September 2005
Message from the Past President—Andy Rauwolf
Pam asked that as your Past President I write this months’ Presidents Report. It really gives me satisfaction to reflect back on where we’ve been as an organization, what we’ve been doing lately, and where we’re headed in the future.
This past summer our Home Builders Care project was a big success. Spearheaded by Chuck Dearden, Homebuilders and Associates volunteered their time and resources to build a much needed pantry for our local Salvation Army. Prior to this, food donations were stacked on the floor and volunteers had to try to sort through the chaos to prepare daily meals for the needy. Now they are well organized with three large sets of floor to ceiling shelves. A special thanks also to Calvin Bakk for the extra time he spent with Chuck getting this project mobilized.
Last month we held a planning session for our organization and laid out great plans for the coming year. An event is planned for each quarter for the next 15 months so it should be a fun year for everyone.
Our first event was a cruise to Misty Fiords. We had a great turn out with many members and guests. It was a near perfect day and the scenery was breathtaking. I’d stack it up next to Glacier Bay any day. A very special thanks to Alaska Marine Lines, AHFC and Madison Lumber for sponsoring this terrific event.
We also recently paid a visit to the wood technology center at the old pulp mill site. It was extremely interesting, and with their efforts we are getting some of our forest products reclassified for strength and durability. I’m sure this will help to open up new markets in the future and bring new jobs to our area.
As most of you know, the State Homebuilders Association awarded me the 2004 Builder of the Year Award. I just want to share my thoughts and feelings with you on this. Our organization is very blessed with extremely talented builders. Any one of you could qualify for this award and I am very proud to be associated with every one of you. This award really belongs to all of us; it is recognition for the effort, time, and money that we put forth politically.
Remember, the Alaska State Homebuilders Convention will be held in Fairbanks later this month. Several of you have plans to attend, and if anyone else wants to go please get hold of Pam right away. It will be a great chance to meet fellow builders and have a lot of fun. The State Convention will be held here next fall and plans are well underway for that as well. Please don’t pass up the chance to get involved. You’ll be glad you did.
September has come and gone, and along with it Associate Member Appreciation Month. However, it’s never too late to express your appreciation for all that our Associates do for us. We work in some of the toughest conditions on earth, with weather, terrain, and logistics all working against us. We couldn’t do it without the excellent support we get from our Associates. As an association they support us with their dues and other financial support, with trade show exhibits, sponsorships such as the Misty Fiords Cruise, and participation as members of our board, committees, and council chairs. They also bend over backwards to provide us with the highest quality of goods and services at the best possible rates. In short, we wouldn’t be in business without them. Make it your business to do business with our Associates, and while you’re at it, thank them for their unswerving loyalty and dedication to serving you and our organization as a whole.
Finally, Thom Antonivich, who is the State HBA’s National Representative, asked that you be informed that NAHB has donated $2,000,000 dollars seed money to set up a 501-C3 corporation to help member victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many of our builders in that area were completely wiped out and need our assistance in getting up and running. Much of the hurricane damage can’t be repaired until these contractors are back on their feet. These members must be capable leading in this huge, long term effort. Any contribution you can make to this fund is 100% tax deductible, and will be forever appreciated. You may contribute on line at: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?ctionID=842 or by mailing to:
National Housing Endowment
Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund
1201 15 th Street NW
Washington , DC 20005
See Pam if you have any questions or suggestions.
Have a happy and prosperous fall and winter season.
May God Bless You All in All You Do
Andy Rauwolf, Past President |
