George "Geep" Moore, Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR

Dear NAHB Remodeler,

It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your 2012 NAHB Remodelers chairman. The year is off to a great start with positive news about the remodeling industry’s recovery and strong attendance at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

I am well-supported by Vice Chair Bill Shaw from Houston, Texas., Second Vice Chair Paul Sullivan from Boston, Mass., and our current Past Chair Bob Peterson from Ft. Collins, Colo. They along with my immediate advisory council of Kurt Sloan from Reading, Pa., Mike Davis from Redmond, Ore., and Robert Criner from Yorktown, Va. will help me lead the Remodelers this year.

Increasing membership and mentorship efforts is at the top of my list this year. Our membership includes the top professional remodelers in the nation and it is my goal to help every member and local remodeler’s council maximize their membership resources.

This month at IBS, I talked with remodelers from across the nation. New faces and old friends all told the same story – they know all too well the reality of our industry in recent years but are optimistic about the future.

I believe this optimism is well placed with the right amount of caution. While interest rates are at an all-time low, tighter credit standards are preventing many families from moving and instead, they are choosing to remodel their current homes.

Recently, we saw the Remodeling Market Index for the last quarter of 2011 rise to the highest level in five years. An NAHB economist reported that 60% of every dollar spent in the residential housing industry is for remodeling, and that we will continue at this pace for some time to come.

Going forward we are still vigilantly watching the legislation and changes that are continually taking place with lead paint at the EPA and other regulatory matters such as OSHA. We will continue to stay on top of these issues and keep you up to date.

Your staff here at NAHB and NAHB Remodelers is constantly monitoring these and other issues that affect us and our businesses. As I have gotten to know these individuals who lobby and help us watchdog the issues, I am continually reminded of how blessed we are to have such passionate people on our team looking out for our interests.

I look forward to meeting you as I travel to local remodelers councils over the course of the year. Always feel free to contact me with any concerns you may have about our industry and suggestions about going forward at geep@shreve.net, 318-742-9474 (office), 318-455-8598 (cell), or visit next time you are in Louisiana. Here’s to a great year for NAHB Remodelers!

Thanks,

George “Geep” Moore, Jr.
GMB, CAPS, GMR
2012 NAHB Remodelers Chairman