Weekly e-Newsletter
ISSUE: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Featured Events
  • All April events and classes have been canceled. Some have been tentatively rescheduled.
  • The Tex-Mex Cookoff on May 1 has been canceled.
  • For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit ghba.org/calendar
Local Stay Home Orders Deem Construction as Essential Service
Fort Bend, Harris and Galveston counties have issued "Stay Home Work Safe" orders effective March 24 through April 3. The home construction industry has been deemed an essential service permitting our operations to continue.

While we’re in uncharted territory, the GHBA and HBAs across the state are interpreting the essential services language to include anything incidental to and necessary for residential construction. All trades can continue working, as well as anything related to facilitating home sales transactions.

Exemption Letter Template
As this crisis persists, we may see the enforcement of the "stay home" orders increase and it may become necessary for our members to show or prove that they are allowed to work during this time. Please see this draft letter template for use by you, your company and trades that you do business with. 

Because our region covers multiple jurisdictions you may need to modify the letter to reflect the area where you are doing business. 

We know that these are difficult times and being able to continue your operations can help provide some degree of normalcy. It is important to remember that for the industry to continue working under these circumstances, it is critical to follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and minimize crew and staff to 10 people or less.

If you have any questions, email Bradley Pepper.

Interview with President Rob Hellyer Addresses the COVID-19 Situation
Local remodeler and GHBA President Rob Hellyer, CGR, GMB, CAPS, shares his experience and insight as a small business owner operating under the unusual and unpredictable constraints of COVID-19.
Meet GHBA Community Member,
Dan Bawden
In this time of social isolation, it’s the human connection that will get us through. Each week, we’ll introduce you to a fellow member of your GHBA community. We hope that you’ll reach out and say hello!

First up: Dan Bawden, Legal Eagle Contractors [ VIDEO]


P.S. – Full disclosure, we had other plans for these videos. But we thought you could all use a pick-me-up, so we’re releasing them early. Enjoy!

Who will be next? Stay tuned next Wednesday!
Beware COVID Scams & Spams
In the recent weeks, we've seen a wave of fraudulent schemes and spam emails related to the coronavirus. Please be vigilant, as always. If anything seems 'off' please delete it.

GHBA staff is also available by phone or email at any time to verify if a message is from your association or not.
Builders, Can You Donate PPE?
Healthcare Workers Need Our Help

The shortage of masks and eye protection among healthcare workers is at a crisis level. Both the U.S. President and Vice President have called upon the construction industry to provide these items to the healthcare industry immediately.

In answer to the call, HomeAid Houston is asking for donations of masks, eye protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Thank you to David Weekley Homes and BMC for their leadership in organizing our local efforts.

It is imperative that our healthcare providers have these s as they are on the front line of the battle to test, treat, and contain COVID-19, and we need to protect them.

Materials we are collecting include:
  • Masks (Dust masks, N95, etc.)
  • Eye protection (Glasses, goggles, shields, etc.)
  • Surgical gloves
  • Anything else you may think useful as PPE

DROP-OFF LOCATION
BMC – Millwork
16002 Tomball Pkwy, Houston TX 77080
No Appts necessary (M-F 7am-5pm)

Let us know when your company makes a contribution, and we'll share the good news via social media. #BuildersCare
Association News
Local GHBA Member Richard Lee is National Remodeler of the Month
Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction is easier said than done, especially for a company that is continually growing. But after working for several years at Southwest Airlines, Richard Lee, co-founder of Lee Brothers Construction in Huntsville, Texas, gained numerous insights on how to keep customers happy while attracting new customers in a highly competitive industry.

When he decided to change career paths, Lee took those insights and applied them to his remodeling business. Doing so helped his company not only sustain the ups and downs of the market, but also experience steady growth throughout the last three decades. His level of dedication to customer service is one of the primary reasons Lee was named NAHB’s Remodeler of the Month for March. Read more
2020 Scholarship Applications Open
GHBA's Scholarship Program, presented annually by the Associate Council, provides assistance to members' children in pursuing a college degree. These scholarships are made possible through the donations of generous association members.

Can you help? Donations of any size are encouraged and appreciated. Every penny goes directly to student scholarships. It's also tax deductible!

Is your son or daughter a college student or a college-bound high school senior? Apply for the 2020 scholarship!
Deadline Friday, May 1
Want more news?
Read Houston Builder magazine online, anytime, anywhere.

Thank you to our 2020 Sustaining Associate Members (SAMs)
GRAND ($10,000+)
ACES Builders Warranty
AIRIA Development Corp.
BMC
Benchmark Mortgage
Builders Choice Inc.
Builders Post-Tension
Carrier Corporation
Centricity
Champions Stone Co.
DataSmart/Duncan Security
Detering Co. of Houston
DPIS Builder Services
DuPure
Expressions Home Gallery
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen
& Lighting Gallery
Fox Energy Specialists
Gulf & Basco
HomePro Home Technologies
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
Ironwood Connection
Legends Architectural Stone
Milgard Windows & Doors
Norbord Industries
Perfection Supply
Rooftec
Sherwin-Williams Co.
SRG Stairs
StrucSure Home Warranty
Suncoast Post-Tension
PREMIER ($5,000+)
ABC Home & Commercial Services
Allpoints Surveying
Centerpoint Energy
ConnectOne A SMART HOME Company
Exterior Inspections
Huber Engineered Woods
Keller Williams – The Icon Team
RoyOMartin/Corrigan OSB
Texas Builders Finance
Thorntree Slate & Marble
Venetian Stairs
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
www.ghba.org | 281.970.8970