Last Chance for NBC Review

CHBA-Alberta encourages members to visit the government's consultation website to make comments on the proposed changes to the 2010 National Building Code. Deadline for comments is November 28. Please refer to the November 12 edition of To The Point for detailed information on CHBA-National's position on the proposed changes.

Marketing in a Balanced Market

The CHBA National Marketing Committee heard from two presenters last month with tips on how to develop your marketing strategy in a balanced market. Scott Himmelhoch of Avid Ratings advised builders to focus on the fundamentals - position, presentation, selling skills and driving referrals. Andy Brethour of the PMA Group stressed the importance of service, attitude and process. Differentiation was a key component of both presentations. CHBA prepared Good Business Tips on these and other presentations such as advice on making environmental claims. Click here to view the tips.

FINTRAC Resource for Members

Beginning February 20, 2009, most new home builders and developers will have to comply with new requirements under Canada's Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorism Financing Act. All new home builders that qualify under the new regulations will have to follow a number of protocals. To view full article, click here.

Physician's Guide to OHS Responsibilities

A "Physician's Guide to Occupational Health and Safety Responsibilities” has been developed jointly by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and the Alberta Government to assist physicians, nurses, employers and workers to understand and maintain compliance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. The focus is on the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries of workers. More information can be found by clicking here.

Gas Vent Damper Recall

There has been a voluntary recall program for approximately 5000 Effikal Automatic Gas Vent Dampers in Canada. The dampers have, in some cases developed cracks on the plastic ears connecting the motor assembly to the mounting bracket. If both ears break, the motor assembly could disconnect from the bracket. Such a failure of the motor assembly combined with a failure of the appliance blocked vent switch could result in a carbon monoxide (CO) leak, posing a risk of CO poisoning. Click here for more information.

2008 Housing Trends

CMHC's flagship publication, the Canadian Housing Observer 2008, presents a detailed review of housing trends in Canada and the key factors behind them, combining national coverage with provincial and metropolitan detail. The Observer's feature article this year focuses on "Housing Need”. The print publication of the Observer is complemented by a broad range of online housing market and housing conditions statistical information on the CMHC website. Click here to download the report.

Emerald Foundation Accepting Nominations

Do you know an individual, group or business that has set an example for environmental achievement? Someone who has gone "above and beyond" what is expected of them in the protection of the environment? Maybe it's you, your group or your business. Why not share that success and let others learn from your experience by submitting an Emerald Award nomination? Click here for more information.

CHBA - Edmonton is Getting into the Spirit

Join CHBA - Edmonton Region December 4 for an evening filled with laughter along with colleagues and friends while taking in the breathtaking views of the river valley. Enjoy entertainment by the Amazingly Funny world of Comedy in Motion with Canada's favorite juggler, Bob Cates. This memorable interactive comedy show includes advanced juggling, wild unicycling and balancing skills, black light laser effects and a finale that you will remember for a long long time. Click here to download the registration form.