Today's Remodeler eNewsletter
Published by the Professional Remodeler's Organization
4120 Secor Road
Toledo, Ohio 43623
July 2009


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President's Message July 2009

It’s half past July already. Vacation season is fast ending and back to school will soon be on the horizon. And with this summer season seeming to run at warm and cool as our customers/sales leads, now is the best time to prepare ourselves, and use some of our “down” time, by learning more about how to approach the fall season.

The new housing market is mired down, along with our stagnant economy. And our remodeling industry is poised for great potential to outpace new construction spending. Even with that “good” news, we have preparations to make. What with all the home improvement shows on television nowadays, many homeowners are very well armed with information. But one way we can prepare ourselves is to help them understand what products and services are available and qualify for energy tax credits.

The American Recovery Reinvestment Act (AARA) provides incentives for energy efficient investment in residential buildings. These energy tax credits can help us bring in more opportunities for business, and can help us “upsell” some items/services, and also allow homeowners to achieve added value to their projects.

And as we familiarize ourselves with what products/services qualify, such as building envelope, HVAC, and green services/renewable energy source items, we will be better prepared to market our skills/opportunities.

And speaking of marketing, your PRO Association is working to finalize our Fall Life, Home & Leisure Show in partnership with the Sylvania Chamber for this October. Meanwhile, don’t forget your PRO summer outings, which next on tap is our Mud Hens Outing. Hope to see you there.

Executive Director's Report July 2009: PRO joins Consortium, $25,225,000 Grant

The Toledo-Lucas County Consortium was formed and consists of two units of government (City of Toledo and Lucas County), nine non-profit organizations and two for profit developers. The City of Toledo is the lead Consortium applicant for this $25M grant. The Consortium creates an environment to allow the Neighborhood Stabilization Program II members to work on their main tasks in an effective and coordinated way. The Consortium structure brings the appropriate partners together to ensure a cohesive, effective and comprehensive neighborhood stabilization program.

Your association is happy to announce that we have joined the Consortium which has written a grant to HUD to request $25M to stabilize and revitalize the neighborhoods of this great city. If this consortium would receive this grant, their goal is to purchase foreclosed and abandoned property throughout the city from financial institutions. The focus of the NSP2 strategy is to rapidly address the decline and stabilize targeted neighborhoods. The centerpiece of NSP2 is the acquisition of 175 foreclosed single family homes for redevelopment and purchase by homebuyers. A lot of these homes may require renovations in order to resell them. That should mean work for our contractors. And for the associates, the grant requires that the contractor purchase material locally. So the bottom line is that if this comes to fruition, it should be a win-win for everyone.

You can see the grant application on the City of Toledo website.

2010 Home & Garden Show - March 12th,13th, & 14th Booth Rates

Member Rates
Regular Booth.........$600.00
Corner Booth..........$650.00
Garden Aisle...........$700.00

Non-Member Rates
Regular Booth.........$900.00
Corner Booth..........$950.00
Garden Aisle...........$1,000.00

General Information:
$50.00 discount on multiple booths Exhibitor space is limited - call to make your reservation

To reserve a booth, contact the PRO at: 419-471-0101

2009 Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session

The 2009 Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session is an educational event specifically designed for members of the local landscape, garden center, tree care, and turf industry. Education sessions and exhibits will be held throughout the afternoon.

For more information and registration forms Click Here

Life, Home & Leisure Show

Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter, Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, and PRO are working together to have a Life, Home & Leisure Show on October 17, 2009 at the Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter. This show will focus on the various aspects of home improvement, health and beauty, and leisure activities. The cost of a booth is only $225.00. There will be activity going on all day including cooking shows with Kathy Smith from The Blade, a fashion show, and demonstrations from local home improvement companies.

There are three levels of sponsorship available. The “LEISURE” sponsor ($500) would receive one free booth, advertising mention and a demonstration opportunity. The “HOME” sponsor ($1000) would receive one free booth, advertising in print, radio and signage mentions plus a demonstration opportunity. The “LIFE” sponsor ($1500) would receive two free booths, television, print and radio advertising, signage mentions and first choice on demonstration slots. As of this writing the details are not quite worked out. However, there are limited spaces available so, if you are interested, keep your eye on the website (www.playsylvania.com) for information and form to sign up. Call the office if you are interested in being a sponsor.

UT vs OSU PRO Bus Trip

$80.00 per person, includes: Bus ride, driver tip, tolls, parking fees, pre-game party that includes hot dogs, side dishes, chips, cookies, non-alcoholic beverages, game ticket. BYOB (small coolers only)

Click Here to reserve tickets!

2010 Dues

Many of you have sent in your dues for 2009-2010. If you are still contemplating paying your dues this year, sit down and do it. Do it for the good of the remodeling industry. Because the community needs to know that there are companies like yours in the Toledo area who are willing to give them an honest and worry free remodeling job.

PRO appreciates you being a member of the Association. Because of members like you, PRO can boast that we are still the largest independent Remodelers Association in the world. Your association can also be proud of the fact that we have not had a reduction in membership for five years running.

FYI
The board is constantly trying to improve your Association to make it an effective resource for you. Have you tried to use the benefits that we offer? As you know all licensed contractors must have 10 hours a year of continuing education and the PRO is constantly striving to find free or reduced seminars to help qualify you to renew your license. Also if the NSPII grant comes in, the members should benefit greatly with work or sales.

Please take the time now to mail in your payment. If you have any questions, or if I can be of some service to you, please don’t hesitate to call me at the office.

Logo Reminder

We have noticed that some companies are still using the old THRA logo on their advertisement. Please contact the office or have your advertising person call us to get the new PRO logo.

O-OHIO

A big thank you to the several members who offered assistance to the lady that had a leaky roof in Lima, Ohio. I was very proud that so many stepped up and offered to help. This is a great program that makes life a little easier for the families of the soldiers serving overseas.