9
to be passed as we lobbied for the interests
of the residential construction industry at
the Texas Capitol. Offensively, they took
the lead as we passed many bills that will
safeguard the roadways, water infrastructure,
and economic strength of Texas for future
generations. Additionally, they directed
TAB’s legal victory in court with the Helotes
lawsuit. As Granger MacDonald stated, “This
is the finest legislative performance TAB has
ever seen.” See pages 14-23 for a complete
bill-by-bill summary.
SUNBELT BUILDERS SHOW™
The 2015 Sunbelt Builders Show™ was
an overwhelming success! It felt good
to be back in the DFW metroplex while
we enjoyed a sold out trade show floor.
Boasting 270 booths and 200 vendors (83
new and 113 loyal vendors), there were over
3,000 registrants for our two-day Show at
the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. The Texas
home building industry is flourishing right
now, and we see that growth reflected in the
growth of Sunbelt.
I think everyone had a fantastic time
catching up with old friends and/or
colleagues at the various Sunbelt events,
which brings together the best of all
worlds—a group of committed attendees,
relevant education, and cutting edge
exhibitors. These connections and informal
meetings are an important part of why
Sunbelt is such a worthwhile event. The
Conference continues to be a place where
you can network, and take home strategies
to improve your business. I see its value
in the hundreds of relationships that have
their roots in the Show.
This year, we had another excellent
team working to bring you our 15th
annual Sunbelt Builders Show™. I’d like
to thank the committee, especially co-
chairs Tiffany Acree and Carol Longacre,
for their dedication to making this an
event that raises the bar for our industry.
Additionally, many thanks to Beverly
Koehn for your leadership with the Star
Awards and John Williams for pulling
off a sold out Young Professionals mixer.
Congrats to our amazing Excellence Under
45 Award winners Tiffany Acree, Mitchell
Anderson, and Kevin Frankel. And of
course, a big Thank You to our Presenting
and Opening Session Sponsors: Builders
Insurance Group administered by Builder
Agent Network, Great American Insurance
Group, Morrison Supply Company and
StrucSure Home Warranty. Sunbelt photos
can be seen on pages 12-13.
RPM (RELATIONSHIPS
POWERED BY MEMBERS) CHALLENGE
Builders and remodelers from across the
state competed in the first race of the RPM
(Relationships Powered by Members) Cup
Series Membership Challenge. Taking
first place was Joe Carlyle of Tyler Area BA
with a RPM rating of 94 percent. In close
second was Mike Biggerstaff, HBA of San
Angelo, at 93 percent. Rounding out the
top three at 84 percent, was my homeboy
Pat Hambrick, of the Heart of Texas BA.
The HBA of San Angelo won the local
association race. They recruited the most
new members: seven subs and vendors,
and five additional members for bonus
laps, ending the race with an overall 77
percent RPM. The RPM rating reflects the
percentage of TAB member subcontractors
and vendors with whom the builder
does business. Big thanks to Membership
Chair Mitchell Anderson for organizing
the fun. Also, a huge debt of gratitude to
our Crew Chief sponsor McCoy’s Building
Supply and our Pit Crew sponsor StrucSure
Home Warranty.
UPCOMING
Next up, TAB is proud to roll out the
Insurance Marketplace available to all
our members’ companies with as few as
two employees. Also, we are introducing
Contractor Marketing Pros, an online
marketing solution for small businesses
which increases leads and makes your
phone ring. Our friends from the Bush
Rudnicki Shelton law firm are busy
traveling the state to educate builders
on the new TAB contracts package. The
Texas Builders Foundation just announced
several generous gifts which have endowed
the foundation to provide scholarships to
students in construction related programs.
Special thanks to Michael Biggerstaff, Chad
Decker and Joe Carlyle for their leadership,
but especially to Steve DeVoe and Kelly-
Moore Paints for their exceptional gift.
As we continue to grow our industry we
look forward to the challenges of getting
our new members involved in our local and
state home builders associations. The first
opportunity to do this on the state level will
be at the 2015 TAB Fall Board Meetings,
Housing Hall of Honor and Excellence in
Leadership Dinner in November inside
the newly opened downtown Westin in
Austin, Texas. It’s been a privilege and a ton
of fun serving our association during this
exciting year, and I encourage you to come
join the fun!
Midterm Checklist
By Steve Sorrells
W
hat sounds like a tall tale from Texas is
really just the truth of the wonderful
market we find ourselves in today.
And as they say, “It ain’t bragging if
it’s the truth!” (Well, taking credit for the rain may
be stretching it just a bit.) So with thankfulness to
our Creator, much credit goes to the remarkable
builders, remodelers, associates, volunteers,
past leaders, lobbyists and staff here at the Texas
Association of Builders. Below are some spotlights
on people who are making 2015 a remarkable year.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
This issue of
Texas Builder
provides a full recap of
the bills that the TAB legislative team tracked at
the Capitol during the first six months of the year.
None of these successes would have been possible
without the hundreds of volunteers who came
to Austin for Rally Day or to provide testimony
at the Capitol. A simple thank you to GRC
Chairman Justin MacDonald, Executive Director
Scott Norman, and TAB in-house lobbyists Ned
Muῆoz and Felicia Wright is not enough. What
you witnessed this legislative cycle was not a mere
no hitter, it was a perfect game performed by these
professionals. Defensively, they allowed no bad bills
Successful Legislative session?
Check!
TAB balanced budget?
Check!
Growing membership numbers?
Check!
Outstanding Sunbelt Builders Show
™
?
Check!
Rollout of Health Insurance Marketplace & Contractor
Marketing program for Members?
Check! Check!
Strong participation by Generation Next within TAB?
Check!
Red hot Texas economy?
Check!
Drought-busting rain events?
Check!
President’s Commentary
