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Here is the list of the top 50: http://www.pmpcertificationtraining.org/risk-management

Our builder clients always ask us about the difference between an employee and a subcontractor (AKA independent contractor) for purposes of Workers Compensation and tax withholding. There are a number of rules of thumb on this issue that have been circulating from IRS and Workers Compensation authorities. However, we just found a fantastic article on this topic that we wanted to share that provides more thorough advice on the topic. Read the article by clicking on the source link below.

 Source:  Independent Contractor or Employee, SC Lawyer Magazine  January 2010

• 41 percent of those who responded to a nationwide survey are anxious about crimes that they and/or their families will be exposed to based on the economy
• 40 percent are disturbed about domestic contractors’ dependability

• 45 percent intend to prolong home improvements such as additions or renovations
• 25 percent intend to cut back their spending on repairs and maintenance

As an agency that specializes in the insurance and business needs of the Residential Construction industry, I am asked almost daily by my insureds about WHY they should join their local Home Builders Association (HBA) – what are they getting for their money?   With the economy in it’s current state, this question has become more and more frequent.  All they see at first glance are the membership fee (which can range anywhere from $400 to $600 depending on the local association), monthly meetings and dinners.  While the monthly meetings and dinners focus on education and networking there is much, much more going on.

Activities in Congress, the federal agencies, the courts, and state and local governments affect the housing industry and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is actively involved on many fronts to make sure that housing remains a priority in the public policy arena.

Membership in your local HBA automatically makes you a member of the NAHB.  The NAHB has a professional staff of more than 300 in Washington, DC.  Its various divisions:

• Analyze policy issues
• Takes the industry’s story to the public through the media and other outlets
• Monitors and works toward improving the housing finance system
• Analyses and forecasts economic and consumer trends
• Educates, trains and disseminates information to members
• Represents the industry’s interests on Capital Hill
• Stives to ensure that housing remains a national priority when laws are made and policies are established
• Works with federal agencies on regulations affecting the housing industry in areas such as mortage finance, codes, energy and the environment
• Strives to shape decisions of the courts by becoming involved in litigation on land development, environmental and construction liability matters, such that laws and regulations may be interpreted favorably for the housing industry 

Being a member of the HBA shows that you are a professional who is committed to the building industry.

To learn more about the benefits of being a member:  http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=101

To find the HBAs in your area, go the the National Association’s website: http://www.nahb.org/local_association_search_form.aspx