HBA Installs John Bissett As 2013 President

The Housing & Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs continued its 61-year tradition of electing high profile, industry leaders to represent the most influential Association in the Colorado Springs region.  The HBA represents more than 460 member companies and some 10,000 +/- citizens in the region; membership in the HBA is diverse and covers all areas of the home & commercial building industry, including landscaping, home products, banking, contractor trades, architects and building supplies, as well as builders and developers.

John Bissett with JM Weston Homes was installed as the 2013 HBA President at the HBA Annual Membership Reception, held Wednesday, November 14 at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.  2012 HBA President John A. Cassiani with RealTech Development moved into the position of Immediate Past President, and Joe Loidolt with Classic Homes was installed as the HBA President Elect.   Newly elected board members were:  Mark Bussone, Vantage Homes; Heath Herber, Westerra Development; Josh Peterson, Saddletree Homes; Vince Shoemaker, Bryan Construction; Dylan Fischer, Ferguson Enterprises; and John Radcliffe, Independent Civil Engineer.

Also honored were the volunteer “Chairs” of more than 14 different Committees and Councils that carry out the mission of the Housing & Building Association.  These volunteers give hundreds of hours each year to support the building industry.  Ralph Braden, Nor’wood Limited – Chair of the Political Action Committee; Mark Bussone, Vantage Homes – Chair of the Code Review; Jerry Costanzo, G.L. Costanzo & Assoc. – Chair of the Sales & Marketing Council; Mike Finkbiner, Robbins Roofing Specialists – Co-Chair of the PAC Golf; Marc Towne & Mark Fuerstenberger, Classic Homes – Co-Chairs of the 2Man Scramble Golf; George Hess, Vantage Homes – Co-Chair of the PAC Golf; Bobby Ingels, Nor’wood Limited – Chair of the Public Policy; Brad Kreikemeier, Bank of Colorado – Chair of the Finance Committee; Nathan Liljestrand, Custom Creations – Chair of the Remodelers Council; Matt Manzione, Mountaintop Custom Homes – Chair of the Jobsite Safety; Tim McConnell, Drexel, Barrell & Company – Chair of the Fountain Committee and Tri-Lakes Committee; John Radcliffe,  Independent Civil Engineer – Chair of the Utilities Committee; Tim Seibert,  Principle of N.E.S. Inc. – Chair of the Land Use; Jason Weber, Weber Construction – Chair of the Parade of Homes; and Dawn White, Keller Williams Partners Realty – Chair of the Member Services Council.

Achievements such as these are great testimonials to the housing and building industry, both in our local community, as well as at the national level.  We all benefit from those whose time, loyalty, and leadership are so graciously and willingly given in an effort to accomplish HBA’s mission of keeping housing affordable.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

HBA’s Renee Zentz is 2012 Athena Award winner

Renee Zentz, CEO of the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs and former general manager of the Norris Penrose Event Center, was honored Wednesday as the 2012 Athena Award recipient at the 19th Annual Women in Business Conference.

Zentz was recognized during a Broadmoor hotel luncheon attended by several hundred people; the annual Women in Business Conference was sponsored by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and several other groups.

The Athena Award recognizes an individual who has mentored women and helped them reach their potential in business, and who has achieved business success and performed superior community service. Zentz was one of five finalists for the award, who were chosen from among 13 nominees.

The award was presented to Zentz by Emily Fowler, daughter of 2010 Athena Award recipient Cindy Fowler; Cindy Fowler died from breast cancer in February and was remembered at Wednesday’s event.

“Renee pursues advancement and betterment of the Colorado Springs community with a heart to put community and others above self,” Emily Fowler said in prepared remarks. “During times of both prosperity and difficulty, Renee has maintained a financially strong organization as the CEO of the Colorado Springs Housing and Building Association. As the former general manager of the Norris Penrose Event Center, Renee was instrumental in preserving the regional history of our western culture.”

Zentz was also recognized for her work in helping to establish HBA Cares, a nonprofit program that provides temporary housing for financially distressed families in the Pikes Peak region while their family members are hospitalized. She also worked to help develop the Freedom Financial Services Expo Center, an events center along North Nevada Avenue that was created as part of a partnership with the HBA and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
 
In addition to the Chamber & EDC, the event was sponsored by The Gazette, U.S. Bank, Red Noland Autogroup, KOAA 5, the University of the Rockies, Pinnacol Assurance, Kaiser Permanente, USAA, Oracle America, Webster University and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Women in Business.

The other four finalists were Camille Blakely, partner and president of Blakely + Co., a marketing and advertising firm; Michelle Blessing, a real estate agent with ERA Shields Real Estate; Dee Vazquez Sabol, community engagement and outreach officer with the Pikes Peak Library District; and Anne Wamser of the Eastern Colorado Bank’s business development office.

Story by Rich Laden at the Gazette

rich.laden@gazette.com

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/zentz-136244-conference-business.html#ixzz1r6fSMN7N

Susan Bragg Named Member Services Coordinator for the HBA

The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs welcomes Susan Bragg as the Member Services Coordinator.  She will be responsible for membership, membership events, communications as well as sponsorships and advertising needs of the public events.

Bragg is originally from Kansas, graduating from the University of Kansas and has spent 15 years in Sales & Marketing & 5 years in the Non-Profit world.

She enjoys mountain biking, the more challenging the trail the better!   And growing heirloom tomatoes, it’s a family tradition that was handed down by her grandfather. 

Susan can be reached at 719-592-1800, ext 11 or email susan@cshba.com.

The Housing & Building Association Recognizes Outstanding Members Of The Association

The Housing & Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs awarded Jason Weber with Weber Construction the “Associate Member of the Year”, Ron Holladay with Holladay Bros. Construction. with the “Remodeler Member of the Year”, Kyle Campbell with Classic Homes the “Builder Member of the Year”, and Scott Mikulecky with Sherman & Howard  the “Industry Person of the Year”, at its Annual Awards Reception on Wednesday, February 1 at the Antlers Hilton.  The Reception was resided over by John Cassiani, the 2012 President of the HBA and included many local elected officials and over 100 HBA members.  These Awards recognize Members for their distinguished service to the HBA, the building industry, and the community. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Below are a few words about the awards and each of the recipients:

Associate Member of the Year

          It takes many member companies from all areas of our industry to make our Association the strong force within the community. Many of these companies are Associate Members who are constantly at the forefront of HBA activities – serving on committees, organizing events, lending their expertise to industry issues, and recruiting and retaining members for our organization.

The 2011 Associate Member of the Year, Jason Weber, President of Weber Construction is Chair of the Parade of Homes Committee and the Texas Hold’em networking events.  He serves on the Code Review Committee, the Sales & Marketing Council, Member Services Council, the Remodelers Council and the CSHBA Board of Directors. Along with his wife Carolyn, they attend as many events as we can.   Jason is working toward his Certified Graduate Remodeler designation.  Jason also serves on the School Accountability Committees at Falcon Middle School and Woodman Hills Elementary.

Remodeler Member of the Year

          This is the fourth year HBA has recognized members of the Association who are in the remodeling industry who contribute their time and resources to the betterment of the building and remodeling industry and the Association. 

Ron Holladay, President of Holladay Bros. Construction consistently demonstrated excellence and integrity both personally and professionally in his commitment to Holladay Brothers Construction, Inc and to the industry.  He consults with property management companies regarding remodeling, construction and maintenance at various housing communities throughout the Pikes Peak Region, and is a consultant to insurance industry on property damage issues

Builder Member of the Year

          The Builder Member of the Year is presented to a member who has made consistent contributions toward the betterment of the housing industry and the association.  The award is given for significant accomplishment during the past year. 

Kyle Campbell with Classic Homes and Classic Consulting brought unique qualities, insights and expertise to all areas of the HBA last year.  As a Member, Kyle Campbell was at the forefront of issues dealing with public policy including streamlining the review process at the City, the transfer of Financial Assurance Requirement to Builders, Drainage Basin Fee Program Proposal,  Ground water Quality Study, Stormwater Management Assessment and Standards Development, County Road Impact Fee and the Barriers to Business just to name a few.

Industry Person of the Year

          The Industry Person of the Year Award is presented to a member who has made consistent contributions toward the betterment of the housing industry and the association.  The award is given for significant accomplishment over a prolonged period of time. 

Scott Mikulecky, Member of Sherman & Howard, has served on the CSHBA Board of Directors and been our legal advisor on the Executive Team for 9 years.  2011 was a busy year and many of the accomplishments would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteer hours Scott contributed.  Scott drafted and redrafted the partnership agreement with UCCS, the Promoter Use Agreement, and the Vendor Use Agreements for the Freedom Financials Services Expo Center.  He was also instrumental in the creation of Accurate Lead Paint Testing, LLC as well as day to day contracts and general legal advice needed to run a large & diverse trade association.

William Mutch named Government Affairs/Public Policy Director

Today, the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs is pleased to announce the addition of veteran government relations executive William Mutch as the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy.

Mutch brings over fifteen years of government relations and political experience to the position.  His background includes government relations work with the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Denver as well as previously holding the Government Relations position with the Colorado Association of Home Builders.

William’s career has ranged from handling legislative issues for Colorado Senate President John Andrews, managing press and communications for former Colorado Congressman Bob Schaffer, as well as campaign and District Director responsibilities for former Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo.

Mutch was also the Executive Director for the pro-business association Colorado Concern for three years, before moving into finance and working in public finance investment banking for Piper Jaffray, and also held a financial position with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Montana, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the School of Business and Public Management at the George Washington University.

“We are extremely excited to have William joining our team.  His background and experience will, without question, elevate the HBA’s already effective regulatory, political, and policy section.  The extensive search to find the right person has been well worth the journey.  We have found an enthusiastic and effective advocate for our members whose primary mission is to provide the dream of home ownership in the Colorado Springs community!”  said Renee Zentz, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs.

HBA Installs 2012 President

The Housing & Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs continued its 60-year tradition of electing high profile, industry leaders to represent the most influential Association in the Colorado Springs region.  The HBA represents more than 440 member companies; membership in the HBA is diverse and covers all areas of the home building industry, including landscaping, home products, and building supplies, as well as builders and developers.  

John Cassiani with Banning Lewis Ranch was installed as the 2012 HBA President at the HBA Annual Board Election Dinner, held Wednesday, November 12 at the Freedom Financial Services Expo Center.  2011 HBA President Kyle Campbell with Classic Homes moved into the position of Immediate Past President, and John Bissett with JM Weston Homes was installed as the HBA President Elect.   Newly elected board members were:  Greg Barbuto, Banning Lewis Ranch; Mike Fenton, Century Communities; Michelle Grove-Reiland, High Country Homes; Mark Long, Vanguard Homes; Carrie Bartow, Clifton Gunderson and Gary Markle, Central Bancorp. 

Cassiani said it was an honor to have Mayor Steve Bach – the 1984 President of the HBA – install him as President of the Association.  Their relationship goes back more than 27 years when they both worked together on industry issues.

Scott Smith with YJ Smith; Bud Bandfield with Budco Electric; Mike DeGrant with Lowell Development Partners; Randy Slaybaugh with Land Title; Kevin Walker with Walker Strategies and Scott Hente with Robert Scott General Contractors were recognized for their past service on the HBA Board of Directors.  Also honored were the volunteer “Chairs” of more than 14 different committees and Councils that carry out the mission of the Housing & Building Association.  These volunteers give hundreds of hours each year to support the building industry.  A special thank you to the following individuals who have served as Chair of their Committee or Council and will no be turning over the duties to their co-chair.  Bud Bandfield, Budco Electric – Chair of the Remodelers Council; Mike DeGrant, Lowell Development – Chair of the Land Use Committee; Scott Smith, YJ Smith – Chair of the Political Action Committee; Josh Peterson, Saddletree Homes – Chair of the Code Review Committee; Cathy Tessin, Classic Consulting Engineers & Surveyors – Chair of the Utilities Committee and Bob van Maarth, Todays Homes – Chair of the Jobsite Safety Committee.  

Achievements such as these are great testimonials to the housing and building industry, both in our local community, as well as at the national level.  We all benefit from those whose time, loyalty, and leadership are so graciously and willingly given.

Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs Forges Partnership with UCCS for Expo Space

The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs announced yesterday (Feb. 22) that its Board of Directors will enter into a contract with the Regents of the University of Colorado to operate the North Nevada Expo Center in a portion of the 3650 North Nevada Ave. property owned and operated by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

“We are very excited that UCCS was open to the industry’s idea and suggestion that a portion of the building could be transformed to meet the expo needs of the community including the HBA Home & Garden Show and other shows displaced by the closing of Phil Long Expo Center” Kyle Campbell, 2011 President of the HBA, said.

HBA will enter into a five-year contract with UCCS.  Under the contract terms, HBA will manage and market the North Nevada Expo Center.  The contract also provides an option for a five-year renewal.

At its regular meeting Tuesday in Boulder, the CU Board of Regents approved UCCS using a $3 million loan from the CU Treasury to fund the renovation and upgrade of 60,000 square feet of the building on North Nevada Avenue.  The 128,000 square-foot building was part of a partial sale and gift to the CU Foundation in 2006 and has been used by UCCS primarily for storage since its acquisition.

Renee Zentz, Executive Vice President of the HBA estimates the new location will be ready for shows by Oct.1, 2011.  She adds “The community needs quality long term expo space.  This partnership will fill that need for many local and regional entities and allow us to continue to support our membership by producing the largest, longest running Home & Garden Show in Southern Colorado!”  She also added that the location, parking, and access are excellent,  the bonus to the community is how this represents another milestone in revitalizing the North Nevada corridor near UCCS.

“We are pleased that one of the strongest non-profit organizations in the city, the HBA, will be managing the North Nevada Expo Center in providing our community with a permanent location for shows and exhibits that were previously held at the Phil Long Center,” Brian Burnett, vice chancellor, Administration and Finance, UCCS, said.

The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs was established in 1950 and represents hundreds of small and large businesses in the residential and commercial building industry.  With over 500 member companies representing literally thousands of citizens in El Paso County, the HBA Board of Directors has a sincere interest to create and support community partnerships.

UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation.  The University offers 36 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s, and five doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 9,000 students annually.

Contact:

• Kyle Campbell, HBA President, hbapresident@cshba.com, (719) 785-0790
• Renee Zentz – HBA Executive Vice President, renee@cshba.com.  719-592-1800, ext 15

The Housing & Building Association Recognizes Outstanding Members Of The Association

The Housing & Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs awarded Brent McPherson with Land Title Guarantee Co. the “Associate Member of the Year”, Mark Witte with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. with the “Remodeler Member of the Year”, Greg Ralphe with Classic Homes the “Builder Member of the Year”, and Randy Case II with Case International Company the “Industry Person of the Year”, at its Annual Awards Program on Thursday, February 3 at the Antlers Hilton.  These Awards recognize Members for their distinguished service to the HBA, the building industry, and the community.

Below are a few words about the awards and each of the recipients:

Associate Member of the Year

It takes many member companies from all areas of our industry to make our Association the strong force within the community. Many of these companies are Associate Members who are constantly at the forefront of HBA activities – serving on committees, organizing events, lending their expertise to industry issues, and recruiting and retaining members for our organization.

The 2010 Associate Member of the Year, Brent McPherson, is Chair of the Sales & Marketing Council, represents the Council on the Board of Directors and is a strong advocate for the HBA in the community.  Since becoming a member more six years ago, Brent has been a fixture at the HBA and its events.  Brent also serves on many committees with the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors and as the Cub Master of his son’s Cub Scout Pack.

Nominees also included Greg Gandy of BiggsKofford, P.C. and Amy Cox with EON Office Products.

Remodeler Member of the Year

This is the third year HBA has recognized members of the Association who are in the remodeling industry who contribute their time and resources to the betterment of the building and remodeling industry and the Association.

Mark Witte with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a long-time member of the Association and well respected among his peers.  Mark is known for his ability to rally his team of remodelers to insure that our association is represented well in our community.    For the last three years, Mark served as Chair of the Remodeled Homes Tour and has been instrumental in its success.   He has taught many seminars on remodeling both locally and in the region.  In the community, Mark is on the Planning Committee for the Rocky Mountain Catholic Men’s Conference, is an officer of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.

Nominees also included Paul Finch of Holladay Bros. Construction and Ken & Nick Starkey of PineCrest Construction.

Builder Member of the Year

The Builder Member of the Year is presented to a member who has made consistent contributions toward the betterment of the housing industry and the association.  The award is given for significant accomplishment during the past year.

Greg Ralphe of Classic Homes is a strong voice on the HBA Code Review committee.  Greg was instrumental during the Review of the 2009 International Code Series, while he worked closely with Regional Building Department, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and the Tri-Lakes Fire Department to craft well reasoned Codes.

Nominees also included John Bissett of JM Weston Homes and Mark Long of Vanguard Homes.

Industry Person of the Year

The Industry Person of the Year Award is presented to a member who has made consistent contributions toward the betterment of the housing industry and the association.  The award is given for significant accomplishment over a prolonged period of time.

Randy Case II of Case International is a founding member of the HBA Public Policy Council; has given testimony for industry related activities at local, state and national hearings; is a former member of the HBA Political Action Committee and has participated in interviews and advocacy with candidates for Elected Office and existing Elected Officials; is a founding member of the El Paso County Endangered Species Habitat Conservation Planning team where he assisted El Paso County/City of Colorado Springs in creating a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse.  He is also a member of numerous prominent organizations in El Paso County.

Nominees for the Industry Person of the Year also included Scott Bryan of Bryan Construction and Scott Mikulecky of Sherman & Howard.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.