The Official Newsletter of theBuilding Industry Association of Philadelphia Vol. 7 / No. 2 Summer 2010

Message from the President

In This Issue2

6

12

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1735 Market Street, Suite 432APhiladelphia, PA 19103-7588

215.BIA.PHIL (215.242.7445)215.233.9132 Fax

biamail@biaofphiladelphia.com

www.BIAofPhiladelphia.com

You can also view and download theBIA Voice by visiting our website.

NAHB UPDATE ON HEALTH CAREREFORM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – GOING MOD

MEMBER NEWS

GREEN TOUR PHOTO GALLERY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTBOB DANN

Do I dare say it? Is therea glimpse of optimismfor the housing marketand the economy? Forthose of us still stand-ing, is it safe to call our-selves survivors? As sur-vivors, it’s time to pre-

pare for the come-back of our industry.As an organization, we must continuefulfilling our core mission to influ-ence housing policy; which in turn,will bring growth and vitality to ourgreat city.

Strength is in numbers, and strongmembership is the key to a productiveand results-oriented organization. Asour industry gets ready for progressonce again, now is the time to rallytogether and reach out to every personyou know who would benefit frombeing a part of our outstanding associ-ation. Take a look at the article in thisissue of the BIA Voice that outlines themany advantages of membership.

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 4

You have probably heard the adage;“change comes slowly in the home-building industry”. This is true for avariety of reasons ranging from the pre-dominance of family-owned compa-nies passing along building traditionsto conservative buyers focused on theresale value of their primary invest-ment in life. Things tend to stay thesame year after year. In fact, the typicalhouse layout has changed remarkablylittle over the past century in large partdue to the limiting span of joists andrafters – every 12 to 14 feet a wall wasneeded for structural support.If you place a house plan from the

Victorian era next to one from the1980’s you can see that the“foursquare’ pattern of rooms dividedby bearing walls has not changed

much at all. During Victorian times,the four rooms were the parlor,library, dining room and kitchen.Over time these spaces evolved intothe living room, dining room, familyroom and kitchen. Of course, agarage was added alongside the planas well to house the auto.

Floor Plans for Gen YGen Y includes people born after1980. They are 60 million strong,which is three times the size of Gen Xand the largest cohort to enter thehousing market since the babyboomers. They look for cheap initialcost but good quality. Besides beingwired and concerned about the envi-ronment, they are also known forseeking out authenticity in products.

Smaller Plans for Gen Y BuyersBy James W. Wentling, AIA

2 SUMMER 2010

• Builders Face Health Reform Without OnerousProvisionJust one week after landmark health care legislationbecame the law of the land, President Obama on March30 signed a second reconciliation bill with “fixes” to thehealth care measure that include the elimination of anonerous provision targeting the construction industry.NAHB worked closely with lawmakers to ensure that

one of the changes incorporated in the second “correc-tions” measure (H.R. 4872) would strike a provision in theoriginal health care bill (H.R. 3590) offered by Sen. JeffMerkley (D-Ore.) requiring construction firms to providehealth coverage if they employ five or more workers.Small businesses in every other industry are exempt

from providing mandatory health insurance if theyemploy 50 workers or less. As a result of NAHB’s efforts,the 50-worker threshold will now apply to all construc-tion industry workers as well.

• Health Care Tax Changes to Have Little Impact onPrincipal Residence Sellers Among the many policychanges in the recently enacted health care legislation,builders and the residential construction industryshould be aware of two tax policy changes in particular:

New Tax on Capital IncomeSet to take effect in 2013, a tax increase on capital

income - such as capital gain and rents - will affect somereal estate investments. However, it should have a negli-gible impact on sellers of principal residences.

The new 3.8% Medicare tax on so-called unearnedincome will affect high-income taxpayers who reporttaxable income due to capital gains and other non-wage

income. It will not affect income that is currently tax-exempt, including most capital gain due to the sale of aprincipal residence (due to the $250,000/$500,000 gainexclusion rules). Taxpayers with less than $250,000 inincome will not see any increase in tax.

Small Employer Health Insurance Tax CreditFor 2010, the legislation establishes a tax credit for

certain small businesses that provide health insur-ance. In general, the credit is available for businessesthat pay at least half the cost of health insurance fortheir employees.Partial tax credits are available for small businesses with

no more than 25 full-time employees and whose employ-ees have average wages no higher than $50,000. Full taxcredits are available for businesses with no more than 10full-time employees with average wages not exceeding$25,000. The maximum credit amount is equal to 35% ofthe employer’s qualified health insurance expenses.The credit will be available for tax years 2010 through

2013. After 2013, the credit will only be available for amaximum of two years and only for employers that pur-chase health insurance for their workers via a stateexchange, as provided in the new legislation.

NAHB Update on Health Care Reform

President Barack Obama’s signature on the health insurance bill at the White House,March 23, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

3SUMMER 2010

Continued from page 1

Looking at the impact Gen Y will have as they enterthe housing market, the “foursquare” plan arrangementseems unlikely to be attractive to this profile. The typi-cal room names will have very little in common withhow this group actually functions. Coming out of wideopen loft-type apartments and joined at the hip withlaptops and PDA’s, Gen Y buyers would adapt thesespaces to alternate uses but in general might prefersomething better suited their lifestyle including:1. A large central gathering space, which can be fur-nished as the buyers see fit. This space needs plentyof natural light and access to outdoor areas. Alsoneeded are lots of electrical outlets and a logical placefor a flat screen display, perhaps two or more.

2. An open bar-counter type kitchen counter thatadjoin the gathering space, and is very accessible toother areas of the plan, and with easy access to out-doors and the garage. Key appliances will be the refrig-erator and microwave.

3. Several small “work stations”, some of which can bejust an alcove with a counter or a very small room offthe main gathering space that can accommodate asmall sofa + table or a desk.4. A smaller dining area but large enough to accom-modate a small table. For parties or if a larger seat-ing arrangement is needed, this can occur in thegathering room.5. A garage with room for extreme sports and otheroutdoor paraphernalia. The space needed for a carmay be smaller as this group eschews gas-guzzlers.

Upstairs Remains the SameThe second floor bedroom arrangement will most likely besimilar to current plans with an “owner’s (mortgage payer-s’) suite” which is larger than secondary bedrooms. Inmost cases only one other bedroom will be needed, so thethird bedroom is likely to function more as an accessoryspace or guest room of sorts in a dual-function capacity. Insome cases this space may also be left more open in a loft-type condition. We know Gen Y buyers are focused ongreen features, particularly those of the energy-saving vari-ety, so anticipate more practical bathrooms (less vanitiesand soaking tubs) as a general rule.

Smaller Plans for Gen Y Buyers

“More open spaces, similar to “loft’ designs are expected to appeal to Gen Y.”

“The “foursquare” arrangement of floor plans has not changed muchsince the Victorian era.

Continued on page 5

Yes, Thereis a FreeLunch!

Bring a non-member to a Lunch & Learn and help the BIAgrow. BIA Lunch & Learns are a great (free) way to pick upindustry info and they are traditionally FOR MEMBERSONLY. But if you know someone who isn’t a BIA memberand should be–bring him or her along. Topics alwaysvary—from legal issues to green materials to homebuildingtrends. Just let us know in advance!

4 SUMMER 2010

Message from the President Continued from page 1

You’ll see the high return on your investment in theBIA. Additionally, we’re working to add even more serv-ices for existing and new members. Share this informa-tion with a colleague and encourage his/her participa-tion in our association.One of the BIA’s on-going objectives is to inform our

membership of the latest building trends. The BIA host-ed three well-attended programs during the first quarterof 2010. In March, the very popular Going Mod seminarwas held in partnership with the When We Fix ItCoalition. Focusing on ways to reduce construction costsin Philadelphia through modular construction, the pro-gram was well-received and provided useful informationto builders who are considering the alternative of“going mod.” On a warm and sunny April day, the 2ndannual Green Tour was took place. With the industry-wide shift to green building, this event continues togrow in popularity. In early May, many members andnon-members attended the Money Matters seminar.Appropriate to these times, the focus of this programwas how builders can secure lending in today’s environ-ment – a questions many have been asking. Hopefully,the attendees got some answers.

Lastly, I want to thank our Sponsors for their generoussupport. Sponsors play an important role in the successof our association. Even during these challenging times,our Sponsors have demonstrated their dedicationthrough contributions, participation, and leadership.The impact of our Sponsors is felt across the organiza-tion, and we’re appreciative of their efforts.For years, we’ve invested our hearts and dollars into

Philadelphia. Through the fine work of the BIA, and theperseverance of our membership, the future looksbright. I look forward to seeing old and new faces at theupcoming events.

Regards,

David Perlman

SUMMER 2010 5

Smaller Plans for Gen Y Buyers Continued from page 3

Authentic ExteriorsFirst time Gen Y buyers will be less concerned with sta-tus elements such as Palladian windows and bay win-dows but nevertheless will value aesthetics. The cottageor bungalow image is likely to have appeal, particularlyif charming but functional details are included.

Modernism and vernacular architectural styles willbecome more prevalent as well. Useable amenities sucha porches and decks large enough for group use will beattractive to this group. Again green materials and ener-gy saving features have lots of appeal.

Conclusion – Times are a Changing…Change comes slowly to the housing industry, but for-tunately the widespread availability of structural sys-tems such as open web wood floor trusses and I-joistshave allowed great clear-spans for more open and flexi-ble floor plans. Other building technologies such asfrost protected shallow foundations have helped toreduce building costs associated with unnecessary base-ments or crawl spaces. New materials for the exteriorsof the house permit more creativity in elevation appear-ance. An expanding menu of green building materials,energy-saving windows, appliances and environmentalcontrol systems are evolving all the time. For Gen Y,expect housing to evolve slowly but surely.

James Wentling is the principal of James Wentling/Architects inPhiladelphia, PA. For more information or to subscribe to theirmonthly e-newsletter, please visit www.wentlinghouseplans.com

“Authenticity is appealing to Gen Y, designs that have charm withoutpretense will appeal to them.”

Fox Rothschild Ad?

6 SUMMER 2010

Philadelphia’s high construction costs compromise thecity’s ability to meet the housing needs of residents,attract investment and redevelop abandoned land.

Philadelphia’s construction costs are the fourth highest of any major city inthe nation and 18 percent above the national average for all United Statescommunities. The city’s house values—the price for which homes can besold—are the third lowest of any major city in the nation and are 40 per-cent below the national average. As a result, construction costs oftenexceed the prices of new homes. This makes government subsidy a prereq-uisite for home building in most Philadelphia neighborhoods to fill the gapbetween building costs and the sales price of a home. High labor costs, 39percent above the national average, drive the construction industry’s out-of-scale cost structure. These labor costs make up over half the total costof an average project in Philadelphia.

Modular single-family-home construction significantlylowers the cost to build a new home in Philadelphia.

Modular construction requires much of the house to be built off site in amodular factory and then shipped to the site, placed on a foundation andfinished by workers on site, who complete the facade and make all neces-sary utility connections.

A detailed cost comparison found that, on average, an owner or developersaved 20 percent of total project costs by building a 16-foot-wide x 40-foot-long rowhome in the city using modular versus stick-built construction.Average savings for the modular construction of a 20-foot-wide x 40-foot-long home in the city were 9 percent.

In addition, modular home construction offers speed,durability and environmental-sustainability benefits.

Stick-built construction, however, offers the advantages of more designflexibility and a greater use of local labor. A full picture of the pros and consof each method is included within the report in order to help for-profit andnonprofit developers choose the best construction method for individualprojects. Modular home construction means that limited public subsidydollars can go further; the adoption of modular home building for 16-foot-wide rowhomes in Philadelphia can mean an immediate annual increaseof 20 percent in the volume of publicly subsidized housing built each year,thus providing decent, safe and sanitary housing for many more low- andmoderate-income families and reducing the number of families and indi-viduals who become homeless each year.

This report was commissioned by the When We Fix ItCoalition.

The coalition is a group of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the city ofPhiladelphia dedicated since 2004 to lowering construction costs and

achieving consistency and fairness in the city’s development review process.To complete a price comparison between modular and stick-built construc-tion, the coalition issued a Request for Information (RFI) in the fall of 2009 tofour construction contracting firms that build single-family homes in the cityand its surrounding suburbs and that have a reputation for quality work. Eachfirm was asked to provide an accurate bid to build a 16-foot-widerowhome/townhouse and a 20-foot-wide rowhome/townhouse using modu-lar and stick-built construction on two identical sites—one in the city andone in the suburbs. The RFIs, the responsive bids, the architectural plans andthe detailed specifications are included in the appendix to this report. Firmswere told to assume that union labor would be used in the city, per industrycustom. For the smaller home, a 16-foot-wide x 40-foot-long size wasselected because it is fairly standard for workforce housing in the city andcan be completed with a single modular “box” from the factory per floor. A20-foot-wide x 40-foot-long size was selected for the suburban home, bothbecause it reflects the size of a small marketable suburban home andbecause it requires the construction and fastening of two “boxes” per floor,which adds substantial cost.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY GOING MODULARAbout 120 BIA members and non-membersattended the March 23 ‘Going Mod’ event atthe Down Town Club. The event kicked off therelease of “Going Mod: Reducing Housing Costs inPhiladelphia with Modular Construction,” a reportcommissioned by the BIA and the Fix It Coalition.The complete report can be downloaded atwww.biaofphiladelphia.com

REPLACING STICK-BUILT WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION WOULDSAVE 20 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR FOR 16-FOOT-WIDE HOMES, OR

$32 PER SQUARE FOOT

7SUMMER 2010

MONUMENTTague Lumber

LANDMARK SPONSORSAdvanced Disposal Solutions

Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, PCKlehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers LLP

Philadelphia Gas WorksPhiladelphia Residential Development Corporation

PYRAMID SPONSORSAllied Construction Services II, Inc.

Blank Rome LLPCohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC

East River BankHaefele Flanagan & Company, PC

Do you want to be an Annual Sponsor? Each 12-monthsponsorship comes with comps to BIA events throughout the year.Call 215.BIA.PHIL (242.7445) or download a 2010 Sponsorship

form at www.biaofphiladelphia.com.

2010 Annual SponsorsOn April 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyannounced release of an amendment to the Lead:Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that removes the opt-out provision for pre-1978 homeswithout pregnantwomenor children under age six in residence. The amendment alsoinstructs contractors to provide a copy of the recordsrequired under the rule to be shared with home ownerswithin 30 days of completing the remodeling work.The amendment goes into force 60 days from its publica-

tion in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred.NAHB expects publication in the Federal Register sometimein the next few weeks, so the estimated effective date toremove the opt-out is the beginning of July. Once the exactdate is determined, NAHB will update its members.

Lead Paint Rule Opt-Out Revoked

Advertising in the“BIA VOICE” Makesthe Difference!Reach Your Target Market in theHomebuilding Industry

Creative Marketing and Public Relations for Businesses and Associations

For Advertising Information callBrendan Boroski, at 215.378.7807 oremail bboroski@verizon.net.

BridgeValleyGroup

8 SUMMER 2010

PBA Launches BuilderMarketplaceBuilders–are you looking for a way to get fast, competitivequotes on upcoming construction projects? Associates–areyou looking for a new and better way to reach out to PBAmembers to promote your goods and services?Visit PBA’s new Building Marketplace on the PBA

home page at www.PABuilders.org. This site connectsbuilders to premier partner and associate companiesoffering helpful products and services. Answer a fewsimple questions and PBA will take care of the rest.Builders can list their needs for upcoming projects andassociates can sign up for an opportunity to bid. Here’sa step by step guide:

- Go to: www.pabuilders.org- Under the “Members” heading (on the top left side,drag down to the “Premier Partners” option).

- Select the PBA Builders Marketplace Link (in green).- If you haven’t logged in yet, do so now. If you haveany log in questions or problems, email Laura Pyne atlpyne@pabulders.org. 800.692.7339- X 3011)

- The Marketplace form will load. Fill out the variousfields. Those marked with a red asterisk (*) arerequired. If you don’t have a real project but just wantto ‘test’ the site, go ahead and fill it out. We’ll respondby showing you what you’ve created on our end.

- If you have multiple projects, simply hold down the“CTRL” button and make multiple selections from thedrop down menus.

- Use the “List any Preferred Supplies,” and “AdditionalComments” fields to elaborate on your project.

- Please include the location of the project and thecontact person if it is not you.

- When you are finished, hit the submit button. Thiswill send the form to PBA.

- What will happen is this: If you’ve requested materialsor services, we will contact our Premier Partners firstwho can supply these materials and have them contactyou. If you have needs that are outside of what ourPremier Partners can supply, we’ll make contacts withour PBA Associate members in your area and let themknow about your needs. If you are a supplier of products and/or services, or a contractor who is a PBAMember, you can list your products or services thatyou would like others in your service area.

Good luck! Remember, members support members.

Carpenters Ad?

9SUMMER 2010

As a BIA member (and NAHB member) you can take advantage of MemberAdvantage, a program of special discounts offered by NAHB. Complete details

can be found at www.nahb.org/ma but highlights include offers from:

General Motors• $500 exclusive offer on most GM passenger cars, light-duty trucks,vans, SUVs. Includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, and GMC

Hewlett Packard• Discounts: on notebooks and scanners and more, plus freeground shipping.

• To place your order call 1.888.202.4488 and mention passcode “NAHB”

FedEx Advantage Program & YRC Transportation• Discounts on FedEx services and YRC (formerly Yellow & Roadway)for freight shipping.

• Visit www.1800members.com/nahb to start saving now.If you have additional questions, please call 1.800.MEMBERS(1.800.636.2377, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, M-F) to speak to a dedicatedmember representative.

Omaha Steaks• Save 10% off all online promotions. This discount is in addition toany online specials.

Office Depot• 10% off all delivery orders. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.• Call 800.274.2753 and be sure to mention your NAHB membership.

Wyndham Hotel Group & Endless Vacation Rentals• 20% off the best available rate at over 6,500 hotels, resorts, andover 60,000 rental properties worldwide. Mention ID 20090 attimeof reservation. 877.670.7088.

• 10% off Endless Vacation Rental properties in the US, Caribbean,Mexico and Canada. Including select US Disney properties.

FTD• 15% discount at www.ftd.com/nahb or call 800.SENDFTD and use code17421. Includes FTD bridal, Vera Wang & Todd Oldham Collections

Hertz• Up to 20% off on rental cars and FREE Gold Club membership. UseCDP# 51046

NAHB Career Center www.nahb.org/careers - Powered byConstructionjobs.com• 20% off of standard rates for job posting & 15% off other humanresources services

Your Membership IncludesDiscounts You Can Use Everyday

SUMMER 201010

JUNETuesday, June 8Phillies vs. Florida Marlins

Monday, June 14Government Affairs Meeting/Fix It Coalition11:30am - 1:00pmOne Logan Square(Marvin Cominsky Center at Blank Rome)

Wednesday, June 23Board of Directors Meeting11:30am - 1:00pm30 South 17th Street, 19th floor(Offices of Cohen Seglias)

JulyWednesday, July 28Board of Directors Meeting11:30am - 1:00pm30 South 17th Street, 19th floor(Offices of Cohen Seglias)

Joint Happy Hour with HBA TBA

SeptemberMonday, September 13Government Affairs Meeting/Fix It Coalition11:30am - 1:00pmOne Logan Square(Marvin Cominsky Center at Blank Rome)

Lunch & Learn TBD

Wednesday, September 15Housing Conference TBD

Wednesday, September 22Board of Directors Meeting11:30am - 1:00pm30 South 17th Street, 19th floor(Offices of Cohen Seglias)

OctoberTuesday, October 12Government Affairs Meeting/Fix It Coalition11:30am - 1:00pmOne Logan Square(Marvin Cominsky Center at Blank Rome)

Green Event TBD

Wednesday, October 27Board of Directors Meeting11:30am - 1:00pm30 South 17th Street, 19th floor(Offices of Cohen Seglias)

Happy Hour TBD

NovemberMonday, November 15Government Affairs Meeting/Fix It Coalition11:30am - 1:00pmOne Logan Square(Marvin Cominsky Center at Blank Rome)

Lunch & Learn TBD

SMC Social Media TBD

Wednesday, November 24Board of Directors Meeting11:30am - 1:00pm30 South 17th Street, 19th floor(Offices of Cohen Seglias)

DecemberWednesday, December 8Holiday Party TBD

Monday, December 13Government Affairs Meeting/Fix It Coalition11:30am - 1:00pmOne Logan Square(Marvin Cominsky Center at Blank Rome)

2010 BIACalendar ofEvents

11SUMMER 2010

The Official Newsletter of theBuilding Industry Association of Philadelphia

Reach the Movers and Shakers of Philadelphia’s HomeBuilding Industry With Your Advertising MessageBIA Voice will be mailed to members of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphiaincluding builders, subcontractors, real estate offices, government agencies, unions,financial institutions and others interested in what is happening in thePhiladelphia building community.

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1/4 Page 3-3/4'' w X 5'' h $435 $380

1/2 Page 7-1/2'' w X 5'' h $570 $530

Full Page Insert $650

For advertising information, contact Brendan Boroski,Bridge Valley Group, 215.378.7807 ore-mail: bboroski@verizon.net.

Advertising RatesOPEN RATE 4 ISSUES

(Each Insertion)DESIGNRATES

OPEN RATE 4 ISSUES(Each Insertion)

Three new BizTools business guides are available free toNAHB members through the NAHB Web site, and wewanted to make sure you’re aware of these handyresources. Created to help you manage your businessmore effectively and increase profits, the guidesoffer helpful tips on technology, business plan-ning, ensuring the financial health of your business, andmore. They are produced by the NAHB BusinessManagement and Information Technology Committeeand can be found in the business management resourcessection of our Web site. These three concise guides arewritten by experts in the field and can be downloaded atno charge at www.nahb.org/bbg. They include:

New Business GuidesFREE TO MEMBERS

• Business Management for Home Builders:Poising for Recovery as the Market Turns

• Financial Management for Home Builders:Measuring Key Metrics to Plan Your Path

• Information Technology for Home Builders:Using Technology to Better Market Your Business

12 SUMMER 2010

Julia Klein, CEO of C.H. Briggs Company, wasone of 70 business owners from across the coun-try invited to the White House February 17th forPresident Obama and Vice President Biden’sremarks on the importance of the stimulus pro-gram on our economy. This meeting marked thefirst anniversary of the passage of the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act.

Joshua C. Quinter, a principal of the law firm ofKaplin Stewart in Blue Bell, PA, spoke at the 41stAnnual Metal Building Contractors & ErectorsAssociation’s National Conference in San Antonio,Texas on February 27, 2010. Mr. Quinter’s presenta-tion entitled “Rules of Engagement: Constructing aSolid Legal Foundation in Tough Economic Times”focused on a variety of topics relating to ensuringpayment and how companies can negotiate a solidcontract to protect themselves from the inherentdangers in various contractual provisions, insuranceand indemnity issues, and workers’ compensationrules. He also covered lien and bond claims.

Ronald B. Glazer, a principal of Kaplin Stewartin Blue Bell, PA, has been selected Best Lawyer 2009by the MidAtlantic Real Estate Journal. Mr. Glazer’spractice covers the full real estate spectrum fromshopping centers, office buildings, loan work outs,portfolio transactions, common interest communi-ties, apartments, residential communities andmixed-use projects involving structuring of com-plex projects, acquisition, sale, financing, devel

Member News

C.H. Briggs Company introduces The BigGreen Book™, a new full-line catalog fea-turing 600 pages of innovative productsand services in hardware, board and sur-facing materials. Continuing a traditionthat goes back more than 40 years, theBig Green Book represents more than100 leading manufacturers of specialtybuilding materials. The new edition wasupdated to include: 4,000 more productsfrom leading vendors like KV, Rev-A-Shelf, Blanco, Grass, 3M and Panolam;expanded color decorative hardware sec-tion featuring larger photographs andfinish swatches; more technical specifica-tions; more eco-friendly products and agreen glossary.For more information or a copy of The

Big Green Book, visit the company’swebsite at www.chbriggs.com

You don’t want to miss the BIA’s summerevent at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday,June 8. We’ll start on the Scoreboard Porchat 5:30 p.m. with an hour and a half of net-working, food and drink. It’s a great van-tage point for batting practice, warm-upsand sprints. $99 member price includes thenetworking portion and your ticket for the7:05 game. You can download a flyer todayat ww.biaofphiladelphia.com/events. Seating islimited so don’t wait!

COMING UPPhillies vs. Marlins!

Spread the Word!We want the BIA of Philadelphia to grow and you can

help. If you know a builder, developer or someone in

the building industry who isn’t a BIA member – but

should be – please give us the lead. We’ll send the

company a membership application and if they join,

you’ll get credit.

Just send your lead to:

biamail@biaofphiladelphia.com or send your

prospect an application and we’ll do the rest.

13SUMMER 2010

The April 8 Green Tour was a big success. TheBIA’s second annual tour of green homesattracted over 50 attendees. A picture-perfectweather with temperatures near 90, and thepromise of happy hour at the end of the daymade ideal conditions. Thanks to sponsorWest Supply and the participating greenbuilders–Jim Maransky and The Ice House,Post Green and Green Revolution Realty

14 SUMMER 2010

When even the “buyers” aren’t buying in a “buyers’market” builders and developers can turn to a companylike Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company, tomove inventory. That’s a specialty BIA member BobDann, recently promoted to executive vice president ofMax Spann, has perfected during his career.Dann, who joined the company in 2004, was previously

business development executive and vice president ofoperations, where he oversaw and coordinated all aspectsof the auction marketing/campaign process and directedthe sales team personnel. His duties included managingthe inside sales staff, marketing and auction logistics.In his new role, Dann will also be responsible for

Business Development in Southeastern Pennsylvaniaand management of the growing auction team.“Since joining our company, Bob has been a major con-

tributor and an integral reason for its success,” said MaxSpann Sr., the chairman of Max Spann. “This promotionis in recognition of his central role within the Companyas well as his newly expanded position as an architect inhelping to map its future.”Dann has eight years of experience in construc-

tion/property management and 20 plus years experi-ence in marketing. He is a licensed Auctioneer and realestate salesperson in New Jersey, New York andPennsylvania and a member of the Hunterdon CountyRealtors Association.Dann has sold hundreds of properties at auction and

is a member of the board of trustees and Vice Presidentfor the New Jersey State Society of Auctioneers, a mem-ber of the National Auctioneers Association andPennsylvania Auctioneers Association, and anAccredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE). Dann hasalso advised dozens of trusts and banks on strategies forhandling their real estate assets.A graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College in Gwynedd

Valley, Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelors ofscience degree in business administration with a mar-keting concentration, Dann is an adjunct instructor forthe Pennsylvania Auctioneer Licensing Course atReading Area Community College.

He and his wife, Susan, life in Horsham.Max Spann is a national auctioneer of real estate,

including commercial, industrial, retail and special pur-pose properties, residential single family and multifam-ily- urban, suburban, luxury and resort properties andagricultural properties. In an exceptionally busy spring,the company scheduled seven auctions, in four stateswith a total of 156 properties from April 10-May 23 ofthis year.

Bob DannExecutive Vice PresidentMax Spann Real Estate & Auction Company

1325 Route 31 South, Annandale, NJ 08801Mail: P.O. Box 4992, Clinton, NJ 08809908.735.9191

www.maxspann.com.com

Member Spotlight

Please Visit...

The BIA is the leading associationpromoting residential developmentand construction in the city.

BIAofPhiladelphia .comfor more information and upcoming events!

15SUMMER 2010

What’s in it for Me: The Nuts and Bolts of DuesMembership committee members are often asked byprospects – “what do I get with a BIA membership?”Certainly there are tangible benefits like this newsletter.But there are a lot of behind-the-scenes benefits as well.In pure dollars and cents, a 12-month BIA member-

ship costs $615 for a builder/developer and $515 for anassociate (law firm, architectural firm, HVAC company,etc.). Of that annual amount, the BIA pays the compa-ny’s National Association of Home Builders membership($150/year) and Pennsylvania Builders Associationmembership ($145/year). The BIA as a local keeps only$320 and $220 respectively. And remember – the mem-bership is for the company, not an individuall. Soemployees who come to networking events pay themember rate.

A 12-month BIA membership includes:

• Membership in the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB) and advocacy on the national level• Membership in the Pennsylvania BuildersAssociation (PBA) and advocacy on the state level.Includes $20 contribution to The Industry ActionFund, used to fight statewide housing issues, mostcommonly in the courtroom. Industry Action Funddollars have been used to fight local fire sprinklersordinances, for example, and unfair environmentalregulations. • As an option, health care benefits and workerscomp at group rates are also available through thePBA • Advocacy in City Hall. The BIA engages a lobbyistto inform membership of building-related issues thatmay be raised by City Council.• An active Labor Committee which was successful innegotiating a rate favorable to BIA members with theCarpenters Regional Metropolitan Council• An active Government Affairs committee. Workingwith the When We Fix It Coalition, the BIA’s GAcommittee has been instrumental in commissioningstudies on the 10-Year Tax Abatement, InclusionaryZoning and most recently a cost comparison betweenmodular construction and stick building. Reports areposted on www.biaofphiladelphia.com• Special member rate on all BIA sponsored events.Member rate is available to all employees of membercompany who wish to attend.• Approximately 4 Lunch & Learn events. Lunch &Learn events are open only to BIA members and arefree.• BIA Holiday Party, free to members• Option to serve on BIA committees

• Four 16 to 20 page BIA Voice printed newsletters.Newsletter is sent to members only and select Cityagencies. Members are encouraged to submit newsreleases and photos for publication.• Discounted advertising rate in BIA Voice• 12 to 18 email newsletters a year and email blastson time-sensitive items like RFPs and City Councilhearings• Copy of Annual BIA Member Directory and listingin the directory• Option of serving on BIA Board of Directors.Nominations are solicited and voted on in the Fall ofeach year. Directors serve a two-year term.

16 SUMMER 2010

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDLANCASTER PA

PERMIT NO. 1898

Designed and Produced by Bridge Valley GroupP.O. Box 426 • Jamison, PA 18929215.378.7807 • fax: 215.343.6059

bboroski@verizon.net

2010 BIA Officers and Board of Directors

1735 Market Street, Suite 432A • Philadelphia, PA 19103

-7588

Members OnlyWelcome New Members.

OFFICERS

PresidentDavid Perlman, Philadelphia Residential Development Corporation

Vice PresidentJim Sherman, James G. Sherman Construction Consulting

SecretaryGrant Johnson, Capital Access Inc.

TreasurerJames A. Rogers, Haefele Flanagan

Immediate Past PresidentSam Sherman Jr., Sam Sherman Associates

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chuck Breder, Toll BrothersBarbara Capozzi, Capozzi Real Estate/InsuranceAnthony Casey, Bank of AmericaMario Civera Jerry Cotlov, East River BankCarl Dranoff, Dranoff PropertiesJim Fuller, The Hankin Group Kevin Gillen, EconsultJames Gleaton, Philadelphia Gas Works Jim Goldstein, Gateway FundingJack Graham, Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Greenhall & Furman, PCGerald Hamburg, Philadelphia Residential Development Corp.David Hyman, Kleinbard Bell & Brecker LLPRoland Kassis, Domani DevelopersMatt Koenig, JKR Partners LLCBob Rosenthal, Haywood CapitalJulie Welker, Coldwell Banker Welker Real Estate

ADVISORY AND EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Troy Adams, Redevelopment Authority, City of Philadelphia

Shawn Farrell, Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Greenhall & Furman, PC

Brian Flanagan, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, City of Philadelphia

Carl Primavera, Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers

PAST PRESIDENTS/LIFE DIRECTORS

Brett Altman, Allied Construction Services, II

Michael Colaizzo, Mitco Corporation

Eric Lintner, Dale Corporation

William Reddish, Gensis Group Ltd.

Lawrence Rust, Rust Real Estate

John Westrum, Westrum Development

Troy BausingerDomus, Inc.215.849.4444

Thomas BurnleyJack Burnley & Son610.948.4166

Mark CeloniPennoni Associates, Inc.215.222.3000

Mario CiveraCivera & Associates610.256.5096

Robert DannMax Spann Auction Company908.735.9191

Paul HorningClemens Construction Company215.567.5757

James MaranskyThe EnVision Group215.925.5559