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NEWS RELEASES & MEDIA COVERAGE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Kidder, Dir. of PR & Communications
Tel: 860-521-1905
Fax: 860-521-3107
NAHB TV
on YouTube
November 13, 2009 - The Day - CT association honors builders
November 11, 2009 - Norwich Bulletin - Hayn, other builders honored
The awards were presented during ceremonies Tuesday at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. Other honorees from New London County inlcuded ARK Contractors, Brom Builders, BW Williams Builder, Mystic Reiver Building Co., Osterman Propane and Prudential Connecticut Realty.
October 16, 2009 - New Haven Register - Homebuilders press officials to streamline regulations
"Builders face up to 50 regulatory steps, approvals and potential hurdles when attempting to construct a home. It's just daunting and we need to improve the process." - Bill Ethier, CEO of HBA of CT
October 13, 2009 - Waterbury Republican America - Tax Credit Aids Home Sales
"Something around 30 percent of the sales are using this tax credit. This is not just a 29-year-old who never owned a home who is buying one, but we've also had sales in 55-plus communities buying with the credit." - Barry Rosa, Prudential Connecticut Realty
September 21, 2009 - Nation's Building News - Builders See Encouraging Results from Meetings with Lawmakers
September 29, 2009 - Fox 61 News - Green Development in West Hartford
September 30, 2009 - Hartford Courant - West Hartford Developer Donates 5.5 Acres - "The land donation made business sense. In building a "green community, surrounding it with pristine land that won't be developed will be a premium for the potential homeowners." Tom Falik, Tom Falik Properties
September 29, 2009 - West Hartford Life - Green development donates land to trust - "While energy efficiency is critical a green home actually goes beyond that and considers other factors such as water efficiency, the use of recycled and other materials that have a minimum impact on the environment, and indoor air quality, making for a healthier home." -- George Rafael, Director of Local Government Affairs & Membership Services.
August 26, 2009: Norwich Bulletin - CT housing figures show first rise in 9 months
August 19, 2009: Message to Congress: Housing Equals Jobs! 
July 30, 2009 The Commercial Record - Conn. sees jump in housing permits in June
July 29, 2009 - Waterbury Republican American - Housing permits increase sharply - 403 units OK'd in June, double May's figures
"It's a good sign, but one month doesn't necessarily make a trend. Most people think we have hit the bottom, but as for how steep the climb up will be or will we plod along the bottom, that remains to be seen." - George LaCava, HBA of CT President and Trilacon Development Corp.
July 29, 2009 - New Haven Register - New home permits down from '08
"In the boom times, everybody is installing granite. We've decided to make some of that stuff optional so you can decide where you want to spend your money instead of us deciding," Jay Metcalfe, Wyndham Homes
July 29, 2009 - Norwich Bulletin: Builders: Appraisals hurting new home sales
"Appraisal practices and banking caution are slowing down a resurgence of the housing market." - Renee Main, EO, Builders Association of Eastern CT
July 29, 2009 - Stamford Advocate - Conn. sees jump in housing permits in June (also in the Danbury News Times, Greenwich Time & CT Post)
July 29, 2009 - Norwich Bulletin: Conn. sees jump in housing permits in June
June 4, 2009 - Norwich Bulletin - Montville Green Home Lauded for Energy Savings
"Smart building techniques, such as passive cooling and copious insulation, will ensure low energy use. An average house has a Home Energy Rating Systems, or HERS, rating of 100. This home will have a 22 rating." - Jim Pepitone, Ark Ventures LLC
June 4, 2009 - The Day - Green Home of the Year Earns Plaudits
"This is a milestone for eastern Connecticut." - Tony Sheriden, president, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
May 31, 2009 - The Hartford Courant - A Screened Porch Adds Value to Your Home
"A porch is one of those items that is almost a per-square-foot cost. The structure is pretty straightforward." - Doug Porter, Woodstock Building Associates
"Make sure screens can be repaired and replaced easily, something that's portable that you can take to your local hardware store." - Bob Hanbury, House of Hanbury
"Wood should be power-washed and sealed annually." - Russ Liljedahl, Liljedahl Brothers, Inc.
May 28, 2009 - New Haven Register - April home permits increase 63%
"I definitely see things improving. There's confidence back in the market. People think it's the right time to buy." - Liz Verna, Verna Properties
May 20, 2009 - WFSB 3 - Builder: Prototype Home Exceeds Standards
"Green means angling the house for a southern exposure for the solar panels on the roof, using a heat pump to keep the house warm and installing triple-glazed windows." - Jim Pepitone, Ark Contractors
May 20, 2009 - New Haven Register - New-home building at record-low
"Low home prices and mortgage rates are gradually luring more buyers into the market." - Bob Wiedenmann Jr., Sunwood Development
April 28, 2009 - New Haven Register - Housing permits continue to fall
"I think things are picking up, particularly among first-time home buyers. We still have a good supply out there of housing, so you're not going to see over building. It's great to see there are actually permits being issued; that's a good sign." - John Shewky, Shweky Developers.
April 28, 2009 - Waterbury Republican-American - Housing permits down 54% in first quarter
Bill Ferrigno, past president of the Home Builders Association of Connecticut, said March's numbers don't reflect a recent increase in interest in the marketplace. "We've seen a tremendous increase in traffic in our sales offices in the past month or so. Very clearly, people are shoping. Some people are taking advantage of the best combination of prices and interest rates in years."
April 26, 2009 - Hartford Courant - Price of Land Holds Steady
"In these kinds of economic times, when the economy is struggling, this is usually a good time to try to replenish our land holdings and get ready for when the economy turns around. But we've found that while there might be some small adjustments on some land, overall prices are holding steady." Greg Ugalde, T&M Homes
April 21, 2009 - WFSB, TV 3 First time home buyer tax credit
March 15, 2009 - New Haven Register - Full House: New homes loaded with perks to lure buyers
"We as builders understand the market. We're responding to this by being as flexible as possible, working with potential buyers to meet their needs." - Jeff Del Favero, HBA of New Haven County president and Del Favero Associates.
"As families change, we're trying to create spaces that can be used for multiple function." - Mark Nuzzolo, Brookside Development
Also quoted in this article: Jay Metcalfe, Wyndham Homes, Dean Fiske, Ravenswood Homes, George Santos, JFC Endeavors, Liz Verna, Verna Properties,
March 8, 2009 - Stamford Advocate - Attorney seeks extension on Stamford building projects
"The bill is to allow the marketplace to catch up with already approved projects." - Bill Ethier, HBA of CT
"These are unprecented times. When you look at some of the things that the government is doing with stimulus packages, these types of small measures are not detrimental but can have a big benefit in encouraging development." - Randy Salvatore, RMS Construction.
March 4, 2009 - Connecticut Post - Builders sell flexibility with homes
"Pricing is important to customers, but getting value is more." Randy Salvatore, RMS Construction
"Everybody wants to lower their utility bills while also downsizing their idea of what they need." DJ Collins, Brookside Development
March 4, 2009 - The Hartford Courant - Some Recent Home Sales Give Builders Hope - "There is a realization that the market has slowed and builders don't want to build a lot of speculative housing." Bob Wiedenmann Jr., VW Homes & Sunwood Development
"We're not breaking records, but we're not starving either," Johnny Carrier, JFC Endeavors.
February 27, 2009 - The New York Times - Forget the Old House. Sign Here
February 27, 2009 - The Hartford Courant - In-law apartments becoming more popular as families downsize & merge
"We are receiving more requests for this design as parents age and they want to stay close to their family but don't necessarily want their own home" - Mark Stidsen, Landsen Construction.
"We pay particular attention to the potential uses for an in-law space when an in-law no longer lives there. We want to make sure there is a secondary use when that change in life occurs." - Doug Porter, Woodstock Building Associates.
"The two buildings look separated but they aren't (referring to a unique partially underground hallway connecting the main house with the in-law apartment). It really became a functional way to connect the two spaces, but in a creative way to make the connection invisible to the eye." Jim Blansfield, Blansfield Builders, Inc.
February 27, 2009 - Meriden Record Journal - Builders hope it's time to remodel
"The way this economy is going, this recession will be pulled out by housing and cars," Mark Lovley, Lovley Development.
February 27, 2009 - Waterbury Republican American - State home sales still slip
"If you are a first-time buyer you're not going to get a better deal than you are right now." George LaCava, HBA of CT President and Trilacon Development, Corp.
"There is no question there is better activity. It really started to pick up about the fourth week of January. You see it in the attendance at open houses and in pending sales." Barry Rosa, HBA of CT Treasurer and Prudential Connecticut Realty.
February 27, 2009 - Waterbury Republican-American - Housing permits sink further
"Connecticut can clearly support about 8,000 new units a year based on past history. We've had a shortfall of about 3,000 units a year dating back to 2006. Those people haven't gone away. So once the market does turn around, the recovery is going to be quicker here than in the rest of the country." George LaCava, HBA of CT President and Trilacon Development Corp.
February 26, 2009 - Connecticut Post - With business off, remodeling gets cheaper "There are plenty of talented people people available and builders are more in a position to tailor what folks need to their budget. People will get a lot of value." - Robert Eckenrode, CGR, RT Eckenrode Home Design
February 16, 2009 - Hartford Business Journal - Expanding Affordable Housing, Q&A with George LaCava
"Greater density, not government assistance is the key to building affordable homes."
January 12, 2009 - Torrington Register-Citizen - Local builder lobbies for stimulus package
"Once prices are stabilied we hope to entice new buyers into the market with some tax credit and interest rate buy downs," - Greg Ugalde, CT Representative to NAHB
January 11, 2009 - New Canaan News-Review - Residents embracing green
"The first place people start when they're going green is energy efficiency." George Rafael, HBA of CT
January 7, 2009 - CNBC "Street Signs" program, Builders Lobby on Capitol Hill
December 17, 2008 - Norwalk Hour - State home builders holding their own
"Historically, I don't know if you could find a better time to buy with low mortgage rates and ample supply". - Jerry Effren, Greyrock Homes
December 14, 2008 - New York Times - The Green Standard
Bill Ethier, the chief executive of the Home Builders Association of Connecticut, uses adjectives like "awkward," "unworkable" and "messed up" to describe the statute mandating energy-efficient design for certain commercial and residential projects. His group and a number of other industry organizations are pushing for a rewording of the law, which they see as well intended but overzealous.
December 7 - Hartford Courant, Letter to the Editor, A "Shovel-Ready" Market
"I can assure Governor Rell that as far as our members are concerned, the market for workforce housing -- and our members' ability to serve it -- is 'shovel-ready.'" -- Bill Ferrigno, President HBA of CT
Extreme Makeover Home Edition Coverage:
December 12, 2008 - See the Girard family homecoming coverage, as the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Voluntown project comes to a close. Thanks to all the Volunteers and Tradesmen who assisted in the project. WVIT-TV CH30, WFSB-TV CH3, WTNH-TV CH8, The New London Day, The Norwich Bulletin.
December 11, 2008 - The Extreme Makeover Home Edition wraps up today with the return of the Girard family to their new home. Shuttles from Foxwoods Casino to the site are running all day today. School has been cancelled for the day in Voluntown and Gov Rell has declared today as "Girard Family Day" in CT. Media coverage from The Norwich Bulletin, The New London Day.
December 10, 2008 - As the building process nears an end on the Extreme Makeover Home Edition the following coverage was reported today The Norwich Bulletin, The New London Day.
December 9 - Progress continues on the Extreme Makeover Home Edition: The Norwich Bulletin, New London Day, WTIC-96.5 Radio
December 8 - Continued coverage of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition: WVIT-TV CH30, Fox-TV 61, WFSB-TV CH3, WTNH-TV CH8, The New London Day, The Norwich Bulletin, The Hartford Courant.
December 6 - Coverage of Demolition of Girard Family Home for Extreme Makeover Home Edition: WTNH- TV 8, WVIT TV 30,
WFSB TV 3, The New London Day, The Norwich Bulletin,
December 4 & 5 2008 - Coverage of Annoucement that Bruno Hayn, Designs by Bruno, and "Team Bruno" is building a home for the Girard Family of Voluntown with the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Television show: WFSB - TV 3, WTNH - TV 8; WVIT - TV 30, Fox 61, New London Day, Norwich Bulletin, Hartford Courant
December 3, 2008 - Norwich Bulletin - Extreme Team Counts Down
The team will have 106 hours to finish the home. But Colchester builder Bruce “Bruno” Hayn and a team of contractors already have been working on the project nonstop for about five weeks. “The construction, at this point, will be the easy part,” - Bruno Hayn,Home Designs by Bruno.
November 21, 2008 - Norwich Bulletin - 5 Families Wait for Extreme Makeover Choice
November 21, 2008 - New London Day - Extreme Makeover Home Edition coming to CT
November 21, 2008 - WTNH TV, Channel 8 - Extreme Home Makeover
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November 27, 2008 - New Haven Register - Housing Permits
"We still have a market where people are looking to buy homes. Though buyers are "a little more hesitant" to make a purchase, a growing number are realizing now is the time to find bargains." -- Jonathan Shweky, Shweky Developers.
"The concern is that there’s no financing available, (but) I’m not seeing that as a problem at all" for borrowers with good credit."-- Bob Wiedenmann, Sunwood Development.
November 20, 2008 - New London Day, Grace Magazine - Building her own niche
"We love to work with do-it-yourselfers who can't, or don't want to do it all themselves. We welcome clients who want to do some of the work, but we'll do the jobs no one wants, like hanging sheet rock." -- Denise Nott, Nutmeg Building & Remodeling
November 19, 2008 - Connecticut Post editorial, Green building methods will last
November 18, 2008 - Connecticut Post, Builders to teach green
"Home buyers are demanding green homes because they reduce energy costs and offer better air quality." -- Pete Fusaro, Green Built Connecticut, LLC
November 17, 2008 - Waterbury Republican-American, Age-restricted housing
"Activity at age-restricted developments across the state is strong in spite of the economy. But many potential buyers are slow to commit. They're being very guarded right now. People want to buy, they're just being cautious." George LaCava, Trilacon Development Corp, & HBA of CT Vice President.
November 10, 2008 - Torrington Register Citizen, HOBI Awards
"We put all our work into that house. To be recognized by your peers is very satisfying," -- Steve Temkin, T&M Homes
November 4, 2008 - HBACT Celebrates with HOBI Awards
October 29, 2008 - New Haven Register, Housing Permits
"The increase from August to September reflects that more buyers are re-entering the housing market -- having steered clear of it in recent months - because they feel there are deals to be had." -- John Shweky, Shewky Developers.
October 27, 2008 - Business New Haven, Housing Permits
Even though the financial markets are in turmoil, Verna believes now is a better time than any other recent period invest in real estate. "At the end of the day, people need a place to live - and people who are afraid to invest in the stock market should invest in real estate. It's the most lucrative investment and it's tangible." -- Liz Verna, Verna Properties, VW Homes.
October 12,2008 - Hartford Courant, Energy efficiency
"The market is finally beginning to understand that an important question to be asking is, 'How much is it going to cost to heat my house?'" - Chris Nelson, C. Nelson Construction.
"We started feeling it was time for builders to lead the way. And, anticipating that the market would soften, we wanted a way to differentiate ourselves." - Jim Pendry, Summit Residential
October 9, 2008 - Darien News-Review, HBRA Town Hall Forum Meeting
"Whether it's a local P&Z commission or the EPA, there are, on average, 60 potential obstructions a builder seeking permission to proceed with new development must navigate; 35 stops on the local level and 25 stops on the state level." - Bill Ethier, HBA of CT.
October 1, 2008 - Hartford Courant, Housing permits
"Home builders in CT are looking to February and March for signs of whether construction will pick up next year. That's typically when builders start applying in earnest for permits to build homes in the spring and summer, and it's a gauge of buyer sentiment." - Bill Ferrigno, Sunlight Construction & HBA of CT President.
September 30, 2008 - New Haven Register, Housing permits
"For those who qualify for mortgages, it is a good time to have money invested in homes...Even if the home value drops, it always comes back up."
- Jonathan Shweky, Shweky Developers.
"Everyone's being conservative, kind of sitting back and wondering how it's going to play out. If the market's not ready to buy that many houses, we shouldn't be building them." - Bob Wiedenmann Jr., Sunwood Development Corp.
September 29, 2008 - Hartford Business Journal, Geothermal, Solar Energy Sources
"There's no doubt we (Bartlett Hollow) were the first community to do geothermal on a community-wide basis." - Jim Pendry, Summit Residential
September 23, 2008 - New Haven Register, Focus Groups & Willows Development
"I don't think the use of focus groups for smaller builders is all that common. Among the most requested features from the focus groups were vinyl siding for low maintenance, large family rooms that open onto the kitchen, granite kitchen counter tops, mud rooms, large master bedrooms with walk-in closets and large raised decks. - Joanne Carroll, JMC Resources.
"You don't want to go by the seat of your pants in a housing market like this.You want to make sure your have what people want." - Bob Wiedenmann Jr., VW Homes & Sunwood Development Corp.
September 21, 2008 - Meriden Record Journal, Willows Development
"Permits are down and we expect that to continue through this year. Builders and developers continue to be cautious and don't want to get ahead of the market." - Lisa Kidder, HBA of CT.
"I see a trend toward downsized, real lifestyle homes. No matter what the economy, there is a pent-up need for this type of housing." - Liz Verna, VW Homes & Verna Properties.
July 29, 2008 - Letter to Editor with correction on Housing & Economic Stimulus Act article.
July 16, 2008 - Testimony on Affordable Housing at the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Housing & Economic Development July meeting. Greg Ugalde, HBACT Immediate past President, & others testified on the need for greater density, fewer regulations to build affordable homes.
July 14, 2008 - HBA of CT in Nation's Building News
July 7, 2008 - Senator Dodd's press conference on housing, attended by HBA of CT & HOMEConnecticut supporters. See Fox 61 News coverage.
June 16, 2008 - Let's Keep Declining Home Values in Perspective - Kenneth Harney, syndicated columnist
June 9, 2008 - Bloomberg.com: Housing Bubble Didn't Burst Everywhere; Stamford/Norwalk, New Haven and Hartford make the list of top housing markets for value and low risk.
June 7, 2008 - Habitat Builder Blitz 08 -- Two Homes, Two Builders, One Week!
June 4, 2008 - HOMEConnecticut Press Conference: Solutions Advance But Problems Persist - from the CT Partnership for Strong Communities
April 24, 2008 - Industry & Service Awards - Fusari receives LoDolce; see also CT Dream Awards, Distinguised Service Awards
April 15, 2008 - Honor Roll of Certified Members
March 3, 2008 - Fiano, Robbins win National Housing Endowment Award
Feb 4, 2008 - HBA of CT featured in Nation's Building News
Feb 3, 2008 - Bill Ferrigno & Barry Rosa are guests on CT Newsmakers, Ch. 30
BAEC assists injured soldier with home repairs
Nov 6, 2007 - HBACT PRESENTS HOBI AWARDS TO RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN HOME BUILDING
Gulick Associates & ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build a home
Aug 21, 2007 - SHOWCASE HOME EVENTS TO BENEFIT MIDDLESEX HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CONNECTICUT
August 4, 2007 - Letter to Editor, Hartford Courant 8-04-07
April 24, 2007 - INDUSTRY & SERVICE AWARDS NEWS RELEASES
March 1, 2007 - DONATE SILLY STRING FOR OUR TROOPS AT HBA HOME SHOWS IN MARCH
Feb 25, 2007 - HBA of Connecticut In the News - Support for HOMEConnecticut Legislation
Feb 21, 2007 - HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT SUPPORTS INCENTIVE HOUSING PROPOSAL
2006 - Home Builders Blitz 2006 - "Home Builders are Dream Makers" - view the video (Windows Media 56k | DSL): HBA of Hartford County Partners with Habitat for Humanity to build 6 Homes in 5 days.
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