September 2013 BBAM Magazine - HBA of Southeastern Michigan

BUILDING
September 2013
Business & Apartment Management
VOICE OF THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN AND APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
Associates Appreciation
➤➤
Energy Efficient
Products & Services – 2
➤➤
Taking Care of
Healthcare – 5
➤➤
New Housing
Permit Forecast – 5
➤➤
Made in America/
Built in Michigan – 6
➤➤
Homearama ®
Call For Builders – 7
➤➤
Preventing The Flu In
Your Workplace – 8
➤➤
Advocacy Update – 9
➤➤
News & Events – 10
➤➤
Welcome New &
Renewing Members – 12
GOLF OUTING
SEPTEMBER 12
BUILDERS.ORG/EVENTS.PHP
OR CALL 248-862-1002
Wednesday, September 25
10 TIPS TO REV UP
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Presented By . . .
Carol Morgan, MIRM
Marketing, Communications, Interactive
Managing Partner mRELEVANCE, LLC

Want To Increase Your
Professionalism Now
HBA EDUCATION
ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
OR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
6-Hour Continuing Education
For Real Estate License Renewal
Instructor: Lori Chmura, Middleton Training
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Cost: $80/Member;
$125/Guest
MEETS THE STATE
MANDATED REQUIREMENT
FOR 6 HOURS CONTINUING ED FOR REAL
ESTATE LICENSE RENEWAL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
OR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
BAR or PREP ASSESSMENT
If you plan to earn a Certified
Graduate Builder or Remodeler
Designation
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $95/Person
THIS IS A 3-HOUR, 120 QUESTION
ASSESSMENT TO MEASURE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE AND HELP DETERMINE WHICH
CLASSES YOU WILL NEED TO EARN YOUR
DESIGNATION.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Taking Care of Healthcare
Decisions You Can Make Prior to 12.31.13
That Can Impact Your
Options & Costs In 2014
And Beyond
Presented by
Steven M. White
Steven M. White &
Associates
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Cost: $10/Person Including Breakfast
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
State of Michigan Required
CONTINUING COMPETENCY
3-Hour Course
IF YOU ARE A BUILDER, REMODELER
OR MAINTENANCE & ALTERATION
CONTRACTOR, YOU ARE REQUIRED BY
LAW TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 3 HOURS
OF CONTINUING COMPETENCY TO RENEW
YOUR LICENSE IN MICHIGAN.
Covers all three required hours (one hour
code, one hour legal, one hour safety) in one
session, and you will receive a certificate of
completion for your records.
Instructor:
Don Pratt, CGB, CGR, CAPS
CECS of Michigan
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $40/Person
DECEMBER 9, 10 & 11
Certified Aging In Place Specialist
(CAPS)
WHAT IS CAPS
The Certified Agingin-Place
Specialist (CAPS) designation
program teaches technical, business
management and customer service skills
essential to competing in the fastest
growing segment of the residential industry:
home modifications for aging-in-place.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
CAPS I — Marketing and
Communication Strategies
for Aging and Accessibility
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
CAPS II — Design/Build Solutions
for Aging & Accessibility
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Business Management For
Building Professionals
* Holders of the following designations are
exempt from the Business Management
class:CGR, CGB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD,
ASID, AID, GRI. Other exemptions
determined on a case-by-case basis.)
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.BUILDERS.ORG/EVENTS.PHP
or CALL 248-862-1002

BUILDING Business &
Apartment Management
FEATURES
2 Energy Efficient Products & Services
4 We Appreciate Associate Members
September is Associates Appreciation Month
5 Taking Care of Healthcare
Comments by Michael Stoskopf, CEO
SEPTEMBER 2013
9 Advocacy Update
Adverse Court Decision, Don’t Fall For Scam
9 Volunteer Energy Member Savings
New Benefit Program For AAM Members
10 News & Events
5 New Housing Permit Forecast
6 Made In America/Built In Michigan
Local & US Home Building Products
7 Noreen Keating Honored
7 Homearama ® Call For Builders
Pinnacle Luxury Homes Tour — Autumn 2014
8 Preventing Flu In Your Workplace
Safety Guidelines For Property Managers
11 Classified Advertising
12 Welcome New Members
12 Thank You Renewing Members
12 Awards Night Is Back! December 4
12 Index Of Valued Advertisers
Inside Back
It’s Our Comeback Year. Join Us!
Michael Stoskopf (left) with Dominic J. Moceri and his father
Dominic S. Moceri at a recent Homearama meeting.
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
Salvatore J. Palazzolo
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Paul Aragona
TREASURER
Norman Finkelstein
SECRETARY
James Clarke
IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT
Richard S. Kligman
VICE PRESIDENTS
Larry Cohen
David Compo
William Phillips
Robert M. Tedesco
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT
Katie Hallett
CEO — Michael C. Stoskopf
In 2004, John Scaccia (left) current Homearama cochair,
with Jim Compo. Jim died in 2010.
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
OF MICHIGAN
PRESIDENT
Thomas C. Shumaker
IMMEDIATE
PAST PRESIDENT
Jeffrey Kaftan
PAST PRESIDENTS
Robert Brody
Sheldon Gordon
Melvin Kaftan
George M. Nyman
David Sparrow
VICE PRESIDENTS
Allen Amber
Mitchell Bleznak
Jonathan R. Borenstein
Jay Brody
Leslie Lewiston Etterbeek
Howard Jacobson
J. Ronald Slavik
Shawn Stafford
Michael E. Tobin
CEO — Michael C. Stoskopf
Melissa Cervin (left) of Lombardo Homes, Rosalie Lamb
of HBA and Kourtney Kyne of Communication Associates.
PUBLICATION CREDITS
PUBLISHER
Home Builders Association
of Southeastern Michigan
EDITOR
Susan Adler Shanteau
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nancy Rozum
Gary Smith
ADVERTISING SALES
(248) 862-1016
BUILDING BUSINESS & APARTMENT MANAGEMENT
Building Business & Management is published by the Home
Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan, 2075 Walnut Lake
Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, (248) 737-4477. Copyright ©
2013 Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan. All
rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any artwork or editorial
contained within, in any manner, is strictly prohibited unless
written permission is obtained from the publisher.
www.builders.org

2013 Energy Efficient Products & Services
WRITTEN BY NANCY ROZUM
The energy cost for a typical single family
home is $2,200 annually, according to
research done by the Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory. While the bulk of that cost,
or about 46 percent, is spent on heating and
cooling, water heating, appliances and lighting
come in next, consuming 14, 13 and 12 percent
of energy dollars spent respectively. There are
many energy efficient products and services
which can dramatically reduce energy costs.
In the case of the energy efficiency programs
provided by utility companies, some services are
even provided at no cost to the consumer.
The demand for energy continues to grow and
building new energy infrastructure is expensive.
Public Act 295 of 2008 mandated that utility
companies offer no-cost programs to help their
customers reduce energy consumption.
The residential energy programs offered by
Efficiency United include a residential lighting
and appliance program; an HVAC replacement
program; a high performance A/C and heat
pump tune-up program; home performance
program; and a residential home solutions
program. “As part of our home performance
program we recently assisted a homeowner in
Chesterfield to increase their home from 80 to
90 percent energy efficient,” says Jim Quain.
Using a blower door test and infrared camera, an
Efficiency United approved contractor found that
this home, built in 1999, had sagging and missing
insulation. “It doesn’t take a big hole for a boat to
sink,” says Jim. “For most remediation measures
that the customer undertook they received a
rebate. The more a customer does, the more they
can save. It’s a great thing when a contractor
can make someone’s home more comfortable
and save the person money, too.” In southeast
Michigan the company partners with Consumers,
DTE and SEMCO Energy Gas Company.
“SEMCO customers are even eligible to apply for
1.99 percent financing for energy improvements
through the Michigan Saves program.”
Consumers Energy Multifamily Program
is offered to assist residential customers
in reducing energy use. “We work with the
property managers, owners and maintenance
staff of any structure with multiple living units
serviced by Consumers Energy,” says Adam
Constantino. “This can include apartment
complexes, senior living communities, colleges,
and condominiums.” The Direct Install
Program offers free products and installation
of energy saving light bulbs (in hardwired
fixtures), showerheads, faucet aerators and
pipe wrap for domestic hot water piping. “The
process is simple,” says Adam. “The building
owner submits an enrollment form and we
call them to schedule a convenient installation
time, as a member of the building maintenance
staff must accompany the Consumers Energy
representative.” The Multifamily Program
provides the flyers to notify community
members in advance of the visit. They also
offer no-cost education sessions for residents.
“In addition to the Direct Install Program we
also offer rebates on 100+ different energy
savings items such as furnace and boiler
tune-ups and replacements and lighting system
replacements," says Adam. "Our energy
advisors are available to complete free energy
assessments, provide advice on best ways to
improve energy efficiency, and assist customers
to find approved contractors and fill out rebate
application paperwork."
With the typical homeowner spending 12
percent of their energy dollars on lighting, this
area is one that warrants consideration when
seeking to reduce energy consumption and
costs. “Lighting is our specialty,” says Cindy
Maxwell Philips of Lighting Resources of
Michigan, Inc. “We are primarily focused on
selling long-life industrial built light bulbs and
also fixtures. Most compact fluorescent bulbs
sold at retail outlets are based on three hours
of usage per day. “The light bulbs we sell are
built differently,” says Cindy. “They live four
to six times longer than 95 percent of the
products sold in retail stores. That saves a lot of
maintenance costs for bulbs installed in areas
that require illumination for long period of time,
such as common areas in apartments or senior
complexes, or those that are hard to access,
such as those installed in high ceiling areas of
residential homes.” Compact fluorescent bulbs
have come of age. “Consumers who rushed out
to buy the first generation didn’t like the color
of the light or the amount of light the bulbs
gave off,” said Cindy. “The bulbs we sell today
are much improved.” The LED bulb market is
also gaining ground according to Cindy. “The
continued refinements have made our LED
products really good,” says Cindy. “You can
replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb with a 6 to
8 watt LED bulb and get the same light output,
with very little heat,” says John Philips. “LED
2 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

ulbs can be plugged into the same fixtures as
incandescent and they are very dimmable.” In
terms of cost savings, a 60 watt incandescent
bulb costs about $7.23 per year to operate,
while an LED with similar illumination would
cost .72 cents to .96 cents per year. “If you
have a lot of bulbs, the cost savings can be
significant,” says John.
Windows and doors are another major area
of energy loss for most homes. Weather King
Windows feature Weather Break insulated
glass manufactured in the company’s own
plants using the latest in warm-edge glass
technology. “All Weather Break insulated
glass incorporates the patented DuraSeal
spacer and we are now also offering Imperial
Weather-Break triple glazed insulated glass
with Low E, Argon fill and Duralite warm-edge
spacers,” says Matthew Ball of Weather King.
The company offers storm windows with Low
E glass, too. “We manufacture the glass at our
plant here in Michigan so we are able to provide
quick product delivery to our customers,” says
Matthew.
Garage doors are often overlooked by builders
and remodelers when trying to improve a
home’s energy efficiency. “Typically insulated
garage doors have R-values of 6.5 to 18.4,
but Clopay’s Canyon Ridge Collection has a 20.4
R-Value,” says Henry Tarnow of Tarnow Doors.
“Canyon Ridge’s full cladding and overlay faux
wood Carriage House doors combine the beauty
and texture of natural wood with the energy
efficiency of an insulated steel door.” Decorative
glass for garage doors is also now available in 1/2”
insulated glass. “Several new home builders we
work with are now offering insulated garage doors
as part of their standard package,” says Henry.
“Not only are these doors very durable, but they
are also more unique, making a home stand out
and improving curb appeal.”
While this article has highlighted only a few
of the many energy efficient building products
available today, the ENERGY STAR website,
www.energystar.gov, is a valuable reference for
obtaining information on other energy efficient
products, including the ENERGY STAR Most
Efficient Products for 2013. n
Rex Rosenhaus (left) of Uniland Corp. and
Mark Adler of Mark Adler Homes, LLC.
Past President Jim Babcock (left) of Babcock Building
with Jon Goldman of Presidential Builders.
State of Michigan Required
CONTINUING COMPETENCY
3-Hour Course
HBA offered this class taught by Don Pratt
on August 22. THE NEXT COUSE WILL BE
AT ASSOCIATION OFFICES ON TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 3 FROM 1 - 4 P.M.
The course will cover one hour in each
of the three required areas –
Past President Jerry Kosmensky (left) of Gerald
Building with Forrest M. Wall, CAE of HBA.
legal, codes and safety issues.
Register online at:
builders.org/events.php
OR CALL 248-862-1002.
BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013
3

We Appreciate Associate Members
Associate Members devote time to HBA through their work on committees, councils and special
projects. You can always count on Associates to be there and pitch in to help. They bring revenue to
the Association with their dues. Whenever you see “Sponsored By” in a meeting notice, you know
that an Associate Member is providing support to our membership. In September we take the opportunity
to thank our Associates for all they do on behalf of HBA and to show our appreciation. In addition to our
thanks, remember that the best appreciation we can show is to DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER.
Barry Goudsmit (left), Larry Kepes and Jesse Adler of
Crown Windows.
Henry Tarnow of Tarnow Doors. Ted LaVanway of Weather King
Windows & Doors.
Cindy Maxwell-Philips and John Phillips.
Kreg Hatfield (left) of Dwyer Marble, Michael
Gordon, RA, Moiseev Gordon and Jo Golda,
Jo’s Organizing.
Dave Oates (left) of The Huttenlocher Group and
Myron Archambeau of FDI Group/George B. Ford
Agency.
Mark Stevens (left) and Paul Salloum
of Bank of America Home Loans.
Tom Rupp (left) and Charley Staab of
Brown & Brown Insurance.
Deborah Herdman of
Huntington Bank.
Barbara Burnham (left) of
B.J. Burnham & Associates
and Daphane Lee of AFLAC.
Katie Hallett and Todd Hallett of
TK Design & Associates.
Michael Stoskopf of HBA and
Mary Olk of Designer Interiors.
Barb Baker of Elder Living
Construction.
Debra Ball of Daniel
Investments, Inc.
4 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

Executive Officer
t
Comments
Taking Care Of Healthcare
MICHAEL C. STOSKOPF, EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As I write this
month’s article,
many things
remain uncertain about
the implementation of
the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care
Act (PPACA), elements
of which are currently
scheduled to begin in January 2014 and others
that were scheduled (and/or delayed) until
January 2015.
Just as important, there are decisions
that you, as an employer, can make before
December 31, 2013 that can have significant
impacts (either potentially positive or negative)
on your options and costs for providing
coverage in 2014 and beyond.
In true Congressional fashion, what appears
to be intended to apply to one group of people
actually impacts a whole other set of people.
In this case, the PPACA “says” that it applies
to companies employing more than fifty (50)
people. However, I recently learned in a meeting
affecting “my” business – the HBA and our
staff – that PPACA has several requirements and
conditions that apply to companies with 50 or
less employees. The requirement for individuals
to have coverage (aka, the Individual Mandate)
not withstanding, here are some other items that
small business owners need to consider:
• Should you cancel your group medical and
purchase your health insurance on the exchange
• If you buy your medical coverage through
the government exchange, can you still take a
tax deduction for the premiums
• What happens to your Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plan
• Were you aware that your premiums will go
up approximately $23 per month per child for
juvenile dental care
• Is the $5.25 per month tax based on
the number of employees, medically covered
employees, employees and their dependents
Uncertainty is constant for most small
business owners. PPACA and the relative
“slowness” under which the US government
Sponsored By:
New Housing Permit Forecast
seems to be publishing rules and directives
– not to mention selective delays by the
Administration to certain aspects of the law
– has only served to increase the uncertainty
many of us face. However, don’t let that
uncertainty lead to inaction on your part.
Due to the critical nature of the
PPACA implementation to our members’
businesses, on Wednesday, October 16th,
HBA of Southeastern Michigan is hosting a
General Membership Meeting to help ALL
of our members to better understand how
PPACA affects small business, particularly
those who have 50 or fewer employees.
Our featured speaker will be Mr. Steven
M. White of Steven M. White & Associates
in Farmington Hills. Mr. White provides expert
consultation to businesses exclusively regarding
employee benefits, and has done so for over
30 years. He has also completed the National
Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU)
course on PPACA and is constantly monitoring
updates to PPACA implementation in order to
provide us with the most current status. n
Builders Supply Company
Cabinet Corporation
asabuilderssupply.com
All HBA Members & Guests
Wednesday, October 16
from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
TAKING CARE OF HEALTHCARE
Decisions You Can Make Prior to
12.31.13 That Can Impact
Your Options & Costs
In 2014 And Beyond
Presented by:
Steven M. White
Steven M. White
& Associates
Association Offices
$10/Person Includes Breakfast
Register online at
www.builders.org/events.php
or call: 248-862-1002
BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013
5

6 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

Noreen Keating
HONORED WITH
SHINING LIGHT AWARD
Noreen Keating, who
serves on the Board of
Directors of the HBA
Charitabale & Educational
Foundation, was recently
named as a Shining Light
Regional Cooperation
Awards honoree. She will receive her award at a
ceremony on October 10 at the Ford Conference
& Event Center in Dearborn. The awards are
a joint effort of the Detroit Free Press and
Metropolitans Affairs Coalition.
Detroit Free Press Editor and Publisher Paul
Anger said, “The impact our honorees have
made is just stunning - they’ve brought people
together and made lives better all across our
community.” Noreen is being honored for all
she accomplished as CEO and president of
Lighthouse of Oakland County.
Noreen attributes her success to others who
volunteer and donate, and to the simple gesture
she makes in thanking and acknowledging them.
Insurance Programs
ENDORSED BY
Fire, General Liability,
Builders Risk,
Workers’ Compensation
Blue Cross &
Blue Shield
Health Insurance
Call for the endorsed
agent near you
Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency, Inc.
1-800-644-6030
Brown & Brown Insurance
1-800-467-6645
Community Insurance Center
(248) 628-2505
Curtis Insurance Agency
(248) 628-3604
George B. Ford Agency, Inc.
(248) 348-8200
The Huttenlocher Group
(248) 681-2100
(248) 737- 4477
BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013
7

Apartment Association of Michigan
t
Property Management Council News
Preventing The Flu In Your Workplace
WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
On average, 13 percent of the U.S.
population gets the flu every year, with
active flu seasons seeing closer to 20
percent or more than 62 million Americans,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
In addition to the 100 million work days lost
due to flu-related illness last season, more
than one-third of those days would have been
uncompensated with the costs borne by the
employee, resulting in $6.8 billion in lost wages.
When it comes to sick time and employers'
costs, nearly two-thirds of total missed work
days would have been employer paid, resulting
in a cost of more than $10 billion to companies'
bottom lines due to lost productivity. In addition
to missed work days, nearly two million business
trips were canceled last season, based on
survey projections.
How can the effects of the 2013-2014
influenza season be mitigated in your
workplace In large part, by making use of the
following three (3) methods:
1. Vaccination. CDC recommends a yearly
flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and
older as the first and most important step in
protecting against this serious disease. While
there are many different flu viruses, the flu
vaccine is designed to protect against the three
main flu strains that research indicates will
cause the most illness during the flu season.
Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes
available each year is always a good idea and
the protection you get from vaccination will last
throughout the flu season. The timing of flu is
very unpredictable and can vary from season to
season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the
U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal
flu activity can begin as early as October and
continue to occur as late as May.
Flu vaccines are designed to protect against
three influenza viruses that experts predict
will be the most common during the upcoming
season. Three kinds of influenza viruses
commonly circulate among people today:
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses; Influenza A (H3N2)
viruses; and Influenza B viruses. Each year,
one flu virus of each kind is used to produce a
seasonal influenza vaccine.
2. Everyday preventive steps will help to
reduce the spread of germs:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from
others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay
home from work, school, and errands when
you are sick. You will help prevent others from
catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and
nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. It
may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands to help protect from germs.
If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand rub.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches
something that is contaminated with germs and
then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Clean and
disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially
when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be
physically active, manage your stress, drink
plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
3. Flu antiviral drugs that can be used
to treat and prevent the flu. If you get sick,
there are drugs that can treat flu illness. They
are called antiviral drugs and they can make
your illness milder and make you feel better
faster. They also can prevent serious flu-related
complications, like pneumonia.
As an employer, consider implementing
these specific CDC-recommended strategies
this flu season.
Strategy 1: Host a flu vaccination clinic
in the workplace. To minimize absenteeism,
employers frequently offer onsite seasonal flu
vaccination to employees at no or low cost to
their employees. This option can work well if
the employer has an onsite occupational health
clinic. If you don’t have a clinic, pharmacies and
community vaccinators can be contracted to
provide seasonal flu vaccination services onsite.
Strategy 2: Promote flu vaccination in the
community. Make sure your employees know
where they and their family can get a seasonal
flu vaccination in the community. Find out
about health providers, pharmacies, or clinics
that offer seasonal flu vaccinations in your
community. Partner with a pharmacy or provider
to get your employees vaccinated.
Visit www.flu.gov for additional resources on
preventing influenza. n
Should you require assistance with
implementing a flu prevention strategy, please
contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or
Gary.Smith@cmi-yorkrsg.com.
8 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

Apartment Association of Michigan
t
Advocacy Update
Property Management Council News
WRITTEN BY FORREST WALL, CAE, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT AND INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Supreme Court Decision
Adverse To Rental
Property Industry
At the end of July, the
Michigan Supreme Court
rendered a decision of
importance to residential
landlords. In the Bailey v.
Schaaf case, the Court found that if a landlord
is under notice of a specific situation
occurring on the premises which would
cause a reasonable person to recognize
a risk of imminent harm to an identifiable
invitee, the landlord has a duty to expedite
the involvement of the police.
In layman’s terms, if a landlord or its agent
(such as a manager, maintenance professional,
or security guard) is notified that there is an
imminent threat posed to a person on the
premises of the apartment community, the
landlord has a duty to call the police. However,
this duty does not extend to criminal acts
within a particular unit. It is also important
to note that the landlord has no duty to
involve himself or his agents into a violent
situation. Simply calling the police is the extent
of the landlord’s obligation. If the landlord
has this duty and does not call the police, the
landlord can be held liable for the damages
which follow should the threat escalate to actual
violence.
Special thanks to Matthew Miller of Swistak
& Levine, P.C. for providing the summary
information for this article.
Don’t Fall For “Corporate Records” Scam
The Michigan Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently issued
a release warning Michigan corporations
against a non-governmental entity called
“Corporate Records Service” trying to collect
a $125 fee to prepare corporate records.
The misleading compliance solicitation
implies that Michigan requires corporations
and limited liability companies to complete
an Annual Corporate Records Form and is
designed to look like an official document, but
it is not. Corporations receiving this notice are
advised to keep the notice, mailing envelope,
and return envelope, and contact the U.S.
Postal Inspections Service to report mail
fraud by calling (877) 876-2455. n
NEW BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR AAM MEMBERS
Save Money On Natural Gas Expenses
Through Volunteer Energy
The Apartment Association of Michigan
has teamed up with Volunteer Energy
to provide you with the opportunity to
reduce your natural gas costs. Michigan’s Gas
Customer Choice Program allows apartment
owners and their residents to choose their
natural gas supplier. Volunteer Energy’s
program gives you the opportunity to switch the
gas service you use for your common areas,
as well as the option of offering the service to
your residents. Customers remain with their
current utility company – Volunteer Energy
provides the gas. It’s a seamless transition. In
addition to saving your company money on your
natural gas expense, it can be a value-added
community amenity for your residents.
How much can you save The savings
opportunity will vary monthly due to usage
and market conditions. This past heating
season (October – March) Volunteer Energy
customers saw rates 2 percent – 15 percent
below DTE and Consumers Energy. Same
gas for less!
Switching your natural gas supply
to Volunteer Energy is a simple process
made even easier since we have a dedicated
AAM liaison. Mark Coffey can be reached
at any time to help AAM members enroll and
to answer questions. When you enroll with
Volunteer Energy, your utility service and billing
remains the same, only the rate you pay for the
natural gas will change.
Key Advantages to Volunteer Energy’s
programs:
• Month to month agreement – you do not
have a long-term commitment or restrictive
contract
• Ability to cancel at any time – no fees or
cancellation penalties from Volunteer Energy
• Market based pricing aimed to beat the
utility rates
• No change in the
relationship with your
utility – they continue to
read your meter, provide
service and bill you as they
currently do. Volunteer
Energy’s name appears on
the bill as the supplier of gas.
Volunteer Energy
currently serves
thousands of business
and residential gas customers across
the state. Licensed under the Michigan Gas
Customer Choice Program in 2006, Volunteer
Energy serves customers in the Consumers
Energy, DTE Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities and
Semco areas. Their bright orange logo is well
known to many Michiganders due to their
sponsorship of the Red Wings, Lions, University
of Michigan, WJR’s Paul W. Smith show and
now, AAM. For a free, no-obligation analysis
of your potential savings, contact Mark
Coffey at 248-240-7368 or markjcoffey@
comcast.net. Make sure to tell him you are
an AAM Member. n
BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013
9

News & Events
September
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Awards & Nominations Committee
Time: 9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Golf Outing & Region VII Golf Challenge
The Links of Novi, 50395 W. 10 Mile Rd, Novi
DETAILS ON NEXT PAGE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
HBA Board of Directors
At The LInks of Novi, following Golf Outing
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Real Estate Continuing Ed
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Cost: $80/Member; $125/Guest
MEETS THE STATE MANDATED REQUIREMENT
FOR 6 HOURS CONTINUING ED FOR REAL
ESTATE LICENSE RENEWAL
Instructor: Lori Chmura, Middleton Training
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
ABMWCSIF TRUSTEES
Time: 8:00 a.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
BAR/PREP ASSESSMENT
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $95/Person
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
AAM OFFICERS
Time: 9:30 a.m.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
AAM Breakfast Club Roundtable
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Complimentary for AAM members;
$10/Guest
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Membership Council
Time: 9:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
PWB Executive Committee
Time: 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
NAHBR Executive Committee
Time: 11:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Joint Council Meeting
REV Up Your Social Media
DETAILS ON NEXT PAGE
October
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Foundation Board
Time: 9:00 a.m.
OCTOBER 3 -6
Fall Remodeling Show
Suburban Collection
Showplace
www.novihomeshow.com/
Download your free VIP
members-only ticket at builders.
org after September 15. (Log in to the
Members Only section of the website using
your Member ID#).
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Birmingham Builder/
Remodeler Forum
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Adams Fire Station
If you would like to pose a question
anonymously for the building official to
address, please email in advance of this
meeting to: forrestw@builders.org.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
After Hours Mixer
A Unique Networking Opportunity. Win great
prizes! Appetizers, Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks.
Bring prospective members to the event!
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Place: Henderson Glass
32680 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48093
Cost: No charge and reservations
are required by September 24
No Shows will be billed $10.
THREE CHANCES TO WIN!
Must Be Present To Win! Builder & Remodeler -
$850. Associate - $850. Attendee - $50.
OCTOBER 9 - 12
NAHB Fall Board Meeting
Colorado Springs
www.nahb.org
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Real Estate Continuing Ed
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Cost: $80/Member;
$125/Guest
MEETS THE STATE MANDATED
REQUIREMENT FOR 6 HOURS
CONTINUING ED FOR REAL
ESTATE LICENSE RENEWAL
Instructor: Lori Chmura, Middleton Training
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Taking Care of Healthcare
Decisions You Can Make
Prior to 12.31.13 That Can
Impact Your Options & Costs
In 2014 And Beyond
Steven M. White
Steven M. White &
Associates
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Cost: $10/Person Including Breakfast
DETAILS ON PAGE 5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
Bloomfield Builder/
Remodeler Forum
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Township Offices, 4200 Telegraph
If you would like to pose a question
anonymously for the building official to
address, please email in advance of this
meeting to: forrestw@builders.org.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
BAR/PREP ASSESSMENT
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $95/Person
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
Membership Council
Time: 9:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
PWB Executive Committee
Time: 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
Joint Council Meeting
HBAM’s Rebate Program
Learn from other members how this program works
and how your HBA membership can help you save
money for your business.
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Cost: $10/Person; No charge for PWB and
NAHBR Council Members
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Lyon Township
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Township Offices – Board Room
58000 Grand River Ave
New Hudson 48165
If you would like to pose a question anonymously
for the building official to address, please email in
advance of this meeting to: forrestw@builders.org.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
HBA Executive Committee
Time: 9:00 a.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
AAM Economic Forecast
Details To Come
10 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

THURSDSAY, SEPTEMBER 12
2013 GOLF OUTING
& HBAM REGION VII
GOLF CHALLENGE
THE LINKS OF NOVI
50395 W. 10 MILE RD. NOVI 48374
(10 MILE & WIXOM)
• 9:45 a.m.
Registration and Range Practice
• 10:30 a.m.
Shotgun Start (Lunch at the Turn)
• 3:30 p.m.
Awards Program & Buffet Dinner
$80 Complete Golf Package
18 Holes Of Golf With A Cart,
Lunch & Dinner
$30 Dinner Only
EVENT SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR
HOLE SPONSOR
BUY A SHOT FROM THE
PRO FRANK J. REED
SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES:
BUILDERS.ORG/EVENTS.PHP
OR CALL FORREST WALL
248-862-1004
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
10 Tips To REV UP
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Presented By . . .
Carol Morgan, MIRM
Marketing, Communications, Interactive
Managing Partner mRELEVANCE, LLC
• VALUABLE, ACTIONABLE TIPS
• FUN, INTERACTIVE SESSION
• KICK YOUR PROGRAM INTO HIGH GEAR
THIS SESSION WILL GIVE YOUR SOCIAL
MEDIA ENGINE THE FUEL IT NEEDS TO
REACH FULL THROTTLE AND MAX RPMS
AND HAVE YOU RIDING SMOOTH IN NO TIME!
THIS IS A JOINT COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING
COUNCIL AND THE NAHBR PROFESSIONAL
REMODELERS COUNCIL
Classified Avertising
ASA Builders Supply Co.
& Cabinet Corporation
Exceptional Quality and
Exceptional Value.
Special Pricing For HBA Members.
Call 248-624-7400
asabuilderssupply.com
Lot Packages Available
• 30 Lots Springfield Twp.,
Clarkston mailing
• 15 Lots White Lake Twp.
• 9 Lots White Lake Twp.
• 1 Lake Lot White Lake Twp.
Owner
248-310-8308
ebstulberg@gmail.com
Land Owners/Buyers
Consulting available for land
development and plat, site plan
and zoning approvals.
National Award Winning Developer.
HBA Developer of Year.
Barry Stulberg
248-310-8308
ebstulberg@gmail.com
REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.BUILDERS.ORG/EVENTS.PHP
OR EMAIL: RIVAG@BUILDERS.ORG OR CALL: 248-862-1002
• Pest Control Services
• Lawn, Tree & Shrub Care
• Holiday Lighting
(888) 479-5900
Serving Others by Protecting and Enhancing
Their Lives and Property
www.eradicoservices.com
BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013
11

Welcome New Members
SPONSORS LISTED BELOW IN RED
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
THE NORTH CORPORATION
6200 COMMERCE, WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48324
(586) 850-1793
GERRY CLIXBY
TROTT & TROTT, PC
31440 NORTHWESTERN HWY
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334
(248) 594-4382 FAX (248) 642-4573
KEN KUREL
SMARTER FLUSH
6841 N ROCHESTER RD, #300G
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48306
(248) 601-3670 FAX (248) 601-3671
MEL KANAR
BUILDER MEMBER
ESTATE BUILDERS, INC
PO BOX 729, TROY, MI 48099
(248) 593-9961 FAX (248) 593-9963
FRANK BRONZETTI
DON BOURDEAU, AL BOURDEAU INSURANCE AGENCY
GRANDVIEW BUILDING INC
27087 GRATIOT AVE, ROSEVILLE, MI 48066
(586) 779-0400 FAX (586) 779-1188
ANTHONY FERLITO
JAMES P. BABCOCK, BABCOCK BUILDING CO., INC
OLD TOWNE BUILDER
32945 BINGHAM LANE, BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025
(248) 933-6640
TOM THOMASMA
KATIE HALLETT, TK DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
UPLAND HOMES, INC
1168 AUTUMNVIEW, ROCHESTER, MI 48307
(313) 319-6754 FAX (248) 651-2777
PHILIP KUNTZMAN
DAVID OATES, THE HUTTENLOCHER GROUP, LLC
VESTA HOMES INC
PO BOX 26048, FRASER, MI 48026
(586) 755-5970 FAX (586) 755-6860
MIKE MATTERA
CHARLEY STAAB, BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE
SUBCONTRACTOR MEMBER
GLEN-GERY BRICK CENTER
6315 HIGHLAND RD, WATERFORD, MI 48327
(248) 666-2411
DAVE BARNHART
KELLY EWELL, DETROIT BRICK DISTRIBUTOR COUNCIL
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION
5540 GLENWOOD HILLS PKWY,
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49501
(616) 234-6610
ERIC BURGOON
SPENCER ROED, MULTI DRYWALL & PARTITION LLC
SUMMIT FUNDING, INC
43252 WOODWARD AVE, #202
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302
(248) 758-2503 FAX (248) 334-5570
BRENDA A. BROSNAN
MYRON ARCHAMBEAU
FDI GROUP/GEORGE B. FORD AGENCY
www.facebook.com/pages/HBA-of-
Southeastern-Michigan/80385881497
Thank You Renewing
AAM & HBA Members
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
HONIGMAN MILLER SCHWARTZ & COHN, LLC
HUNTER WOODS APARTMENTS
LAUTREC LTD
MIDWEST CARPET CLEANING
RESSCO
WESTLAND COLONIAL DELAWARE LLC
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
AL BOURDEAU INSURANCE AGENCY, INC
COMMUNITY INSURANCE CENTER LTD
CONSTRUCTION ZONE BUILDING CO.
COUNTRYSIDE CONSTRUCTION CO. INC
COUZENS, LANSKY, FEALK, ELLIS, ROEDER &
LAZAR, PC
F.D. BERARDINO TILE INC
FRED E. GREENSPAN BUILDING CO.
G & M BUILDING CO., INC
GENESEE CERAMIC TILE
HINKSON CONSTRUCTION INC
IVERSON’S LUMBER CO., INC
J. SIMON & SONS ELECTRIC
MACOMB STAIRS, INC
MILFORD SINGER & CO.
MLB INVESTMENT
NAZARETH CARPENTRY SHOP, INC
NORBER BUILDERS
PINE COVE BUILDING CO.
PULLUM WINDOW CORP.
RYAN CABINETRY INC / AYA
SCACCIA BUILDING CO.
THE DENEWETH CO. LLC
TOWN BUILDING CO.
TRU-CRAFT BUILDERS
UHY ADVISORS - MI, INC
WHOLESALE BUILDER SUPPLY, INC
Welcome New Affiliates
Advertisers Index
COMPANY
PAGE
ASA Builder Supply & Cabinets 5, 11
Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency, Inc. 7
Brown & Brown Insurance 7
Coinmach 9
Community Insurance Center 7
Consumers Energy
Outside Back
Curtis Insurance Agency 7
Eradico Services, Inc. 11
George B. Ford Agency 7
Great Lakes Commercial Sales 8
The Huttenlocher Group 7
Pullum Window Corporation 2
SR Jacobson Development 4
Stulberg Development Consultants 11
Weather King Windows & Doors 3
FOX BROTHERS CO - BUILDING SUPPLIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SEAN BUSH
LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PATRICK KOKOSZ
SUMMIT FUNDING, INC ......................................DIANA GIPE
SUMMIT FUNDING, INC ......................................LISA KOWELEK
Awards Night Is Back!
For the first time since 2009, HBA will hold
an event dedicated
solely to honoring the
outstanding leaders
and achievers within
our Association
membership and
throughout our
industry. The event
will be held on
the evening of
Wednesday, December 4 in the ballroom
Save The Date ~ December 4
of the
Greektown
Casino Hotel.
Tickets
include Hors
D’Oeuvres,
Drinks, Dinner
President Sam and Linda Palazzolo
& Dessert
along with the chance to mingle with other
members and guests and to help recognize
the Award Honorees, including HBA President
Sam Palazzolo.
12 BUILDING Business & Apartment Management x September 2013

This Is Our
Comeback
Year.
JOIN US!
NETWORKING • INDUSTRY INFORMATION • PERMIT DATA & FORECASTS
CONTINUING EDUCATION • MARKETING • MEMBER INSURANCE RATES
DISCOUNTS • HOME SHOWS • PARADE OF HOMES • AWARDS & RECOGNITION
SOCIAL NETWORKING • LEGISLATION & ADVOCACY • COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Company Name ______________________________________ Individual Name ___________________________________________
Address______________________________________________City__________________________State________ Zip ______________
Phone _______________________ Fax ____________________Cell__________________________ Email ________________________
Website ______________________Type of Business _______________________________________ Referred by _____________________
Designations (such as CGB, CGR) _____________________________Please check the counties in which you do business:
❒ Macomb ❒ Oakland ❒ St Clair ❒ Western Wayne ❒ Wayne - Downriver ❒ Wayne - Detroit ❒ Genesee ❒ Lapeer ❒ Livingston ❒ Monroe
Why did you decide to join _________________________________________________________________________________________
My signature on this form gives HBA my permission to contact me and my company by mail, phone, email and fax.
CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TYPE: Annual Dues
❒ AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP FOR TWO OF YOUR EMPLOYEES
❒ Builder $560 License Number _____________________ AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE
❒ Remodeler $560 License Number _____________________ Name ________________ Name ________________
❒ Subcontractor (Trade) $560 License Number _____________________ Phone ________________ Phone ________________
❒ Associate $560 Industry Supplier or Service Provider Email _________________ Email _________________
DUES PAYMENT OPTIONS:
r Full Annual Dues Payment r Check enclosed r Credit Card, see below r Monthly Payment Plan for Dues Payment (MPP)* $46.67/month
* MPP Disclosure: By selecting the MPP option, my signature on this form hereby authorizes Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan to charge my credit card on a monthly
recurring basis at the rate shown. After twelve (12) months, I may opt out by providing thirty (30) days written notice.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PAYMENT: r Check enclosed r Credit Card, see below
r SE MICHIGAN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORT - $335 r NAHBR Professional Remodelers - $40
r Professional Women in Building - $50 r Builders Roundtable - $59 r Associates Networking Forum - $40
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: Charge my r Visa r Mastercard r Discover r Amex
Name on Card _________________________________________ Account # __________________________Exp. _______ Security______
Billing Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Required: _______________________________________________________________________Date __________________
PLEASE E-MAIL TO: RIVAG@BUILDERS.ORG or FAX TO: 248-538-4078
or MAIL TO HBA, 2075 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
or JOIN ONLINE AT: www.builders.org/join/