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Builders Outlook
Issue 10 2011 Building El Pasos tomorrow today

Balanced approach needed to dispose of foreclosures

From NAHB The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) urged the Administration and Congress to take a balanced approach in disposing of the large inventory of real estate owned (REO) properties held by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration to avoid further disruptions to pricing and markets and to limit further losses to the two government sponsored enterprises and the FHA. Testifying before the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development on new ideas to address the glut of foreclosed properties, NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev., said that Fannie, Freddie and the FHA should avoid bulk sales to large investors that have no stake in the neighborhoods in which these properties are located. "Local and small businesses that have a stake in the future of the affected communities should be the driving force behind the disposition of the REO inventory. This will result in the creation of jobs and the stabilization of neighborhoods," said Nielsen. NAHB also urged Congress to extend the current conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHA, which are due to be lowered on Oct. 1. "This is not a time to reduce loan limits as the lower limits will exclude many homes and home buyers from FHA and Fannie and Freddie loan programs, particularly in areas like California where there is substantial foreclosure inventory," said Nielsen. Given that many potential buyers who

lack sterling credit are unable to take advantage of today's record-low mortgage rates, Nielsen said that mortgage financing terms for home buyers need to be more reasonable than the overly restrictive standards that are currently in place. In addition, NAHB urged the regulators to allow modifications to a number of existing federal housing programs, particularly altering rules that restrict or

prohibit for-profit investors, in order to effectively reduce foreclosures. "With the scale of the problem so large, it is necessary to deploy all resources in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors," he said. To further help reduce excess inventory, NAHB also offered suggestions for a new investment fund and lease-purchase program.

"We support the goals to maximize value for taxpayers and increase private investment in the housing market," said Nielsen. "Stabilizing home values will improve the balance sheets of financial institutions and will reassure home owners that their biggest asset will retain its value."

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429

Builders call on congress to extend loan limit

This would exacerbate the current housing downturn, trigger more foreclosures, impede job growth and endanger the fragile economic recovery. As a result, NAHB is engaged in a major grassroots push and association members are being urged to contact their members of Congress and seek their support for immediate efforts to extend the current loan limits. If Congress fails to act, the loan limits will revert to the lower levels for high-cost areas established under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The national ceiling for mortgages securitized by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or insured by the FHA, would drop from $729,750 to $625,500 and the formula for establishing area loan limits would become more restrictive, producing decreases for areas in addition to those currently bound by the national ceiling. Loan limits are based on a percentage of median area home prices. A recent NAHB study found that if the limits are allowed to revert to 2008 levels, millions of homes would no longer be eligible for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA funding and would have to be financed with mortgages requiring higher interest rates, fees and down payments and more stringent credit standards. While the changes would affect only a minority of counties in the nation, those areas represent large concentrations of homes and population. The counties affected by the changes in the FHA limits contain nearly 60 percent of all owneroccupied homes; the counties affected by the Fannie-Freddie changes contain nearly 30 percent of all owner-occupied homes. Bipartisan legislation to extend the current federal home loan guarantees is pending in both chambers of Congress, but with the Oct. 1 deadline looming, time is running short. Credit conditions for home builders and home buyers are already extremely tight, said Nielsen. Reducing the loan limits would further restrict overall mortgage liquidity and make it even more difficult for potential buyers to purchase a home. Congress must not allow this to happen.

With the Oct. 1 deadline of when the conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will be lowered, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) called on Congress to move swiftly to extend the current loan limits to prevent further damage to the already fragile housing market and lackluster economy. Congress must act now to prevent the loan limits from reverting to lower levels, said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. A drop in mortgage loan limits would reduce housing demand, and place downward pressure on home prices in major markets.

2 ISSUE102011

Builders Outlook

3
Presidents Message
Greg Bowling
President, El Paso Association of Builders

Builders Outlook

October is a transition month in most businesses and its no different with the EPAB. This month we begin our search for the next board member, that group of persons who are willing to step into the role of leadership at the association. It is a rewarding position that requires commitment to events, fund raising and meetings. It also will allow you an understanding of how an association functions as a nonprofit corporation. It is eye-opening for those whove never been on the inside of a group like ours, but

that inside includes getting to know other likeminded people from diverse businesses that make up our federation. Being a board member requires time and a financial commitment. No doubt that if you want to contribute to the ideals of the federation then you have to invest the time in it. Its the only way you can begin to make that transition from member to involved member. All you need to do is to let me or any officer or Ray know and we will place your name in nomination. While the news is full of bad times around the country for home building things in El Paso are still looking up in a relative way. Our home starts are good compared to other areas, but they could be better. Take this October to decide how our upcoming year will play out. Get involved with us, get involved for you. Get ready for a great ride over the next 14 months as we move into 2012. Id like to thank all the associates and builders who participated in Speed Networking. Our

company really enjoys participating and finding something new. Ray has plans for another event in November. Cant wait. Lets look at some of the issues that we will tackle in October: We watched the beginning of a new northeast El Paso when the old North Park mall demolition began on September 26. Our members will be a part of the new construction that will go up there. We will go before City council to ask for a reduction in the amount of the surety bond from $50,000 to a lower amount, preferably back to $10,000. Our trip to the Texas Association of Builders Sunbelt Show in mid-October will end 2011 and begin 2012 for TAB. We still have considerable issues to work out with the state government.

The Sunbelt show moves to Austin for the first time. Attendance should increase because of the central Texas location, allowing more participation from Houston and San Antonio. Our fight with Congress over issues like mortgage interest deduction and other issues related to new home building continue. As you can see the Association really never just rests. We are active in many arenas so that your business continues and hopefully prosper. Its important to let your employees, family and customers know that you are a member and what your membership does to protect the American Dream. Well keep an eye out on the politicians and the bureaucrats to allow you more time to do what you do. Have a great October, enjoy Halloween and go out and sell something.

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4 ISSUE 10 2011

Builders Outlook

Builders Outlook

Issue 10 2011

Perspective
Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB
but we know that within those walls miracles will happen and angels will be called upon. We prayed to our Lord that He Bless that building, its contents, and its workers. We prayed that this new hospital would find a way to heal and to conquer sickness and hurt. We prayed that this place find a way to bring comfort to the families who will use it; comfort to those who will operate it; and comfort to our community for thinking not of ourselves but for our future. Politics aside, this building offers us hope of a tomorrow for our next generation. I hope you visit it and pray you never have to use it. Sometimes good things happen to good people. That was the case on October 7 when we gathered at Santa Teresa Country Club to play in the United Blood Services tournament. I was invited by Burt Blacksher to join him, Don Rassette and Sam Shallenberger for a round of golf. As the golf season runs into October the rush of getting there, warming up, and heading out to play is sometimes draining. That day was no different. Until the third hole where upon the foursome looked at the sign that said hole in one wins a Rolex. We kidded and after the first two holes knew that it would take several miracles to even get close much less make the darn thing. I think it was Burt who shot first, I went second then Sam got up to hit. He kidded about making the shot so he could find some new wealth or something to that effect. Well the ball was struck; it went to the left, and then went a little right, plopped on the ground and rolled into the hole. A moment of silence filled with a dumbstruck look on all of us was soon broken by screams as the volunteer sitting at the hole gave us thumbs up indicating the ball was indeed in the hole. Sam had his second lifetime hole in one. Regardless of the rest of the play that day (not very good by the way) the four of us got a chance to be blessed by the gods of golf. Our friend Sam Shallenberger had indeed become our legend for the day. I hope Burt remembers that we have to play as a foursome now regardless of circumstances. After all Sam now has the title of ACE and we hope this Rolex is better than the Relox he got in Belize. Im sure it is. Congrats Sam. Nice things do happen to good people.

SARABIAS Portable Jons

I have had a rare opportunity to look into the future of El Paso health care and what Ive seen is first class. It is hard to describe just how wonderful the facility is without thinking that that entire splendor is being constructed to alleviate suffering and pain to the most innocent of our human race, the children. Nothing really prepared me for the tour of the nearly completed Childrens Hospital at UMC. The amount of technical work and skill needed to build this hospital boggles the mind. I admit that I have seen the building rise up from the ground like a giant skeleton, swinging that crane I like to refer to as the bird of progress. Its my contention that a growing city has its fair share of these birds and hope that El Paso has more descending on us soon. What a spectacular site to see the ironworkers, electricians, plumbers and others scramble around with a certain sense of purpose. Seeing the lab coats and doctors and nurses with stethoscopes weave through the worksite looking up at that giant building with wonder at what is being constructed has been a site to behold. But nothing can compare to what lies inside. You see for me it isnt the freshly painted walls, the sparkling floor, or even the greetings on the wall welcoming you in a dozen languages. Its not the complex plumbing or the walls of connections for the gases, electrical outlets and other strange plug ins. The huge surgery suites with state of the art ventilation and lighting are stunning for sure. It isnt the thought that went through with the counter tops or foot side galaxy that the kids will stare at. No, its the human side of what this whole big expensive building is for that really touches me. I know that our Men of Christ group from St. Clement starred in wonder at what has been created by all these wonderful craft persons,

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6 ISSUE102011
Guest Perspective

Builders Outlook

Initiatives Help Improve Border Commerce

secure additional emergency funds for border security, including 250 new CBP officers. Shortly after passage of the bill, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called to tell me that the largest number of new officers -78- would be coming to El Paso. To date, 26 of the 78 have been hired and trained and should be in place in El Paso within the next few months. The rest should be hired by the end of next month and will begin moving through the training process. I also pushed the Administration to include funding to hire even more CBP officers in the President's 2012 budget proposal that is currently making its way through Congress. At a time when the federal budget is being cut to the bone, the President's budget included an additional 300 officers, and I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to keep the funding for those officers. The Homeland Security funding bill recently passed the House of Representatives included funds for the 300 extra officers, and some of those officers will be assigned to El Paso. Also addressing the staffing shortfalls is legislation that I introduced that includes more increases for CBPOs, in addition to improving infrastructure at the ports. The data I used to draft the Putting Our Resources Toward Security (PORTS) Act has helped me convince my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to increase CPBOs and infrastructure even in these tough budgetary times. Delays and other inefficiencies at the border cost the U.S. and Mexican economies an estimated $7.2 billion in gross economic output and an estimated 62,000 jobs. At a time when job creation is critical, this should resonate with everyone. My PORTS legislation would dramatically increase funding and staffing levels at America's land ports of entry to help combat the illegal transport of drugs, money, and weapons between the United States and Mexico and would also reduce excessive bridge wait times. The bill would provide $5 billion through 2016 to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), to repair and modernize infrastructure at all U.S. land ports of entry, and would also provide funding for an additional 5,000 CBP agents to improve inspections and reduce traffic congestion. The PORTS Act has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Border Trade Alliance, and the National Treasury Employees Union. The construction of new border infrastructure is critical to border communities like El Paso, and the recent ground breaking for the new GuadalupeTornillo port of entry is an important step to meeting our needs. After working for years to secure the necessary presidential permit and $94 million in funding for this new port, I am pleased that we will have six additional lanes of capacity and a more rapid route between major commercial and industrial centers and new roadways connecting nearby Interstate 10, providing a more direct route for border traffic. This will provide relief to the current ports of entry in El Paso that handle about 10 million vehicles crossing each year, and will be an important economic driver, particularly for the far east El Paso County area. Even with the additional port of entry at Tornillo, it is critical for that we understand both the capacity of all ports in the El Paso region and also how the ports impact our transportation system. That is why I secured funding for a study to provide us with this important data. The recently completed Regional Ports of Entry Operations Plan is a detailed review of all existing ports of entries within the El Paso region and analyzes how the ports currently function and how the ports need to function collectively to improve cross border mobility. While the results of the analysis show some things that we already know - that the volume of passenger and commercial vehicles crossing the border, both north and southbound, is already straining the efficiency of our ports the report provides a thoroughly documented and analytically proven resource that I can use with my colleagues and other policy makers in Washington. The regional growth projections in the study indicate that by 2035- and in some cases earlier- all of the regions existing crossings will suffer from unacceptable wait times if no improvements are made. The study identified a number of operational, policy, and engineering strategies to address these concerns. While these improvements alone will not completely solve all the performance issues at the ports of entry, they will help to maximize the capacity that does exist within the system. We must continue to reduce border wait times and air pollution; increase cross border commerce and tourism in the region; enhance economic development; and coordinate traffic patterns. The Operations Plan not only shows us what we have to work with now, but will be used to develop our overall border master plan, a process which will be underway in the near future. Balancing security and commerce is more difficult than ever, given the situation faced by our friends in Juarez and across Mexico. However, through partnerships, cooperation, innovation, and hard work, we can enhance border commerce and help businesses and workers in our region while maintaining our security. Our future depends on it.

Silvestre Reyes US Congress

We need both short and long-term solutions to the challenges our nation faces in securing our borders while fostering the trade that helps fuel our economic prosperity. For the past eight years, I have worked with UTEP to support our annual Border Security Conference by bringing high-level U.S. and Mexican leaders to El Paso to examine ways to enhance security, promote legitimate trade and travel, and improve our binational community. We have been fortunate to have key policy makers, academics, and private sector representation at the highest levels from the U.S. and Mexico engaged in this critical dialogue. This year, we heard from the United States Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, who made his debut appearance in El Paso since his appointment by President Obama. Ambassador Kirk made it clear that U.S. trade with Mexico is stronger than ever, at almost $1 billion a day in goods and services. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin also attended the conference and addressed wait times at the border. Commissioner Bersin shares my concerns about the difficulties CBP is having with staffing at ports of entry. I have been working with the Commissioner on wait times, and helped pass legislation to

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Builders Outlook

ISSUE102011

Guest Perspective

Senior healthcare benefits show marked improvement

helped seniors by providing more prescription assistance. Previously, the benefits were capped at $2840 at which point seniors had to pay 100% of their prescription costs up to $6448 total for the year. At that point, Medicare provides catastrophic coverage which costs the seniors 5% of the prescription prices. The lack of benefits starting at $2840 has been referred to as the donut hole. With the new plan, seniors will be given discounts which will increase over the next years until the percentage that seniors will pay reaches 25% of the drug costs. This is the same rate as in the first $2840. Previously, the enrollment period started on November 15 and continued to the end of December. This year, the period starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. Seniors will still have a timeframe after that to cancel an Advantage plan in order to change to regular Medicare coverage. There will be changes to the premiums that seniors with greater wealth must pay. Although the premiums will be higher, there will not be annual increases based on inflation as is the current provision. A very important new benefit is free preventative care. At no cost, a senior is allowed an annual "wellness visit" with their physician. There is also a list available of other exams, such as colon screening or mammograms, that are now 100% covered by Medicare. The list is too detailed to included in this article. If there is a question about that, please feel free to call my office at 859-3111 for a more extensive list. Another significant change that reduces the potential costs to seniors is the cap on total out of pocket expenses. Previously, there was no cap so the costs to seniors with chronic diseases could continue to drain financial resources. Now the cap is at $6,700. Another change will result in less overpayment expenses being paid by Medicare which is good for the solvency of the plan. This change will require that seniors be very aware of any reductions in benefits paid to their plan network. When seniors were being victimized, part of the problem was that individuals were not studying the plans they were on. Personal responsibility must be taken by all seniors in knowing and understanding their plan benefits and limitations. Medicare healthcare has gotten better thanks to new federal laws. Let us all work together to keep healthcare for our seniors effective and affordable.

Chente Quintanilla State Representative

Back in 2008 and 2009, my office was very involved in assisting seniors who were on Medicare and Medicare We helped the Advantage plans. Department of Insurance stop a significant amount of abuse by insurance agents perpetrated on vulnerable seniors. Since then the complaints about Medicare and the Advantage plans have diminished to few or no complaints over the past two years. I just received a very informative booklet published by Consumer Reports, a very reputable consumer oriented magazine, about new features in Medicare. Seniors should be pleased by the changes. The 2010 healthcare bill passed by the Congress and signed by President Obama

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EPAB

ONTHESCENE
ISSUE102011

New Northeast Development

Northeast El Paso has had a horrible eyesore for decades called North Park Mall. It was an abandoned shopping center that fell into disrepair in the late 70s early 80s. In September the City of El Paso completed its promise to begin demolishing the center to make way for a mixed use development with transit terminal and new housing. The city representative for District 4 is Carl Robinson. He gave a quick talk about what was going to happen as the city invited the community to witness the first part of the demolition take place. Representative Robinson was overjoyed but cautious. What we have today is the beginning of the new Northeast bringing us one step closer to getting new housing and commerce to our area, he said. Community leaders spent some time taking pictures with the demolition background while city leaders presented their vision of what is to replace that old building. We are encouraged by the efforts to get this monstrosity torn down and to show that Northeast is alive and well, Robinson continued. The project demolition should take some time to complete as the proposed plans reach the private sector for consideration of the next step.

Associates Council Meeting

Associates met to review the year and plan for the upcoming year. Sam Shallenberger and Greg Bowling gave a review and thanked the Associates Council for their efforts. It was decided to hold another bowling event sometime between now and Thanksgiving, with focus on fun and networking. Angela Ochoa, the GEPAR representative to the EPAB also encouraged members to join the GEPAR Christmas lights project. Discussion was also had on the possibility of showcasing a float in this years Sun Bowl Parade.

10 ISSUE102011
Mortgage Interest Deduction- Middle Class Pillar
Eliminating or curtailing the mortgage interest deduction would have a disproportionate impact on younger, middle-class families, who would see their ability to become home owners significantly diminished, with sober implications for their longer term financial prospects, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress today. "How housing is treated in any future tax reform will shape the economy going forward," Robert Dietz, an economist and assistant vice president for NAHB, testified during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on tax reform to provide incentives for options homeownership. Most Americans consider homeownership to be their single best long-term investment and a primary source of wealth and financial security. According to the 2007 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of a home owner is $234,600, compared to $5,100 for renters. "We believe that any policy change that makes it harder to buy a home, or delays the purchase of the home until an older age, will have a significant long-term impact on household wealth accumulation and the make-up of the middle class as a whole," said Dietz. In the short term, tampering with the mortgage interest deduction would undermine an already fragile housing market and wreak havoc on the tenuous economic recovery by hurting housing demand, which would place downward pressure on home prices. In turn, this would leave more home owners underwater and trigger even more foreclosures. This cornerstone of American housing policy provides benefits for home buyers at all income levels and retains overwhelming public support. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in June of 2011, 89 percent of the respondents said that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream and more than nine in 10 opposed doing away with the mortgage interest deduction. Public support runs strong, despite misleading claims that the deduction benefits only wealthy taxpayers and only a small number of home owners utilize the deduction because they must itemize their deductions in order to claim it. Setting the record straight, Dietz told lawmakers that 70 percent of the tax benefits go to middle-class home owners who earn less than $200,000 and that a deduction that reduces the net cost of monthly house payments is particularly important to younger home buyers, who typically have large home loans and less equity and are paying mostly interest in the early years of the mortgage. Dietz said that arguments that most home owners do not itemize and cannot benefit from the deduction are false. "Out of 75 million home owners, 35 million claimed the mortgage interest deduction in 2009," he said. "This fails to take into account the millions of taxpayers who are renters and one day aspire to own a home of their own and the roughly 25 million who own their homes free and clear and used the deduction in the past. The bottom line is that 70 percent of home owners with a mortgage have claimed the deduction." Dietz also stressed the importance of several other housing tax incentives, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which is the most successful affordable rental housing production program in the nation's history and produces approximately 90,000 full-time jobs per year. The second home deduction is also important for many who do not think of themselves as owning two homes. "For example, the second home deduction facilitates moving when owning two homes during the tax year and also permits existing home owners to claim interest on a construction loan for a future home," said Dietz. Eliminating the mortgage deduction for second homes could threaten the economic viability of second home and vacation markets. "We are not just talking about well-known coastal markets, but also small towns in states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Colorado and Florida," said Dietz. "And nearly every state has areas with significant numbers of second homes; 49 states have a county where at least 10 percent of the housing stock consists of second homes." Home owners are also allowed to deduct interest on up to $100,000 of home equity loan debt. Half of all home equity loans are used for remodeling and home improvement, which provides jobs and are important activities for a nation with an aging housing stock.

Builders Outlook

Builders Outlook

issue 10 2011

11

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12issue 10 2011

Builders Outlook

www.elpasobuilders.com
6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905 915778-5387 Fax: 915-772-3038

I executive officers Greg bowling, President Tropicana Homes frank arroyos, vice President Cisco Homes edmundo dena, secretary/treasurer Accent Homes sam shallenberger, associates council Wholesale Supply Kelly sorenson, immediate Past President Vision Consultants ray adauto, executive vice President El Paso Association of Builders I couNcil/committeecHairs Affordable Builders Council Bobby Bowling IV Associates Council Sam Shallenberger Assoc. Co-Chair Lance Van Demon Build PAC El Paso Randy Bowling Desert Green Building Council Javier Ruiz Industry Promotions Kelly Sorenson Land Use Council Linda Troncoso Sal Masoud Adams Pro AM Committee Randall Smith Young Designer Award John Chaney Home Show Sam Shallenberger Remodelors Rudy Guel Membership Drive Mike Santamaria Finance Committee Kathy Carillo Education Committee Frank Spencer I advisorYtotHeboard J. Crawford Kerr, Attorney, Firth, Johnson & Martinez I boardofdirectors John Aranda, Southwest Securities Bank, FSB Joe Bernal, Joe Bernal Insurance David Bogas, EPT Communities Doug Borrett, Karam Co. Edmundo Dena, Accent Homes Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing Art Garcia, El Paso Door Juanita Garcia, ICON Custom Home Builder,LLC Lorraine Huit, Cardel Design Group Walter Lujan, Dawco Home Builders Bruce Meyer, JDW Insurance Kathy Parry, Hunt Communities Bob Paschich, Oeste Homes Kathy Rose, Builders Source Regina Sanchez, Bank of Texas Sam Shallenberger, Western Wholesale Frank Torres, GMF Homes Paul Zacour, Zacour & Associates

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2010 builder member of the Year Mike Santamaria Mountain Vista Builders 2010 Pat cox award Randy Bowling Tropicana Homes 2010 associate of the Year Javier Ruiz Border Solar/Senercon John schatzman award Lorraine Huit Cardel Design Group

Honorary life members Brad Roe Cliff Anthes Wayne Grinnell Chester Lovelady Don Henderson Anna Gil

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ePab mission statement: The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated professional organization representing the home building industry, committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community by providing affordable homes of excellence and value. The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6) trade organization.

I NatioNal directors Bobby Bowling IV. Demetrio Jimenez 2011 Builders Outlook is published and distributed for the El Paso Association of Builders by Snappy Publishing 240 Thunderbird Suite C El Paso Texas 79912 915-820-2800

Builders Outlook

ISSUE92011

13

Membership News
www.elpasobuilders.com
6046 Surety Dr 915-778-5387

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 12 Board Meeting 11:00 General Meeting 12:00 Noon El Paso Club Guest Speaker State Representative Dee Margo OCTOBER 19 22 TAB MEETINGS AUSTIN, TX OCTOBER 20 22 SUNBELT BUILDERS SHOW AUSTIN, TX

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14 ISSUE10 2011

Builders Outlook

Industry Reports
AssociatesCouncil
the golfers. The format was great and the pros were outstanding. Thank you to John Chaney, Mundo Dena, Frank Arroyos, Greg Bowling, for taking time out of your busy schedule to make this happen and Ray Adauto for putting it together for us again. One other item of interest is that our friends at UTEP decided that they did not need Uncle Ray Adautos PA talent for football. They had already fired him from basketball which was a big mistake if you compare him to the new announcer. Larry Patton, President and CEO from El Pasos largest local bank doesnt want anyone but Uncle Ray to do the Bank of the West Don Haskins tournament P A during the holidays. Mr. Patton knows talent. We have been supporting UTEP a long time but at the September board meeting the Board of decided that we did not need to have a sponsored tail gate party at UTEP this year. Sometimes you need to send a message. We have.

SamShallenberger WesternWholesale Supply

Hi everyone. Well here we are in October most of our functions for the year have come and gone. Overall it has been a good year everything the associates council has touched has made money thanks to a lot of hard work by some dedicated members. We have had our spring golf tournament which did well. Our bowl-a-thon was a big hit and a lot of fun if you guys would like to have another one in late October please let Angie know and we can get it done. The Adams Desert Open Pro Am was a fun tournament for

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EPABONTHESCENE

Speed Networking
The final speed networking event of the year went off September 21 at the EPAB offices. The event was sponsored by thirteen Associate members hosting eight builders or builder buyers. I find this event really beneficial to our business, said Joe Bernal of Joe Bernal Financial Services. His statement was seconded by Chuck Gabriel of Carpets West, another participant. You know we dont realize how important it is to be here and support the Association, but even more important is the fact that we showcase our products to potential clients, he continued. So many times we forget that even our current client base may need to see something different and this is a great place to do it. Participants included Carpets West, El Paso Door, Ferguson Kitchen and Bath, Joe Bernal Financial Services, New Era Foam, Passage Supply, Pioneer Bank, PLC Construction Finishes, Rio Roofing, Scott Contracting, Sun City Winnelson, Wagner Equipment, and Western Wholesale Supply. Our thanks to them for participating.