by Amanda Ballew – Chair of PWB Council
During 2010 I have served as the Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association. As I reflect on all we have accomplished this year, I am proud and thankful for all that our Council has achieved. I extend a personal Thank You to the other Board members, the AHBA Staff and to the individuals who participated during the year. We have worked hard to remain a leading group within the Association and the Asheville Community. These are some of the events and activities of this past year.
PWB held on-site meetings at member locations of White Insurance and Core Installations to learn more about what our members offer enhancing the theme “Do Business with a Member.” Following the Spring AHBA membership drive, our Council held a PWB membership drive making calls to each of the AHBA members to encourage PWB membership.
The Professional Women in Building hosted multiple education classes including a panel discussion regarding Foreclosures and Quick Sales. We held a three part series class taught by Gary Charles of G Social Media on Social Media for Businesses earning over $400.00 in funds for our Scholarship and teaching over 20 new students about Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Follow us and connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AshevillePWB and Twitter @AshevillePWB. We recently hosted the Free Webinar: "Think Solid: Creating Home Sales in ANY Market" as a benefit to our builder members of the Association.
This year we awarded our first scholarship in June; a $500 award to Monica Williams, a very deserving student who is pursuing her education in Architecture. The fundraising committee worked extremely hard on the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction “Wines for the Thanksgiving Table” held November 18th at Wine Studio of Asheville and earned over $3000 for the Scholarship Fund. We were also given a seperate $600 donation by Push Asheville Fashion presented during our Holiday lunch.
Thank you to the Asheville Community for your support during my year as Chair. We look forward to serving the AHBA and the community again next year.
Thank you to the 2010 Board of Directors:
Chair - Amanda Ballew - More Space Place
Vice-Chair and Fundraising - Maria Aponte - Salon Blue Ridge
Secretary / Treasurer - Gina Kidder – Core Installations
Director - Jenny Brunet – Cool Mountain Construction and Realty
The 2011 Board of Directors will take office in January:
Chairman: Maria Aponte of Salon Blue Ridge
Vice Chairman: Kate Duinkerken of Duinkerken Homes, Inc
Secretary/Treasurer: Amanda Ballew of More Space Place
Director: Angela Ramsey of Hi-Tech Integrated Systems, Inc.
Showing posts with label Asheville Home Builders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asheville Home Builders. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ten Reasons I Enjoy Membership in Home Builders Associations
Ten Reasons I enjoy membership with the Home Builders Associations. (not necessarily in order)
1. Maybe its obvious... but that's where the builders are. New construction and remodel builders are members of the Home Builders Associations.
2. Networking with other local businesses who are members. The moto of the industry is "Do business with a member." I have formed many friendships from my contacts at the Asheville and Hendersonville Home Builders Association.
3. Increased local exposure via the directories. If someone is looking for a closet company, they can find More Space Place via the Asheville, Haywood, or Hendersonville directories.
4. The Professional Women In Building Council is a core group of women leaders within the industry. I am currently the Chair for the Regional PWB under the Asheville Home Builders Association.
5. Establishing a brand within the industry has been key for our business. Local, State, and National associations have levels of sponsorship which companies can financially support the industry.
6. Our membership with the Association helps to establish trust with our clients. People like to do business with companies that are affiliated with Associations and are giving back to the community. We participate in the volunteer days.
7. I have received many referrals from the HBA Associates and Builder members. I regularly attend the meetings and they know me, they know I will return calls and help the clients they send to me.
8. The local and state associations have fun events. I participate in the golf tournaments, Parade of Homes, TEAM Day, 21st Century Expo, and Holiday Parties. They make being a member fun and exciting.
9. Our local, state, and national home builders all provide educational classes for both associates and builder members. Many times the classes are geared toward very current topics for our industry - like social media, the economy and green building for example.
10. The National Home Builders Association participates very actively in pushing the legislation that affects the livelihood of its members. Locally, they are working on things like zoning laws and steep slope ordinances that affect when and where people can build new houses. I participate in BuildPac yearly to help this cause for legislation.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Asheville PWB Scholarship Fundraiser via Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
On Thursday evening November 18th - The Asheville Professional Women in Building in conjunction with Asheville Home Builders Association and The Wine Studio of Asheville will host a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction to benefit the yearly PWB Scholarship Award. Tickets are available thru Amanda at More Space Place Asheville or thru the Home Builders office at 299-7001.
Please join us for a fun night of networking and perhaps find some Holiday gifts!
If your business would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Amanda prior to October 30.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Asheville PWB - Scholarship Awarded
Pictured left to right
Amanda Ballew - Chair PWB
Monica Whitmire - Scholarship Recipient
Maria Aponte - Vice-Chair PWB
Caroline Sutton - Executive Officer Asheville HBA
On June 17, 2010 during the General membership meeting at the Hilton at Biltmore Park acting as the Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council, I was pleased to present the 2010 PWB Scholarship Award to Monica Whitmire. Monica is a senior at Enka High School and will be attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte to major in Architecture and minor in Art to become a licensed Architect. Monica’s specific career goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Architecture while working to obtain additional certificates. Monica states that “my biggest focus on residential design is to incorporate environmentally friendly aspects into every house, just because something is green doesn’t mean it has to look it.” Monica’s application exemplifies her leadership capabilities, work ethics and community involvement through volunteering with several organizations. Monica’s academic scores and grades are very impressive as well as the several letters of recommendation stating “Monica is so intelligent and focused on her future; she is a great student and an amazing young woman”. Congratulations Monica Whitmire!
The Professional Women in Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association is focused on supporting the Home Building industry thru education, community involvement, legislation, and networking with other women in the industry. We are accepting donations to the PWB scholarship fund for 2011. If you are interested in making a donation please contact the AHBA office.
Visit the Asheville Home Builders Association website
call the AHBA at (828) 299-7001.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Home & Garden Expo May 1 and 2 by Asheville Home Builders
We have an awesome booth planned and are excited to be presenting our Garage Systems and Custom closet systems along with information regarding our other services of Murphy Beds, Panel Beds, Home Office units, Custom Pantry, and Organizational Solutions.
May 1, 2010 - 10am until 7pm
May 2, 2010 - 12noon until 5pm
May 2, 2010 - 12noon until 5pm
WNC Agricultural Center, Expo Facility
Over 30,000 sq ft filled with homebuilding products and services!
Builders • Remodelers • Architects • Interior Designers • Landscapers • Custom Closets and Murphy Beds• Cabinetry and Home Furnishings• Rainwater Harvesting • as well as Green Products & much more!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Selecting A Builder For Your Asheville Home
Interview several builders when considering who you want to build your home. You will be spending several months to two years with the builder and you need to get along well. You want someone who is going to respond to your calls and requests with respect. Be cautious of a low-bid, remember the rule "You get what you pay for"!
Find builders that have experience constructing the size and style of home that you prefer - familiarity is good. We have excellent builders in the Asheville Area - check the Asheville Home Builders Association Directory or the Western North Carolina Green Building Council for a directory of Green Builders.
Ask for referrals from friends and neighbors who have recently built homes in Asheville - a happy client is good business. These referrals will be strong sources as they have successfully completed the process and will also have advice for you.
The method of payment for the builders can vary - some have fixed pricing while others work on a percentage markup, this can make a big difference depending on how well you make decisions and your budget.
Many builders in Western North Carolina are offering bonus services now - like working closely with Architects or have design/build firms and some are offering design consultation as part of their home package.
It is reasonable to check backgrounds, Better Business Bureau, Home Builders Associations Affiliations, Banks and Insurance documents to confirm that your builder choice is sound in business. This checklist might be helpful as well.
Visit Amanda at the Brevard Road showroom - More Space Place Asheville or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
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