The Arizona Remodeler

I think the most surprising thing I heard today (Tuesday) was from John Jones, the new General Manager of Apache Stone when he called and asked me to put him on as the new NARI contact and then asked when the next meeting was. That's when I told him, it's the 13th and we have you down as our host.

Here the meeting is 8 days away. The man must have a magic wand, because he is pulling everything together and hosting more centrally at the Phoenix location. I think he gets the NARI Member of the Year award for pulling this together! Give him a warm greeting when you attend. You members always surprise me and I am thrilled to have him become one of us!

On another note, may the new year bring you continued health, more happiness and increased business. See you on the 13th. As a professional courtesy to our host, please RSVP to me by Monday, January 11th at Noon.

Warmest Regards,

Jetta Atkinson

Chapter Director

About our Host - Apache Stone

Apache Stone offers the largest selection of natural stone in Arizona and Nevada. They inventory over 40 different colors and types of flagstone and a rainbow of decorative ground color aggregates in different sizes. In stock you will find more than 100 types of natural veneer stone, boulders, strip stone and a variety of unusual pebbles.

The company is in it's fourth generation of ownership and at every level of of their organization they understand that customer service is job #1. We hope you will see why home owners, landscapers, architects, masons, remodelers and new home builders choose Apache Stone first.

See you Wednesday. Questions? Call John Jones at (623) 581-7625 or email. Check out their website .

President's Message

Julie Cook
Inside Out etc.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to a new decade and a new year full of lots of possibilities.

I would like to introduce myself. I am Julie Cook and you can see from this photo I am not a contractor, however, I do know my way around home improvements.

Last year found most companies struggling with the weight of the economy but I have to say that NARI members continued to network their way though it and the organization actually grew in numbers. We want to be sure to keep that momentum going this year.

We have many exciting things planned for the Greater Phoenix NARI Chapter this year which include: a new website which is launching in January, contractor certification training, EPA lead training - in response to the federal laws taking affect in April '10, participation in 5 home shows - increasing our awareness in the community, etc.

We could use your help with these and the other of our planned programs so don't be surprised when you get the call to help.

Jetta will keep you informed with our monthly and sometimes weekly emails. Let her know if you have suggestions for the meetings, want to join a committee, have something to contribute to the newsletter.

See you at the next meeting on January 13th meeting at Apache Stone in Phoenix. Should be a great one.

We have the distinct honor to be the host city for the NARI National Convention in April allowing us to showcase our chapter. Your help with this project will be needed to serve as hosts and help with the Evening of Excellence.

Know that my door is always open (all right my MAC is always on). Feel free to email me with suggestions. All of us have much to contribute and we are only as strong as the sum of our volunteers. Volunteers like you!

Here is to a wonderful 2010!

Julie Cook

Vice President, Inside Out etc.

You don't want to miss this all star event of the season presented by Pella Windows and Doors at Chase Field -- Home of the Diamondbacks.

Every Greater Phoenix NARI member is invited. Simply go to www.theproexpo.com/phoenix to register. Do it now!

Here are just of a few of the many reasons to attend:

Get acquainted with all of the many Pella products we offer and meet your Pella team of professionals;
Keynote Speaker Bruce Case, President of Case Remdoeling and Design/Case Handman and Remodeling Services will address the group;
Many GREAT prizes to win including a 42" flat screen, Bose stereo sound system, IPOD and sound dock, a Blueray player and so much more.

Greater Phoenix NARI EPA Lead Training - Sign up now!

EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule will become fully effective and enforceable on April 22, 2010. The Rule applies to all "renovations," including many typical remodeling activities, performed for "compensation" in pre-1978 "target housing" and pre-1978 "child-occupied facilities" when the work will disturb paint, stain, shellac and varnish that has not been tested and certified as being lead free.

Approximately 8.4 million renovation, repair and painting projects, large and small, will trigger the EPA Rule's requirements in the first year alone. An estimated 211,000 trade contractors, third-party property managers, residential rental property owners, property leasing agents, and other affected organizations will have to comply with the Rule, including applying to EPA to become "Certified Renovation Firms." Additionally, hundreds of thousands of workers performing these "renovations" will have to be trained and certified as "Renovators" by EPA-accredited trainers. These include maintenance technicians, service personnel, drywall mechanics, plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, window and siding installers, cabinet specialists, painters and many others.

With the compliance deadline looming for this new Federal regulation, now is the time for you to take action. Our Chapter is working with a certified training group who is offering one day classes January 25 - 27th. Classes will be limited in size to 20 students each. We will offer these classes to NARI members at a reduced rate and then open them up to non-NARI members.

The full-day EPA Certified Renovator Initial course is intended for maintenance technicians, service personnel, renovators, remodelers, painters, and any other workers removing or modifying painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing and in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities. Students will learn how to comply with the new EPA Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Students will also learn how to work safely with lead-based paint, and how to perform lead-safe work practices safely and effectively during renovation, repair and painting projects.

The EPA fines and penalties for non-compliance are stiff, and April 2010 will be here before you realize it. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your employees, and your contractors' and subcontractors' workers trained as EPA Certified Renovators.

We thank Steve Shinn GCP of Homework Remodels for chairing this important task force. Most NARI members will need this training.

If you are indeed interested, please email Jetta (Jettaatk@yahoo.com) with the approximate number in your party ASAP.

2010 CotY Award Winners

And the winners are:

Legacy Design Build Remodeling - Residential Bath $30,00 to $60,000 - Also Best of Show
Tri-Lite Builders - Residential Bath over $60,000
NY Design Build Inc. - Residential Bath Under $30,000
Legacy Design Build Remodeling- Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000
Legacy Design Build Remodeling - Residential Exterior $100,000 and Over
Republic West Inc. - Residential Interior Under $100,000
Legacy Design Build Remodeling - Entire House Over $1,000,000
AFS Building Group - Residential Kitchen $40,000 to $80,000
Legacy Design Build Remodeling - Residential Addition Under $100,000
Legacy Design Build Remodeling - Residential Kitchen $80,000 to $120,000
The Apollo Group, LLC Design & Build - Residential Interior $100,000 and Over

See these award winning entries on our new website launching January. All of the judges said the work was incredible and the presentations stellar. I know, I viewed much of the incredible entries myself.

Much thanks goes to George Brunell CR of AFS Building Group, Inc. for managing this giant project single handedly and for doing one incredible job. Kudos George from all of us!

Why I Am Active with NARI ...

Steve Lenzmeier, President Lenzmeier Construction, Inc.

& 2010 Greater Phoenix NARI Board of Director

For many years a couple of my subcontractors suggested that I join NARI. I was too busy and didn't take the time to look into the organization. Last year, I started hearing NARI from a few more of my vendors, so I attended a meeting and soon joined.

I was impressed at the first meeting I attended, being welcomed with open arms. My sponsor took the time to introduce to each member possible within the two hour meeting. After a few meetings I was a familiar face, person and company. The organization is well structured and invites only businesses with impeccable integrity to join. Recognizing the benefit of being a NARI member, I have since sponsored five vendors to join. When asked to be an interim board member, I resoundingly accepted and was recently re-elected to the 2010 Board.

As a general contractor, I am not likely to gain new customers from the networking at the meetings but I have added some good subcontractors and suppliers to my team. For subcontractors, suppliers and other businesses associated in the remodeling industry, you are networking with some of the very best remodeling contractors in the valley. NARI will bring credibility to your business over and above what the ROC or BBB can provide.

And an added bonus, where else can you go once a month and socialize with people, your new friends that have a lot in common with you? And have some good food too!

Greater Phoenix NARI Mission Statement

The mission of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is the professional organization of industry leaders educating and serving the remodeling industry with enthics and integrity.

Greater Phoenix NARI Vision

Dedicated to the professional development of the remodeling industry through the continuous eduction of our members and the public.

Need the NARI Logo?

Using the NARI logo is one way to distinguish yourself from your competitors. With the new National consumer awareness campaign in the kick off mode, why don't you do your part and include the logo on your website, business papers, advertising, your vehicles and all other forms of promotion? Email Jetta at the office for the manual and usage guidelines and the logo.