CHBA-LR 2012-13 Board Nominations

2012-2013 Board of Directors Election
On December 7, 2011, the nominating committee presented the slate of nominees for the 2012-13 Board of Directors.  As per bylaws, in even numbered years the membership will elect two builder directors and three trades and supplier directors.  Ballots will be sent out electronically and tabulated by BDO Dunwoody.  Elected directors will be announced at the AGM and Economic Forecast on February 7, 2012.
The nominees for this year are (bios below):

Builder

Wes Carroll – Empire Homes (Lethbridge) Ltd.
Dell Mathews – Galko Master Builder
Scott Werenka – Greer Homes Ltd.

Trades and suppliers

Jeremy Gook – Anako Construction
Shauna Gruninger – Carefree Kitchens
Anita Hartman – EMCO
Scott Murakami – KB Heating

Wes Carroll – Empire Homes
Background:

• In real estate for 19 years
• Owned various businesses
• Knowledgeable in business, sales and marketing
• Owner of a Home Building business for 4 years

History in Industry:

• Builder for 4 years

Major Issues that Face Industry

• Willing to work with Board on any minor or major issues that affect the industry

Benefits of Membership in CHBA

• Working as a group instead of individually
• Parade of Homes
• Builders Council
• Access to Trades people

Skills to contribute

• Sales
• Marketing
• Team Player

Reason you are running for position on Board

• To be able to contribute to make CHBA stronger
• Promote the organization from within the membership

Changes for CHBA-LR

• Make it more beneficial for trades people to belong to CHBA
• Better communication the benefits of belonging to the Association

Dell Mathews – Galko Master Builder
I am currently employed as the Production Manager for Galko Homes, a position that I have been in for over four years.  I started with Galko Homes in September of 2002 as a field carpenter and was promoted to Site Supervisor in August of 2003.  In August of 2007, after four years as a Site Supervisor, I was promoted to Production Manager, overseeing the construction of as many as 120 homes per year.
I moved to Lethbridge in the summer of 2002, after spending seven years employed by a homebuilder in Manitoba, where I completed my carpentry apprenticeship and certified as an Interprovincial Journeyman Carpenter.  I have been in residential construction for my entire working career spanning 17 years with only two companies, but participated in my first home build at the age of 13 with my father.
As I approach my tenth anniversary with Galko Homes, I am excited to have the opportunity to participate in the Board of Directors for the CHBA-Lethbridge Region.  I believe I bring a wealth of experience in residential construction to the Board and the desire to help the Association grow in membership and expand its influence in the industry. 
Some of my qualifications and recognitions include:

• Interprovincial Journeyman Carpenter
• Certified Master Home Builder – PHBIA
• In progress - Certified Master Renovator – PHBIA (certification September 2012)
• Certified Safety Auditor – ACSA
• Past CHBA-Lethbridge representative – Alberta Housing Industry Technical Committee (3 years)
• Past Chair of CHBA-Technical Standards Committee
• Award of Honour – 2010 CHBA-Alberta Provincial Conference
• Provincial Apprenticeship Committee – application pending approval

I believe these qualifications will assist the Board in addressing some of the issues that face the homebuilding industry in Alberta, such as changes to the Fire Code, upcoming changes to the National and Provincial building codes, upcoming energy codes, and the improvement of professionalism amongst builders and contractors.
I look forward to a long-term working relationship with the Association and I appreciate the consideration for nomination.

Scott Werenka – Greer Home Builders
Scott Werenka is the Chief Operations Officer at Greer Home Builders and responsible for overseeing the construction side of the company.  He has extensive history within the residential construction industry due to his varied background. Scott has been a site assistant and framer prior to taking on his current position with Greer. Currently, Scott adds his expertise to the industry by serving on the Environmentally Sustainable Building Committee, as the chair of the Technical Standards Committee for CHBA-LR, and on the provincial AHTIC council.  He is committed to expanding his industry knowledge and has taken many courses with PHBIA including Moisture Control and Alberta Soils as he believes you need to keep learning. Recently Scott was chosen as the Volunteer of the Year for CHBA-LR proving his dedication to the industry and association by volunteering many hours to research issues from permit fees, lot grading, sprinklers, and more. He has a firm grasp on understanding major issues that face the industry which include; government regulation, changing building codes, the 10 minute response time and density. Scott can provide skills to the board of directors with his depth of technical knowledge and awareness of issues facing industry. His commitment to change and making the industry better is paramount and the driving reason for running for the Board of Directors. He would like to see the CHBA-LR continue to grow and have a louder voice when decisions are made that affect the industry.  Scott is also married to Renee and has two wonderful kids Kaylee and Emerson.  He loves to play hockey and spend time outdoors.  

Jeremy Gook – Anako Construction
I grew up in Quesnel, BC and later married my wife in Lethbridge, where I have lived since.  We have three children and are expecting our fourth in March.
I started working in the construction industry, doing landscaping.  I liked the industry right away and soon took a job as a carpenter’s assistant.  Before long, I started a framing company of my own and have been running Anako since 2011.  During 2004-2005, I worked with a partner to build over 20 homes in southern Alberta.  I have been fortunate to work with many local builders and trades throughout the past 10 years.
One of the current pressing issues in the industry has to do with safety standards. There is need for constant collaboration among the government and home building industry to maintain a high standard of both education and implementation of safety issues and policies.  Related to industry safety, is the concern of a possible declining skilled and educated labour force.  Not only is there a need for recruitment of young people into trades, but also a need for long-term retention of those individuals entering trade professions.  A properly educated, committed labour force will benefit the success of the industry and aid in maintaining safety standards.
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association provides an opportunity for members to create awareness about current issues facing the industry and establish means for change. The association allows for networking among local individuals, who contribute expertise and concern from various areas of the industry. I have over 10 years experience, particularly working among trades, and have seen growth, challenges and change in home building.  I have insight to offer because of both my direct experience and the relationships I have developed through this time.  I currently volunteer on the Technical Standards Committee, Government Relations Committee, and Safety Committee.  These committees allow me to further understand the industry as a whole.  My commitment was recognized with the Rookie of the Year volunteer award at the Bridge Builder Banquet.
I am dedicated to improving the quality and success of the home building industry.  A position on the Board would allow me a chance to be directly involved in the processes required to maintain what works and change what needs improvement.  I have seen the association improve in its ability to offer real value to its members and want to see that growth continue.  I would like to see increased awareness among the general public bout the association and its causes and benefits.

Shauna Gruninger – Carefree Kitchens
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to run as a candidate for a director of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association –Lethbridge Region.  I am excited about this opportunity of being able to contribute more to our community and in particular to the industry that I have been part of for the last five years.
I was raised in Lethbridge most of my life, I am a proud mother with three children and have a wonderful husband.  I currently sit on the Lethbridge Southwest Little League board as the Treasurer and I am a co-coach for indoor soccer.  I enjoy spending my time with my family, friends and growing as a professional.
Some issues that face our industry at this point in time are:
Local and international economy
Being more green
Building code changes (e.g. HIRF)
Safety, COR and SECOR
I have been employed with Carefree Kitchens & Lighting now for almost five years which was my ticket into this industry.  My management background from the hospitality world has contributed to my organizing, multi-tasking and financial strengths.  Skills that I can contribute to the board are my desire to find solutions to problems, being part of a team, financial strengths and of course just doing my best to always be the best person I can be.
I believe the benefits of having the CHBA being successful is they help other business grow and understand the industry.  Whether it is a small, medium, or large business, a builder, supplier or service, coming together to contribute to the big picture is how the CHBA has grown so successful over the years.  I currently sit on the Marketing Committee and have learned so much in the last couple of years.  It has enabled me to make better decisions with Carefree and working with different media’s and business.
In summary, I understand the importance of giving back and continuing to make our industry stronger for not only myself, but the next generations to come.

Anita Hartman – EMCO

Hello, my name is Anita Hartman; I am the Manager of  EMCO Corporation and The Ensuite Bath and Kitchen Showroom.  Since moving here in 2008, I have been very involved with the association and our local community.  I am currently a Director at Large for our board, as well as sit on the Government Relations Committee, and am involved on the New Homes Task Force.  Within Emco we are currently involved in 5 committees.
I believe that I bring a fresh outlook to our Association and have been very successful in recruiting new members and at the same time rejuvenating the value to our existing members.
As EMCO is a founding sponsor of Built Green™ and The Renomark™ Program.  We believe in growth and alignment with our association and Industry.
I feel involvement is the key to all success and I am prepared to invest the time needed to support our continued growth with a positive outlook for the future.
Thank you for your consideration.

Scott Murakami – KB Heating
I have been a resident of Lethbridge for over 40 years.  I’ve been involved in the construction industry for 30 of those years, the last 21 with KB Heating and Air Conditioning.  I earned my journeyman certificate as a Sheet Metal Worker in 1986 and have spent my entire career in the residential market.
I feel because of the scope of work I am involved with and my longevity in the trade I can offer a good insight as to the obstacles that many trades are faced with on a daily basis.  I am hoping to bring a strong trade representation to the CHBA team and through my good listening skills I can help in the betterment of the industry over the year and I would like to be part of making future changes.