PBA Benefits Guide

Pennsylvania Builders association

600 N. 12th St. • Lemoyne, PA 17043Phone: 717-730-4380 or 800-692-7339 Visit us online at www.PaBuilders.org

Benefits guide

Benefit: Legislative and regulatory initiatives PBA’s government affairs division is constantly on guard, protecting the homebuilding industry from misguided legislation and overbearing regulations. Past successes include preventing increases to the Realty Transfer Tax, keeping impact fees in check and speaking out for members on issues like contractor registration. Other big wins for PBA include passage of legislation establishing a statewide building code, bills authorizing funding for the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure, and a state law to deter criminals from the theft of scrap metal at job sites. The result is a better business environment for homebuilders and remodelers in Pennsylvania. Contact: Lou Biacchi at 800-692-7339, ext. 3018, or [email protected]

Benefit: Networking opportunities Most members tell us that networking is the main reason they join PBA. Networking provides opportunities to gain new business and to solve problems with peers facing the same challenges. PBA offers numerous opportunities to network: Meet the Builder, fundraisers, board meetings, regional meetings, involvement on committees and task forces, and more.Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Competitive marketing advantageYour PBA membership entitles you to use the PBA logo, right along with your local association logo and the NAHB logo, on all your marketing materials, business cards, web site, etc. That gives your company a distinct advantage over your competition. When consumers see the PBA logo, they know you’re a builder with access to statewide programs to improve your homebuilding skills and business performance.Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Member Rebate ProgramThis program provides a rebate to contractors for using products from certain suppliers in the homes they build, renovate or remodel. It’s easy to participate, there isn’t a lot of paperwork, and once you register you’ll start receiving quarterly rebate checks. All you have to do is continue using many of the suppliers with which you already work, like Pittsburgh Paints, Heat & Glo, Delta and others.Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: PA One-CallWhen builders use the PA One-Call service before they dig for the first time each year, they normally pay a $50 fee. But as a PBA member, we cover that cost for you. When your local association’s executive officer sends us your PA One-Call invoice, PBA takes care of it – and you save that $50.Contact: Rob Milne at 800-692-7339, ext. 3015, or [email protected]

Benefit: Keystone Builder magazineIn PBA surveys, our members tell us this is the most valuable communications service they receive from PBA. Most members, at a minimum, skim it from cover-to-cover. And it’s not unusual for it to be passed around to other members of the company. Keystone Builder is one of the few publications in Pennsylvania that focuses solely on housing issues.Contact: Eric Wise at 800-692-7339, ext. 3003, or [email protected]

PBa is here to help you make the most of your membership. With a myriad of benefits that help productivity, cut business expenses and educate you on new laws, trends and technology, your membership includes benefits that often cover the cost of your annual dues. this guide is designed to walk you through all the benefits available to you. take a few minutes and skim these pages to discover the opportunities that await you as a valued member of the Pennsylvania Builders association.

All your benefits, in one handy guide.

A sampling of NAHB benefits includes: Year-round discounts from top, national companies including GM, FedEx, Office Depot, Hertz, Paychex, Omaha Steaks, FTD and more Access to online e-newsletters, including: Business of Building e/Source, Eye on the Economy, Monday Morning Briefing, Nation’s Building News and more Complimentary subscription to NAHB’s member magazine, Builder Magazine 20 percent discount on products from BuilderBooks.com Access to valuable legal advice, technical assistance and individual consultation with any of NAHB’s staff experts on more than 500 industry subjects Specific professional designation programs, including Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Green Professional Take advantage of books, educational materials, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and workshops from NAHB to keep your competitive edge Sponsorship and advertising opportunities that provide exposure for your company to targeted audiences Access to a mailing list from NAHB at member-discounted prices

Don’t forget your local benefits!Some of the best benefits of being a member are available directly through your local association. Only your local can provide monthly networking events in your community, exclusive sponsorship oppor-tunities and much more. Pick up the phone and call your local now to find out all the benefits available to you!

Benefit: 24-hour access to PBA’s online home, www.PaBuilders.orgMany of the programs listed in this benefits guide are available to members around-the-clock at www.PaBuilders.org. Popular sections of the web site include: monthly county building permit data, the PBA newsroom, and links to PBA-endorsed programs like health insurance and workers’ comp. The web site also is a terrific place to track PBA’s legislative campaigns, listen to educational seminars and get contact information for the PBA staff. Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Meet the BuilderPBA’s annual Meet the Builder event is like “speed dating” for builder and associate members. Participating builders sit at tables in a trade show setting while associate members get three minutes each to tell builders about their products and services. Every three minutes a horn sounds and the associates move to the next builder. By the end of the evening, builders get competitive bids from potential suppliers and get to meet with potential new subs, while associates get strong business leads. This is one of PBA’s most popular events every year. Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Member customer serviceWhenever you want help from PBA, but you just don’t know where to turn, call and ask for someone with Association Member Services. They are knowledgeable about all PBA programs and their main responsibility is to provide you with prompt and courteous service.Contact: Arlene Miller, CAE at 800-692-7339, ext. 3020, or [email protected]

Benefit: Daily housing industry news clips Every weekday, PBA can deliver the top 10 housing stories of the day in Pennsylvania right to your e-mail inbox. That critical information can give you a jump on your competitors. For instance, if you’re an associate member, daily news clips can show you where building activity is happening around the state so you can target your sales calls. Contact PBA today to start receiving this valuable news service.Contact: Eric Wise at 800-692-7339, ext. 3003, or [email protected]

Benefit: Green buildingNew home customers across the state are asking about green building. PBA has endorsed the NAHB Green program and the Green Communities Alliance as our preferred green certification programs. Both these programs can provide you a wealth of information about green building techniques, verification and the certification process. Contact: For the NAHB Green Building Program call 877-624-2476 or visit www.NAHBgreen.org. You can reach Green Communities Alliance at www.greencommunitesalliance.org or call Chris Alleman at 717-368-6653. For PBA’s in-house certified green professional, contact Jerry Leach at 800-692-7339, ext. 3012, or [email protected]

Benefit: Educational seminarsYour PBA membership entitles you to seminars on more than 50 professional development topics about subjects like: how to make your business stand out, using public speaking to grow your business, how to sell to builders, computer basics, creating a company web site, and lots more. A list of all these seminars is available by simply calling PBA. There is no cost to members for these seminars. Talk to your local executive officer if you’d like to have a PBA speaker make a presentation at your local. Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Industry Action FundYour dues from PBA include an annual $10 assessment that is used to fight statewide housing issues, most commonly in the courtroom. Local builders associations are able to present issues they would like to have supported by the Industry Action Fund, and members vote on the projects deemed worthy of financial support. The fund has been used to fight against government-mandated fire sprinklers, for instance, and against unfair DEP regulations. It’s likely your local has supported an issue that has received IAF financial support.Contact: Jill Pento at 800-692-7339, ext. 3028, or [email protected]

as a PBa member, don’t forget you are entitled to even more benefits from your local builders association and the national association of Home Builders. From cash rebates on the purchase of a new truck to exclusive networking opportunities, your local and naHB offer benefits tailored for you. to learn more, contact your local builders association and visit www.naHB.org.

And that isn’t all.

Up-to-date industry news: All day. Every day. PaBuilders.org is your home for the latest in housing industry and association news, plus your go-to place to get the latest on your membership benefits. Accessible all day, every day, PaBuilders.org has all you need to keep your business pointed toward the future. From scroll-ing housing industry news from around the county to the latest in legislation that might affect Pennsylvania homebuilders, PBA’s web site is an essential part of your association membership.

Benefit: Sponsorship opportunitiesIf your company wants to reach Pennsylvania homebuilders and remodelers about an innovative product or service, PBA sponsorships provide targeted marketing that make the most of your promotional dollars. For instance, consider becoming a PBA Premier Partner and, in exchange, get special rates on packages offering customizable exposure. Sponsorship of single PBA events also is available.Contact: Bill Lapitsky at 800-692-7339, ext. 3030, or [email protected]

Benefit: Competitive workers’ compensation program E.K. McConkey and Company is PBA’s endorsed workers’ comp provider, and they offer an excellent program with competitive rates. Call today for a quote.Contact: Tisha O’Donnell at 800-864-4849, ext. 3153, or [email protected]. You also can contact your local builders association.

Benefit: Competitive health insurance program PBA’s endorsed health insurance provider – Builders Benefits – provides our members with a competitive option for their companies’ health insurance needs. Call them for a quote today.Contact: Builders Benefits Service Center at 888-221-2550 or [email protected]. You also can contact your local builders association.

Benefit: Aflac medical and disability insuranceThe beauty of Aflac programs is that they don’t cost you – the employer – a penny. But they make you a winner with your employees because they’re excellent programs and they use pre-tax dollars from your employees’ paychecks – reducing their tax exposure. Aflac benefits your workers, and its programs make your company more attractive as a place of employment.Contact: Jason Ferger at 717-764-9998, or [email protected]

Benefit: PHRC seminar discountsThe faculty at the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center on the Penn State campus conducts important research that supports innovation in our state’s housing industry. They also provide professional development seminars throughout the year. PBA members get a discount for seminars offered by PHRC – usually a $30-$40 savings for each seminar you attend. You’ll also save $120 to attend PHRC’s annual Housing and Land Development Conference.Contact: PHRC at 814-865-2341 or visit www.engr.psu.edu/phrc/default.htm. You also can contact Jerry Leach at 800-692-7339, ext. 3012, or [email protected]

Benefit: PBA Associates CouncilThe PBA Associates Council gives our associate members a place to ask questions specific to their interests and needs. It provides a forum where associates can gather important career and business advice. The council also promotes educational opportunities for associates that can make them more attractive to builders as business partners. Since associates make up two-thirds of PBA’s membership, the council plays a critical role by giving associate members a venue through which they can help shape PBA’s strategic direction.Contact: Rob Milne at 800-692-7339, ext. 3015, or [email protected]

Benefit: Skilled work force for the homebuilding tradesPBA is working with career and technology schools around the state to certify their various homebuilding courses. Programs that gain an endorsement demonstrate they meet NAHB educational skills standards for residential construction. Graduating students who complete a PBA-endorsed program are tested by the National Occupancy Competency Testing Institute on their skills in programs such as carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry and others. A complete list of certificate recipients is available on PBA’s web site, www.PaBuilders.org. Contact: Arlene Miller, CAE at 800-692-7339, ext. 3020, or [email protected]

Benefit: ‘Listen & Learn’ educational seriesEvery year, PBA produces educational seminars conveniently available 24/7 on the PBA web site. Some topics in last year’s series included: advice on structural framing of a house, an energy efficiency update and FHA financing tools that can increase your new home sales. Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: TradeSecrets e-newsletterPBA’s bi-weekly electronic newsletter called “TradeSecrets” keeps you up-to-date on the latest breaking housing stories in Pennsylvania. TradeSecrets is delivered conveniently to your e-mail inbox every other Friday. If you aren’t getting TradeSecrets, call to request it today.Contact: Eric Wise at 800-692-7339, ext. 3003, or [email protected]

Benefit: Housing industry op-edsOne of the tools PBA uses to help shape public debate in Harrisburg is op-ed columns written every month the legislature is in session, which is about eight months a year. These opinion columns are then published in newspapers around the state, ensuring PBA has a voice in the public debate on housing issues.Contact: Eric Wise at 800-692-7339, ext. 3003, or [email protected]

Benefit: Access to building codes specialist Have you ever had a Uniform Construction Code question and didn’t know where to find the answer? Are you having problems with a municipality about permitting or inspection issues? PBA has a UCC specialist available to you at all times to help with your UCC questions and concerns.Contact: Jerry Leach at 800-692-7339, ext. 3012, or [email protected]

Benefit: Access to regulatory specialistPBA has a regulatory specialist available to answer any of your questions about government regulation of the homebuilding industry. This includes issues like stormwater management, sewage regulation and alternative energy programs, for instance. Contact: Grant Gulibon at 800-692-7339, ext. 3013, or [email protected]

Benefit: Access to technology specialistHave you ever needed help with a problem on your computer? How about the Internet? Or what about advice on your company’s phone service? PBA’s technology specialist can help you with these and other technology-related questions. Contact: Rob Milne at 800-692-7339, ext. 3015, or [email protected]

Benefit: Access to public relations specialistPBA’s public relations director is available to help you prepare for media interviews or public speaking opportunities. Advice also is available on your company’s marketing plan. One-on-one consultation is provided, or seminars for any size group.Contact: Scott Elliott at 800-692-7339, ext. 3010, or [email protected]

Benefit: Staples office supply discountsPBA members can get discounts on office supplies thanks to our partnership with Staples, which is the leading office products distributor in North America. We’ve teamed up to bring you savings of 10 to 15 percent on office supplies. Our partnership with Staples allows members to shop for more than 100,000 products, compared with 30,000 products available through Staples retail stores and online. Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Builders Gala awards and statewide business exposureEvery year, PBA presents 10 to 15 awards in such categories as Developer of the Year, Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year and others. These prestigious awards honor the best work by homebuilders, associate members and local homebuilder associations across the state. Plus they bring positive media recognition for the award-winning companies and for the state’s homebuilding industry. Winners are provided press releases to promote their achievement.Contact: Chris Anderson at 800-692-7339, ext. 3011, or [email protected]

Benefit: Comfort Home programIf you’re a builder, PBA’s Comfort Home program provides a powerful marketing tool to demonstrate to customers the energy efficiency of the homes you build. That can help you sell more homes by giving you a clear advantage over your competitors.Contact: Comfort Home at 800-367-7223, or e-mail Ed Carr at [email protected]

PBA Benefits Guide

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