January 2003 Newsletter

Next Meeting 

United We Rent
By Jim Fitz-Patrick

Our program this month, arranged by Program Chairman Larry Quigliano, will be presented by one of our newer members, United Rentals, located at 4811 Transit Road in Williamsville. Presenters will be Sales Manager Dave Myers and Material Manager Carl Capolupo. They will "show and tell" us everything about United Rentals including concrete supplies, wire mesh, re-bar, power tools, propane heaters and even items such as hard hats, work boots and protective gloves.

Reservations continue to be important to assure proper food and seating arrangements. The cost of our dinner will be $18.00 inclusive and the final date to reserve is Friday, January 3, 2003. Please make your reservations by calling Jim or Jenny at the Builders Office (283-0557) or fax us at 283-0733. Thank you.

The International Builders' Show

Anyone interested in blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and maybe a little building related business? There is still time to plan to attend the NAHB Builders Convention in Las Vegas from January 21st to January 24th, 2003. It will be necessary to register on site in Vegas and the cost has increased to $350 (from $300). However, the $100 special registration package is available to first time attendees. There are also 4 day exposition only ($150) and 2 day exposition packages ($100) available. These permit attendance to the exhibition area only where you will be able to view over 1000 of the newest products spread over 17 acres of the center. For further information please contact:

P.S. We just received information that Emmy Award winning talk show host, comedian, writer, director and Broadway actress Joan Rivers will be the special luncheon speaker on Wednesday, January 22 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Also "Three Dog Night" will be the entertainment at the Installation Ceremony on January 23rd at Caesar's Palace. Certainly sounds like a good time.

Election 2002

As many of you are aware, our elections were held in November at our regular monthly meeting held at John's Flaming Hearth. Elected were:

Elected to the Board of Directors for two (2) year terms ending December 31, 2004 were Thomas DiMatteo (GT Custom Built Homes, Inc.), Robert Minkiewicz (84 Lumber Co.), James Mordeno (Mordeno Construction Co. Inc.), and Catherine Wolf (National Fuel). These members will join Kenneth Bianci (Frontier Lumber), William Burg (Alside Supply), Gary Dimatteo (Rosal Construction) and Vince Ricotta (Anderson Windows) as the remainder of your Board of Directors. A special thank you is extended to Fred Caputi (Weatherpanel Inc.) who retired from your Board after serving as a Board member for 10 years.

Christmas Party

On December 11th we had our annual Christmas Party at the Como Restaurant on Pine Avenue. Stan and Lori Swogier did a fantastic job as Chair People for this gala affair. A new feature at the party was a basket auction for which Stan and Lori contacted many members and suppliers to obtain items to make up 60 outstanding baskets. The food was great as usual and the DJ's, Phenomenon Sound, were super - but loud. (Maybe I am just getting old). Once again we extend a great big "Thank You" to Lori and Stan for a spectacular evening.

We are pleased to advise that the winner of our membership attendance award at the November meeting was Stanley Swogier who received $50.00. Now Stan finally believes he actually has a number in the bag when the drawing is held.

In addition, Larry Quigliano was the winner of the 50/50 Build Pac Split and shared $80 with our Build Pac fund.

A few of the many benefits of belonging to the Builders Association include discounts from Pitney Bowes, Dell Computers, Airborne Express, Viking Office Products, Williams Scotsman, Hertz, as well as several nationwide Hotel Chains.

In addition, your membership in Niagara County Builders Association entitles you to be a member of the Oxy-Chem Niagara Federal Credit Union. At the credit union you will enjoy savings and checking accounts, IRAs, home equity loans, mortgages, student loans and low cost Master Charge to mention a few. For further information, contact the credit union office in Niagara Falls at 284-4110 (3619 Packard Road) or the branch in North Tonawanda in the Meadowbrook Square, 3571 Niagara Falls Blvd. (Phone 693-5140).

Atlantic Builders Convention

NYSBA has once again partnered with the other homebuilder associations in the Northeast to present the largest homebuilders show in the region, the Atlantic Builders Convention. Featuring over 500 exhibits, educational seminars and special events, the show will be held April 2-4 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

If you are interested in exhibiting in the event that draws more than 8000 building industry professionals, including builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors and consulting professionals from a six state region, please contact Beverly Lewinski at NYSBA, phone 518-465-2492.

IMPORTANT NOTICE to the Officers and Board Members:

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held prior to the general meeting on January 8th. It will begin at 5:30 pm and end at 6:45 pm to allow for a short break before the regular meeting begins.