclusions, limitations, and applicable policy numbers can be found in the enrollment brochure.

Payment of the premium by the employer constitutes acceptance and agreement of the terms detailed in the group insurance policy and certificate and as outlined above. In Virginia: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. (serving Virginia excluding the city of Fairfax, the town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123). Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield As-sociation. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affilated HMOs, HealthKeepers, Inc., Peninsula Health Care, Inc. and Priority Health Care, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM and 360° Health are registered trademarks of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.EVASH4220A (10/08)

nAMeS in THe neWS

The Peninsula Housing & Builders As-sociation honored Sharon thomas of Wayne Harbin Builder with its Cathy L. Pennock Customer Service Person of the Year Award. J.w. wallace of J.W. Wallace Construction received the Paul Bickford Jr. Award. Greg Pritchard of Pritchard & Co. Builders got the Robert C. Bunting Award. Brad Harbin of Wayne Harbin Builder won the Spike Award. The Presi-dent’s Award went to wade Garnett of Garnett Construction. Henry Singleton of Fulton Bank received a Special Recognition Award. nina efird of SunTrust Mortgage was named the Associate of the Year. This year’s new president, Katherine renn of The Kicotan Co., was named Builder of the Year.

Shenandoah Valley Builders Association named Ken Patterson, president/owner of D.K. Patterson Construction its 2008 Builder of the Year. Perry Schultz, owner of Perry’s Appliance, was selected as the Associate of the Year. David Brown with Peak Construction was selected as the Affiliate of the Year. Kate renalds with Color Solutions was selected as the 2008 Ambassador of the Year.

Augusta HBA recently donated $1,000 to Advancing Native Missions, represented by member Mike Twitchell. The donation will help build a kitchen and dining hall in the Philippines.

Gregory t. St. ours, president of the Augusta HBA and partner with Whar-ton Aldhizer & Weaver PLC, was selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America in Antitrust Law. He also re-cently received recognition as one of Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite in Construction.

HBA of Southside Virginia’s lake Coun-try Chapter, represented by President Eric Lehman, recently presented a check for $2,000 to Bluestone High School. The money will be used to help build an athletics field house. Principal Lindell Palmer accepted the check on behalf of the project.

the Peninsula Housing & Builders Association held its Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast Feb. 24 at the Omni Newport News. PHBA members f illed

st. ours

sTA

TelI

Ne

Double the honor Anthony Clatterbuck of Graystone Homes, who was named HBAV’s Builder of the Year in November, also received similar kudos at home. In December, he was named 2008 Builder Member of the Year for Piedmont Virginia Building Industry Association. Laura Newman of Newman Properties won the Associate Member of the Year. Seen here, Clatterbuck shows off the prize he received from PVBIA President Walter Cheatle Jr.

(See NAMES IN THE News on page 12)


mem

ber

ship

upd

ate

Membership payswith HBAV’s S&I Member Rebate Program

for builders and remodelersby Jim Bonnell, LUTCF, director of member benefit services

No one likes to leave money on the table. So, what if you could get a rebate for your loyalty to many of the nation’s

leading housing industry manufacturers? Well, with HBAV’s new rebate program, now you can.

The Suppliers & Installers Member Rebate Program is aimed at increasing your bottom line. For minimal effort of informing us of the products you use when you close a home or remodeling project, you will be putting money in your pocket. When you participate, you can count on receiving checks you can rely on.

Just for remaining loyal to many of the country’s leading manufacturers you already use in your homes or remodeling projects, you’ll be rewarded with cold, hard cash. Lump-sum checks for closed homes are mailed quarterly.

The profitable process relies on very little from you. You don’t have to change the way you conduct business and you don’t have to change the way you cur-rently buy. We do the paperwork, collect the money and mail you the quarterly checks directly.

You still utilize the same suppliers and continue conducting your business as usual. The only requirement for a builder or re-modeler to qualify for a rebate is that you use at least two of our manufacturers. You don’t have to align with all manufacturers on the list.

The manufacturers are rewarding loyalty with these rebates. If you are specifying the product to your subcontractors, then you are affecting the sale and, therefore, qualify for the rebate.

No receipts are necessary to process your rebate claim. We have made the rebate program as simple as possible. Instead of receipts, we use our manufacturers’ sales-people in your area to check that their products were used.

Participating manufacturers realize times are tough and want to reward builders and

bonnell

Bradford White Corp.BryantCarrierC.H.i. overhead DoorsCrane Performance

SidingDaltileDelta Faucet Co.eldorado Stone

remodelers who remain loyal. They recognize that small-to-midsize builders and remodelers make up the largest segment of the building industry. And, don’t worry if you are very small. As an HBAV member, you have the combined buying power equivalent to a top-10 builder.

To register for this rebate program, call me at (800) 734-6344 or register at www.HBAV.com VAB

everMarkHeat & GloHeatilatorHoneywell Comfort

SystemsHoneywell SecurityHoneywell Structured

WiringJacuzzi

LutronMansfieldPPG/Monarch Paint Co.Pittsburgh PaintsPorter PaintsProgress LightingTherma-Tru DoorsTimberTech FenceScapeTimberTech

Participating manufacturers:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty®

Strength and Choiceat work for you!

Contact us today at 866.701.0235 or visit www.2-10.com

for more information.

©2009 Home Buyers Warranty Corporation

2-10 HBW has warranty products forall your building projects includingLight Commercial, Remodeling,Manufactured/Modular, and Site-Built.

FREE MARKETING materials to support your sales efforts.

2-10 HBW is proud to be endorsed by HBA of Virginia

HBA of Virginia 4.875x4.875 COLOR:HBA of Virginia 4.875x4.875 COLOR 3/9/09 2:49 PM Page 1


Names in the News (continued from page 10)

Going, going, green

“Going Green” will be the focus of the third annual Universal Design Seminar from 9 a.m.

through 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the disAbility Resource Cen-ter in Fredericksburg.

Presented by the Virginia Hous-ing Development Authority and the disAbility Resource Center, the one-day seminar will focus on how green building techniques and uni-versal design can be intertwined. It is geared for people with disabilities, developers, builders, zoning officials, architects, rehabilitation specialists, and others involved in the building and designing process.

Cost to attend is $75 per person, which includes a continen-tal breakfast and box lunch. Those interested must register by April 17.

For more information, call (540) 373-2559. You can register online at www.cidrc.org. VAB

the ballroom to hear the presentation given by Van Rose of Rose and Womble Realty Corp.

Cheryl Vicari and Bar-ney eureste of Ferguson Integrated Services in New-port News recently earned the designation Certif ied Purchasing Manager from the Institute for Supply Management.

Burgess & Niple’s employ-ees Paul D. reynolds, a project engineer in the civil engineering department in Woodbridge, attained the status of Engineer-in-Training. John r. Schwartz III, a project engineer in Richmond, received his professional engineer’s license. Jesse M. warren, LEED AP, a mechanical engineer in Virginia Beach, received his professional engineer’s license. VAB

Vicari

eureste

Let’s shake on itIn February, the Home Builders Association of Virginia Educational Foundation Board of Trustees awarded two $5,000 scholarships to students enrolled in Virginia Tech’s Building Construction Program at the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. Seen here, HBAV Educational Foundation Chairman Doug Fahl congratulates Ryan Althizer (left) of Mechanicsville and Nicholas Pauley of Bland at Bishop-Favrao Hall, the new home of VT’s construction school. Both men are third-year students who plan to pursue a home-building related career in Virginia after graduation.


The Home Builders Association of Virginia wishes to express its appreciation to the following members for their generous support of the 2009 Annual Sponsorship Program:

PLATINUM2-10 Home Buyers WarrantyBIIADominion Virginia PowerHBAV Benefits GroupVirginia Housing

Development Authority

SILVERClark Whitehill

Enterprises Inc.FSK Property ManagementMid South Building

SupplyPRO-Build

BRONZEMeridian Construction

CapitalNapier Signature Homes

20

09

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AL

SP

on

So

RS

HiP

Ro

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AM

Advertisers’ index

2-10 Home Warranty ..........................11Anthem .......................................................10Building Industry Insurance Association ...........................................8Builders Insurance Group ...................inside back coverBuilders Mutual .......inside front cover Costen Floors ........................back coverDemilec USA .............................................6Dominion .....................................................2Donald A. Gardner Architects ..........5Norandex/Reynolds .................................7ScreenEze ...................................................12

For more information on any of these advertisers, visit www.hbav.com and click on the Virginia Builder button to take you to a listing with links to their Web sites.

Built to Stand the Test of Time

Introducing Builders Insurance Group to Virginia

To locate an independent insurance agent in your area, visit www.bldrs.com or call 1-800-883-9305.

Workers’ Compensation General Liability • Roofers Program

Longevity. Stability. Reliability. These are the hallmarks of Builders Insurance Group. For over 16 years, we’ve delivered competitive prices, flexible coverage and technology solutions to our partners in residential and light commercial construction throughout the Southeast. Now, we’re pleased to bring our proven products and attentive customer service to Virginia.

Longevity. Stability. Reliability. These are the hallmarks of Builders Insurance Group. For over 16 years, we’ve delivered competitive prices, flexible coverage and technology solutions to our partners in residential and light commercial construction throughout the Southeast. Now, we’re pleased to bring our proven products and attentive customer service to Virginia.


Over three generations, the Costen family has been steadfast in our commitment to

exceptional service and selection. That promise built our reputation, and our business.

Through the years, we’ve had the pleasure of being invited into thousands of Richmond

homes and businesses. Now, our doors are open to you—for ideas and inspiration in

hardwood, tile and carpet. Let us show you the possibilities.

STEP INTO OUR SHOWROOM 9840 MAYLAND DRIVE (BETWEEN GASKINS & PEMBERTON)

60 years ago, Costen Floors was founded on one belief:

“Do quality work at a fair price and the customers will come.”

And you still do.

COSTENFLOORS.COM | 804-527-2929

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