"Our eSMART Green homes are designed to maximize savings while minimizing the overall environmental impact of building and maintaining a home," said Bruce Craig, president of Beazer's Indianapolis new homes division. "We've built in greater efficiency from the ground up and the result is significantly lower energy bills for our homeowners."

Innovative construction methods, advanced air sealing techniques and an array of energy-savings features combine to make Beazer's eSMART Green homes in the Indianapolis area up to 44 percent more energy efficient than comparably-sized houses built 10 to 15 years ago, according to research conducted by the NAHB Research Center. Beazer's high-performance eSMART Green homes also incorporate features that help conserve water usage and provide for healthier indoor air quality.

In developing the eSMART Green series, Beazer's planning and design team has taken a whole-house systems approach to ensure all of the multiple components work together for optimal performance. Specifications were developed following extensive collaboration with energy experts, building scientists and a partnership as principal investor in Imagine Homes, a two-time National Association of Home Builders' award-winning "green" residential builder based in San Antonio, TX.

"The key to optimizing the performance of our eSMART Green homes in the cooler to more moderate climate zones comes from better air sealing, increased insulation and maximizing the efficiency of the HVAC system," said Craig. "We've created a nearly impenetrable seal around the envelope of our eSMART Green homes, which greatly reduces energy loss."

The new eSMART Green showcase home at South Avalon Estates combines R49 blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic, R19 on exterior walls and high-efficiency low-e windows with additional sealing around exterior penetration points to create a highly-efficient air barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment. Additionally, the high-efficiency furnace and all of the home's ducting for the 16 SEER HVAC is located in conditioned space, which greatly improves the operating efficiency of the system.

"Roughly half of a home's energy usage goes to heating and cooling. By placing the entire HVAC system in conditioned space, we're able to gain much greater operating efficiency. Less energy is wasted, which drastically cuts heating and cooling costs," said Craig. "And, the temperature inside our homes is more consistent and comfortable throughout."

Additional energy-saving features incorporated into the eSMART Green model home include ENERGY STAR appliances, a tankless water heater, programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent light bulbs and a home energy monitor.

To help conserve water, the home features a manifold plumbing system that operates more efficiently by delivering water directly to individual fixtures rather than routing it through the foundation. Water-saving faucets and showerheads and dual-flush toilets are also featured and the exterior landscaping utilizes regionally-appropriate plants. To address indoor air quality, high-grade MERV 10 air filters, fresh-air ventilated ducts, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions paints, and carpets are included. To better illustrate the eco-friendly features, superior construction methods and building science principles that are incorporated into its eSMART Green homes, Beazer's showcase home at South Avalon Estates features interactive product displays and cutaway sections that allow visitors to see "inside the walls."

"The building science community is pleased to see a national builder implement the essential elements of a high performance home as demonstrated in Beazer's Indianapolis green project," said Gord Cooke of Building Knowledge Inc., a national building science company. "Beazer's eSMART program is based on the best available cost-effective measures to improve the energy efficiency, comfort, health and durability of today's new homes."

Priced from $189,900, there are 221 home sites at South Avalon Estates, and Beazer offers six distinct floor plans, including three-, and four-bedroom homes ranging in size from 2,084 to more than 3,400 square feet. Beazer's New Home Information Center and models are open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on new homes in the Greater Indianapolis area, contact 317-485-6866 or visit www.Beazer.com

During the first 7 months of this year, construction spending amounted to $460.3 billion, 11.8 percent below the $522.0 billion for the same period in 2009.

PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION
Spending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $506.4 billion, 0.8 percent ( below the revised June estimate of $510.7 billion. Residential construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $240.3 billion in July, 2.6 percent below the revised June estimate of $246.7 billion. Nonresidential construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $266.1 billion in July, 0.8 percent above the revised June estimate of $264.0 billion.

PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION
In July, the estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of public construction spending was $298.8 billion, 1.2 percent below the revised June estimate of $302.4 billion. Educational construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $73.0 billion, 0.1 percent below the revised June estimate of $73.1 billion. Highway construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $76.8 billion, 2.9 percent below the revised June estimate of $79.1 billion.

The Consumer Confidence Survey® is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS. TNS is the world's largest custom research company. The cutoff date for August's preliminary results was August 24th.

Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center: "Consumer confidence posted a modest gain in August, the result of an improvement in consumers' short-term outlook.  Consumers' assessment of current conditions, however, was less favorable as employment concerns continue to weigh heavily on consumers' attitudes. Expectations about future business and labor market conditions have brightened somewhat, but overall, consumers remain apprehensive about the future.  All in all, consumers are about as confident today as they were a year ago (Aug. 2009, 54.5).

Consumers' appraisal of current conditions continued to weaken in August. Those claiming business conditions are "good" decreased to 8.7 percent from 8.8 percent. However, those stating business conditions are "bad" declined to 41.9 percent from 43.3 percent. Consumers' assessment of the labor market deteriorated further. Those saying jobs are "hard to get" increased to 45.7 percent from 45.1 percent, while those claiming jobs are "plentiful" declined to 3.8 percent from 4.4 percent.

Consumers' expectations improved moderately in August, but overall, they remain pessimistic. Those anticipating an improvement in business conditions over the next six months increased to 17.0 percent from 15.8 percent, while those anticipating conditions will worsen declined to 13.4 percent from 15.3 percent.

Consumers were also slightly less pessimistic about future employment prospects. Those expecting more jobs in the months ahead increased to 14.6 percent from 14.2 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs decreased to 19.4 percent from 20.9 percent. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes held steady at 10.6 percent.

During the recently concluded third quarter, the company reported $454.2 million in revenue. Toll Brothers delivered 803 units during that time.

Douglas C. Yearley, Jr., Toll Brothers' chief executive officer, stated: "We were pleased to return to profitability this quarter, especially with volumes down 65% from our peak. Although revenues and unit deliveries for the quarter were relatively flat compared to one year ago, our gross margin, before write-offs, improved by 350 basis points. While much of this quarter's profitability was due to tax benefits, we are encouraged by the decline in impairments and our fifth consecutive quarter of more normalized cancellation rates after three years of elevated rates.

"Another bright spot has been the performance of our high-rise projects in the metro New York City urban market built under the Toll Brothers City Living brand. Among these are several 50% joint ventures, which, in FY 2010's third quarter, produced $38.5 million of contracts versus $17.7 million the previous year, and which ended this third quarter with a backlog of $103.0 million versus $19.4 million in FY 2009's same quarter. These joint ventures should continue to contribute profits for the next several quarters.

"We are pursuing growth. We are looking for attractive distressed land and debt acquisition opportunities. This quarter our count of lots owned and optioned increased to 35,800 from our trough of 31,700 at FY 2010's first-quarter-end. This was the second consecutive quarter of sequential growth in our land position. We continue to find opportunities in most of our markets and this quarter spent approximately $104 million on land acquisitions, bringing our nine month total to approximately $340 million."

"Due to our very low leverage and significant cash position, we have the flexibility to opportunistically pursue transactions that are arising from the current distress in the real estate industry. This quarter we announced the formation of Gibraltar Capital and Asset Management Corp. ("Gibraltar"), a wholly owned subsidiary. Gibraltar will look to capitalize on Toll Brothers' expertise and nationwide presence to pursue real estate opportunities.

"With a quick start out of the gate, we were pleased to announce that Gibraltar, in a joint venture with Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and Milestone Merchant Partners, LLC, successfully completed a transaction to acquire approximately $1.7 billion (face value) of mainly distressed real estate loans and properties in partnership with the Federal Deposit and Insurance Corp. (FDIC). The primarily residential portfolio consists of approximately 200 loans and 80 real estate properties averaging about $6.1 million per asset."

Even more important: they meet user demand for performance, with style, saving up to 20 percent in water usage over current standards, while still delivering an invigorating shower. Showerhead models range from traditional to transitional to contemporary, with styles to meet every home decor.

The EPA's WaterSense program requires showerheads to have a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) or less - 20 percent lower than the current federal standard of 2.5 gpm - while also meeting such performance standards as flow rate across a range of pressures, spray force and spray coverage.

The American Standard line of FloWise showerheads exceeds these requirements, with the highest rate of water savings at 1.5 gpm. Replacing an older showerhead with a FloWise showerhead can save a family of four approximately 11,000 gallons of water annually.

Top-rated by the nation's leading consumer review magazine and numerous online product evaluation websites, the key to the FloWise shower experience is a patented turbine technology that spins the water stream through the showerhead to create a powerful, energizing spray. The result feels much the same as conventional 2.5 gpm showerheads, yet with up to 40 percent water savings.

"Showering is one of the leading ways we use water in the home, accounting for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use, or about 30 gallons per household per day," explains Michelle Troconis, product manager for shower systems at American Standard. "Offering the WaterSense label on all American Standard FloWise showerheads gives people the confidence that they really can conserve water while still enjoying a relaxing and invigorating shower."

Certification of the American Standard FloWise shower products was independently verified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), in accordance with the EPA's WaterSense program requirements.

In addition to FloWise showerheads, all American Standard bathroom faucets save 32 percent more water over their conventional counterparts and have been WaterSense certified since 2008. American Standard offers a full range of water-saving plumbing products for homes and buildings, searchable at www.responsiblebathroom.com. Site tools include a calculator to estimate the potential savings in water and utility bills using local municipal water rate data, as well as a rebate locator to find local incentives for purchasing water efficient products.

For more information on FloWise showerheads and hand showers or other WaterSense-certified products from American Standard, visit americanstandard.com or call (800) 899-2614.

"As the national economy continues to laboriously work its way back to prosperity in an uncertain future, the dynamics of local real estate markets continue to offer opportunities for investors to purchase properties at exceptional discounts," said James Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. "The old saying that there's no better time than the present has never been truer than it is today."

Based on data from RealtyTrac, National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and compiled by RealtyTrac, a number of the nation's metro areas stand out due to available discounts on purchasing distressed properties and other factors. The five listed below in particular were selected because they offer an average sales price discount of at least 35 percent on foreclosure purchases, positive year-over-year growth in median home prices and relatively low unemployment rates compared to state and national averages.

#1 Memphis, TN

Consisting of Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties in Tennessee, along with adjacent Crittenden County, Arkansas, and De Soto, Marshall, Tate and Tunica counties in Missouri, the Memphis metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had an estimated population of 1.3 million people as of July 2009, according to the U.S. Census bureau.

More than 3,000 properties sold in the MSA during the first quarter of 2010, with 37 percent of those being foreclosure properties, selling at an average discount of nearly 53 percent, according to RealtyTrac.

On a year-over-year basis, unemployment was up one point in March to slightly above the national average at 10.6 percent, according to the BLS. Despite the unemployment numbers, however, home prices increased 18.5 percent, with the average foreclosure selling for $72,904 during the quarter.

#2 Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI

Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties make up this metropolitan area, home to an estimated 1.56 million people in 2009. In total, more than 2,200 properties sold during the quarter, with 22 percent of those being foreclosure properties selling at an average savings of nearly 48 percent. The March unemployment rate was below the national average at 9.8 percent, a slight uptick of less than one point from March 2009. Metro home prices rose during the quarter by 6.8 percent from the previous year, with the average foreclosure property selling for $89,839 during the first quarter.

#3 Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY

Erie and Niagara counties make up this MSA, which more than 1.1 million people called home in 2009. Although only 8 percent of the MSA's total 800 properties sold were foreclosures during the first quarter, they sold at a discount of more than 47 percent. Unemployment in the MSA was well below the national average at 8.6 percent in March, a slight downturn from a year ago. Another positive factor was the metro's median home price, which rose 7.5 percent during the quarter from the previous year. Foreclosure properties there sold during the quarter for an average price of $57,191.

#4 Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH

One of the poster children for what went wrong when the real estate market crashed and foreclosures took off in 2007, Cleveland and its surrounding area is making a comeback of sorts.

"Ohio is a good area. A very high-tech environment and strong education and university system," said Dr. Jay Butler, director of Realty Studies, Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness at Arizona State University.

Home to an estimated 2.1 million people in 2009, the Cleveland MSA is made up of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.

Almost 1,000 properties sold during the first quarter, 26 percent of which were foreclosures selling at an average discount of more than 45 percent. Unemployment was virtually on par with the national average in March at 9.8 percent, up marginally from the same month last year.

"I think a lot of people get down on places like Cleveland and Detroit," Butler said. "They're overlooking those places. The focus has been on Detroit, but the rest of Michigan is in pretty good shape. Also Mississippi and Georgia, where plants got shuttered, they are now opening. The auto industry is bouncing back."

Home prices were the big story in Cleveland during the first quarter of the year as they grew 53.8 percent from the first quarter of 2009. The average foreclosure property sold for $71,438 during the quarter.

"If you want to buy and hold for cash flow, then the Midwest -- Cleveland, etc. -- is the place you can buy for $30,000," said Phyllis Rockower, founder and president of the Real Estate Investors Club of Los Angeles.

#5 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

With 4.3 million residents, this metro area has high California prices, but with big enough discount to justify serious consideration from investors looking for an in-demand market with rock-solid long term prospects.

A good portion of Northern California comprises this metro area, consisting of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, some of which are "rebounding pretty well," according to James Gaines, research economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Forty-five percent of all first quarter home sales in the metro area were foreclosure properties. Selling at a discount of 41 percent, the average foreclosure sold for $327,262.

"When I first started teaching five years ago I did a lot of workshops in California," said real estate investor and trainer Andy Heller. "Of the active investors living in California, I would estimate that 70 percent were investing out of state. I've been doing a lot of workshops in California the last year, and I would estimate that now the active investors have totally flipped. Now they're investing in-state. They didn't before because they felt the numbers couldn't work. Now they do."

Like all of California, unemployment was up in March in the San Francisco, where joblessness was up almost two points from March 2009 to 11 percent. However, the median home price rose substantially, up 28.9 percent from the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010.

About RealtyTrac

RealtyTrac is the leading online marketplace of foreclosure properties, with more than 2 million default, auction and bank-owned properties from 2,200 U.S. counties, along with detailed property, loan and home sales data. Hosting millions of unique monthly visitors, RealtyTrac provides innovative technology solutions and practical education resources to facilitate buying, selling and investing in real estate. RealtyTrac's foreclosure data has also been used by the Federal Reserve, FBI, U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee and Banking Committee, U.S. Treasury Department, and numerous state housing and banking departments to help evaluate foreclosure trends and address policy issues related to foreclosures.

"As the first asphalt shingle manufacturer to bring photovoltaic technology to traditional roofing contractors, CertainTeed Corporation is taking a leadership role in meeting the growing demand for solar energy," says Bob Gardiner, vice president of marketing for CertainTeed Roofing. "We are equipping our network of roofing contractors with the skills needed to be successful in the solar market, which will ultimately make photovoltaic technology more accessible to homeowners."

Offered in pre-engineered kits containing all components necessary for installation, EnerGen features thin-film UNI-SOLAR® laminates which integrates 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. Its flexible design allows it to be customized to meet a home's specific energy needs and environmental conditions. 

The EnerGen system is backed by thorough installation and marketing training, with on-going support provided through the newly established solar services group.  More than 100 roofing contractors throughout Arizona, California and Hawaii have participated in the training program.

"Photovoltaic products, such as the EnerGen roofing system, are a key ingredient to efficient, sustainable homes and buildings," adds Mark Stancroff, general manager of CertainTeed Solar. "Looking ahead, CertainTeed will continue to fuel this growth through cutting-edge design and research that will expand our PV product offering."

In addition to EnerGen, many of CertainTeed's roofing shingles may qualify for credits through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), ENERGY STAR® and the National Association of Home Builders' Green Building Program as well as eligible rebates through local utility companies in select areas and federal tax credits through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For the past two years, CertainTeed has been recognized as the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Energy Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This prestigious award recognizes CertainTeed for its accomplishments and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency at its facilities.

For more information, visit www.certainteed.com

Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Clayton Homes is the nation's largest source for manufactured housing and modular homes in the United States. "GE provides an overwhelming competitive edge when it comes to the quality, reliability, style and brand appeal of its appliances," said Doug Dubey, VP Purchasing, Clayton Homes. "We're excited to continue our relationship with GE, because we know we're getting a quality product in a style our customers will love and appreciate. As a national player, Clayton Homes is also heavily dependent on GE's nationwide service network."

GE is the number one supplier of major appliances to U.S. homebuilders. In addition to a strong line-up of brands, GE offers builders high-tech solutions to streamline the purchasing and communications process and is backed by 1,200 factory service technicians and a nationwide delivery network.

"GE understands what's important to homebuilders, and we have the resources and expertise to provide outstanding service and the best products for all home types and styles - from starter homes to mansions," said Matt Rose, General Manager of GE Appliances & Lighting's Contract Sales Division. "We are thrilled to be Clayton Homes' exclusive appliance supplier and look forward to a successful business relationship."

For more information, consumers may visit www.claytonhomes.com

Learn more at: www.fbmamainevent.com/tradeshow.html

For more details visit: www.homeideashow.com

"We anticipated that our third quarter net contracts would decline as some sales were pulled forward into the second quarter due to the expiration of the $8,000 federal homebuyers' tax credit," commented Ara K. Hovnanian, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Concurrent with the expiration of the tax credit, we saw consumer confidence take a step backward, as the lack of job creation, volatile stock market prices, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and general concerns about the health of the economy moved to the forefront. These factors combined to produce slower than expected sales throughout our third quarter."

"On the positive side, July sales were modestly better than June and we saw August sales improve even more significantly compared to June. However, we still did not reach the sales pace we saw in July and August of the prior year," continued Mr. Hovnanian. "While far from a normal sales pace, we are hopeful that the stronger selling environment will continue into September and October."

"Long-term demographic trends of household formation point to housing starts eventually bouncing off of 60-year lows. Nevertheless, job creation is the key to a housing recovery, which makes it difficult to predict how improvements in the economy and housing market play out over the short term. However, we are confident that we are taking appropriate steps at the bottom of this housing cycle to replenish our land supply and optimize our cost structure so that we are well positioned to participate in the inevitable housing rebound," concluded Mr. Hovnanian.

The newly-launched website - www.nahb.org/pillarsawards -  provides a full listing of all Pillars finalists, as well photos and information on each project. With its searchable format, visitors to the site can easily search for finalists by category or location. Additionally, the site includes comments by the award hosts and judges.

"This interactive website presents the best work now being done in the multifamily industry," said Charles R. Brindell, Jr., Chair of NAHB's Multifamily Leadership Board, and CEO of Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC. "The finalists are examples of communities that deliver everything residents expect from an apartment or condo: great design, inside and out; cutting-edge features and amenities; great marketing, and solid, professional management."

The competition attracted nearly 300 entries, and includes categories for multifamily rental and for-sale communities, marketing campaigns for those communities, and honors for individual and corporate achievement in 2010. The 93 finalists in 27 categories represent the best of the industry and are considered a showcase of future trends and innovation.

Winners in the Marketing and Individual categories will be announced on the website through a virtual awards show webcast at 2:00 p.m. ET on October 21, and the winners in the Builder and Firm categories will be similarly announced on December 7. Login instructions will be provided at www.nahb.org/pillarsawards

"Other manufacturers' traditional locking pliers only allow a couple of contact points on a round or hex work piece, resulting in the tool slipping or failing to loosen a frozen bolt," said Curt Weber, Director of Marketing for IRWIN Tools. "The IRWIN VISE-GRIP CR, on the other hand, establishes multiple contact points with the work piece, guaranteeing a significantly tighter grip. They cannot be beat for tightening, clamping, twisting and turning."

"In addition, the slotted geometry of the new 'self-energizing' VISE-GRIP Curved Jaw locking pliers exponentially increases torquing power, and more torque means more clamping power. In fact, the new CR range provides the strongest grip ever," Weber concluded.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Fast Release locking pliers have a one-handed, triggerless release, so they're easy to open and speedily reset on the jobsite. In addition, the anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips feature molded handles for comfort and leverage while reducing vibrations and hand fatigue. The new CR range is especially well-suited for performing in greasy work environments where there may be lots of lubricants, and for maneuvering in tight spaces where a worker cannot easily get two hands on a tool.

"The CR range absolutely won't slip and won't strip the work piece," Weber emphasized. "You can practically stand on these locking pliers when they're torqued down and never worry about stubborn jobs."

Additional IRWIN VISE-GRIP Curved Jaw (CR) Locking Pliers Features:

•Patented curved jaw is great for securely gripping and torquing multiple surface shapes such as round pipe, square or hex bolts, and more.

•Self-energizing curved jaw puts tremendous pressure on four points of any style nut or bolt head, making it perfect for any application that requires maximum torque.

•Fast Release model is two times easier to open, has a no-trigger release, offers one-handed operation, and includes anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips for comfort, leverage, and a reduction in vibration and hand fatigue.

•Convenient wire cutter available

•Hex Key Adjusting Screw provides a controlled release or tightens to draw materials together.

•All IRWIN VISE-GRIP pliers are constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel for maximum toughness and durability.

•Hardened teeth are designed to grip from any angle.

The new IRWIN VISE-GRIP Curved Jaw (CR) Locking Pliers include lengths of 5-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch models. The full range of VISE-GRIP locking pliers, including IRWIN VISE-GRIP Fast Release and Original locking tools, can be found at home centers, hardware stores and industrial tool distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada. The suggested retail price of the 5" CR is $11.99, the 7" is $12.99 and 10" is $13.99.

For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com

Donnelly decided to install three by five feet of one-half inch laminated glass at the bottom of the porch and then screen another three by five foot area up to a railing one foot from the ceiling. Installing the glass, Donnelly reasoned, would protect the porch from the high wind that blows off the lake. He said the screened in area would enhance the beautiful view Old Hickory Lake without any obstructions.

Donnelly put off the project for a few months since he felt the traditional method of screening the porch from the exterior using a ladder required three to four days time and, as he said, "really wasn't that appealing."

Just by chance Donnelly searched the Internet for porch screening systems and discovered the MINI Track™ two-part extruded porch system fromScreen Tight™ based in Georgetown, S.C.

"I couldn't believe what I was reading," Donnelly said "and called Screen Tight™ to make sure what they were saying on the Internet was true. I couldn't believe a system existed that was that easy to install."

Donnelly confessed that the system really got him excited. "It was like a dream come true," he said. "I liked everything about it, the flexibility and how it fit with the project. It was perfect for what I needed to do."

He ordered the MINI Track™ system from his local home improvement store along with six Anderson™ 12 foot double slider doors, 40 12-foot posts, almost 800 square feet of gray nylon screen to cover the porch, six ceiling fans that he would place in front of each of the six doors, screws and grummets to complete the job and 1,500 square feet of a gray-colored outside carpet.

"My sister sits on the porch a lot and I wanted to make it as comfortable as I could for her," Donnelly said. "I just live down the road and am a frequent guest."

Installation
Donnelly and a helper installed the glass paneling around the deck on the lower half of the porch and completed the framework for the screen by square cutting the 12-foot wood treated posts down to the size needed using a miter saw. Once the framing was complete, Donnelly had 25 openings that needed to be screened. The openings were 3-feet-tall and 5-feet-wide.

Handrails were constructed using 2 by 8 foot pieces of board and installed throughout the porch to separate the glass paneling on the bottom and screen on the top. The leftover parts of the 12-foot posts were butted and joined together to create parts of the handrails and additional pieces of the frame.

The frame needed to be covered and capped before the screen could be rolled on it. The MINI Track™ package includes ultra low profile clips that were screwed to the porch frame every 10-inches and 2-inches from the corners. The flat side of the clips was parallel with the frame.

Donnelly selected mostly 8-foot bronze Mini Track channels but also needed three 10-foot length channels.

After cutting the channels to length, Donnelly installed the left and right channel vertically by snapping over the clips and tapping them with a rubber mallet. Next, he installed the top and bottom of the MINI Track™ horizontals.

The spline was then rolled into the groove of the MINI Track™ channels to hold the fabric in place. Donnelly started from the top and worked his way to the sides and bottom. At the end, he trimmed off any excess screen mesh. Repeating this process, Donnelly completed screening all the remaining sections. It took a day to fully enclose the porch from floor to ceiling. Tools needed for the project included a miter saw, roller knives, spline, screwdriver, drill and rubber mallet.

Finally, six double slider doors were assembled which latch in the middle and cover the 12-foot opening.

Ceiling fans were installed at each door location.

Easy To Install
Donnelly noted that the installation was very easy and that you never had to pull on a screen to get it tight because the screen tightened as he rolled the spline into the spline grooves of the Mini Track™ channels.

"It was real unique and I am really glad that I found something like that," Donnelly said after the installation. "With other screening systems, I would have had to go outside, stand on a ladder and install the screen from the outside. MINI Track™ did not require a high ladder and we stood right on the porch to install it. It cut installation time by at least two days."

The porch was installed last January we have not had any problems.

"My sister and I are very pleased with how easy the MINI Track™ was to install," Donnelly said. "It is unbelievable how easy and fast it was. I could only imagine how I would have had to do it years ago. It worked just like Screen Tight™ said it would on the Internet. I would highly recommend it to anyone."

About Screen Tight™
Formed over 20 years ago, Screen Tight™ is well-recognized as the leading innovator in the outdoor screen industry. The company re-invented the method of attaching screens for outdoor areas such as porches and redefined the screen door market by inventing and introducing its patented solid vinyl screen door.

Besides the MINI Track™ for second-story and higher elevations applications, Screen Tight™ also offers its original system that accommodates openings up to 40 square feet and its new FAST Track™ Aluminum Screen Porch Screening System consisting of 1"x2" self-mating channels and hidden fasteners allowing unlimited configurations. Screen Tight™ also offers a patented Wrap N' Snap™ Column Wrap to dress up structural columns, solid foam PVC and wood screen doors, plus a variety of products that incorporate advanced composite co-extrusion technology. Products are sold in the U. S. and Canada mainly through hardware, home center, and building supply retailers.

To request a free sample or for more information on the MINI Track™ system or any other Screen Tight™ product, contact Screen Tight™ at 800-768-7325 or 843-527-7658, FAX 843-527-6498, www.screentight.com

Deconstruction, as opposed to traditional demolition, involves the careful dismantling of residential and commercial buildings with the goal of preserving reusable materials, typically resulting in at least 70 percent landfill diversion. Participants will be trained to disassemble a building in the correct sequence, handle materials deftly, organize them strategically, and prepare materials for safe transport to re-sale centers, which have developed a lucrative market for reusable building materials.

"Deconstruction training addresses two of our community's top priorities -- employment and environment," said Marlena Sessions, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. "The training will provide residents with marketable skills needed to re-enter the workforce, and this industry in particular is a good fit for those with language barriers or other obstacles to securing sustainable employment. Deconstruction also offers environmental benefits to our community -- by reusing building materials, we reduce construction waste in our landfills and conserve raw materials."

The 10-day job training and work experience program is targeted toward residents of specific South Seattle neighborhoods who are 18 or older and unemployed/low-income, high-school dropout, veteran, or formerly incarcerated. Participants will receive classroom and on-site field training in deconstruction techniques, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and practices for construction.

Prominent clean technology training provider, CleanEdison, Inc. was selected to provide the deconstruction training in partnership with instructor Dave Bennink of RE-USE Consulting. Bennink has 17 years' experience in the deconstruction industry and was recently honored by the Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) as their 2009 Deconstructor of the Year.

Case management partners Pacific Associates and Neighborhood House will conduct outreach, screening, and selection of candidates for the free training program. Residents of South Seattle aged 18 or older who are interested in participating in this program should contact Pacific Associates Case Manager, Dmitry Kvasnyuk, at 206.721.7293 or dkvasnyuk@pacassoc.com for more information or to apply.

This program is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor through the GreenLight Project of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. The WDC and GreenLight Project partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and Providers of Employment and Training Programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WTRS 800.833.6384 or 711.

About Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County:


The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is a nonprofit workforce "think tank" and grant-making organization whose mission is to support a strong economy and ensure the ability of each person to achieve self-sufficiency. Established in 2000 by the King County Executive and the Mayor of Seattle, the WDC is led by a board of directors with a private-sector majority. We oversee a wide range of employment-related programs and initiatives, serving thousands of King County youth, adults and businesses each year.

About CleanEdison Inc:

CleanEdison, Inc. is the nation's leading clean tech training provider, offering award-winning education services to individuals, companies, and federal, state and local governments. Our mission is to promote sustainability and green building practices by offering best-in-class education and expert advice through our customized consulting services. Winner of the 2009 CTN Green Excellence Seal for Green Education, CleanEdison is part of the US Green Building Council's Education Provider Program and an approved affiliate of the Building Performance Institute (BPI).

"We are pleased to announce that the SEC has concluded its investigation," said Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home. "We are glad to share with our investors and employees that the matter is now behind us, as we continue to focus on restoring the sustained profitability of our homebuilding operations and generating future growth."

M&G, headquartered in Assen in the Netherlands, is a European market leader in venting systems. It has production facilities in the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey and sales offices and warehouses in Belgium, France, Germany and the UK. M&G manufactures venting systems for heating and hot water appliances, both conventional and high efficiency. It manufactures a range of systems in aluminum, stainless steel and polypropylene.

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California, through its subsidiary, Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., designs, engineers and is a leading manufacturer of wood-to-wood, wood-to-concrete and wood-to-masonry connectors and fastening systems, stainless steel fasteners and pre-fabricated shearwalls. Simpson Strong-Tie also offers a full line of adhesives, mechanical anchors and powder actuated tools for concrete, masonry and steel.

To qualify, builders must be a current NADRA member and must complete an application on the http://gawain.membrane.com/dec NADRA website. "As a long-time member, we want to share our hidden deck fastener installation package with others in the NADRA community," said David Hartmann, president of Tiger Claw. "Many have already embraced Tiger Claw's pneumatic installation gun and the TC-G (TC-150) fastener for pre-grooved deck boards, but some have yet to be introduced to this time- and money-saving combination. This is a great opportunity for members to try the package at no cost."

The Tiger Claw pneumatic installation gun dramatically reduces the already-quick installation of Tiger Claw's groove fasteners. Decking professionals, as well as do-it-yourselfers, can build a beautiful, nail-free surface deck four times faster than they can through traditional surface screwing. The fastener installation gun drives a collated pneumatic screw in like a nail, but can be removed like a screw. The installation gun is used with Tiger Claw's TC-G (TC-150) hidden deck fastener for pre-grooved boards.

If you are not yet a member of NADRA, join today to receive your free Tiger Claw package. Call NADRA at: (888) 623-7248 to expedite the membership process.

NADRA members without access to the online application may contact Anne Timko, at Tiger Claw, (860) 940-6266 or annet@deckfastener.com

http://gawain.membrane.com/deck_builders/

As a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider, Trane has developed the courses to allow LEED professionals to more easily stay competitive in the sustainable building industry.

The courses are also approved by the American Institute of Architects and offer architects technical education on HVAC-related design. The courses qualify as health, safety and welfare (HSW) and sustainable design (SD) continuing education (CE) learning units.

Trane is offering the courses free of charge to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through sound heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) principles.

About the courses Courses are available at www.trane.com/continuingeducation and currently include:

•Air-Handling Systems, Energy and IAQ
•ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 90.1, and VAV Systems
•Central Geothermal System Design and Control
•Energy-Saving Opportunities for LEED and the Energy Policy Act
•Fans in Air-Handling Systems
•Ice Storage Design and Application
•ASHRAE Standards 62.1: Ventilation Rate Procedure

Participants can earn an average of 1.5 CE hours per program. New courses continue to be added as they are developed and approved. The automated process allows users to view the 90-minute programs, take an assessment quiz and, upon successful completion, receive a certificate that documents Green Building Certification Institute information needed to self-report participation.

Each course includes supplemental material (handouts, presenter biographies and bibliographies) and topic-related resources to help fulfill self-study requirements.

"We are very pleased to have concluded this comprehensive financial restructuring that significantly reduced the total debt on our balance sheet and left the Company in very solid financial condition," said Michael W. Harlan, President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Concrete. "We look forward to putting this process permanently behind us and renewing our focus on managing the business and serving our customers."

Concurrent with its emergence, the Company converted approximately $272.6 million of principal amount of 8.375% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 into equity of the reorganized company. Warrants to purchase up to 15% of equity of the reorganized company will be issued to holders of the old common stock in the upcoming weeks. Shares of the reorganized company will trade over the counter. The Company also announced it entered into a $75 million revolving secured credit facility with a group of banks led by JPMorgan Chase and issued $55 million of 9.5% convertible secured notes due 2015.

"The new credit facility provides us with adequate liquidity to fund our working capital needs and capital expenditure program as we move forward," stated Mr. Harlan. "Our improved capital structure and financial condition should provide reassurance to our customers, suppliers and employees about the stability of the Company and our commitment to our operating strategy."

Information about the restructuring is available at the Company's website, www.us-concrete.com or via the Company's restructuring line at (888) 369-8931.

Watch the 2.5 minute video at: http://es.video.yahoo.com/watch/8001932/21216820

Individuals can nominate trade professionals at RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com until Nov. 16, 2010. Six finalists will be chosen from specific skilled trade categories, including: carpenter, contractor, electrician, HVAC/plumber, painter and roofer. One grand prize winner will receive a Super Bowl getaway for two, including air travel, lodging, game tickets and $500 in cash.

"WD-40 has been helping skilled trade professionals get the job done for more than 50 years, from loosening rusted plumbing joints to keeping tools in tip-top shape," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company. "We want to honor those who work hard on the job and in their communities, and partnering with Rebuilding Together is a great way to do that."

The Tradesperson of The Year™ program officially kicks off during Rebuilding Together's "Fifty for Five" in New Orleans, a five-day event starting Aug. 24 that recognizes the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by restoring 50 hurricane-devastated homes throughout the city. The event includes more than 1,000 volunteers rehabilitating houses, national celebrities, and local music and entertainment at a block party Aug. 28. WD-40 Company employees will work with Rebuilding Together and other volunteers to rehabilitate a home in the Gentilly area as part of the event.

"Without the generosity and dedication of individuals and professional organizations in the skilled trades, Rebuilding Together could not accomplish its mission to improve the lives and communities of homeowners in need," said John White, vice president of business development and advocacy at Rebuilding Together. "We are excited to partner with WD-40 to launch the Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year program and bring recognition to the spirit of service within the industry."

For more information about the Tradesperson of the Year™ program or to nominate an individual for the award, please visit RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com.

Read the entire 4-page report HERE

For more information on the study, you can also contact Michael Beaudry at Legacy Services LLC. He can be reached at 215.804.6679

Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 27.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million units in July from a downwardly revised 5.26 million in June, and are 25.5 percent below the 5.14 million-unit level in July 2009.

Sales are at the lowest level since the total existing-home sales series launched in 1999, and single family sales - accounting for the bulk of transactions - are at the lowest level since May of 1995.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a soft sales pace likely will continue for a few additional months. "Consumers rationally jumped into the market before the deadline for the home buyer tax credit expired. Since May, after the deadline, contract signings have been notably lower and a pause period for home sales is likely to last through September," he said. "However, given the rock-bottom mortgage interest rates and historically high housing affordability conditions, the pace of a sales recovery could pick up quickly, provided the economy consistently adds jobs.

"Even with sales pausing for a few months, annual sales are expected to reach 5 million in 2010 because of healthy activity in the first half of the year. To place in perspective, annual sales averaged 4.9 million in the past 20 years, and 4.4 million over the past 30 years," Yun said.

The national median existing-home price2 for all housing types was $182,600 in July, up 0.7 percent from a year ago. Distressed home sales are unchanged from June, accounting for 32 percent of transactions in July; they were 31 percent in July 2009.3

"Thanks to the home buyer tax credit, home values have been stable for the past 18 months despite heavy job losses," Yun said. "Over the short term, high supply in relation to demand clearly favors buyers. However, given that home values are back in line relative to income, and from very low new-home construction, there is not likely to be any measurable change in home prices going forward."

Total housing inventory at the end of July increased 2.5 percent to 3.98 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 12.5-month supply4 at the current sales pace, up from an 8.9-month supply in June. Raw unsold inventory is still 12.9 percent below the record of 4.58 million in July 2008.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said there are great opportunities now for buyers who weren't able to take advantage of the tax credit. "Mortgage interest rates are at record lows, home prices have firmed and there is good selection of property in most areas, so buyers with good jobs and favorable credit ratings find themselves in a fortunate position," she said.

A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 38 percent of homes in July, down from 43 percent in June. Investors accounted for 19 percent of sales in July, up from 13 percent in June; the balance were to repeat buyers. All-cash sales rose to 30 percent in July from 24 percent in June.

Single-family home sales dropped 27.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.37 million in July from a pace of 4.62 million in June, and are 25.6 percent below the 4.53 million level in July 2009; they were the lowest since May 1995 when the sales rate was 3.34 million. The median existing single-family home price was $183,400 in July, which is 0.9 percent above a year ago.

Single-family median existing-home prices were higher in 11 out of 19 metropolitan statistical areas reported in July in comparison with July 2009 (the price in one of 20 tracked markets was not available). However, existing single-family home sales fell in all 20 areas from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales fell 28.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 460,000 in July from 640,000 in June, and are 24.0 percent below the 605,000-unit level in July 2009. The median existing condo price5 was $176,800 in July, down 1.7 percent from a year ago.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast dropped 29.5 percent to an annual pace of 620,000 in July and are 30.3 percent lower than a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $263,800, up 4.8 percent from July 2009.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest fell 35.0 percent in July to a level of 800,000 and are 33.3 percent below July 2009. The median price in the Midwest was $151,600, down 2.8 percent from a year ago.

GE will provide GE®, GE Profile™, and GE Monogram® appliances for all new homes between now and Dec. 31, 2014.

"We've maintained a strong relationship with GE since 2005 - homebuyer satisfaction and the way that GE is able to execute in all aspects of doing business has played a huge role in our decision to extend GE's contract," said Mike Foster, Director of National Purchasing, Lennar Corporation. "GE offers a brand people know, and trust, while delivering style, innovation and energy efficiency. From a builder's perspective, the reliability of GE's appliances, as well as the strength of GE's nationwide service and delivery network, makes the relationship a no-brainer. Lennar and GE recently rolled out Hyphen Solutions to our divisions, which we expect to take back room efficiencies to another level."

GE's and Lennar's shared commitment to the environment also makes these two companies an ideal match. Buyers of Lennar's high-efficiency PowerSmart™ homes will have access to more than 240 GE ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances, including GE's new GeoSpring™ hybrid electric heat pump water heater (in select markets), which can reduce a home's electrical costs up to $320 annually. In the future, PowerSmart homebuyers will also have access to GE's smart grid-enabled appliances.

"GE's ability to stay ahead of the curve was another factor in our decision," Foster said. "As utilities begin to roll out smart meters, we want to ensure our customers have access to the latest technologies to help them manage their electrical bills in light of new utility pricing and billing structures."

GE's smart appliances with Brillion™ technology will be equipped to receive price signals from utility smart meters and have the intelligence to operate when it's most cost-effective to do so.

"The slow pace of economic recovery and worries about job security are weighing heavily on the minds of potential home buyers right now," agreed NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "As a result, the housing market is clearly in a holding pattern. That said, NAHB does not project that a double-dip recession is in the cards, and we are looking for employment gains later this year to help bolster sales activity moving forward."

Sales of new homes fell across every region in July, with a 13.9 percent decline registered in the Northeast, an 8.3 percent decline in the Midwest, an 8.7 percent decline in the South and a 25.4 percent decline in the West.

Meanwhile, the latest figures indicated that builders are keeping a tight rein on the inventory of new homes for sale. That inventory remained unchanged at 210,000 units in July. However, due to the slower pace of sales activity, the month's supply of homes rose to 9.1 from 8.0 in the previous month.

The median sales price of new houses sold in July 2010 was $204,000; the average sales price was $235,300. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of July was 210,000. This represents a supply of 9.1 months at the current sales rate.

Taking place alongside the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo will be the Plumbing + Hydronics Expo, owned and produced by Messe Frankfurt America. Registration and conference information will be available in early spring 2010. For details on any of these 2010 events, please visit www.TheRemodelingShow.com, www.DeckExpo.com or www.phexpo.com.

Learn more about the show at: www.nchba.org/content/view/108/154/

The Florida Energy Star® Residential HVAC rebate program kicks into full effect on August 30, 2010 and expires December 31, 2010... or until the $15 million allotted for the program is spent. The Florida Energy Star(R) Residential HVAC Rebate program gives Florida homeowners an incentive to upgrade their existing air conditioning systems to a more efficient unit. Not only will the program save consumers money through duct tightening and a much higher efficiency air conditioning unit, it will also provide jobs to both the HVAC/R and home energy auditing industry within the state of Florida. For the homeowner the incentive is $1,500, which can also be "stacked" with the federal stimulus program that allows for an additional 30% rebate or $1,500, whichever is less. Combined with programs offered by local governments and discounts from HVAC/R unit manufactures, upwards of half of the cost of the unit can be covered by incentives alone.

In an attempt to assist HVAC/R professionals to get qualified for this program, Clean Edison is offering BPI certification classes in Florida on both blower door and duct tester training.

In order to qualify for the program, Florida residents must purchase either a central air conditioner, air source heat pump or geothermal heat pump that meets the Federal Energy Tax Credits standards and hire either a Florida Class 1 Rater, a State of Florida licensed Mechanical Contractor, or a recognized test and balance agent to perform a duct test on your home to document that you have no more than 15 percent duct leakage to the outside. A blower door and duct test is required in order to perform air leakage to the outdoors. In addition most home energy audit professionals will do a complete home analysis using an infrared camera, combustion analyzer, gas leak detector, ambient CO meter (carbon monoxide) and even a particle counter. All these diagnostic technologies can lead to higher indoor air quality (IAQ), energy savings and an overall comfort of living within a home.

American Woodmark Corporation manufactures and distributes kitchen cabinets and vanities for the remodeling and new home construction markets. Its products are sold on a national basis directly to home centers, major builders and through a network of independent distributors.  The Company presently operates eleven manufacturing facilities and nine service centers across the country.

The company continues to be challenged by reduced demand for the products it distributes and manufactures. New residential construction remained weak in the second quarter with annualized housing starts of approximately 600,000, or about 60% lower than the 10-year historical trend of about 1.5 million per year.  However, second quarter 2010 housing starts were 12% higher than the levels experienced in the same quarter of 2009.  

"I am pleased that we were able to report stronger results compared to prior year, and that our liquidity position remains strong.  We benefited from higher commodity pricing compared to prior year.  In addition, we continue to see the benefits of our efforts in controlling cost and aligning production to the realities of the low demand environment that continues to persist," stated Tom Carlile, CEO.  

Building Materials Distribution (BMD) segment sales were $515.4 million in the second quarter, up 19% from the same quarter a year ago, primarily as a result of higher year-over-year net selling prices for the commodity products that BMD distributes.  BMD reported $9.1 million of EBITDA, which was down slightly from the $9.6 million reported in the second quarter 2009.  As a result of facility additions and expansions in the past year, selling and distribution expenses were 10% higher than the prior year quarter.  Higher sales generated increased gross margin dollars, which offset the increase in selling and distribution costs.

Wood Products segment sales in the second quarter were $199.4 million, up 48% from the same quarter a year ago.  The sales increase was attributable primarily to an increase in EWP sales volumes of 40%, 38% higher plywood sales prices and 14% higher plywood sales volumes, as well as 49% higher lumber prices.  

"The Craftsman Experience is a truly unique venue that will bring our products to life for those who step inside and those who join us via the internet," said Guenther Trieb, president of the Craftsman brand, Sears Holdings "This is the latest in a series of strategic moves by each of our brands - Craftsman, DieHard and Kenmore - to get closer to our customers. The 'Experience' expands access to Craftsman for existing and new, younger customers. We've already had success with customer outreach -- Craftsman and DieHard have launched viral videos which dramatically demonstrate how our products can endure torture tests. And the Kenmore Live Studio has driven its fan base on Facebook to over 100,000 -- a fan number that Craftsman recently surpassed as well, even before the 'Experience' opens."

"To fully appreciate our products, you need to be able to touch, feel and test them for yourself and see them in action through a wide variety of projects," said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager of the Craftsman brand. "The Craftsman Experience is a location that allows us to create that level of interaction."

What's Inside
Visitors to the Craftsman Experience will find hands-on activities and clinics at three unique project stations highlighting woodworking tools, automotive and mechanics tools, and lawn and garden products. Project experts will walk visitors through the features and benefits of various tools, allow them to test them out for themselves, and showcase everyday applications. Other specialists will appear at the Craftsman Experience for special events and clinics that will put Craftsman products to the test in unexpected ways.

Broadcasting live from the Craftsman Experience, an internet-based radio station will keep fans updated on all the happenings inside, featuring interviews with special guests and project experts. Fans can call in or participate in online Q and A during the live broadcasts. A Craftsman retail store will also allow Craftsman fans to take home product innovations to help them get started on their next project.

What's Online
If you have a computer and an internet connection, you've got a ticket to the Craftsman Experience. When the Experience is open, the lights and cameras come on, sharing the clinics and special programs with online viewers via streaming video. Sessions will also be available on www.Facebook.com/Craftsman through archived footage for those who missed a favorite presenter.

Located at 233 W. Huron in Chicago's downtown River North neighborhood, the Craftsman Experience will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors to www.craftsman.com can find a schedule of events that will be broadcast online.

For more than 80 years, the Craftsman brand has developed innovative products. The Craftsman brand was ranked as the most trusted tool brand in America in the 2008 Harris Interactive Equitrend Brand Study. For more information, log on to www.craftsman.com

Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts.  She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck.  Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?

Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite.  The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS.  He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show.  He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way.  On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.

WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning:  The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show.  Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.

Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.

The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.  Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m.  Adult tickets are $10.  Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free.  On-site parking is free.  24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.

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

Quint joined Formica Corporation in 2006 as Vice President of Corporate Planning where he led global business development and later moved to the North American business unit as Vice President of Finance. In his most recent position as Vice President of North American Operations, Quint was responsible for managing the full scope of manufacturing activities, achieving a successful operational turnaround during the challenges of the global economic downturn.

"The company's leadership team has done a tremendous job in recent years to strengthen the business amid a challenging economy and struggling building industry," shared Adamson. "Mitch has been an integral part of our success, and we're excited to have him at the helm as we look to expand and gain market share."

Adamson added, "By aligning our resources globally with the opportunities we see for growing our business, we're positioning the company to execute an aggressive growth agenda."  

"It's an exciting time for Formica Corporation as we continue to build on our legacy in the architecture and design community while also exploring new markets," Quint said. "We'll soon launch VIVIX™, our first exterior product, and we continue to pioneer innovative technologies in the design and manufacture of Formica® Laminate, Formica® Solid Surfacing and DecoMetal® offerings."

Before joining Formica Corporation, Quint was principal at Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading strategy and technology consulting firm.  He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. Quint also holds a Master of Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management.

Formica Corporation continues to lead the industry with innovative designs and green building solutions. Formica® brand high pressure decorative laminates have received FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody certification and are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®.

For more information about Formica Corporation, visit www.formica.com

The HOI indicated that 72.3 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the second quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400. The index for the second quarter was slightly more affordable than the previous quarter and almost equaled the record-high 72.5 percent set during the first quarter of 2009.

Until 2009, the HOI rarely topped 67 percent and never reached 70 percent.

"Homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for almost a generation," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "Interest rates continue to hover at historic low levels, the economy is beginning to rebound and with house prices starting to stabilize, conditions are beginning to draw home buyers back into the market, which is a positive step on the path to recovery."

Syracuse, N.Y., was the most affordable major housing market in the country, edging out Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind., which had held the top ranking for nearly five years. In Syracuse, 97.2 percent of all homes sold were affordable to households earning the area's median family income of $64,300.

Also near the top of the list of the most affordable major metro housing markets were Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich.; Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa.; and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Among smaller housing markets, the most affordable was Springfield, Ohio, where 96.6 percent of homes sold during the second quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning a median-income of $56,800. Other smaller housing markets near the top of the index included Mansfield, Ohio; Bay City, Mich.; Monroe, Mich.; and Lansing-East Lansing, 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 second quarter of 2010. There, 19.9 percent of all homes sold during the quarter were affordable to those earning the New York area's median income of $65,600. This was the ninth consecutive quarter that the New York metropolitan division has occupied this position.

The other major metro areas near the bottom of the affordability scale included San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City; Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif.; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif.; and Honolulu, all metro areas that have lingered among the bottom rankings for several quarters.   

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

"We know the Web is often the place where homeowners search for information and inspiration," explained Susan Prater, director of marketing services for Merillat. "Our research also tells us that homeowners don't always think about how they are going to use their kitchens before making the investment to build or remodel. That's why we created the Step-by-Step Kitchen Planner. Merillat wants to educate homeowners on how to make smarter kitchen design decisions to fit their lifestyles."

Throughout the process, homeowners identify their likes and dislikes, all while tapping into Merillat's design expertise. Guiding the user through the planner with words of encouragement and insight is Merillat's new brand ambassador, renowned chef Curtis Stone. Who better to talk about life in a kitchen than a professional chef? Overall, the tool allows homeowners to plan their dream kitchen while making the experience fun and empowering. The process is completed with these six easy steps:

1. Getting Started. The homeowner creates or logs into their IdeaFolio™ account so their project can be saved, changed and shared. This step also gathers information about the homeowner that could affect the kitchen. For example, questions might include:

a.Is your new kitchen a remodel or are you building? b.How do you plan to use your kitchen?

2. Inspiration. This is where the homeowner explores and decides on what style suits them best, be it traditional, contemporary, eclectic, etc. Once they decide on their style, they are then presented with a series of kitchen photos. They save the kitchens they like best and learn about the features that make those kitchens special.

3. Door Style. Cabinetry is the foundation to any kitchen. Whether the homeowner knows exactly what they are looking for, or they need to be presented with options that meet their taste, this step helps them choose their favorite door style, wood species, finish and hardware for a finished look they'll love.  

4. Organization and Accessories. Based on the homeowner's answers about how they plan to live in their kitchen, the tool then presents a series of features designed to make life in the kitchen easier. From pull-out wastebaskets to wine racks, the homeowner can browse additional photos and videos about the features to learn more, saving their favorites to their project.

5. Planning Your Space.  This is the step where the homeowner reviews major considerations they may want to discuss with their designer once they get to a Merillat showroom such as sink and faucet types, counter top materials and appliance options, all of which can affect the kitchen layout.

6. Finishing Touches. Finally, it all comes together with cabinetry accents like corbels and crown molding, not to mention paint color, flooring and countertops. Upon completion of this final step, the homeowner is presented with "My Design," a collection of their favorite products organized for easy sharing with their designer. Swatches and images are provided; including door styles, hardware, paint color, flooring and countertops.

"We think this tool will engage and inspire homeowners, making the planning, selection and purchasing process more efficient and streamlined," said Prater. "We also think it will increase the homeowner's confidence in their decisions and will help take their kitchen from dream to reality."

The new Step-by-Step Kitchen Planner along with the refreshed Merillat.com, are part of a larger, integrated consumer campaign which focuses on how Merillat can bring function and smart storage solutions to any kitchen. To experience Merillat's Web site first hand, visit www.Merillat.com

"We are best known for our flagship Vectorworks® product line, and incorporating this brand into our company name better reflects our focus," said CEO Sean Flaherty. "Our top three markets are Japan, USA, and Germany, and a company name that is product-based rather than geography-based indicates our mission more clearly while also clarifying our position within the Nemetschek group."

Designers in 85 countries use Vectorworks software. In addition to English, the products are available in Japanese, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Norwegian. With a global network of distributors and resellers, the Vectorworks product line is one of the most broadly sold design solutions available.

Over the course of the next month, Nemetschek Vectorworks will transition all branding and communications materials to reflect the new name.

The new website features expanded content, incorporates colors and graphics and completely new navigational tools. The redesigned site aims to provide users with a clean uncluttered environment allowing users quicker access to the key information they are after.

"We've been very busy this year," said Mark Cooke, Brand Manager. "Merkrete has launched a new logo, new packaging, new innovations, and a strong renewed customer focus. It was time to capture our spirit with a website that better reflects who we are as a brand and to showcase the many changes we have accomplished within our company. The new Merkrete site exemplifies our brand commitment and company unity as Parex USA, Inc."

The launch is the result of over 6 months of work with partner BuildingOnline, the Building Industry leader in website design, and key members of the Parex USA team.

"There is much more to come," Cooke continued. "The site will continue to be updated, improved, and adapted to our customers needs. Today, there is little doubt that our website will become one of the most resourceful tools for all who visit the www.Merkrete.com."

About 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,/a>

ProBuild's chief operating officer for the past two years, Myrick has nearly 30 years experience in the home building industry. He joined ProBuild in 2007 as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.

"I feel very fortunate to have joined ProBuild at its inception and to have productively spent nearly five years in the development of the company," said Hylbert. "Bill's broad industry and leadership experience positions him well to lead ProBuild into its next phase of development."

As CEO, Hylbert spearheaded multiple acquisitions enabling ProBuild to achieve market-leading status, oversaw ProBuild's move to maximize the company's combination of local expertise with nationwide resources and established the company's headquarters in Colorado.

Like Hylbert, Myrick began his career in building products distribution in lumberyards. During his career, Myrick has held progressively more responsible positions in virtually every aspect of the industry, the past 15 years of which have been in senior management roles.

About ProBuild
ProBuild Holdings is one of the nation's largest suppliers 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. Construction services include framing and installation of other products. To learn more about ProBuild, visit its website at www.probuild.com

"RedSpec was designed by a team of industry veterans with decades of experience in commercial construction," said Ted Osterberger, Senior Vice President of Engineering. "RedSpec allows users to quickly narrow product options and specify the most efficient solution." The software also keeps users' project calculations organized, and allows them to easily choose hangers and other accessories.

A central component of RedSpec™ is FloorChoice™ - RedBuilt's proprietary floor performance rating system. FloorChoice allows a floor to be evaluated while still in the design phase, providing an easy to understand numerical rating system. The FloorChoice rating system is fully integrated into the RedSpec product sizing software.

The FloorChoice rating system quickly provides information on floor characteristics and qualities above and beyond code-prescribed strength and deflection limits. These subjective qualities often determine whether or not occupants will be satisfied with the floor, and FloorChoice allows these characteristics to be better understood while the project is still on the drawing board. Through RedSpec, users are able to identify an appropriate FloorChoice rating for their specific floor and application, taking into account considerations such as joist series, span, spacing and depth, sheathing thickness and more. "Lower FloorChoice ratings may be acceptable for industrial applications, while higher ratings may be required when minimizing floor vibration is critical, such as in medical and professional buildings," said Osterberger.

Another valuable feature of RedSpec is its hanger selection capability. With the integration of the latest Simpson Strong-Tie® database with the RedBuilt product design, it provides users with the most complete and current hanger selection options, even taking into consideration slopes, skews and optional nailing for uplift.

The RedSpec software is free to architects, engineers and other specifyers, and is available for download from the company's recently-redesigned website. For RedSpec users, the website also includes a number of online training videos and tutorials to make learning quick and convenient.

The new website is designed to be the most useful online presence for architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors, and includes a full suite of tools, photos and information to make RedBuilt's customers' projects successful. It features a robust products section with detailed product specifications, construction application photos, answers to common questions, and available sizes and profiles for all of RedBuilt's commercial and industrial products. It also includes profiles of recent projects, product literature downloads, AutoCAD Details and Revit Families download and more.

RedBuilt has been recognized as a world leader in developing wood-based structural solutions since 1960. RedBuilt offers the industry's most innovative engineered wood products and building systems for commercial, industrial, and multifamily applications. The company's offerings include composite wood-and-steel open-web trusses, engineered wood I-joists, engineered lumber like LVL, and complementary components, product engineering, and onsite technical support, as well as a range of concrete-forming and scaffold-plank solutions. Visit www.redbuilt.com for more details.

Visit the Meyer Wells website at MeyerWells.com to see their finished works.

Read the story at the New York Times

Watch a news story from local King 5 News in Seattle, WA:

VIDEO SOURCE: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Church-Loses-Tree-Gains-Table-101518514.html

"The Home Depot has stepped forward with the most cost-effective LED, employing the latest and most advanced LED technology available," said Craig Menear, executive vice president for Merchandising. "Our partnerships with leading LED manufacturers including: Philips, Lighting Science Group and Cree have enabled us to be the first in the market to offer affordable options for a wide array of fixture types for a consumer's home."

The Company now offers a proprietary brand of LEDs under the EcoSmart name, including a bulb that retails for $19.97 and is a 40W equivalent, offering 429 lumen with a 50,000 hour expected lifetime, making it the most affordable bulb of its kind in the market to date. In comparison, just two years ago, a 60-watt equivalent cost $90 and a 100-watt dimmable bulb went for $360. In addition, the Company will offer LED bulbs that support many different types of fixtures including: accent lighting, track lighting, room lighting, outdoor spotlights and all are fully dimmable.

By 2012, legislation is requiring that select forms of incandescent bulbs no longer be manufactured in the U.S. and by 2014 most incandescent bulbs will be discontinued, challenging consumers to look for more energy efficient options.

LEDs are innovative technology that help save energy because they use up to 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and up to 50 percent less energy than CFL bulbs without sacrificing light quality. In addition to being extremely energy-efficient, their life is exceptionally long, cutting down both operating costs and inconvenience of maintenance.

All bulbs are currently available on homedepot.com and will be in all U.S. The Home Depot stores by the end of September.

"We're pleased to welcome NILCO and Weekes as our newest distribution partners," said Mitch Cox, vice president of sales for Trex.  "Both companies are well-known for their professionalism and personalized service - and these partnerships will help us to continue supporting our valued dealers and growing business in this key market."

NILCO was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in North Jackson, Ohio.  The family-owned company specializes in serving wholesalers - including customers who need industrial lumber products, and dealers who buy and sell specialty building products.  NILCO has 10 locations and will serve Trex dealers throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.

"Trex outdoor living products will be a strong solution for our robust network of retail lumber dealers and their customers," said Tom Mulligan, general manager for NILCO.  "Carrying the Trex brand further reinforces our commitment to working with highly sought after brand leaders, and we look forward to Trex becoming one of our company's flagship brands."

Founded in 1978, Weekes has become one of the most successful independently owned distributors in the U.S., earning a reputation as a highly entrepreneurial, sales-driven company.  Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., with seven distribution centers throughout the Midwest and Southeast, Weekes supplies Trex products to dealers in Michigan, Indiana and Florida.

"Weekes is excited about expanding its partnership with Trex, as it's our strong desire to partner with brand leaders in each of the product categories we represent," said Tom Le Vere, vice president of national accounts and marketing for Weekes.  "The Trex name is synonymous with being the industry leader in terms of quality, product innovation and marketing leadership.  Couple its strengths with the sales expertise that exists at Weekes - and it's a winning combination for the dealers we service."

Trex products are offered through an extensive network of building products distributors and dealers, and are sold at more than 5,500 retail locations.  For more information, visit www.trex.com, www.nilco.net or www.weekesforest.com

Garrett Russell, President of USH, comments, "We're very pleased to offer this new design to our customers who are looking for an attractive yet economical price point hinge for 3/8" (10 mm) glass. Our Economy Beveled Series are engineered and manufactured to our high standards, but, in the design process, we also focus on value and lower costs that can be passed on to our customers."

The "Economy Beveled Series" hinges feature:

•Matching Finish Stainless Steel Phillips Style Clamp Screws
•Self-Centering 0° Return
•Solid Forged Brass Construction
•Precision Machined 300 Series Stainless Steel Components
•Dual Precision Wound Stainless Steel Return Springs
•Self-Closing from 25 Degrees
•Mouse Ear Design
•Designed for 3/8" (10 mm) Glass
•Wall Mount Hinges Include Matching Finish Stainless Steel Mounting Screws
•Rated at 40 lbs (18 kg) Per Hinge

USH also continues to offer the "Economy Series Hinges" with Square Corners and Edges.

Russell concludes, "We are in constant communication with our suppliers, customers, and other leading industry manufacturers, so that we can offer the most current, trend-setting styles and finishes. An economical yet attractive, high quality hinge series provides them with an answer to their current needs in today's environment."

US Horizon's extensive line of frameless shower door hinges, glass clips, and pull handles are included in the company's USH10 Product Catalog. Other featured products are glazing channels, aluminum extrusions, silicones, cleaners, tape, setting blocks and screw anchors.

US Horizon is a manufacturer and supplier to the glazing and construction industries, and distributes throughout the United States and Canada.

For additional information, contact US Horizon toll free at (877) 728-3874, or (661) 775-1676. You can also visit their web site at www.ushorizon.com

As the editors of ProPickup Magazine and www.propickupmag.com are customizing project Big Boss, a base 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Crew Cab diesel pickup protected by LINE-X Protective Coatings, into the ultimate construction contractors' truck, LINE-X offers construction company owners chances to win Big Boss at over 400 participating LINE-X locations nationwide.

A LINE-X Spray-On Truck Bedliner is a must for any construction truck. Every professionally applied LINE-X bedliner contains tough polymers engineered to withstand years of heavy-duty use in the searing heat or arctic cold, adding to the truck's daily value as well as its resale value at trade-in time.

"This sweepstakes allows companies to learn from the automotive experts at ProPickup how to upgrade their valuable work trucks so the truck is more functional as well as cost effective," said LINE-X CEO Kevin Heronimus. "Enter to win at any of our participating locations.  Since LINE-X has an extensive network of locations nationwide, this promotion allows numerous opportunities to win."

LINE-X has long been respected as an industry leader in delivering unmatched durability for millions of truck owners.  With a higher tensile strength than the "softer" spray-on products, LINE-X provides unrivaled protection against rust and corrosion, creates a skid-resistant, attractive, textured surface, and is resilient to most common chemicals including bleaches, solvents, fuels, fertilizers and many more.  While LINE-X remains internationally recognized for its flagship product, the company is continually expanding into new markets and continues to be the global leader in high-performance protective coatings.

LINE-X Spray-On Truck Bedliner products include:

•LINE-X XTRA - The only color composite coating fortified with DuPont™ Kevlar®, specifically engineered for maximum fade resistance and superior gloss retention.

•LINE-X ReNew - The only bedliner enhancement system available that repairs and enhances your current spray-on bedliner to the quality of a LINE-X Spray-On Bedliner.  LINE-X ReNew was awarded 2008 North American Truck Bedliners Product of the Year Award by Frost & Sullivan.

A recent Frost & Sullivan report shows that LINE-X's strict quality control has positioned the company as a leading supplier to many industries that utilize spray-on applications. The centralized franchise system gives LINE-X control over safety standards, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, training and other industry standards.

About ProPickup Magazine
ProPickup is a magazine supplement and website for the readers of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company's construction magazines: Equipment World, Total Landscape Care, Aggregates Manager and Better Roads. ProPickup Magazine focuses on light- and medium-duty trucks, gas and diesel, for the construction contractor. The editorial includes aftermarket products, new truck tests and reviews, maintenance, installations, tire tests, truck-related news, shop skills and technology issues.

About LINE-X Protective Coatings
LINE-X Protective Coatings (www.LineX.com) is the nation's leading developer and provider of high performance protective coatings offering scientifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to a wide range of surfaces for unmatched durability. LINE-X products are utilized in automotive, commercial, light industrial, heavy industrial, agricultural, military, marine and custom applications. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, with more than 400 locations in 26 countries, it is the goal of LINE-X to consistently produce the highest quality and most reliable materials available.

More than 1,000 will volunteer across the country and around the world to help complete at least 100 simple, decent homes from Idaho to Sri Lanka. The weeklong event, centered in Indianapolis, honors The Fuller Center and Habitat for Humanity's late founder, Millard Fuller, and his vision of eliminating poverty housing.

"Our folks in Indianapolis are working hard to prepare for the hundreds of volunteers who will be heading their way in just a few weeks," David Snell, president of The Fuller Center for Housing said. "Millard led a team of walkers 700 miles from Americus to Indianapolis to celebrate Habitat for Humanity's seventh anniversary. And we're returning to celebrate our fifth anniversary by building new houses and renovating old ones. There could be no more fitting memorial."

Hundreds are scheduled to travel to Indianapolis for the week of building. But more are needed. People willing to come out, skilled or unskilled, and pick up a hammer or a paintbrush will be put to work helping one of the 25 partnering Indianapolis families. Eight will be receiving new homes, including one home being built by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis, and 17 additional homeowners will be assisted with renovation or repair projects on their existing homes.

The Fuller Center of Indianapolis is seeking an additional $75,000 to complete this ambitious neighborhood revitalization project.

Visit http://www.fullercenter.org/millard-fuller-legacy-build/2010 to donate or register as a volunteer.

The week in Indianapolis will include more than building. The kickoff will feature Indy's annual Miracle Mile Parade on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. The parade's theme is Celebrating Miracles to honor the memory of Millard Fuller. A board meeting will precede the build on Friday and Saturday. And midweek, Thursday Sept. 9, will feature the premiere of a new documentary about Millard Fuller, as well as the release of Fuller's first and last book, "Beyond the American Dream."

"Builders are expressing the same concerns that they are hearing from consumers right now, particularly the sense that the overall economy and job market aren't gaining any traction," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "Meanwhile, many continue to report that problems with inaccurate appraisals, competition from the large number of distressed properties on the market, and tight consumer lending conditions are causing them to lose potential sales."

"Today's report reflects single-family home builders' concerns about current and future economic conditions and about the increasing hesitancy they are seeing among potential home buyers," added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "It also reflects the frustration that builders are feeling regarding the effects that foreclosed property sales are having on the new-homes market, with 87 percent of respondents reporting that their market has been negatively impacted by foreclosures." Even so, he noted, NAHB continues to project that modest job gains, historically low mortgage rates and pent-up demand will ensure a better housing market in the second half of 2010 than in the first half.

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 from each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

Two out of three of the HMI's component indexes fell in August. The component gauging current sales conditions declined one point to 14, while the component gauging sales expectations for the next six months declined three points to 18. The component gauging traffic of prospective buyers held unchanged at 10.

Meanwhile, three out of four regions posted HMI declines in August. A six-point decline to 18 in the Northeast partially offset a big gain in that region in the previous month, while the South and West each posted one-point declines to 13 and 8, respectively. The HMI for the Midwest held even at 15 in August.

Sales for the second quarter totaled $19.4 billion, a 1.8 percent increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were positive 1.7 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 1.0 percent.

"Our second quarter sales reflect the third consecutive quarter of positive same store sales. We delivered solid results as we continue to build momentum with our merchandising transformation, supply chain enhancements and customer service initiatives," said Frank Blake, chairman & CEO.

Updated Fiscal 2010 Guidance
Based on its year-to-date performance and expectations for the remainder of the fiscal year, the Company updated its fiscal 2010 guidance and now expects sales to be up approximately 2.6 percent for the year. The Company expects diluted earnings per share from continuing operations as reported to increase by approximately 22.6 percent to $1.90 for the year.

At the end of the second 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, 80 stores in Mexico and 9 stores in China. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates.

"Builders are very reluctant to build more homes in view of the current state of the economy and weak buyer demand," noted Bob Jones, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

"Right now the housing market is essentially in a holding pattern," acknowledged NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "As our latest member surveys have indicated, builders are seeing greater hesitancy among potential home buyers who are uncertain about what's in store for the economy and jobs going forward. That said, favorable home buying conditions including historically low mortgage rates and low house prices should help spur additional demand as the job market gradually improves later this year."

The entire 1.7 percent gain in housing production this July was due to a 32.6 percent jump on the more volatile multifamily side, which brought that sector back closer to trend at a 114,000-unit rate following a major dip in the previous month. Meanwhile, single-family housing production declined 4.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 432,000 units, its lowest mark since May of 2009.  

Two regions registered improved starts activity in July, with the Northeast and Midwest each posting double-digit gains, of 30.5 percent and 10.7 percent, respectively. The South, which is the country's largest housing market, posted a 6.3 percent decline in starts this July, while the West posted no change in starts activity.

Permit issuance, which can be an indicator of future building activity, declined 3.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 565,000 units in July. Single-family permits fell 1.2 percent to 416,000 units, while multifamily permits fell 8 percent to 149,000 units. Regionally, permits fell nearly 26 percent in the Northeast, 1.1 percent in the Midwest, and 4.9 percent in the West, but gained 3.9 percent in the South in July.

Sales for the quarter increased 3.7 percent to $14.4 billion, up from $13.8 billion in the second quarter of 2009.

"Despite economic uncertainty, our continued focus on the customer and prudent expense management yielded solid results for the quarter," said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "With limited visibility into near-term demand, we continue to focus on operational efficiency to create value for our shareholders. Longer-term, we believe improvements in labor and housing markets will be necessary to support more consistent improvement in demand for home improvement products."

During the quarter, Lowe's opened four stores and closed one. As of July 30, 2010, Lowe's operated 1,724 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico representing 194.6 million square feet of retail selling space, a 2.0 percent increase over last year.

The campaign issues a rally cry to young people and those who influence them, challenging them to: "Go Build." Mike Rowe, executive producer and host of the popular Discovery Channel series "Dirty Jobs" and the nation's most visible supporter of skilled labor, is partnering with Go Build Alabama and will appear in the initial advertisements for the campaign.

"We used to tell our kids that learning a trade was a great way to secure a worthwhile future," Rowe said in a message to Alabamians that will be featured on the www.GoBuildAlabama.com website. "We don't tell them that anymore. Today we tell them if they want to get a really good job they are going to need a four year degree. We've lumped the skilled trades into the 'alternative education' category and turned the entire field of study into some sort of vocational consolation prize. Is it any wonder we have a shortage of qualified tradesmen today?"

Rowe said the national skills gap is the unintended consequence of society's focus on the college degree and its devaluation of skilled trade jobs such as electricians, carpenters and plumbers.

"There are opportunities in Alabama right now that most people don't even know about in construction," Rowe said. "These opportunities aren't alternatives to viable careers; they are viable careers. I've had a front row seat to all different kinds of work, and I'll tell you something -- there's nothing more important to our country than skilled labor."

The Go Build campaign is a product of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, which was created by Act 220 of the 2010 Alabama legislature, sponsored by Senator Wendell Mitchell and co-sponsored by Senator Del Marsh.  ACRI is funded through an employer fee levied upon wages paid to certain skilled construction workers on commercial and industrial job sites across the state. Contractors pay $90 for every $100,000 in applicable wages. The fee structure is designed to generate $1.75 million per year to fund the program. ACRI is working with Birmingham-based advertising agency Big Communications on the development and implementation of the Go Build campaign.

The Alabama Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, the Alabama Association of General Contractors and the Alabama AFL-CIO worked closely together to lobby for the creation of ACRI for the purpose of recruiting skilled labor. Other organizations also supported the initiative - the American Subcontractors Association, the Alabama Construction Trade Unions, the Alabama College System, the Alabama Road Builders Association, and the Alabama Construction Users Roundtable.

"This initiative is the result of an unprecedented partnership of industry leaders and forward-thinking corporate entities," said ACRI Executive Director Tim Alford. "The state's economic development along with the creation of infrastructure such as roads and power plants are dependent upon a capable workforce."

The anticipated shortage of skilled labor has been a hot topic among construction industry insiders since 2007, when the U.S. Department of Labor predicted that the construction industry would be short about 1.5 million workers by 2012. A 2005 report from the Construction Labor Research Council had already issued a similar warning, emphasizing that many workers were 50 or older and would be leaving the industry in the next decade. The largest portion of the anticipated shortage was in skilled trade jobs for commercial and industrial construction such as boilermakers, carpenters, equipment operators, electricians, insulation workers, pipefitters and welders.

The recessionary period that followed the 2007 report put a temporary end to nationwide panic as the construction industry began to shed jobs, Alford said. But industry leaders in Alabama are already seeing deficits in skilled labor. They also anticipate a jump in demand as the economy recovers. Potential growth in Alabama's auto manufacturing industry, enhancements in transportation and infrastructure, and upgrades in the energy sector make Alabama a prime location for a construction boom.

"This problem is not necessarily unique to Alabama," Alford said. "But the industry here recognized we are one of several states that could see our potential growth suffer due to a lack of a skilled workforce ready to build roads, healthcare facilities, power plants, manufacturing facilities and office buildings."

The Go Build campaign includes statewide print, online and television advertisements driving to the www.GoBuildAlabama.com website, where people can learn more about skilled trade careers, find information about training programs and much more.

ACRI will also be doing direct outreach to high schools beginning this fall through a partnership with the Alabama chapter of SkillsUSA (www.skillsusa.org).

Due to the recent economic challenges Floridians face, the amount of vacant properties are estimated to be at record levels making this insurance product even more timely. Bob Ritchie, American Integrity's President and CEO said, "I applaud regulators for working with us to address this critical need in the state's housing market. Floridians have had very few options when trying to insure a vacant home."

American Integrity's Vacant Home policy is an innovative solution to the trend among property insurance companies who are canceling coverage on vacant homes. Typical homeowner's insurance policies exclude coverage for claims if the home is vacant for over 30 days.

Maggie Bryant, of Bryant Coverall Insurance in Eustis commented, "Customers don't always realize that standard home insurance policies exclude or limit coverage when a home becomes vacant. We always advise the customer to get coverage specifically suited for an unoccupied home."

Consumers can determine if they need a vacant home insurance policy, if they answer yes to any of the following questions:

• Do you own a rental property and "in-between" tenants to occupy the home?

• Are you trying to sell your house, and moved out?

• Does your current insurance exclude vandalism coverage or limit coverage for a vacant dwelling?

• Have you moved out of state, undecided about returning, and want to make sure your home is covered?

• Has your insurance company cancelled your homeowner's policy because the home is vacant?

American Integrity's Vacant dwelling policy is sold through independent agents throughout Florida. To learn more about how to purchase this policy through one of their independent agents, call 813-880-7000 or visit their website: www.aiicfl.com

From company culture, manufacturing processes and materials, to product output and end use over its lifetime, AZEK is committed to environmental stewardship at all levels.  The results of a preliminary lifecycle study determined that AZEK products are a sound choice for consumers concerned with the environment based on product longevity and low maintenance.

"We are diligently working to develop our own corporate 'cradle-to-grave' building systems that reduce landfill costs, fossil fuel use, and the total carbon footprint of our operations and products," said Kristen Nicholas, Manager, Channel Marketing for AZEK.

"AZEK has established realistic and achievable environmental goals for our manufacturing and business practices," said Nicholas.  From a recycling standpoint, AZEK's manufacturing facilities re-grind materials to eliminate factory scrap and AZEK products are recyclable.  Although not all regions have an infrastructure at this time to recycle pvc, the tide seems to be turning that way.  "We are confident that in the years ahead, even though AZEK product warranties extend for 25 years or longer, if there is a need to recycle AZEK products, there will be pvc recycling programs more widely available."

To further these recycling initiatives, AZEK will be testing the AZEK "Take Back" Program with dealers in select markets where contractors may return AZEK scraps to a dealer where the material will be collected and recycled.  "Many contractors find innovative uses for leftover AZEK material, such as window boxes, deck planters and bird houses, so scrap is typically reduced to begin with," said Nicholas.  "Now the take back program will give them even more options."

AZEK Building Products will further spread the word about sustainable pvc design and practices through an education leadership role with suppliers and customers.  A one hour course entitled, "The Role of pvc in Sustainable Exterior Building Products" has been developed and accredited by the AIA (American Institute of Architects).  This course provides an in-depth understanding of the true environmental impacts of using cellular pvc as an exterior building material.  This is one of three AIA Continuing Education course provided by AZEK.

"We feel the new microsite will help us clear up some misperceptions about pvc-based building materials and further educate the building and architectural community on sound environmental and design practices," said Nicholas.

For more information about AZEK's green and sustainability initiatives, visit the AZEK section of CPG's Sustainable Microsite at a href="http://www.CPGgreeninitiative.com">www.CPGgreeninitiative.com

According to Ken Castleberry, manager of renewable energy, "BlueLinx has searched extensively to find the best assortment of solar brands available."

"It makes sense for solar products to be distributed through our supply chain because we, along with our customers, supply roofing materials, insulation and other products that make a home energy efficient," said Castleberry. "A home needs to be energy efficient when installing solar products and our industry can help meet that need versus other industries that supply solar items but do not supply building materials. It is also important that a home or building have a roof that is ready for adding solar. Most current solar suppliers cannot meet the need for a new or updated roof if needed. BlueLinx, and our customers, can meet that need."

SolarWorld, Natural Light Energy Systems and SMA America, LLC are just a few of the vendors affiliated with BlueLinx. Products range from tubular skylights and solar attic fans to complete solar power kits and systems. BlueLinx is a member of the Solar Energies Industry Association, the leading advocacy organization for the solar industry, and offers product knowledge training and display options through its portfolio brand, PureSky Solar™.

For more information on BlueLinx' solar product line-up, visit: bluelinxco.com/OurProducts/SolarProducts.aspx

The project is estimated to create more than 48,000 jobs in its first phase of construction, which will last seven years. These jobs include the people who will design, build and operate the facility, the manufacturing jobs created by the materials being utilized in the facility and the businesses providing consumer goods and services to workers and the passengers utilizing the Transit Center.

"This is one of the most important and transformational public transportation projects in America. Once the dust has settled, San Francisco's skyline will be transformed - as will transportation, housing, and employment choices for people across the Bay area and beyond," said United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration are proud to contribute to the first phase of this effort."

The full Phase 1 (Transit Center) and Phase 2 (Downtown Rail Extension) project and build out of the Redevelopment Plan will also increase the gross regional product in the Bay Area by $80 billion.

"This is a historic day for San Francisco and for the entire State," said Mayor Newsom. "History will write that High-Speed Rail and a new engine for job creation and economic growth in California began today, with the groundbreaking of this project. It is a culmination of decades of planning to fulfill our City's vision of leading the nation as a transit-first City and a hub of a modern High-Speed Rail system."

For more than 40 years, San Francisco has been planning for the replacement of the outdated and seismically deficient Transbay Terminal at First and Mission streets. The new one million square foot Transbay Transit Center will serve as San Francisco's next landmark and will feature a 5.4-acre public park on the roof of the Transit Center.

The five-story Transit Center includes: one above-grade bus level, a ground floor entrance on Mission Street, concourse level, and two below-grade rail levels serving Caltrain and future California High-Speed Rail. "We are very proud of what our facility will do for San Francisco, and we are equally proud of the fact that we will become the first new station on the High-Speed Rail system to move into construction," said Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., Chairman of the TJPA Board. "This is a moment in history to be remembered. While we break ground on this significant achievement, we must be proud of the work we've done and for the foundation built by those who came before us."

The $4.2 billion Transbay Transit Center Project is funded by various funding partners including the Federal Government, the State of California, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the San Francisco County and San Mateo County Transportation Authorities and AC Transit, among others. The first phase of the program, which includes constructing the new Transit Center, is fully funded.

"Today we deliver to the public the first new High-Speed Rail station in the United States, the first modern regional bus station in more than 60 years, and after more than 100 years, a downtown San Francisco train station," said Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan, Executive Director, TJPA. "This is truly an important time for our City and our State. We are making a real and lasting investment to improve our public infrastructure system while protecting our environment and creating new jobs."

For more information, visit www.transbaycenter.org

The move is the result of a lawsuit filed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and petitions filed by both NAHB and the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy asking the agency to revise its new Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for the construction and development industry.

"After a big rainstorm, it's typical to see some storm water drain from a construction site. In these new regulations, EPA set a numeric limit on the amount of sediment that can cloud the water that both NAHB and SBA claimed was arbitrary and based on flawed analyses," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

"In addition, NAHB was able to show that trying to achieve these limits would have cost not $953 million - which the agency had estimated - but up to $10 billion annually, hurting small businesses and housing affordability, with little additional environmental benefit: EPA itself admits the ELG would control   less than one quarter of one percent of all total sediment runoff," Jones said. "By forcing EPA to take a hard look at the facts and admit its error, NAHB scored a major victory for home builders and home buyers nationwide."

After reading NAHB's brief, the Justice Department asked EPA to defend the numeric limit.  EPA was forced to admit several flaws in the final rule and that it had improperly interpreted the data. As a result, the Justice Department filed a motion with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals asking it to vacate the numeric limit and place a hold on the litigation until February 2012--while EPA goes back and develops a numeric limit that builders can actually comply with.

Published in December 2009, the ELG imposed a nationally applicable--and potentially impossible-to-meet--limit of 280 "turbidity units" on storm water discharges from construction sites disturbing 10 or more acres of land at one time.

While today's ruling removes the numeric limit, the other requirements of the ELG remain in place. EPA is expected to issue interim storm water management guidance for construction site operators as the agency works to refine the rule.

"NAHB supports responsible development and the goals of the Clean Water Act. The association will continue to work with state and federal regulators to keep our waterways clean," Jones said.

The Construction Zone will be the prime location for catching your breath and taking in all that's available on the NECA Show floor. This central networking lounge will be decked out in the familiar signs of a working jobsite, but the Construction Zone will actually be the best place at NECA 2010 Boston to take a break.

"We're very excited that Rexel is making the Construction Zone a reality for NECA Show-goers this year," said Beth Ellis, NECA executive director, convention/exposition. "It's going to be great for people to have a place to catch up on business or just relax and catch up on the Sunday game scores." The Construction Zone will be the perfect spot to grab something cool to drink at the cash bar, check email with free wi-fi, have a quiet conversation, catch up on the scores from Sunday's NFL games, or tweet about your favorite NECA Show booth. During exhibit hours on Monday, Oct. 4 and Tuesday, Oct. 5, the Construction Zone will display product DVD's, demos and other excellent features. Rexel is making a splash with their sponsorship of the Construction Zone at the 2010 NECA Show, returning as an exhibitor after several years and requests from Show-goers to share their latest services. Rexel will also have a full display at NECA Show, booth #141.



"NECA contractors are extremely important to Rexel, and the Construction Zone is a great way to demonstrate our company's commitment to the work they're doing," said Doris Chumley, marketing projects manager for Rexel. "Rexel is focused on providing innovative electrical solutions and equipment to improve comfort, performance, and energy efficiency, and our customers are professionals who understand their clients' demands for excellent electrical construction. We're looking forward to making new connections and renewing old contacts at the 2010 NECA Show."

For more details on the show, visit: www.necaconvention.org

Passing type II water resistance, DriTac 8100 T & G Flooring Adhesive is easily applied, fast drying and low in odor. It can be installed using the continuous bead method. When using this method, a water-resistant joint is created. DriTac 8100 Tongue & Groove Flooring Adhesive gives the professional installer the highest level of protection against potential moisture problems, while maintaining a permanent bond.

Manufactured in the USA, DriTac 8100 T & G Flooring Adhesive has a white color, making the glue easier to see for quick cleanup. It is VOC compliant, non-toxic and nonflammable, making it safe to use and environmentally friendly. DriTac 8100 Tongue & Groove Flooring Adhesive is available in 16 oz. containers and can also be used over radiant heated flooring installations.

DriTac Flooring Products, LLC is celebrating over 50 years as one of the oldest and most experienced manufacturers of environmentally friendly adhesives for wood flooring in the market today. DriTac is the only major adhesive manufacturer solely dedicated to environmentally friendly adhesives and flooring installation products specifically designed for the wood flooring industry. DriTac adhesives are available from coast to coast through more than 100 distributors and in warehouses including: Clifton, N.J., Dalton, Ga., City of Commerce, Calif. and Dallas, Texas.

For more information, or to receive a complete products guide for all of DriTac's adhesives and installation products for wood flooring, contact: John Lio, 60 Webro Road Clifton, N.J. 07012; Ph: 800-394-9310 ext. 243; e-mail: jlio@DriTac.com; or Web: www.DriTac.com

The new partnership will enable EngineerSupply to provide an efficient solution to its customers needs. Sola products are used by professionals in the industries like building construction, site construction, and slope analysis.



In addition to Sola, EngineerSupply is an authorized dealer for the leading brands in the industry including, CST/Berger, Schonstedt, Safco, Mayline, Keson, Leica, Seco and Sokkia and many more.



EngineerSupply is constantly expanding its product line and assists many professionals in areas such as engineering, construction, design, surveying, estimating, law enforcement and more. The trained customer service team is available to help with any customer questions and concerns. Its conception was based on its teams' years of experience working in the engineering and surveying industry both using the products and seeing a need to a single resource for engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals. EngineerSupply represents the most reputable brands in the industry for engineering supplies, land surveying equipment, blueprint storage, measuring wheels, measuring tapes, and construction equipment. A privately held company, EngineerSupply was started in 1999. 



EngineerSupply on the web at www.engineersupply.com

The brokerage also announced that it is the first real estate company to integrate green-friendly Transit Score ratings into current home listings on its popular home-buying site, based on the popularity of the existing Walk Score feature, which scores the walkability of each listing.

"A growing number of home shoppers are seeking out homes that offer strong public transit options, high walkabilty scores and green features," said ZipRealty's Chief Home Hunter Leslie Tyler. "Showing Transit Score ratings for all home listings on our website gives our clients additional information about alternative transportation that they need before making an offer on a home."

New Survey Indicates Green Features as a Priority

A recent survey of homebuyers registered on www.ZipRealty.com revealed that 55 percent of survey respondents rated a home's green features a "somewhat important" or "very important" part of their home hunt.

•Homebuyers who view green features as a priority ranked them important because they helped save money (49 percent), as well as allowed them to do their part to help the environment (40 percent).

•Other reasons homebuyers valued green features included occupant/family health (37 percent), tax credit availability (12 percent) and the home's resale value (15 percent).

"Sellers are missing an opportunity to market their home effectively to a wide net of home shoppers," said Tyler. "Appealing to buyers can be as simple as highlighting appliances as energy-efficient, which many homeowners choose today to save money themselves. Our survey suggests that sellers of older homes could make inexpensive changes, like switching to energy efficient light bulbs or appliances, to help their home stand out from others."

In response to increasing buyer demand, www.ZipRealty.com also introduced the Transit Score feature as part of an updated website and logo revamp. Transit Score ratings rank a home on a 100-point scale based on its proximity to multiple public transportation options, allowing homebuyers to consider the amount of time and money they will spend commuting every day as part of their purchase decision.

ZipRealty is the first brokerage to feature the new Transit Score, an application developed by Seattle-based civic software company Front Seat. Homebuyers in most of the 35 markets ZipRealty serves will be able to locate Transit Scores along with Walk Scores (introduced in 2008), the relative "walkability" score for a home, under each listing's "Neighborhood Info" tab. Transit Score is calculated on the frequency, type of route (rail, bus, etc.), and the distance to the nearest stop on the route.

"This is the first systematic presentation of means and methods that defines exactly what modern demolition contractors do.  It describes an increasingly complex business that requires knowledge of construction, law, nearly every aspect of engineering, and a Byzantine maze of environmental regulations," said Michael R. Taylor, CAE, NDA Executive Director.  "We expect the textbook to enlighten the university community, the construction industry, as well as regulators as to the skills, training, and experience that are needed to be a demolition professional."

Demolition: Practices, Technology, and Management was initially developed for use at Purdue University, which boasts the nation's first demolition and reconstruction specialization offered through its Department of Building Construction Management in the College of Technology.  The specialization focuses on practical, real-world skills needed to succeed in the industry, aimed at both aspiring demolition professionals and other professionals who wish to become more versed in the demolition process.

The textbook was created in partnership with the National Demolition Association and is intended not only for students in construction management programs, but also for any working professional involved in demolition projects looking for an invaluable reference resource, including general contractors, civil engineers, architects, and government officials and regulators.  Covered in the book is the full range of technical management issues encountered by the demolition contractor and those who hire demolition contractors.

To order the textbook, go to Purdue University Press HERE or call 800-247-6553 (in North America) or +44 (0) 1767 604972 (outside North America). It is also available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers.

Presenting the COLORCLIX™ application, a new desktop color tool that enables you to select any color displayed on your computer and match it to one of more than 1,200 Olympic Zero VOC Interior Paint Colors. Images, photos, websites, even online videos and television shows ... whatever the color inspiration, the ColorClix tool enables you to easily identify and bring that shade to life for your next painting project.

"With the new ColorClix tool, Olympic Paints is transforming the way you select the colors and shades you love for use in your homes," said Eileen Schnorr, marketing manager, Olympic Paints. "The ColorClix application was created to help simplify the painting process and to offer access to painting tools, products and advice right from the Olympic Paints website."

The ColorClix application is available for Windows and Mac operating systems and can be downloaded for free at olympic.com/colorclix. In addition to using the color-matching feature, you can create a custom grouping of colors for future painting projects. You can add to or access your saved projects whenever design inspiration hits, and share it with friends through Twitter and Facebook.

The ColorClix tool also connects to the Olympic Paints harmony colors feature, which offers complementary paint shades that accent any color. The feature then shows the entire range of colors that surround selected shades to create a printable stripe card. Virtual designing options continue with the Olympic Paint ColorClix Visualizer, which enables you to virtually "paint" a room online and see in seconds how selected paint shades would look when painted together in a room. When starting a new project, all identified paint shades can be printed directly from a computer to bring to your local Lowe's store to have your paint tinted in your selected colors.

Olympic Premium Interior Paints offer a Zero VOC paint and colorant formula in more than 1,200 shades and are exclusively available at Lowe's stores nationwide starting at $18 per gallon or under $3 for an 8-ounce sample. Complete Olympic Interior Paint information, including the new ColorClix application, is available at www.olympic.com

Please visit  www.usgbc-oc.org/index.php?topic=events for registration details.

Membership to the Orange County Chapter of USGBC is $65.00 per year or $50.00 per year if your organization is a member of the USGBC National organization.

About the U.S. Green Building Council, Orange County Chapter:
The U.S. Green Building Council's OC Chapter is a non-profit organization made up of Building Industry Professionals, Facility managers and Property Owners in Orange County and surrounding communities whose mission is to be advocates for a sustainable Orange County. The members of the organizing group work together to provide education and networking opportunities for individuals who are passionate about sustainable building. The chapter holds events throughout the month for both members and non-members.

This year's general session features political analyst and television commentator Charlie Cook. Cook is the publisher of the Cook Political Report, a columnist for the National Journal, and appears regularly on NBC, as well as other major networks' news shows. He will give a keynote presentation titled, "A View from Washington," which focuses on the outcome of the 2010 mid-term elections and the rising heat of today's political climate.

NAED's education sessions will include:

•"To Catch a Thief: The Scope of Theft and Fraud in the Electrical Distribution Industry" by Erika TenEyck, project manager, NAED

The conference will also feature multiple opportunities for networking, including the popular distributor, manufacturer, and all-industry peer networking sessions, Women in Industry Luncheon, and B2B booth sessions. Visit www.naed.org/easternregionconference to register. The early bird registration deadline is October 1. For more information, contact the NAED Conference Department at (888) 791-2512.

NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED's membership operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.



Mark your calendars, reserve your room and book that flight -- it's time to make plans to join the Southern Forest Products Association for its 2010 Annual Meeting in historic Savannah, Georgia! You'll find an agenda with meeting and registration details HERE. Our brochure also includes a list of great Savannah restaurants and attractions.



If you have questions, call SFPA at 504-443-4464.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Wendy's caliber and creative vision join our executive team," said Ken Campbell, Standard Pacific Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Her extensive experience and well-known reputation for innovation in the homebuilding industry will take our sales and marketing outreach to a whole new level as we leverage our outstanding customer service and diverse product offerings to position the Company for future growth."

Marlett most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications for Los Angeles-based KB Home where she was responsible for these key functions across the Company's operating divisions nationwide.  During her 15-year career at KB Home, Marlett was credited with establishing and maintaining one of the most recognized brands in homebuilding through groundbreaking and attention-grabbing promotions.  Marlett also orchestrated and led a number of high-profile and industry-first partnerships with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Disney and others.

Earlier in her career, Marlett held key marketing and public relations positions in the aerospace and health care industries. Marlett received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, Long Beach.

About Standard Pacific
Standard Pacific, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, has built more than 110,000 homes during its 44-year history. The Company constructs homes within a wide range of price and size targeting a broad range of homebuyers. Standard Pacific operates in many of the largest housing markets in the country with operations in major metropolitan areas in California, Florida, Arizona, the Carolinas, Texas, Colorado and Nevada. For more information about the Company and its new home developments, please visit our website at: www.standardpacifichomes.com

In a simple step-by-step approach, TOLBrace® Fire 7.0 evaluates brace orientations, structural attachments and fasteners, calculates the seismic force factor and displays seismic brace components, with appropriate load capacities. TOLBrace complies with NFPA 13; 1999, 2002, 2007, 2010, and it also incorporates additional requirements imposed by the International Building Code (IBC), the Uniform Building Code (UBC), the California Building Code (CBC), along with the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), and FM Global. The software generates a submittal sheet along with a complete report of all calculations and a detail drawing in a TIFF file format that is compatible with all versions of AutoCAD(R). Automatic updates are included with a one-time purchase fee, and in-house programming provides quick response to any compatibility issue.

TOLCO, a brand of NIBCO INC., manufactures a complete line of pipe hangers, fabricated pipe supports, seismic bracing, and strut fittings for commercial, residential and industrial applications. For over 40 years, TOLCO has been known for its innovative and patented product designs; especially in seismic bracing. For more information, contact TOLCO's Customer Service Department at 1-800-786-5266. Additional product information and literature are available for download at www.tolco.com

The transaction involves the purchase of an approximately $1.7 billion portfolio consisting of loans with a combined unpaid balance of approximately $1.32 billion and real estate properties with a book value of approximately $382 million, all from the former Amtrust Bank, NA, which was taken into receivership by the FDIC in December 2009. The portfolio includes approximately 200 loans and 80 REO properties. The assets, which are primarily residential, are located in seventeen states. The average loan/asset size is approximately $6.1 million. A significant majority of the loans in the portfolio are non-performing. The portfolio consists primarily of Acquisition, Development and Construction ("ADC") loans and REO relating to land, lots, condominiums and single family and multi-family residential communities at varying stages of completion.

The venture acquired a 40% managing member interest in Amtrust CADC Venture, LLC, the limited liability company created by the FDIC to hold the loans and REO assets. The FDIC is retaining the remaining 60% equity interest and providing approximately $303 million of non-recourse financing at 0% interest for seven years as well as a non-recourse advance facility of approximately $40 million for additional working capital needs which is priced at Libor +300 basis points. Oaktree contributed approximately 79% of the private partner capital, Toll Brothers contributed approximately 20%, and Milestone contributed approximately 1%. Both MARC and Gibraltar will conduct the day-to-day management and workout of the portfolio and MARC will be the portfolio servicer.

John Brady, Managing Director at Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., stated: "We are excited to be teaming with Toll Brothers, Milestone and the FDIC to acquire what we believe is a very attractive portfolio of real estate loans and properties. We believe our team brings a unique range of asset management and development skills to this portfolio and we will strive to maximize its value on behalf of the U.S. government and our respective investors."

Douglas C. Yearley, Jr., Toll Brothers' chief executive officer, stated: "We are pleased to join with the Oaktree entities and Milestone and honored to partner with the FDIC on this important transaction. We believe Oaktree's vast experience in real estate and distressed opportunities, MARC's solid servicing capabilities and Gibraltar's and MARC's strong asset management capabilities will bring unique and added value to the investment. During the early 1990's, we at Toll Brothers spent considerable time acquiring and working out distressed real estate assets, which was, and remains, an important part of our business expertise. In establishing Gibraltar we are building upon that experience and expertise as well as Toll Brothers' relationships, well-known brand name, nationwide presence and capital access to undertake complex transactions such as this one and to pursue a wider array of opportunities."

Accubid's family of software products allow electrical and mechanical contractors to analyze their estimates in great detail including CAD-based estimating and takeoff and then export the data into project management, accounting, and procurement applications. The acquisition of Accubid broadens Trimble's industry leading "BIM to field" solutions for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors to automate project estimating and management, modeling, detailing, layout and construction.

"BIM collaboration processes are transforming the way building construction projects are planned, managed and executed," said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble's Building Construction Division. "Combining Accubid's deep understanding of the electrical and mechanical trades and their detail rich application data with Trimble's field solutions will provide contractors additional tools to become more productive, efficient, and prepared to meet the demands of the industry in the future."

"In today's world, construction projects have become more complex and sophisticated, yet at the same time contractors are expected to build them faster than ever before," said Giovanni Marcelli, founder and CEO of Accubid. "By combining the strengths of Accubid's project management and estimating expertise with Trimble's powerful MEP field solutions, we can better enable clients to address these challenges head-on."

The Accubid business will be reported as part of the Engineering and Construction segment.

About Accubid
Accubid Systems is the leading provider of estimating, project management and service management software for electrical and mechanical contractors. Accubid's software solutions are used in over 5,400 companies across North America. Accubid's estimating and project management educational programs are unique, innovative and are geared specifically for electrical and mechanical contractors. Accubid also offers a number of training labs and professional development courses. For more information, please visit www.accubid.com

About Trimble's Building Construction Business
Trimble's Building Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the building construction contractor. Trimble's solutions target site prep, general, concrete, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large and small commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. Trimble is focused on delivering solutions that tightly link office based process and information with the field crew--including taking Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other design data to the field for highly accurate positioning and layout of foundations and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Trimble solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project--delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the building construction lifecycle.

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location--including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Watch a brief video that literally begins from the ground up, as Kia explains the fundamentals of pouring the foundation:

www.thecontractress.com/17-foundation-work

"Working with Kathy and the talented team at kathy ireland Worldwide is an incredible opportunity for the Window Word family," said Blair Ingle, president, Window World. "Kathy's hands-on approach and intuitive ability to design successful home solutions is rare. We're thrilled to bring Kathy's eye for design to our customers."

Under the new brand, kathy ireland Home by Window World, customers at Window World's more than 200 locations will be able to customize their replacement windows with a line of Kathy Ireland-designed window colors and grids.

"Joining the great team at Window World is an exciting moment in our journey. This extraordinary company has a laser-like focus on bringing beautiful windows to customers and building great opportunities to the Licensees that make Window World the leader in this industry. As an ambassador for the firm, it is an honor to work with great leaders who share our values. We are truly thrilled that our customers will now be able to find kathy ireland Home by Window World among these beautiful collections. Philanthropy, vision, integrity and a genuine commitment to design excellence are all practiced by Tammy Whitworth and Blair Ingle and the incredible management team at Window World," said Kathy.

kathy ireland Worldwide and Window World products have both earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for consumer excellence.

"Electrical contractors around the country are embracing green building in great numbers, along with their growing influence as trusted partners in the overall electrical design or specifications with building owners or the design team," said Electrical Contractor Publisher John Maisel, whose Profile is conducted every two years offering the most in-depth industry research.

Key findings include:

•About 35 percent performed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system and non-LEED energy upgrades

•Three types of alternative energy projects increased since 2008: LEED projects jumped from nine to 19 percent; solar/photovoltaics increased from 11 percent to 16 percent and wind generation rose from three percent to five percent

•83 percent reported receiving plans and specs that were incomplete (where their firm is responsible for completing the design documentation)

•More than 80 percent reported having a "medium" (about half) or "high" (about a third) ability to influence the overall electrical design or specification with building owners or design team members

•On average, a single brand is specified about 25 percent of the time

•Availability and price are the top reasons for original brand selection, chosen by 73 percent and 67 percent respectively; fewer than 20 percent chose energy efficiency as a top reason.

•70 percent preformed design/build or design/assist work in 2009, with 20 percent getting involved earlier in the process

•About 60 percent expressed high concern about counterfeit electrical products, however, most electrical contractors now report confidence that they're not encountering counterfeit products most likely to do increased industry awareness campaigns

A tougher economy since the 2008 Profile expectedly lowered annual revenues based on the drop in new residential and commercial construction, forcing alternative revenue trends such as utility projects, systems integration and data center work.

The typical electrical contractor surveyed (70 percent) has less than 10 employees and an annual revenue of less than $1 million.

Ian J. McCarthy, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "As we anticipated earlier this year, the third quarter represented two distinctly different business environments for us. Through the expiration of the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit on April 30th, traffic and new home orders were tracking well above prior year results. In May and June traffic and new home orders were substantially below the levels experienced in the prior year. While new home affordability and mortgage rates are at historically attractive levels, homebuyers continue to be concerned about employment, the impact of additional foreclosures and general conditions in the economy. We believe employment growth and improved consumer confidence remain the keys to a sustainable recovery in the homebuilding industry. In the meantime, we are taking the steps necessary to position the Company to fully participate in the eventual housing recovery."

The Company controlled 29,768 lots at June 30, 2010 (80% owned and 20% controlled under options), including 727 owned lots in discontinued operations.

"Joining the businesses of US Tile and MonierLifetile creates a single source for all of the nation's roofing needs," said Al Borm, president. "Backed by the financial stability of Boral, we are now the nation's single-source for superior clay and concrete roofing products. We now also have the ability to serve all customers with all roofing needs whether commercial, custom home, residential production home or re-roofing."

A new force in the industry, the combined business of the nation's leading clay and concrete roofing innovators creates the most sustainable roofing manufacturer in the world. Now with an expanded reach, Boral Roofing joins an extensive nationwide customer service, manufacturing and distribution network with a highly skilled, technical sales force that benefits from regional training centers established across the country.

Combining the sustainable roofing products of MonierLifetile and US Tile with the reach of Boral USA's customer and technical support platform will result in the greater accessibility of sustainable roofing options to homebuilders and homeowners. The Boral Roofing Division will facilitate positive impacts on the environment through the increased nationwide adoption of roof products boasting energy retention, solar power generation, heat deflection, cooling, waste elimination and air pollution reduction effects.

"This combined business expands our ability to serve more and more customers across the country who wish to reduce their environmental footprint, conserve energy and live healthier lives," said Craig Jacks, vice president of sales and marketing. "Operating 15 tile plants nationally with a focus on sustainable roof materials, the new entity now offers a substantial array of energy efficient roofing options."

About Boral Roofing:

Boral Roofing is a division of Boral USA, the country's largest premium provider of complete roofing and re-roofing solutions for architects as well as commercial and residential builders. Boral Roofing which includes US Tile and MonierLifetile operates 15 clay and concrete tile manufacturing plants throughout the US and Mexico.

About Boral USA:

Headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, Boral USA through its subsidiaries employs approximately 1,500 individuals at more than 140 operating and distribution sites across the United States. The U.S. operations include the country's largest brick manufacturer and the largest clay and concrete roof tile manufacturer.

As of August 4, FTB has received 31,460 applications. Because some of the applications are invalid or duplicates, FTB will continue to accept them through August 15, to ensure that enough valid applications are received to properly allocate the full $100 million of tax credit. FTB estimates that it can award approximately 17,500-20,000 credit certificates to unique and valid applicants. However, once the funds are exhausted, any remaining applications will be denied.

The State is providing $100 million in tax credits to first-time home buyers. The credit will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis using the date and time stamp on the fax submission, until the money is exhausted. The tax credit is available to those who purchased a qualified principal residence and did not own one during the last three years. This credit is five percent of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less. Taxpayers must claim the credit on their tax return in equal amounts over the following three tax years.

To apply, the buyer must complete and fax an FTB Form 3549-A, Application for New Home / First-Time Buyer Credit, along with the final settlement statement. It must be faxed to FTB within two weeks (14 calendar days) after the close of escrow. The fax number is 916.855.5577.

Taxpayers must receive a certificate of allocation from FTB to claim the tax credit on their California personal income tax return. FTB expects to send the allocation certificates over the next few months starting in August. California homebuyers still have time to qualify for the state's other $100 million home tax credit for the purchase of a new home. The New Home Credit is available for taxpayers who purchase (close escrow) a new home on or after May 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, as long as they enter into an enforceable contract executed before January 1, 2011. The seller must certify that the home has never been previously occupied.

For more information, go to ftb.ca.gov and select or search for Tax Credits for New Home Purchase / First-Time Buyer.

To obtain a copy of the final report submit the order form or contact Emma Shinn at 303.972.7666 or eshinn@theshinngroup.com If your company participated in the study the price is $200; for non-participants the price is $450.

To access the order form, click Here

To officially kick off 'How Tough is Your Tape?,' Greg Biffle, champion NASCAR® driver of the #16 Ford Fusion and avid Duct Tape enthusiast, has released a YouTube video to encourage people across the United States to enter the contest.

To enter 'How Tough is Your Tape?,' participants can visit the contest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scotchducttape. Entrants can submit a personal photo or video showcasing how they have used the tough strength of Scotch Tough Duct Tape in an original way.

One lucky grand prize winner whose submission most creatively answers the question 'How Tough is Your Tape?' will receive a trip for two to NASCAR® Champions Week Experience taking place December 1 - 4. The trip will include two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas, three-night/four-day hotel accommodations, a four-day car rental, two tickets to the Victory Lap and NASCAR® After the Lap event, admission for two to the Champions Banquet, an exclusive meet and greet with top NASCAR drivers as well as the chance to hang out with Greg Biffle.

One first prize winner will also be selected to receive a $500 Visa® Gift Card. Ten second prize winners will each receive a prize pack valued at more than $100 and one People's Choice award winner will receive a Scotch(R) Tough Duct Tape Product Pack.

The Scotch Tough Duct Tape line includes a selection of tough tapes to tackle rough repairs, including No Residue, Transparent, Extreme Hold, Heavy Duty All-Weather, Poly Hanging & Tarps and Outdoor Painter's Clean Removal - providing a specific tape for any project.

Scotch Tough Duct Tapes are available at home improvement, mass merchandisers, paint and hardware stores nationwide, ranging in price from $5.79 to $9.77.

For additional information about 'How Tough is Your Tape?' or to enter the contest, go to www.facebook.com/scotchducttape. To see Greg Biffle's official 'How Tough is Your Tape?' kick-off video, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/scotchblue. And, for additional information regarding Scotch Tough Duct Tape, please go to scotchtoughtape.com