Total revenues were $319.6 million for the first three months of fiscal 2010 compared with $373.8 million in the same quarter a year ago. The company delivered 1,091 homes for the quarter.

The company said net contracts per active selling community increased 31% to 5.1 net contracts per active selling community in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from 3.9 in last year's first quarter. However, primarily due to a 27% decrease in active selling communities, the number of net contracts for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, decreased 5% to 912 homes compared with the same quarter a year ago.

"The first quarter saw the typical seasonal home buying patterns that we would expect," commented Ara K. Hovnanian, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Traffic and net contracts dropped off around the Thanksgiving holiday, and we began to see a pickup in traffic and net contracts during the last half of January and into February. In the first quarter, we continued to see a couple of positive year-over-year comparisons, including an increase in gross margins and an increase in net contracts per active selling community."

"We are pleased to see the market for new land deals begin to thaw out a bit and we continue to diligently pursue new land opportunities where we can make normalized returns based on today's home prices and sales absorption levels. Adhering to sound land underwriting assumptions will reduce risk and prove beneficial to our future financial performance," Mr. Hovnanian continued.

"It is encouraging that we have been able to continue to report improving margins and year-over-year increases in sales absorption rates. Although we remain cautiously optimistic, several headwinds such as persistently high unemployment levels, the expiration of the federal homebuyers tax credit and the threat of more foreclosures continue to hinder a sustainable recovery in the housing market," concluded Mr. Hovnanian.

"KB Home is building new homes that are relevant to the way homebuyers are living – now and in the future," said Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home. "This is just one of many innovative and earth-friendly options that homeowners can choose from as part of KB Home's Built to Order experience. It's a great feature for homebuyers who currently drive electric cars, or for those who want to build their new home to accommodate these cars in the future."

The Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to drive the efficient and restorative use of resources, recently launched Project Get Ready, a program that aims to help communities prepare for and support plug-in vehicles.

"It is critical for the mass adoption of electric vehicles to have companies like KB Home leading the industry by offering this pre-wire option, as the majority of electric vehicle charging will be done at home overnight," said Matt Mattila, Project Manager for Project Get Ready. "Not only is it convenient, but when managed correctly, charging overnight, at home, will put less strain on the grid than opportunity day-time charging at public charging stations."

KB Home is continually surveying the market to better understand what homebuyers are looking for in a home. Based on this process, the homebuilder has been proactive in incorporating energy-efficient and earth-friendly features that save buyers money, including building all new home communities to strict ENERGY STAR® guidelines.

KB Home's Built to Order approach also makes it possible for homebuyers to incorporate even more earth-friendly products into their new homes. At the KB Home Studio, the Company is working to educate buyers about ways they can further lower their energy bills and reduce their consumption of natural resources by choosing options from the Company's My Home. My Earth.® program.

Visit them online at kbhome.com

The company said the filing was triggered when it could not come to terms on renegotiating a $350 million loan with its creditors, which became due February 12, 2010.

This week, the Court gave interim approval for up to $26 million of the Company's previously announced $40 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing line, including up to $11 million of cash funding and up to $15 million of letters of credit.  The Company intends to use the proceeds of the financing for, among other things, its ordinary course business expenses.

The Court approved the Company's motions to pay prepetition employee wage and benefit charges, as well as motions to maintain the Company's existing cash management systems and to use its cash collateral.  In addition, the Court approved the Company's motions for the continuation of the Mortgage Plus Program and home warranty programs, and approved payment of prepetition amounts owed to homeowners' and condo associations.  Finally, the Court approved a motion to honor prepetition claims for certain critical vendors, among other items.

Orleans is providing information about the reorganization at www.orleanshomesreorg.com

"We continue to see opportunities where we can expand into new markets to better serve our customers," said ProBuild Senior Vice President of Corporate Development Michael Mahre.  "These new locations are great instances where we can bring the market-leading value of ProBuild's products and services to serve strong and growing markets."

The Orem location, which will begin with nine employees, is ProBuild's fourth in the state of Utah, joining Heber City, Midvale (Salt Lake City) and Ogden.  The Orem facility will service lumber and millwork customers and opens with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification that enables Orem to sell FSC-certified material. The Virginia location, formerly a location operated by Glaize Components, will extend ProBuild's capabilities to serve the Washington, D.C./Baltimore markets. Winchester will manufacturer components including roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels. The 18-acre site will also feature a full-service lumberyard.

"We see great potential in these markets," said ProBuild Northeast President Russ Kathrein. "With the addition of Winchester, we will be able to better meet the growing needs of our customers with our complete line of products and services."

About ProBuild

ProBuild Holdings is the nation's largest supplier of building materials to professional contractors. ProBuild currently operates more than 470 lumber and building product distribution, manufacturing and assembly centers serving 42 U.S. states.  ProBuild sells a broad selection of building materials including lumber and plywood, engineered wood, gypsum wallboard and other drywall products, millwork, trusses, roofing, siding products, tools, insulation materials, and metal and hardware specialties. The company's manufacturing activities include trusses, wall panels, millwork, and pre-hung door and window fabrication.  ProBuild's construction services include the installation of framing, millwork, insulation and other products.  To learn more about ProBuild, visit their website at www.probuild.com

Read more at the Dallas News

In comparing current sales levels to year-ago levels, 39 percent of respondents said sales were higher in February versus year-ago levels, up from 24 percent in January. For February, 27 percent reported sales were even, and 33 percent said sales were below year-ago levels.

Looking forward six months, 57 percent of February respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, down from 61 percent in January. In February, 39 percent of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months and just 4 percent expect sales to be below current levels.

Looking forward one year, 76 percent of respondents project sales will be higher, up from 72 percent who felt that way in January. Twenty-two percent of February respondents project sales will be even one year from now and two percent project sales will be below current levels.

Timothy S. Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA), said: "For the past three months our members' sales have been improving versus year-ago levels. Still, however, the industry continues to struggle against a number of negative macroeconomic trends making it extremely difficult to operate at the levels we would like to see."

To learn more, visit the event website HERE

According to Conservation International, online events can eliminate over 300 tons of CO2 per 1000 attendees.

Green Building Expo is a virtual conference and showcase with wide-ranging exhibits, compelling conference sessions, panel discussions and keynote presentations by Jack Canfield, originator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul®" series and by the Organic Architect, Eric Corey Freed, author of "Green Building for Dummies" and "Sustainable School Architecture." Because of its online nature, people, who would never be able to participate in such an event, can participate at their leisure from the comfort of their home or office.

The two-day conference program includes 18 hours of high-interest presentations featuring industry expert discussions and live audience Q&A. The exhibit hall is packed with virtual exhibit booths where attendees may investigate new products and services, view streaming media demos, gather literature and even engage in live discussions with company representatives or other conference goers. The entire conference environment has been designed with social media networking at its core, enabling participants to expand their personal and professional networks.

Green Building Expo eliminates the barriers associated with low participation rates at many recent in-person events and directly addresses the high carbon footprint normally associated with tradeshows. "Escalating concerns over global warming and decreasing company budgets have reduced the participation at many events by both vendors and conference goers," said Jenica Egan, Editor of Green Building Journal. "Today's internet and computing technologies, such as streaming media broadcasts and flash based audience interaction tools, have allowed us to offer informative and valuable content globally. There is no better way to go green than to participate in this FREE online conference."

All conference material and exhibits will be available online at no cost to registered attendees beginning May 19, 2010 and throughout the year following the event. Those interested in speaking or exhibiting should contact by email info@gbexpo.com

From affordable grills and smokers to cost-effective, energy efficient fireplaces and stoves, to modern outdoor furnishings and kitchens, HPBExpo sizzles with the latest cutting-edge products that will outfit homeowners' indoor and outdoor living areas. Be among the first to experience the most exciting products – from grilling gadgets, green-heat products and even the latest outdoor kitchens – the industries have to offer.

•HPBExpo Green Pavilion: For the first time, HPBExpo highlights its greenest products—those that meet the significant tenets of being green, from production to energy efficiency for the homeowner. The Pavilion includes an educational poster presentation on how a green label is achieved.

•Outdoor Burn Area: Watch live grilling demonstrations on the latest grills and smokers and learn about the latest technology in fireplaces and stoves, fueled by wood, pellets, natural gas and propane. Plus, enjoy top-notch BBQ chefs – Ted Reader and Dr. BBQ Ray Lampe –whip-up delicacies on the barbecue.

•Consumer Tax Credit: See firsthand a variety of clean-burning wood and pellet stoves and fireplace inserts that are eligible for consumers to earn a $1,500 federal tax credit, designed to encourage energy-conscious purchases.

•New Product Pavilion: Don't miss this one-stop shop of the latest technologies and products debuting at HPBExpo. See a sneak peak here.

For show information visit www.hpba.org

Note: HPBExpo is not open to the public.

To gain entry, simply input your personalized code. Locking is even easier, with the simple touch of one button. SmartCode also is easy to install, program and use, and operates on four AA batteries so there is no hard wiring required. It also features SmartKey™ re-key technology with BumpGuard™ protection as the back-up keyed entry system. SmartKey is the first affordable re-keyable lock available to the homeowner. It allows homeowners to re-key their lock anytime in a matter of seconds without removal from the door for improved security and the ultimate in convenience.

"Now homeowners can achieve greater total home security, convenience and design consistency with the high-security SmartCode Deadbolt for the front door, and the SmartCode Lever for the door from the garage to the home, the home office, and other traditional knob or lever internal entryways," said Krista Weigand, product manager, Residential Access Solutions, Black & Decker Security Hardware Division.

Just like Kwikset's SmartCode Deadbolt, SmartCode Levers allow homeowners to create unique codes for each individual requiring access to the room or home. "They can create temporary codes for the housekeeper or other visitors in the morning before leaving for work, and then disable those codes in the evening, making unauthorized access by temporary users virtually impossible.

SmartCode Levers fit all standard door preps without requiring new screw holes. Available in three finishes, Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze and Polished Brass, the SmartCode's brightly-lit keypad also provides convenient access in low-light. The SmartCode Lever provides additional convenience and security via an automatic door locking feature with 30-second delay that can be activated or deactivated at the homeowner's discretion. Kwikset provides a lifetime warranty on the mechanics and finish of the lock and there is a one year electronic warranty.

For additional information on Kwikset products, visit www.kwikset.com, or call 1-800-327-LOCK.

Overall, 94.4 percent of residential landscape architects rate outdoor living spaces like kitchens or entertaining space as somewhat or very popular for 2010. Among kitchen features, the most popular include the classic outdoor grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent). More elaborate kitchen elements like outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular.

Following a similar trend, the most popular outdoor entertainment features eschewed more expensive, elaborate items in favor of the essentials. For 2010, expect the continued interest in seating/dining areas (95.6 percent) using installed seating like benches and seatwalls (90.6 percent) or weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent), along with the ever-popular fire pit/fireplace (94 percent). Landscape architects anticipate less enthusiasm for items like stereo systems (57.2 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and TVs (35.5 percent).

"Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we've seen in past years," said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA.

Among landscape and garden features, 2010 will feature an increase of design elements that reduce time and money. Topping the list are low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent); drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent); native/adapted drought tolerant plants (85.2 percent); and less lawn (73.9 percent). Other popular features include fountains/water features (87.8 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).

Additional information on residential landscape architecture can be found at www.asla.org/residentialinfo

Outdoor Living Features (Percent rating somewhat or very popular for 2010)
Seating/dining areas – 95.6%
Grills – 94.4%
Fire pits/fireplace – 94%
Lighting – 93.4%
Installed seating (benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, boulders) – 90.6%
Weatherized outdoor furniture – 77.1%
Counter space – 73.5%
Utility storage – 66.7%
Stereo systems 57.2%
Refrigerators – 52.8%
Sinks – 50.0%
Wireless/Internet connectivity – 44.1%
Outdoor heaters – 43.8%
Showers/bathing – 36.5%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 36.5%
Televisions/projection screens – 35.6%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 5.6%

Outdoor Recreation Amenities
Decorative water elements such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers – 86.8%
Spa (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor sauna) – 79.1%
Swimming Pools – 72.4%
Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.) – 47.0%

Landscape/Garden Elements
Low maintenance landscapes – 94.0%
Fountains/ornamental water features – 87.8%
Native plants – 83.9%
Food/Vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards etc.) – 78.5%
Organic gardens – 67.0%
Ponds/streams – 61.9%
Rain gardens – 60.4%
Xeriscape or dry gardens – 58.1%

Sustainable Design Elements
Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 85.2%
Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants – 85.2%
Reduced lawn – 73.9%
Permeable paving – 72.5%
Recycled materials – 68.0%
Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 64.1%
Compost bins – 55.0%
Solar-powered lights – 49.4%
Geothermal-heated pools – 28.2%

Structures
Arbors – 87.2%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 86.7%
Pergolas – 83.4%
Decks – 83.0%
Fencing (includes gates) – 82.9%
Porches – 76.4%
Steps – 74.6%
Utility shed (tool shed, garden shed etc.) – 64.8%
Gazebos – 58.6%
Pavilions – 58.0%
Art (sculpture etc.) – 58.0%
Columns – 43.7%
Awnings, including retractable – 42.8%
ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars, accessible shelving etc.) – 21.4%

About the Survey
The survey asked residential landscape architects about the estimated popularity of various design elements for 2010. The survey was fielded January 25 to February 12, with 182 responding.

Prior to his time with Real Stone Source, Tarry spent four years with MasterTile West, the California-based division of the nationwide wholesale distributor of tile, stone and allied products.

For more information, visit www.laticrete.com

Through its WellHome business, Masco Home Services, a subsidiary of Masco Corporation, plans to become the first national provider of home performance services, including whole home comfort and energy efficiency assessments, recommendations and project implementation.  Unlike simple energy auditing services, WellHome will provide assessments and implementation, serving as the general contractor to oversee all home improvement projects.

Additionally, WellHome provides homeowners with a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee* on their energy savings resulting from the improvements.  State and federal tax credits, and utility rebates and incentives, may be available to help pay for these improvements. The recently proposed HOMESTAR program, which President Obama is encouraging Congress to enact, may make additional incentives available to homeowners who make weatherization or energy efficient improvements to their home. Financing is also available.

"Millions of homeowners across the country are living in homes that are not as comfortable or energy efficient as they could be. To date, our assessments show that homeowners can see energy efficiency gains between 20% - 50% by choosing our solutions, which also supply comfort and air quality benefits," said Larry Laseter, President of WellHome.  "Our approach to home performance is to conduct a thorough assessment and diagnose the issues, but to also fix them, and then guarantee the energy savings.  This full-service approach to comfort and home energy efficiency is unique to WellHome and will be the model as we grow nationally."

Masco Home Services is already recognized as an innovative leader in the creation of energy efficient and comfortable homes through its Environments For Living® and Environments For Living Certified Green programs.  The Environments For Living program is a national, turnkey home performance program for residential builders designed to help them build comfortable more energy efficient homes using principles of building science.  Since 2001, more than 130,000 homes have been built under the Environments For Living banner.

Leveraging the company's deep knowledge in building science, WellHome will focus on home performance for existing homes. Given that two-thirds of the more than 100 million single family homes in the United States were built before modern energy codes, there is a pressing need for the services WellHome offers.  The Company has a team of home performance advisors as well as service providers to supply products and services including air and duct tightness, insulation, windows, energy efficient lighting and new heating and cooling systems to make homes more energy efficient.

"We've established a strong platform of building science experience and expertise through our Environments For Living program, and we will now provide similar turnkey home performance services for existing homes to deliver better energy efficiency, lower costs and improved comfort for homeowners and their families," said Laseter. "This will truly be a one-stop solution for homeowners looking for a trusted partner to help them improve their home's performance.  We back up our process with a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee that we think is powerful statement supporting our work.  The ability to improve a home's comfort and the energy savings guarantee make our program ripe for national expansion."

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including infrared temperature guns, blower doors and carbon dioxide and air flow monitors, a WellHome Advisor (WHA) conducts a comprehensive, whole-home assessment.  The WHA assesses the home for comfort, efficiency and air quality issues, and all WHA's are trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute, which ensures the assessment they conduct is rigorous, standardized and measurable to ensure energy efficient outcomes.

Following the assessment, the WHA develops a report via licensed industry software that analyzes the data and illustrates to the homeowner how their home performs relative to energy efficiency and comfort. The assessment report helps homeowners make an informed decision about the improvements that will best suit their needs and budget by prioritizing the effectiveness of each option, while also showing the long-term cost benefits of installations and improvements.  The WHA will also help identify available state and federal tax credits, utility rebates and incentives, as well as financing.  

The WellHome Advisor schedules and oversees energy-efficient and comfort-creating improvements, which include air and duct tightening, insulation, windows, efficient lighting and new heating and cooling systems.  In available areas, WellHome offers solutions from other Masco companies including Masco Contractor Services, a leading national installer of insulation, and Milgard Windows & Doors, an industry leader in window and door innovation. Upon completion of the work, the customer receives a Whole Home Energy Savings Limited Guarantee.

Homeowners interested in learning more about how WellHome can make their home more comfortable can visit www.wellhome.com or call 877-721-5907.

"It's not too late to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "There are plenty of existing homes on the market, and even though the move-in ready newly constructed homes inventory has dwindled, builders may still be able finish a home in time."

The IRS provides an additional two months beyond the deadline to close the deal. Buyers who sign a sales contract by the April 30 deadline are still eligible if they close the sale of the home by June 30, 2010.

More people than ever before are eligible for a home buyer tax credit, NAHB estimates that close to 70 percent of all potential buyers should qualify for some form of a credit.

"First-time" buyers don't have to be buying their first home ever; they are defined by the IRS as those who have not owned a principal residence in the past three years. Repeat buyers may be eligible for a new $6,500 credit, as long as they have owned and lived in their current home at least five consecutive out of the past eight years.

The current credits also increase the income limits, enabling single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples earning up to $225,000 to potentially qualify for a full credit.

NAHB's Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, which has received more than 6.5 million visitors since the site launched, provides basic information about the credits, detailed question and answer sections, and links to additional home-buying resources for consumers.

"If you've been considering buying a home for any reason, the home buyer tax credit, in addition to historically low interest rates and competitive home prices, make it an ideal time to buy," said Jones.

According to Opus Roof Blanket Executive Vice President Ralph Bruno, the selection of WOLF as the key channel partner for Opus Roof Blanket means Opus will be easy to buy in markets from New England to the Southeast. "In looking for a distributor that not only had world-class logistics, but has a proven track record of bringing innovative building products to market, we were pleased to reach agreement with our first choice, WOLF. On top of their 160-year tradition, I have personally worked with them over the past decade, and WOLF has truly distinguished themselves as the preeminent distributor in the markets they service."

Opus Roof Blanket is a new category of roofing underlayment that can be used in place of felt paper and plastic sheeting underlayment under all types of steep-slope roofing materials. Designed with the roofing contractor in mind, Opus is the very best in the industry for worker safety. In fact, Opus offers the best walking traction of any underlayment, wet or dry. Utilizing technology never before seen in roof underlayment, Opus's one-of-a-kind surface area makes it easy for roofers to snap a chalk line and write on, and its tan color keeps roofs cool on even the hottest days. These benefits and more make Opus Roof Blanket the ideal solution for builders, roofing contractors and professional installers.

According to Craig Danielson, President of WOLF, "This partnership is a terrific step as we expand our portfolio of innovative building products into the marketplace. We look forward to working with Ralph and his team to offer this game-changing product, Opus Roof Blanket, to our customer base."

For more information about Opus Roof Blanket, or to feel the Opus difference, visit booth #605 at the 2010 North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) trade show at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, Mass., on March 17-19. Opus will also be on display at the JLC LIVE Residential Construction show at booth #540 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I., on March 26-27.

You can also visit them online at: www.opusroofblanket.com

LaHabra, a pioneer in the stucco industry since 1926, proudly offers acrylic finishes specifically formulated for use over stucco substrates. The new formula provides the advantages of an acrylic finish at a lower cost. Perma-Flex not only provides an economical solution during these challenging times, but it also carries the advantages of being weather-resistant, vapor-permeable, and allows for easy installation. Although LaHabra is best known for their cement stucco finishes, Parex USA is one of the largest manufacturers of acrylic finishes in the nation. "Acrylic finishes are known for their superior color consistency and range of colors and textures," said Jennifer Pregowski, Brand Manager. "With the use of Perma-Flex, one can add beauty and durability to any project at a low cost and help ensure that the color applied will last for many years with minimal maintenance."

Perma-Flex Stucco Grade Acrylic Finish is available in Fine, Swirl, Coarse and Smooth Textures in the LaHabra standard and lifestyle color pallette. Custom colors are available, providing the applicator with a variety of design options.

Perma-Flex Stucco Grade Acrylic Finishes are durable exterior coatings that provide color and texture over LaHabra Wall, LaHabra BasiC926, brown coat, cast-in-place concrete, and other approved substrates. For more information regarding Perma-Flex Finishes, visit www.lahabrastucco.com

About Parex USA, Inc.
Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc., an American Corporation based in California, is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, a division of Materis, S.A., a French Corporation. The ParexGroup is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com

The starter kit provides everything needed to set up a Z-Wave®-based wireless home-management system, including one Schlage® wireless keypad deadbolt or lever lock, the Schlage Bridge, which connects to the home's existing router, and a light module.

The Schlage LiNK System gives homeowners 24/7 control over their homes from a computer or cell phone and enables them to remotely lock and unlock doors, receive email or text alerts when specific access codes are entered, conserve energy through remote thermostat management and monitor the home via a live video feed.

In addition to Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry, the LiNK mobile application is available for devices running Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5 or higher and phones compatible with Java. Support for Qualcomm's BREW is coming soon.

For information about Schlage LiNK, visit link.schlage.com. The rebate form is located at link.schlage.com/rebate

Some professions, however, simply become obsolete due to technology. National Public Radio has assembled a fascinating slideshow of some occupations that have faded into history.

Take a look at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124251060&ps=cprs

Learn more at: http://www.southernshows.com/hsg/index.php?general_info=1&

The new Telling™ Industries company site is feature rich, designed to accommodate the wide diversity of viewers of their pages. BUILDSTRONG offers visitors an opportunity to print literature, acquire submittal information, seek engineering advice, obtain LEED® documentation, write specifications and link directly to the industry's hottest media sources for up-to-date news.

"BUILDSTRONG means; to build bigger, better and greener requires the highest quality framing and construction materials available today. To BUILDSTRONG is to guarantee a long legacy of quality buildings for many future generations to enjoy and use.  You see, at Telling, we are proud of every building that we had a part in framing.  We take pleasure in knowing that the materials we provide will stand the test of time.  We understand our responsibility to the architectural community and we do not take our place in the construction process lightly.  You can see that BUILDSTRONG has become more than a website at Telling, it's our philosophy," says the company's Executive Vice President, Troy Frank.

About Telling Industries
Telling Industries, LLC is a full line manufacturer of galvanized steel framing products for the drywall and light gauge structural framing industry. Telling has four locations: Mentor, OH, Cambridge, OH, Osceola, AR and Kingman, Arizona. Telling Industries has the ability to service the continental United States and Canada. Telling carries an ICC-ESR#2281 issued under IBC 2006. Telling is a member of the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association and supports the SSMA Certification process. Telling has been in operation since 2004 and has been expanding ever since.

The organization's web site, BUILDSTRONG.com, provides more information on their goods and services.

Robert I. Toll, chairman and chief executive officer, stated: "We are thrilled to be named the most admired Home Building Company in Fortune's comprehensive survey. This honor is an acknowledgement of the pride and hard work the entire Toll Brothers team takes in delivering the best product and service to our home buyers. We are pleased that this recognition extended beyond the high quality of our homes and communities to our financial soundness and corporate management."

To view Fortune's complete rankings, go HERE

Read the story at LoHud.com

The homesites are part of the extensive Florida holdings formerly held by TOUSA Inc. that Starwood acquired at auction in late January. The Florida homesites are located in first-time homebuyer, master planned, active adult and premier golf course communities in the Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Southeast Florida markets where Miami-based Lennar plans to build single-family homes, townhomes and garden villas priced from the low $100,000s.

"We are very pleased to work with Starwood on this transaction and we view this deal as a major step forward for Lennar's growth in the State of Florida," said Fred Rothman, Regional President for Lennar. "These new communities will complement our existing operations. We have great designs and floor plans in place for each of the communities and our team is ready to build beautiful new homes at great prices that will appeal to savvy buyers."  

Mike Moser, East Region President of Bradenton-based Starwood, said "Starwood chose Lennar as its preferred Florida homebuilder because of Lennar's proven track record for performance and quality."

"Lennar is one of the nation's premier homebuilders and we trusted their ability to help us maximize our return on investment," Moser said. "Lennar's geographic diversity and depth of operations throughout Florida was aligned perfectly with the portfolio we purchased in the bankruptcy auction."

Jim Bavouset, Lennar's Regional Vice President for Acquisitions, said "Lennar was pleased to work with Starwood on the transaction as their position and expertise in the residential real-estate market had made the firm one of Florida's most prominent real estate investors."

"Lennar's unwavering commitment to the State of Florida is enhanced by Starwood's market-changing acquisition," Bavouset said. "We are excited to continue to grow our business in Florida and look forward to a long relationship between all the Starwood and Lennar associates whose hard work brought this transaction together."

Starwood Land Ventures, LLC is a Bradenton, FL, based residential real estate investment firm focused on land acquisition, development and financing nationwide. The firm is primarily funded by an affiliate of Greenwich, Conn. based Starwood Capital Group Global, a privately held international real estate investment firm founded in 1991. Starwood Land partners with builders, developers, lenders and landholders and provides creative solutions to recapitalize assets with both debt and equity. The firm also purchases debt and specializes in the acquisition, entitlement and development of large, master-planned communities, which may include mixed-use components. Through its platform of partnerships with leading development firms across the country, Starwood Land and its experienced team aim to be the capital partners of choice to land owners, developers and builders. For more information about Starwood Land, visit www.starwoodland.com

The median sales price of new houses sold in January 2010 was $203,500; the average sales price was $254,500. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of January was 234,000. This represents a supply of 9.1 months at the current sales rate.

"This disappointing report highlights just how fragile the economic and housing recovery is right now, and the uncertainties that continue to weigh on consumers, particularly with regard to concerns about job security," said Bob Jones, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "Even with today's exceptionally favorable home buying conditions - including low interest rates, stabilizing house prices and the availability of home buyer tax credits - many consumers simply weren't confident enough to go forward with a new-home purchase in the beginning of this year."

"While the overall economic picture has brightened somewhat, these numbers indicate that the road to a housing and economic recovery remains very uncertain. Many Americans have yet to see much evidence of improvement first-hand, and are therefore reluctant to consider a home purchase," noted NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Meanwhile, competition from below-market-priced foreclosed and short-sale homes poses an additional challenge to the new-homes market right now. Although we continue to expect a boost in overall sales activity prior to the expiration of the $8,000 and $6,500 home buyer tax credits at the end of April, unseasonably poor weather across much of the country may delay the full impact of those incentives until closer to the deadline."

The Midwest was the only region of the country to register an increase in new-home sales this January, posting a 2.1 percent gain from an abnormally low December rate. The Northeast and West posted double-digit declines, of 35.1 percent and 11.9 percent, respectively, and the South posted a 9.5 percent decline.

While the overall number of new homes on the market remained virtually unchanged in January, at 234,000 units, the month's supply rose to 9.1 from 8.0 in the previous month due to January's slower sales pace.

Check them out at: www.housingzone.com/info/ca6718741.html

Buffett's parent company, Berkshire Hathaway, has interests in many housing-related companies, including Clayton Homes and Shaw Industries. Read more on the story at USA Today

To read Buffett's entire letter to shareholders, go HERE

In this webinar, Steve Moore, BSB Design, discusses the latest trends on space planning and home design for the new home buyers. He will present examples and demonstrate how these layouts can be used to surpass buyer expectations.

Cost is FREE for participating Builder Partnerships members;
$25 for non-participating members;
$50 for non members

To register, go to: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/761232106

* Every January the AIA research department uses a procedure from the Department of Commerce that re-estimates ABI data based on seasonal patterns, resulting in a recalibration of recent figures.

"Projects are being delayed or cancelled because lending institutions are placing unusually stringent equity requirements on new developments. This is even happening to financially sound companies with strong credit ratings," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "This serious situation is being compounded by a skittish bond market, decreased tax revenues for publicly financed projects and declining property values – all which serve as deterrents for construction activity. Until these factors are resolved, the design and construction industry -- which accounts for roughly 10 percent of GDP and is facing unemployment figures in excess of 20 percent -- will continue to face deteriorating market conditions."

Key January ABI highlights:

Through this program BuildingGreen is offering highly discounted access to the premium content in BuildingGreen Suite to participating colleges and universities. BuildingGreen's founder and executive editor, Alex Wilson has also been participating in the drafting of a study guidance document entitled "Advancing Education for Sustainability: Teaching the Concepts of Green Building to All Students." This strategic paper will help guide further work by Second Nature, the U.S. Green Building Council, BuildingGreen, and others to further the advancement of green building knowledge and practice in education.

"Our goal with Second Nature is to put the practical green building information for which BuildingGreen is known into the hands of the institutions that really need it," said Alex Wilson, BuildingGreen's founder and executive editor. "BuildingGreen is helping organizations that might not be able to afford the time and money to engage in green building practices, by teaming up with Second Nature and providing special access to practical and timely information."

"Our research indicates that under-resourced colleges and universities are often isolated in peer groups with little green building experience and without the financial resources to access the networks and great resources that now exist on green building," said Amy Seif Hattan, director of strategic initiatives at Second Nature. "We are pleased to partner with BuildingGreen to provide decision-makers at these schools with the opportunity to learn from the resources available to construct and renovate campus buildings in ways that save money, reduce environmental and health impacts, and serve as educational tools."

Second Nature is a Boston-based nonprofit organization that works to accelerate movement towards a sustainable future by helping senior college and university leaders in making healthy, just, and sustainable living the foundation of all learning and practice in higher education. Second Nature is the lead support organization of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which has been signed by more than 665 school presidents who are committed to eliminating carbon emissions on campus and training students to help society address climate change. Second Nature also coordinates the Higher Education Associations' Sustainability Consortium. More information is available online about the Advancing Green Building in Higher Education initiative and other Second Nature programs.

BuildingGreen, LLC has provided the building industry with quality information on sustainable design and construction since its founding in 1985. Publications of the Brattleboro, Vermont-based company include Environmental Building News (launched in 1992 as the first North American publication focused on green building), GreenSpec (the leading print and online directory of green building products), and LEEDuser, a resource and community for help with LEED projects, online at www.leeduser.com. For information, visit www.buildinggreen.com or call 802-257-7300.

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Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there is still some delay between shopping and closing that affected current sales. "Most of the completed deals in January were based on contracts in November and December. People who got into the market after the home buyer tax credit was extended in November have only recently started to offer contracts, so it will take a couple months to close those sales," he said. "Still, the latest monthly sales decline is not encouraging, and raises concern about the strength of a recovery."

Total housing inventory at the end of January fell 0.5 percent to 3.27 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 7.2-month supply in December. Raw unsold inventory is 9.6 percent below a year ago, and is at the lowest level since March 2006.

"Activity should be picking up strongly in late spring as buyers take advantage of the tax credit, which is critical to absorb distressed properties reaching the market and to continually chip away at inventory," Yun said. "With a downtrend in the number of homes on the market, especially in the lower price ranges, values are beginning to firm but with great variance around the country."

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $164,700 in January, unchanged from a year earlier. Distressed homes, which accounted for 38 percent of sales last month, continue to downwardly distort the median price because they typically are discounted in comparison with traditional homes in the same area.

A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 40 percent of homes in January, down from 43 percent in December. Investors accounted for 17 percent of transactions in January, up from 15 percent in December; the remaining sales were to repeat buyers. The survey also shows that buyer traffic increased 9.4 percent in January.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said buying a home in the current environment has become more challenging. "First-time buyers and others who need a mortgage are increasingly losing out to all-cash investors for the best bargains in many areas, particularly for foreclosed homes where cash is king," she said.

"Inventory conditions vary by price range, and of course there are major differences depending on location. Realtors(R) are the best buyer resource for strategies on winning bids in increasingly competitive markets," Golder said. "The bidding for more desirable homes will only accelerate between now and the April 30 contract deadline to qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000."

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 5.03 percent in January from 4.93 percent in December; the rate was 5.05 percent in January 2009.

Single-family home sales fell 6.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.43 million in January from a level of 4.76 million in December, but are 8.6 percent above the 4.08 million pace in January 2009. The median existing single-family home price was $163,600 in January, down 0.4 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales dropped 8.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 620,000 in January from 675,000 in December, but are 38.1 percent above the 449,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $172,400 in January, which is 1.4 percent higher than January 2009.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 10.9 percent to an annual pace of 820,000 in January but are 22.4 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $245,300, a gain of 8.8 percent from January 2009.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest declined 6.9 percent in January to a level of 1.08 million but are 8.0 percent higher than January 2009. The median price in the Midwest was $130,300, which is 1.0 percent below a year ago.

In the South, existing-home sales dropped 7.4 percent to an annual pace of 1.87 million in January but are 12.0 percent above a year ago. The median price in the South was $140,200, down 2.0 percent from January 2009.

Existing-home sales in the West declined 5.2 percent to an annual rate of 1.28 million in January but are 7.6 percent higher than January 2009. The median price in the West was $203,400, down 5.8 percent from a year ago.

Speyer has developed a comprehensive portfolio of patented and patent pending technologies to lock and seal the full perimeter of entry doors, sliding doors, overhead doors and windows. The Speyer technology enhances the safety, security and energy efficiency of products on which they are used. In laboratory tests, Speyer's products have exhibited superior performance in the areas of air and water infiltration, energy efficiency, impact resistance and resistance to forced entry. These characteristics make the broad array of products utilizing the Speyer technology, which will be produced and marketed by Accu-Weld, ideal in settings from the wind zone to cold climates and urban centers throughout the country.

John Haddon Jr., president of Accu-Weld, stated "The Speyer technology is unlike anything that we've seen announced in the marketplace. We are focused on delivering market leading energy efficiency and security capabilities and are excited about the potential of these technologies in our products. These unique and patented capabilities greatly complement our Secura-Seal line of entry doors. During the next few months we will expand our dealer channel in anticipation of market launch."

Kip Speyer, the president and co-founder of Speyer, said of the transaction, "We're delighted to be working closely with the Haddon family. We look forward to the rollout of products utilizing the revolutionary technology that we created over the last four years."

Haddon Windows LLC is family-owned business based in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the Haddon family's 150 collective years in the business of windows and doors, Haddon Windows brings experience, valuable relationships and the pride of family ownership to everything they do. Accuweld can be found at www.accuweld.com and Secura-Seal at www.securaseal.net

Jordan, Knauff & Company, an investment bank in Chicago, Illinois, served as exclusive advisor to Speyer Door and Window, Inc., in this transaction. JKC has a specialized practice in the building products industry, with a particular emphasis on window and door companies. JKC advises companies regarding acquisitions, sales and the private placement of debt and equity capital.

The magazine is a tremendous, targeted medium for marketers to reach the Hispanic audience, since 39 percent of Hispanic males over age 25 are employed in the construction or building maintenance industries, according to Experian Simmons (spring 2009).

Distribution at 7-Eleven stores will begin with the magazine's summer 2010 issue; 244,250 copies will be available at 1,954 7-Eleven locations in the retailer's top nine U.S. Hispanic markets. Add to this the 170,000 copies available at select Home Depot stores and the result is a truly targeted medium to reach Hispanic consumers.

7-Eleven agreed to distribute the magazine upon realizing congruencies between convenience store consumers and the magazine's readership.

"We identified numerous similarities between Hispanic male consumers at The Home Depot and those who shopped our 7-Eleven stores," said Irene Sibaja, senior director of Hispanic marketing for 7-Eleven. "We conducted a coupon redemption test with Constru-Guia al Dia magazine last summer. It was a success – the redemption percentage was even higher than we had hoped, giving us confidence that Hispanic consumers will take advantage of compelling offers.   Later this year we will offer Hispanic consumers the convenience of free copies of Constru-Guia al Dia at select 7-Eleven stores via the free publication racks."

As the largest circulated Hispanic male magazine in the U.S., Constru-Guia al Dia is one of only a few publications experiencing growth despite the economy. The magazine's distribution increased from 100,000 in 2007 to more than 400,000 this year, and Kilpatrick foresees additional growth as the Hispanic population continues to expand.

Based on data from the 2000-2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Dept. of Labor), Constru-Guia al Dia estimates that over the next 15 years, Hispanics within the construction workforce will grow from the 2010 projection of 35.4 percent to a 2025 projection of 63.2 percent.

For more information, visit http://www.CGaldia.com

The S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, recorded a 2.5% decline in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008. This is a significant improvement over the annual rates reported in the first, second and third quarters of the year, at -19.0%, -14.7% and -8.7%, respectively. In December, the 10-City and 20- City Composites recorded annual declines of 2.4% and 3.1%, respectively. These two indices, which are reported at a monthly frequency, have seen improvements in their annual rates of return every month since the beginning of the year.

"As measured by prices, the housing market is definitely in better shape than it was this time last year, as the pace of deterioration has stabilized for now. However, the rate of improvement seen during the summer of 2009 has not been sustained," says David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at Standard & Poor's. "In the most recent months we are seeing fewer and fewer MSAs reporting monthly gains in prices. Only four cities saw month to month improvements in December over November, when you look at the raw data. We are in a seasonally slow period for home prices, however, so it is not surprising to see better statistics in the seasonally-adjusted data, where 14 of the markets and the two monthly composites all rose in December. Similarly, the National Composite fell by 1.1% in the fourth quarter, but rose by 0.3% on a seasonally-adjusted basis."

The 10-City and 20-City Composites continue to show improvement in their annual rates of return. In fact, all 20 metro areas and the two Composites saw improvement in their annual returns compared to November's data. Only three cities – Detroit, Las Vegas and Tampa – still showed double digit annual rates of decline as of the end of 2009. Miami, Phoenix and Seattle all moved above such rates with December's report.

Looking at the monthly statistics, 15 of the 20 metro areas showed a decline in December over November, with Chicago posting the sharpest decline, down 1.6%. Las Vegas finally posted its first positive print in more than three years, with +0.2%. The Southwest continues to be a bright spot, with San Diego posting its eighth consecutive monthly increase, and Los Angeles and Phoenix both posting their seventh. Three of the markets – Charlotte, Seattle and Tampa – posted new low index levels as measured by the past four years. In other words, any gains they might have seen in recent months have been erased and December is now considered their current trough value.

More than 22 years of history for these data series is available, and can be accessed in full by going to http://www.homeprice.standardandpoors.com

The HOI showed that 70.8 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the final quarter of 2009 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,000, slightly higher than the previous quarter and near the record-high 72.5 percent set during the first quarter of 2009. Affordability during the final quarter of the year was up from 62.4 percent during the fourth quarter of 2008.

"Favorable mortgage rates and sliding house prices that have now started to stabilize nationally have both contributed to a record year for housing affordability in 2009," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "With interest rates still hovering at low levels and the economy beginning to rebound, the federal housing tax credit will encourage even more first-time and repeat home buyers to enter the market and help further stabilize housing and the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating home sales and reducing foreclosures."

Indianapolis again was the most affordable major housing market in the country during the fourth quarter, a position the metro area now has held for four and a half years. More than 95 percent of all homes sold were affordable to households earning the area's median family income of $68,100.

Also near the top of the list of the most affordable major metro housing markets were Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich.; Dayton, Ohio; Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa.; and Akron, Ohio.

Five smaller housing markets posted even higher affordability scores than Indianapolis, with Kokomo, Ind., which historically has had a favorable income-to-house price ratio, outscoring all others. In Kokomo, 98 percent of homes sold during the fourth quarter of 2009 were affordable to median-income earners. Other smaller housing markets near the top of the index included Monroe, Mich.; Flint, Mich.; Lima, Ohio; and Bay City, Mich., respectively.

New York-White Plains-Wayne, N.Y.-N.J., continued to lead the nation as its least affordable major housing market during the fourth quarter of 2009. The New York metro area has occupied this position for seven consecutive quarters. Slightly less than 20 percent of all homes sold during the final quarter of 2009 were affordable to those earning the New York area's median income of $64,800.

The other major metro areas near the bottom of the affordability scale included San Francisco; Honolulu; Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif.; and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Redwood City, Calif.

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif. was the least affordable of the smaller metro housing markets in the country during the fourth quarter. Others near the bottom of the chart included Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.; Ocean City, N.J.; Napa, Calif.; and Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, Calif.

The training program is made up of five components: a PowerPoint presentation to train employees; a safety tip sheet; a test for employees to take to demonstrate their understanding of the PowerPoint presentation; an answer sheet; and an evaluation of the trainer demonstration of the saw. The program is available for free download at www.kcma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=members.KCMA/OSHA_Alliance

"Through our alliance with OSHA, we strive to provide KCMA members and others with materials, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, especially in reducing and preventing exposure to amputation hazards," said Dick Titus, Executive Vice President, KCMA. "The Table Saw Safety Training program is one more tool available to manufacturers to enhance workplace safety."

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, headquartered in Reston, Va., is the principal trade association in the United States for manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, decorative laminate products and suppliers to the industry.  The KCMA is committed to excellence in manufacturing through continued quality, advocacy and leadership.

The contest encourages people nationwide to upload and share photos of their disastrous kitchen space as well as tell the story behind the problem.  The entrant with the most votes will win a $500 Visa gift card plus a $500 mail-in rebate for the purchase of Merillat cabinets and/or accessories.  Two second place winners will also be named and each will receive a $250 Visa gift card plus a $250 mail-in rebate for any purchase of Merillat cabinets and/or accessories.

"We know almost everyone can identify with kitchen clutter," said Mark Ayers, vice president of marketing for Merillat. "This gives people a forum to share their stories and possibly win an opportunity to turn their kitchen disaster into a more functional and improved kitchen space."

The contest runs Feb. 23 – March 21; and voting is from March 22 – April 2.  The lucky winners will be announced April 9. Entries can be submitted by going to Merillat's Facebook page (www.Merillat.com/Facebook).

The franchise concept is based on the original Mr. Sewer concept that began in 1982 in Peoria, IL. "We took our Peoria business model and added many upgrades to make it franchise-friendly," stated Winborn. "Our service vans are equipped with notebook computers, GPS systems and wireless Internet. This greatly improves response time, a critical factor in this business." The company logo features a caped man with a red "S" emblazoned on his chest and a plunger by his side.

Mr. Sewer is offering significant incentives to entice prospective franchisees. "Many small operators serving medium-size metropolitan areas have been ignored by franchising companies, and many larger cities need another offering to service those areas as well," said Chief Operations Officer Martin Winborn. "We are here to fill that need in the marketplace."

He added that while many existing contractors can benefit from Mr. Sewer's branding approach, only a fraction of them will be awarded territories. "We have a set of standards that all prospective Mr. Sewer franchisees must meet. We want to recruit the best people who are already in business and help them develop a loyal base of repeat and referral customers."

Bruce Winborn acknowledges that the business is for hard workers committed to the trade. "This is a very demanding job," he said. "I've done it all myself - I still get out there and get dirty. I'll bet I'm the only corporation president out there who wears overalls."

For more information, visit www.MrSewerUSA.com

121 Optimum Wet is a premium EIFS base coat and adhesive that promotes higher acrylic content and enhanced workability.  This is the newest product in Parex's new Optimum Series line and is intended to be used as a component of the new Optimum Series EIFS.

When launching the new Optimum Series of EIFS we knew the contractor's preference for base coat and adhesives was evenly split between dry & wet bases.  The launch of 121 Optimum Wet was done to satisfy the needs of those contractors who prefer a wet base product.  With this introduction, Parex Optimum Series EIFS includes a wet base coat in addition to the 121 Optimum dry and now has all the components to push for national expansion into this premium EIFS marketplace.

"With its higher acrylic content and enhanced workability 121 Optimum Wet is a premium base coat and adhesive that provides easier installation and longer term durability," said Quenton Roehricht, Brand Manager.  "Similar to our 121 Optimum (dry mix), early feedback from test usage of this product has been overwhelmingly positive.  We have received an enthusiastic response and eager anticipation for its launch."

121 Optimum Wet was primarily designed for use on Optimum series EIFS but like all Parex Base Coats and Adhesives this product can be used in all Parex EIFS and as a skim coat.

About Parex USA, Inc.
Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc., a California Corporation, is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, a division of Materis, S.A., a French Corporation. The ParexGroup is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com.

"To help homeowners and homebuilders make a bigger impact while reducing carbon footprint, Ply Gem has made a concerted effort to offer the broadest selection of energy efficient new construction and remodeling products including ENERGY STAR rated windows, the most tax credit qualifying windows on the market, insulated vinyl siding, and low-maintenance siding and stone veneer cladding," says Keith Pigues, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Ply Gem. "Taking this effort one step further, Ply Gem has combined energy efficiency with the trend of mixing a variety of exterior materials to help customers boost curb appeal, but more importantly, to help them save money and time through lower energy bills and less maintenance."

The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem offers customers everything they need to enhance the aesthetics of a home, while providing builders and contractors with the ability to differentiate their work from competitors and stand out from the other homes in developments. Ply Gem offers a variety of cladding options from its multiple siding brands in traditional horizontal styles with varying widths and lengths plus shake, scallops, board and batten and Ply Gem Stone. The aluminum-clad wood windows from the Ply Gem Windows Mira Premium Series complete the look with energy efficient architectural styles in eight different colors. And, Ply Gem offers many options for decorative statements, from fence and rail to designer accents that will give each project a professional touch.

The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem can be personalized to individual styles and price points by incorporating any of the Ply Gem siding, accessory and designer accent brands including Mastic Home Exteriors™ by Ply Gem, Variform® by Ply Gem, NAPCO® by Ply Gem, Georgia-Pacific and Durabuilt® by Ply Gem, Richwood® by Ply Gem, Leaf Relief® by Ply Gem and Monticello® Columns by Ply Gem. To complete the look of nearly any project, Ply Gem offers fence and rail from Kroy® by Ply Gem, Ply Gem Windows and Ply Gem Stone.

For more information, please visit www.plygem.com

The product is rolling out at stores across the country.

To learn more, visit: www.rescuetape.com

We can't vouch that all are authentic-- but they are 100 percent humorous!

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Robert I. Toll, chairman and chief executive officer, stated: "A year ago at this time we feared for the stability of the nation's economic system. That worry seems to be behind us. The housing market took several years to recover following the downturn of the late 1980's and early 1990's. We expect this recovery to follow a similar pattern. We believe the housing market is still in choppy waters but the seas are getting calmer.

"This quarter's total net signed contracts were up significantly compared to 2009's first quarter, but last year's results were posted in the midst of the financial crisis. Our per-community net signed contracts exceeded both 2009's and 2008's first-quarter per-community average; however, our results were approximately half the average of all previous first quarters dating back to 1990.

"The U.S. housing market is really many local housing markets: We expect the housing recovery to occur region by region. The unevenness in demand we have observed since Labor Day, impacted recently by the miserable weather, has made it hard to discern the pace of recovery. However, we have seen some improvement in the last four weeks, and more so in the last week."

Seminars scheduled for the show include one covering mold, construction do's and don'ts, grilling and more!

Admission to the show is $5, with children under 12 free.

For more information, visit: www.jacksonexpogroup.com/tri_state_home.html

3D Modeling in Vectorworks, Second Edition is a guide for users seeking to create 3D forms through the use of extrudes, sweeps, solids, NURBS, loft surfaces, and 3D primitives. After explaining the basic concepts, the manual uses a series of exercises to demonstrate how and when to use the modeling techniques. The guide also includes 62 videos, which provide step-by-step instructions for completing the exercises.

Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual, Second Edition includes a series of projects to familiarize the user with Vectorworks Landmark concepts and techniques and includes more than 50 videos to walk users through each technique.

In a review of the 3D modeling tutorial on his blog (www.the-veg.com), Kellan R. Vincent of Vincent Landscapes, Inc. wrote: "Overall I think the new book is a great way to really get into parametric modeling. Pickup outlines various 3D modeling tools, giving tons of screen captures as well as a DVD containing associated videos. After learning some of the basic commands and uses for the tools, the tutorial takes you through a couple of full projects from start to finish."

The tutorials are based on version 2010 but can be used successfully with prior versions of Vectorworks software. Each includes a companion CD containing exercise files and the complete manual in PDF form.

The workbooks are part of Nemetschek North America's self-paced training options. These training materials are for people who like to learn on their own, and at their own pace. For more information and to purchase the manuals authored by Jonathan Pickup, please go to www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

Jonathan Pickup is an architect trained in New Zealand and in the UK, with more than 30 years of experience. He has been writing and producing Vectorworks manuals and providing customer support for more than 15 years. His company, ArchonCAD, is the premier provider of third-party manuals and training resources for Vectorworks. He also runs the Vectorworks On-Line User Group and provides its main direction. For more information, please visit www.archoncad.co.nz

Nemetschek North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nemetschek AG. A global leader in design technologies, Nemetschek North America has been developing CAD software for the AEC, entertainment, landscape design, and manufacturing fields since 1985. For more information, visit www.vectorworks.net

Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center: "Consumer Confidence, which had been improving over the past few months, declined sharply in February. Concerns about current business conditions and the job market pushed the Present Situation Index down to its lowest level in 27 years (Feb. 1983, 17.5). Consumers' short-term outlook also took a turn for the worse, with fewer consumers anticipating an improvement in business conditions and the job market over the next six months. Consumers also remain extremely pessimistic about their income prospects. This combination of earnings and job anxieties is likely to continue to curb spending."

Consumers' assessment of current-day conditions soured in February. Those claiming conditions are "good" decreased to 6.2 percent from 8.5 percent, while those claiming business conditions are "bad" increased to 46.3 percent from 44.7 percent. Consumers' assessment of the labor market was also more pessimistic. Those saying jobs are "hard to get" rose to 47.7 percent from 46.5 percent, while those saying jobs are "plentiful" decreased to 3.6 percent from 4.4 percent.

Consumers' short-term outlook, which had been improving, lost considerable ground in February. The percentage of consumers anticipating an improvement in business conditions over the next six months decreased to 16.7 percent from 20.7 percent, while those anticipating conditions will worsen increased to 15.3 percent from 12.7 percent. Regarding the outlook for the labor market, the percentage of consumers expecting fewer jobs increased to 24.6 percent from 18.9 percent. Those anticipating more jobs will become available in the months ahead declined to 13.4 percent from 15.8 percent. The proportion of consumers anticipating an increase in their incomes declined to 9.5 percent from 11.0 percent.

In the fourth quarter, the Company's sales performance was driven by gains in kitchen and bath, paint, flooring and plumbing as well as its international businesses.

"Despite the tough economic environment, we were able to make solid progress against our key initiatives in 2009," said Frank Blake, chairman & CEO. "For the year, we grew U.S. share by more than 100 basis points; we continued to restructure our distribution network, with our Rapid Deployment Centers now serving more than 65 percent of our U.S. store base; and we enhanced overall customer service as measured by third party surveys."

The home improvement giant also said it expects sales to grow by 2.5 percent during the current year, and earnings per share of the company to grow by 15.5 percent.

At the end of the fourth quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,244 retail stores, which included 1,976 The Home Depot stores in the United States (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the territory of Guam), 179 stores in Canada, 79 stores in Mexico and 10 stores in China.

The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number below 50 indicates that more remodelers say market conditions are getting worse than report improving conditions. The RMI has been running below 50 since the final quarter of 2005.

"We're hearing many remodelers have laid off workers because they have no jobs coming in and are struggling to survive," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Issaquah, Wash. "Remodelers are pounding the pavement to find work and stay open, including taking on smaller jobs and competing with unqualified contractors."

The index for current remodeling market conditions slumped in the Northeast to 27.7 (from 33.7 in the third quarter), descended in the Midwest to 37.5 (from 43.2) and decreased in the West to 41.7 (from 47.3). In the South, the current index rose slightly to 40 (from 38.6). Major additions declined to 40 (from 41.9), and minor additions also fell to 40.7 (from 43.2). Maintenance and repair plunged to 27.1 (from 33.1).

Summary indices for future market indicators exhibit bleak expectations for the remodeling market. Calls for bids dropped to 37.5 (from 46.5 in the third quarter) and appointments for proposals slid to 34.4 (from 43.5). The backlog of jobs reduced to 31.9 (from 37.2) and the amount of work committed for the next three months fell to 21.9 (from 27.5).

"Although earlier quarters of 2009 showed tentative improvements for remodeling market conditions, remodelers have seen work fall backward at the end of the year," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Like new home construction, remodelers are feeling the effects of consumers' uncertain job future, their level of confidence and unwillingness to spend their equity or savings. Competition from new home construction workers entering the remodeling market and unemployed contractors has stretched an already thin customer base."

Michael Kneeland, chief executive officer of United Rentals, said, "By creating a secure channel for a large volume of online inventory, we have taken the uncertainty out of remote equipment purchases. Buyers have confidence in United Rentals. Our used equipment is an excellent option for anyone who wants to own a reliable, productive machine without the cost of purchasing it new."

The new portal uses an e-commerce platform that is convenient and easy to access worldwide. All items are value-priced, with hundreds of deeper discounts located in a Special Values section. Listings are refreshed in real-time, and are searchable by category, keyword, model year, manufacturer and location. Shoppers can download images, specs, prices and contact information by converting a search into a product sheet with one click.

As an incentive to try the new site, United Rentals is offering six months of free United Guard warranty coverage with every online equipment purchase through March 31, 2010. United Guard provides free equipment inspections and service, covering the cost of labor and parts for most repairs.

The portal at www.unitedrentals.com/usedsales is open to buyers worldwide, with delivery and financing available in the United States and Canada.

For the fourth quarter of 2009, net income was $12.4 million, a decrease of $2.8 million from 2008.

"While we are disappointed with our revenues for 2009, our overall performance was solid in what was a very challenging year," said Ray Griffith, Ace president and chief executive officer. "We reduced operating expenses for a third consecutive year and strategically invested in our business to support the best hardware retailers in the industry."

On a regional basis, domestic sales were most negatively impacted in California and Arizona, markets which have experienced some of the most severe declines in the overall U.S. housing market. On a category basis, domestic sales were most negatively impacted by declines in the electrical and tools categories. Ace did report an increase in the lawn and garden category, however.

In addition, ProSales Magazine, a publication targeted to lumber and building material dealers, conducted a poll of 700 lumberyards in December 2009 to determine the most popular brands stocked in a variety of product categories. The survey results revealed that AZEK Deck is not only the "Most Stocked Brand", but is also the brand of decking "Most Likely to be Stocked in the Future."  The survey results also concluded that AZEK Deck, along with the #2 and #3 most stocked brands have roughly 2-1/2 times the market share as their other decking competitors.

According to Michael Gori, AZEK's Product Manager for Decking, these industry recognitions for AZEK Deck (formerly Procell Decking) are the result of investments in refined manufacturing technologies, continuous product enhancements, and an ongoing commitment to uphold stringent building code report requirements in order to produce the decking products that contractors and consumers are demanding.  The cellular PVC decking is widely known for its low-maintenance, which includes stain and scratch resistance.  "To have our decking move ahead in quality, awareness and availability in just a few short years is an astonishing accomplishment that our team is very proud of," said Gori.  "We are confident that our new AZEK Deck product offerings for 2010 will further establish AZEK Deck as the decking brand of choice."

For more information, visit: http://www.azek.com

The fourth-quarter results include a tax benefit of $23.6 million. This income tax benefit is comprised of a $20.4 million benefit related to our anticipated tax refund on our 2009 taxable loss, due to the extension of the net operating loss carry back provision to five years and a $3.3 million non-cash benefit related to the allocation of income tax expense to other comprehensive income, which is recorded in shareholders' equity, partially offset by other income tax expense. 

"While conditions remain difficult, I believe that we have reached the bottom of this four-year decline," said BlueLinx President and CEO George Judd. "As we move forward in 2010, we are confident in our ability to both increase our share of the market and maintain the operating discipline that we demonstrated throughout 2009."

Learn more at: www.builderonline.com/business/2009-builder-100-survey.aspx?cid=BLDR100219002

For the year, however, the company posted a $56.9 million loss.

"We saw an improving trend in housing starts towards the end of 2009, as the national seasonally adjusted annual rate for single-family starts increased from 393,000 at the end of 2008, to 477,000 at the end of 2009," said Floyd Sherman, Builders FirstSource Chief Executive Officer. "However, actual single-family starts dropped 28.4 percent from 622,000 starts in 2008, to 445,200 starts in 2009. Quarter-over-quarter, national single-family starts were relatively flat, but multi-family starts continued to decline, dropping 62 percent quarter-over-quarter. While our 2009 sales and gross margin were down $314.1 million and $73.1 million, respectively, from 2008, our adjusted EBITDA decreased only $2.7 million. This was accomplished through our continued focus on reducing operating expenses by managing headcount and rationalizing capacity in order to become a more efficient company."

Mr. Sherman continued, "Although we have seen some recent stabilization in single-family housing starts, single-family units under construction decreased almost 28 percent in the current quarter as compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.  Historically, units under construction have declined at a similar, and often times slower, rate than starts. However, this trend changed in June 2009, and since that time single-family units under construction have fallen 32 percent, while single-family starts have fallen only 12 percent, compared to the same period of 2008. For reasons that are unclear, the industry is experiencing delays in housing starts moving to units under construction. A start is triggered once the dirt work begins. Once the foundation has been established, the start becomes a unit under construction, at which time our potential for revenue begins. The continued decline in the number of homes in the construction pipeline has negatively impacted our revenue. This same trend held true for building activity in the south region, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau ("South Region"), which encompasses our entire current geographical footprint."

The proceeds from the sale will be partly used to reduce debt held by Ready Mix USA LLC, and to effect a cash distribution of approximately U.S.$100 million to each joint venture partner, including CEMEX. CEMEX, which does not consolidate the results of Ready Mix USA LLC, expects to use its cash proceeds from this divestment to reduce outstanding debt and to enhance its liquidity position.

CEMEX operates in more than 50 countries throughout the world.

The EnerGen system features integrated UNI-SOLAR® thin-film laminates, the world leader in flexible solar modules, that seamlessly integrate with traditional asphalt roofing shingles. The system's lightweight design requires no rooftop penetrations, making it easier for contractors to install while maintaining roof deck integrity.  The laminates lie flush with the remainder of the traditional roofing shingles, providing a streamlined, visually appealing appearance.  By providing a more aesthetically pleasing, unobtrusive roof plane with no roof penetrations, the product overcomes the largest objection to the acceptance of solar panels.

"Photovoltaics continue to gain momentum as the world's fastest growing energy technology," says Guillaume Texier, president of CertainTeed Roofing. "Through the development of EnerGen, a lightweight, easy-to-install system, we are helping building professionals and roofing contractors expand their product offering and seize new opportunities for growth."

The EnerGen system is offered in pre-engineered kits containing all components necessary for installation.  Its flexible design allows it to be customized to meet a home's specific energy needs and environmental conditions.  EnerGen's versatility makes it perfect for residential remodeling or new construction projects. 

"CertainTeed is transforming a niche technology into a product that is more accessible to the building industry and, therefore, a broader range of homeowners," adds Texier.  "EnerGen is the first step in what will be a comprehensive portfolio of photovoltaic roofing products for residential and commercial applications."

For more information, visit www.certainteed.com

You won't want to miss all the great exhibits and products for your home. Be inspired! Be at this year's show.

For more details, visit: www.cthomeshow.com

www.GarageDoorCare.com, a website sponsored by the International Door Association (IDA), can help homeowners learn about garage door safety and garage door maintenance. IDA is the world's largest trade association of professional garage door and access system dealers and installers.

One page of the website is devoted to children and garage door safety. A special learning tool entitled "D.O.O.R. Safe" contains four brief messages to help parents teach young children the dos and don'ts of garage doors. These messages are:

•Doors are heavy – never stand, run or play under or near any garage door, especially when the door is open or moving.

•Openers are for adults – never play with the button on the wall that opens and closes the garage door.

•Ouch! – never touch any part of a moving garage door. Your fingers and hands can get hurt!

•Remotes are for adults – never play with the remote control in the car or on Mom and Dad's keychain.

"We encourage parents to teach their children that the garage door and garage door opener aren't toys," said IDA Managing Director Chris Long. "Whether a child is at home or at the house of a friend or relative, it's important they understand that they should never play near or underneath a garage door. It's also important that they learn not to play with garage door opener remotes or button controls."

When it comes to maintenance, the website can help homeowners learn about maintenance checkups they can perform themselves, but it also provides helpful guidance about when it's best to call in a pro.

"The garage door and its electronic operator should be kept in top operating condition," said Long.

Homeowners should consider using a garage door professional when it comes to repairs. A garage door system is comprised of many components, including springs and cables that are under high tension and can cause severe injury or even death if broken, tampered with or mishandled.

The site also provides a handy ZIP code search function that allows consumers to locate the nearest garage door professional if they prefer the help of a seasoned expert for annual or semi-annual checkups, or for maintenance and repair issues.

According to the Bureau, the only significant variable in the experiments was the ambient lighting in the spaces where study participants sat. Researchers used a series of fluorescent lamps that produced red, blue, green, or white light. People rated the wine's quality higher, in general, when they drank it in a room whose ambient lighting was red or blue versus green or white. They also found the test wine much sweeter and fruitier when sampled in a room illuminated by red-tinted fluorescent lamps, and were willing to spend more for it.

The first experiment involved 75-male and 75-female visitors to the Allendorf winery in Oestrich-Winkel on the Rhine River. The 150-person sample tasted Allendorf Festival 2004, a dry Riesling from the Rheingau region, in a specially designed, windowless tasting room. The tasters sat facing a wall illuminated by the special fluorescent lighting system and sampled four 100mL pours served in opaque black, lidded glasses that obscured the wine from view. (Prior experiments have shown that the color of the beverage itself can affect assessments of its taste.) Participants scored each sample from 0 to 10 points for each of five qualities: fruitiness, spiciness, bitterness, sourness, and sweetness. The participants did not know if the four samples were the same or different, nor were they asked to differentiate between taste and aroma. On average, the participants liked the wine better when they drank it under the influence of red or blue light rather than green or white.

In the second experiment, 69 male and 66 female subjects – mostly students at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universitaet Mainz – sampled eight 50mL pours; four each of two Allendorf wines (dry and semi-dry Rheingau Rieslings). Participants perceived a wine to be spicier when they tasted it under blue or green light rather than red or white. Interestingly, blue lighting made the wine taste bitter, but subjects nonetheless liked the wine more under those lighting conditions. About six of every ten participants (58.5%) thought they tasted more than two wines. About two in ten (19.3%) said (correctly) that they had tasted two wines. The rest thought they had tasted one wine.

The third experiment involved 84 male and 146 female participants, each of whom tasted 100mL of a dry Rheingau Riesling served 50mL at a time in two lidded, black glasses labeled "1" and "2." The researchers used three ambient colors – blue, red, and white – and randomly assigned each participant to one of the six possible sequences of two colors. For example, if assigned to the color sequence blue-red, the participant tasted the first glass of wine under blue lighting and the second under the red. Participants evaluated each wine based on its aroma and taste. They rated the wine much fruitier when they drank it under red light.

According to NLB Chair Howard P. Lewis (Lighting Alternatives, Inc.), the researchers intend to conduct additional experiments. "In the meantime," he said, "it seems evident that lighting color – which includes the color of room surfaces – affects the taste of wine." He concurs with the study's lead researcher (Dr Daniel Oberfeld-Twistel) that serious wine tastings should be conducted in neutral-color environments.

"Asia and Europe are areas of high demand for Little Giant Ladders," said H. Arthur Wing, President. "The current need and tremendous growth opportunity has steadily increased to a level such that it was strategically sound to establish a center of operations in China. Our Shanghai facility opens a whole new world of possibilities for Little Giant Ladder Systems, and we look forward to servicing our customers around the world who made this milestone possible."

The Shanghai facility will serve the expanded distribution areas of Korea, Japan, all of Mainland China and parts of Europe. Grainger Industrial Supply will also continue to distribute Little Giant Ladders.

"The response to our recent innovations and widespread distribution created a need for expansion throughout the world," said Ryan Moss, CEO. "Innovation is the hallmark of Little Giant Ladder Systems. We are proud to provide professionals and homeowners all around the world with the never-before-seen safety, stability and ease-of-use features offered by the new SumoStance, MicroBurst, Select Step, and Flip-N-Lite product lines."

Sales for the quarter increased 1.8 percent to $10.2 billion, up from $10.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"Our fourth quarter results, including sales and earnings that exceeded our guidance, suggest the worst of the economic cycle is likely behind us," commented Robert A. Niblock, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "While the psychological impact of falling home prices and an uncertain employment picture continue to weigh on consumers, improving comparable store sales trends, including improvement in many bigger-ticket, project categories, provides an encouraging sign that consumers are gaining the confidence to take on more discretionary projects.

"Our advancing customer service scores, driven by our knowledgeable and engaged workforce, have been a key factor in Lowe's solid market share gains throughout this downturn," Niblock added. "Our commitment to service, shared by our more than 238,000 employees, positions Lowe's to best capitalize on the markedly different competitive landscape we will experience as the economy bottoms and home improvement demand improves."

The company said it expects sales to increase 4 to 6 percent in 2010. The retailer hopes to open 40 to 45 stores this year.

Read more on the story at: http://www.reuters.com/article/idINN1913687320100222?rpc=44

In 2007, however, the country launched a massive program to build a third lane that can accommodate ships over the Panamax size.

Watch an interesting slideshow podcast at ENR.com

To learn even more about the expansion, go to Popular Mechanics

Mr. Ferrari stated, "In the two years since Ron joined Trex, he has demonstrated great vision, passion, and an exceptional ability to energize our company. He has been instrumental in strengthening our manufacturing productivity, improving our operational and financial efficiency, enhancing our distribution networks, expanding our product platform and developing an extraordinarily effective senior management team. He was also the driving force in the development Trex Transcend™, the groundbreaking decking and railing product we launched this year."

Mr. Kaplan, 58, joined Trex Company in January 2008 as president and CEO. He was previously CEO of Continental Global Group, Inc., a leading manufacturer of material handling systems. Prior to that, he was president of Harsco Corporation's Gas Technologies Group, a premier manufacturer of containment and control equipment for the global gas industry.

Learn more HERE

To learn more about the show, visit: www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=tacoma

ReliaBoard is one of the most economical composite decking boards on the market, while offering all the same benefits of TimberTech's other decking products. It is a full 5.4" wide plank surface, backed by an industry-leading, transferable 25-year limited residential warranty and is produced with the finest quality recycled wood and a mixture of post-consumer recycled and virgin HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastics. ReliaBoard is also designed with a square-edge profile that has been very popular for TimberTech as it provides a crisp, clean finished look.

"ReliaBoard is a great alternative to wood for value-conscious homeowners," states Carey Walley, Director of Marketing of TimberTech. "Money and time spent each year painting, staining or sealing can become a one-time investment in low-maintenance decking for a great price. This new product positions TimberTech as a one-stop-shop for customers looking for anything from traditional composite decking to ultra-low maintenance PVC decking, with best-in-class railing and lighting to match - a complete solution from one trusted manufacturer."

ReliaBoard has a flat grain surface pattern and comes in two popular TimberTech colors – Grey and Cedar – and is available in 12', 16' and 20' lengths with a maximum 16" O.C. span rating.

For more information, visit www.timbertech.com

To learn more, go to: www.thba.com/home_show.asp

The center, now boasting 50% more space, features various new improvements such as stadium seating, a second classroom, a trainee business center, sophisticated audio/visual technology, a hands-on applications lab, enhanced controls learning station, self-serve refreshment area and a new cafeteria.

"When designing the new factory training center, we kept the contractor at the forefront of our minds," says Steve Lockridge, senior product manager, Channel Marketing at Uponor. "We wanted to offer our business partners a comprehensive training experience that included knowledgeable instructors, the latest technology and hands-on opportunities."

In addition, the training program also offers an expanded class curriculum to provide attendees with greater access to the most current, up- to-date knowledge in the industry. Taught by senior trainer, Wes Sisco, and customer trainer, Steve Swanson, the factory training courses offer attendees everything they need to know to properly design, install and troubleshoot Uponor systems and applications.

Uponor's training program is part of a long legacy of commitment and support to the building professional. Since 1993, the program has educated more than 100,000 radiant, plumbing and fire safety professionals either at the factory or onsite via local manufacturer representatives.

"We realize the building landscape is changing with the introduction of sustainable new concepts and changes to building codes and standards," says Sisco. "By offering new and advanced courses to navigate the contractor through existing and emerging technologies, we are making a concerted effort to support the industry professional and improve the building market."

The 2010 expanded course offering includes the following classes:

•Radiant Hydronics and Design (2 Days)
•Advanced Radiant Hydronics and Design (2 Days)
•Advanced Design Suite™ (1 Day)
•Geothermal Design and Application (2 Days)
•Climate Control™ Network System (2˝ Days)
•Climate Controls (2 Days)
•AquaSAFE™ Levels I and II (2 Days)
•AquaSAFE Level II (1 Day)

For class details, training dates and to register online, visit www.uponor-usa.com/training

"Continued low interest rates, very attractive home prices that appear to have stabilized in many markets, and the availability of the home buyer tax credit make this an opportune time for potential purchasers," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "As a result, builders are slightly more optimistic that the housing recovery is finally beginning to take root."

"Builders are just beginning to see the anticipated effects of the home buyer tax credit on consumer demand," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Meanwhile, another source of encouragement is the improving employment market, which is key to any sustainable economic or housing recovery. That said, several limiting factors are still weighing down builder expectations, including the large number of foreclosed homes on the market, the lack of available credit for new and existing projects, and inappropriately low appraisals tied to the use of distressed properties as comps."

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for more than 20 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as "good," "fair" or "poor." The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as "high to very high," "average" or "low to very low." Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

The HMI for February gained two points to 17, its highest level since November of 2009, with two out of three of its component indexes also rising. The component gauging current sales conditions rose two points to 17, while the component gauging sales expectations in the next six months rose a single point to 27. Meanwhile, the component gauging traffic of prospective buyers remained flat, at 12.

Regionally, February's HMI results were mixed. While the Midwest and South each registered two-point gains, to 13 and 19, respectively, the Northeast and West each registered one-point declines, to 19 and 14, respectively.

Single-family housing starts in January were at a rate of 484,00, 1.5 percent above the revised December figure of 477, 000. The January rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 100,000.

"Builders are starting to see the positive impacts of home buyer tax credits and other favorable buying conditions in terms of consumer demand, and are cautiously increasing production to meet that demand," said National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

"As our latest home builder surveys have indicated, today's excellent home buying conditions - including the availability of tax credits for first-time and repeat buyers, very favorable mortgage rates and stabilizing home values - are helping drive potential buyers back to the market," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. However, he said, "A continuing shortfall in available credit for building projects is still producing a drag on new construction and slowing the progress of recovery in housing and the overall economy."

Combined single- and multifamily housing starts rose in three out of four regions this January. The South and West each registered a third consecutive month of improvement, with 1 percent and 8.9 percent gains, respectively, and the Northeast also posted a 10 percent gain. The Midwest saw a 3.2 percent decline in overall housing starts.

BUILDING PERMITS
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 621,000. This is 4.9 percent below the revised December rate of 653,000, but is 16.9 percent above the January 2009 estimate of 531,000.

Single-family authorizations in January were at a rate of 507,000; this is 0.4 percent above the revised December figure of 505, 000. Authorizations of units in building with five units or more were at a rate of 96,000 in January.

Permit issuance declined in three out of four regions this January. The West was the only region to post a gain, of 8.5 percent, while declines of 17.8 percent, 20.2 percent and 1.3 percent were registered in the Northeast, Midwest and South, respectively.

HOUSING COMPLETIONS
Privately-owned housing completions in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 659,000. This is 12.4 percent (±7.8%) below the revised December estimate of 752,000 and is 15.3 percent (±10.5%) below the January 2009 rate of 778,000. Single-family housing completions in January were at a rate of 427,000; this is 12.9 percent (±7.1%) below the revised December rate of 490,000. The January rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 215,000.

Masco Cabinetry will include the two strongest brand names in the industry in KraftMaid® and Merillat®, along with Quality Cabinets™ and several private label product lines. In addition, Masco Cabinetry will further develop the DeNova™ countertop brand representing a major opportunity for growth across all channels.

The new organization will be led by Karen Strauss, president of the Masco Builder Cabinet Group, and will be staffed with key leaders from both organizations. Masco Cabinetry will report to Tim Yaggi, Masco Corporation group president.

"Combining the strengths and talents of the two organizations to generate significant value for our customers is a very exciting opportunity," said Karen Strauss, president of Masco Cabinetry. "By inspiring and creating kitchen and bath solutions with meaningful innovation and consumer-preferred brands, we will drive breakthrough growth opportunities for our customers and our company."

Masco Cabinetry will focus on driving growth across all channels through superior innovation, quality and customer service. The new organization will have the ability to offer trade partners and consumers a broad portfolio of cabinets and countertops spanning a wide range of price points and styles. Over the next few months, the leadership team will work through strategic and tactical plans to ensure a seamless transition to the new organization.

"We are excited to bring together the best assets and capabilities of North America's two leading cabinet companies. The combination will enable us to invest in industry-leading innovation and bring to market a complementary portfolio of brands to meet the needs of our valued customers in an efficient, seamless way," said Donny DeMarie, chief operating officer, Masco Corporation.

About Masco Builder Cabinet Group (MBCG)
Based in Adrian, Michigan, the Masco Builder Cabinet Group is the manufacturer of two nationally recognized cabinetry brands: Merillat and Quality Cabinets; and the DeNova countertop brand. The company has manufacturing plants and branches/service center locations throughout the United States. Offering an unmatched selection of stylish, high-quality products at a variety of price levels, MBCG brands are favored by builders, dealers and distributors throughout North America. For more information, visit www.mascobcg.com

About Masco Retail Cabinet Group (MRCG)
Based in Middlefield, Ohio, the Masco Retail Cabinet Group is the manufacturer of KraftMaid brand cabinetry. For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation's largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection featuring more than 100 trend-on door styles and over 45 furniture-quality finishes. KraftMaid is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group, a division of Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan and one of the world's largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. All KraftMaid Cabinetry is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com

"Many people have heard me say that I have never worked a day in my life because I so love what I do and the people I work with."

"I was 18 years old in 1950 when I started construction on my first house, making 2010 my 60th anniversary in the building business," said Bill Pulte. "Many people have heard me say that I have never worked a day in my life because I so love what I do and the people I work with.

"With 2010 marking six decades in business, with our merger with Centex complete and a great, proven leadership team in place, and, hopefully, with the worst of this housing cycle behind us, this feels like the right time to officially step away from the business.

"One of the things that has thrilled me most over the last few years is working with the people who are now in place and running Pulte Homes. This is particularly true of Richard Dugas, who has become a great leader for this company. I plan to remain a large shareholder of Pulte Homes and have never been more confident in the leadership and future success of the company."

Following his retirement, Mr. Pulte will assume the title of Founder and Chairman Emeritus and serve as a key advisor to the senior executive team and Board of Directors under a two-year consulting agreement with the Company.

AGR Stone & Tools USA, Inc.'s entry into the Western New York market will be instrumental in achieving the objectives the company has outlined for 2010 and 2011. The market adds to the growing list of its distribution centers throughout North America and is the latest of 25 distributors in 17 states and provinces in the United States and Canada.

As the only major manufacturer of diamond tools that markets and distributes its products directly to their customers, AGR Stone & Tools USA, Inc. has a major advantage over its competition. By selling directly, it plans to control a quarter of the approximately $8 billion North American diamond tool market. "Our goal is 25% of the market which equates to $2 billion in sales. As our distribution network continues to grow, that goal is becoming more and more a reality," commented Rock Rutherford, the CEO of AGR Stone & Tools USA, Inc.

The show will feature lots of great seminars, as well as special appearances by "The Duct Tape Guys," America's wackiest home improvement team.

Tickets are $6 for adults, but you can print out a savings coupon by visiting the website below:

www.delmarvahomeshows.com/Annapolisinfo.htm

The Board of Directors said in a statement: "Armstrong has accomplished a great deal since Mike became CEO in 2000.  Under his leadership, the Company resolved its asbestos liability and emerged successfully from bankruptcy reorganization.  The Company's North American floor business regained its position as an industry leader through enhanced product quality and design, and increased investment in the brand.  Thanks to Mike's prudent management during the sharp economic downturn of the last two years, Armstrong has remained profitable and has grown free cash flow.  The Company will reap the benefits of his stewardship.  We thank Mike for his important contributions and wish him all the best for the future."

Mr. Lockhart added, "I have been proud to serve as Armstrong's CEO for nearly 10 years.  I want to thank the thousands of people who have worked together to successfully implement the changes necessary to make this a better company.  Armstrong is about to enter a period that has the potential to be the best in its long history.  The prospects for the Company are genuinely exciting and I wish my colleagues continued success."

Mr. O'Connor, incoming chairman of the board, said "The Board and Mike agreed that this was the right time to look for new leadership to take the Company into its next phase of growth.  Operationally, the Company is performing well with a strong team of senior leaders, well-known, trusted brands, a solid balance sheet, and dedicated employees.  While we continue to expect 2010 to be challenging, we have complete confidence in the Company's senior management team and their ability to continue to deliver great products and quality service to our customers and distributors around the world." 

Rick Stiskin, who co-founded IBM with his retiring partner Dennis Booth, will remain IBM's General Manager and be part Beacon's regional leadership team. Mr. Stiskin stated, "Dennis and I believe that joining Beacon presents a fantastic opportunity for IBM and our employees. Beacon's size and reputation in the industry will allow us to better serve our customers and expand our product offering to help grow our business. We could not be more excited about IBM's future."

Paul Isabella, Beacon's President and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the strategic fit of the IBM acquisition and the compatibility of the two companies and stated, "We are very excited to have IBM and its experienced team join Beacon. IBM presents us with an excellent opportunity to enter the Orlando market and begin to expand our footprint in Florida. Equally important is that IBM's team shares our belief that success comes from hard work and a strong commitment to your employees and customers."

BrassCraft also named Steve Adams as Senior Director of Wholesale Sales. Adams will continue his current oversight of the southern region, buying groups and national accounts. "Since joining BrassCraft in 2003, Steve has been continuously improving our partnership position and value-add throughout the Wholesale channel," said Woody.

BrassCraft's Ken Kemmerling has been appointed Sales Manager for the central region of the Wholesale channel. "Ken has been a dedicated member of the BrassCraft team for 19 years," said Woody, "heading up a number of key sales leadership positions."

Continuing in their current responsibilities are John Stankrauff, Sales Manager for the eastern region and Jack Allen, Sales Manager for the western region.

BrassCraft further announced the retirement of Senior Vice President Jim Whiteherse. Said BrassCraft President Don Woody, "Jim has been with us since 1984, serving with tireless leadership as senior ambassador for BrassCraft throughout the plumbing industry. The entire company wishes him the best in his well-deserved retirement."

"With these appointments," said Woody, "BrassCraft is ideally positioned to continue building the success of our customers, with products and service that are stronger than ever."

For more information, please visit www.brasscraft.com

The homebuilder said that while it is cautiously optimistic heading into the traditional spring selling season, it remains wary about the second half of the year due to continued economic weakness, high unemployment, foreclosures and shadow inventory.

Looking longer-term as housing production continues to be depressed historically and relative to demographic fundamentals, an under supply of housing units is being created. In particular, California should be one of the first areas of the country to experience a recovery in housing due to the speed at which the distressed inventory is being absorbed and the fact that there is very little supply in the development pipeline.

Project Playhouse debuted in 1992 and for 18 years renowned Southern California homebuilders, trades, architects and designers have participated in Project Playhouse helping to raise more than $5 million which has enabled the 20 year old non-profit organization to build or renovate 44 housing developments for homeless men, women and children.

One of Southern California's leading homebuilders, William Lyon Homes, has consecutively built award winning playhouses for Project Playhouse since the event premiered in Orange County. Returning again this year, Tara Morenc, Director of Purchasing expressed, "William Lyon Homes is not just a builder. We build communities and feel it is important to give back to the community. We're proud to again be a part of Project Playhouse. We feel it is the most effective way to utilize our expertise and resources and at the same time help homeless individuals and families."

Other returning 2010 playhouse builders are Shea Homes, Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA), University of Southern California Irvine Facilities Management Team and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. in partnership with CHOC Children's. If you are interested in joining this prestigious group contact Gina Scott at 949.553.9510 or email gina@homeaidoc.org to request entry forms, guidelines and participation details. Act quickly, with five spaces already filled, HomeAid will accept the first four confirmed applicants.