Parade Arrows Must Be Removed
In keeping with ordinances in many municipalities, the HBA is asking all builders on the Parade of Homes to remove signs and arrows from public streets and right-of-ways. Cities have already contacted the HBA staff to ask for their removal, so the association is urging all builders and sales agents to take down their arrows in keeping goodwill with local officials. This is especially important as many local municipalities make special allowances from their sign ordinances so that members can promote their Tour and Parade homes.

HOME SHOW - Fall Edition Just Weeks Away
They say that few things in life are free, but luckily for Kansas City consumers, this year's HOME SHOW - Fall Edition is just that! Exhibitors in the show will benefit from consumers excited to take advantage of the metro's premier home show at no cost. HBA members can take advantage of a 10 percent discount when they take part in the three-day event, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, at Bartle Hall. This year show offers such special features as the NARI Neighborhood, Green Living Aisle and the Interior Design Gallery. For more information, visit the HOME SHOW - Fall Edition online or contact Vicki Lang at (816) 733-2214.

HBA to Offer Certified Sales Professional Class
With an increasing focus on the return to the basics of selling, many industry professionals have struggled with how to do business in today's housing market. The Certified Sales Professional designation from the National Association of Home Builders is designed to give those builders, developers and sales specialists a broad understanding of the home-building business, its customers and the entire sales process from greeting to close. The HBA will offer the complete three-day series on Nov. 5-7. Additional details and registration are available online. For more information, contact Lonny Cohen at (816) 733-2221.

GA at the HBA
Johnson County WaterOne has proposed a 9.8 percent increase in system development charges that would become effective Jan. 1. The new fee structure would amount to a $414 increase per connection on a 5/8-inch meter. WaterOne's board will consider the issue at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at their offices (10747 Renner Blvd., Lenexa). The HBA will testify at the meeting and request a delay on the increase until the market improves. For more information, contact Phil Perry at (816) 733-2235.

Olathe will hold a development forum at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at City Hall. Topics to be discussed include an update to the city's comprehensive plan, the planning and permit application process and plans for the city's housing summit in November. For more information, contact Phil Perry at (816) 733-2235.

With elections less than four weeks away, voters on both sides of the state line are preparing for these crucial races. Kansas voters have until Oct. 20 to register to take part in the Nov. 4 election. Advanced in-person voting begins in the state on Oct. 22 with advance ballots available Oct. 15. Voters in Missouri are now past the registration deadline but can now vote via absentee ballot if needed. Find out which candidates have received support from one or more of the HBA's PACs, or for more information, contact Steven Cowen at (816) 733-2237.

What's Coming Up at the HBA
Save the date! The HBA will celebrate incoming President Brad True at the Inaugural Gala on Thursday, December 11 at the Sheraton Overland Park. Watch future issues of This Week at the HBA for further details closer to the event.

Ballots for the 2009 Board of Director elections will be mailed next week. All paper ballots must be returned to the HBA via fax, mail or in person by Friday, October 31. The HBA will also offer an online voting option, so watch your inbox for more information soon.

Rooms with the HBA block for the International Builders' Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort will be open until Oct. 17. Early bird registration will be open online until Nov. 7. For more information, contact Tammy Fiscus at (816) 733-2227.

Noted national speaker Tom Richey will come to the HBA Oct. 29 to give members insight into 25 of the hottest secrets for successful selling in today's business environment. Well known for his motivational stints at the International Builders' Show, Richey has a proven track record helping people learn strategies for survival. Register online for the class, or for more information, contact Lonny Cohen at (816) 733-2221.

Builders, Realtors and Associates should make plans to join the Missouri South Council on Oct. 30 for a frank discussion on building in today's credit crunch. Three financial experts from James B. Nutter will address the shifting policy landscape of the lending and new-home markets. The meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. at Garozzo's in Lee's Summit. Reservations for Missouri South will be open until Oct. 28 for $17. Cost will be $25 the day of the event. For more information, contact Tammy Fiscus at (816) 733-2227.