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B U I L D I N G E L PA S O S F U T U R E S I N C E 19 4 6

BUILDERS

ASSOCIATION

EL PASO

OF

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org

Builders

utlook

2012/11

Sun power increased at EPAB

Its been over a year since the El Paso Association of Builders first plugged into the Sun, as the association turned the power of the sun into energy for the association office building. Border Solar, owned by Javier Ruiz, installed a 2.5 kilowatt system on to display the use of solar panels in commercial buildings. Border Solar had the opportunity to provide more than 4 additional kilowatt photo voltaic panels this November. It was time to be able to add some more panels and give the association more savings, said Mr. Ruiz. The board of Directors commended Ruiz for his gift and President Frank Arroyos took possession for the Association. Javier has been very generous with his gift to us allowing the Association to benefit from the abundance of solar power available in El Paso, Arroyos said. Our thanks to Border Solar for the work and for providing a gift that will be giving for decades to come, he said. The panels were just part of the work necessary to get the system up and running. We needed to design the system to what we already had there, and then implement the actual hookup in a way that would minimize the disruption to the office, Ruiz said. It was painless for us, said Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President of the EPAB. Border Solar took only a few days to complete the job, turn it over to us, and make sure the El Paso Electric Company connections were all done, Ray continued. Solar energy is considered the prime alternative energy source in the sunny region of El Paso. No doubt we have the sunshine, so why not use it, asked Ruiz. The El Paso Association of Builders learned that solar energy will first be used by the building, supplementing the electric grid provided by El Paso Electric. When working as designed the sun will provide the first line of energy to the building, then whatever is not used goes back to the grid. Texas still has a little more work to do before the power generated is treated just like any other power generation done by mainstream providers, according to Ruiz. Meanwhile the gift that he provided the association will be clean and welcomed. I appreciate Javier doing this for us because of the savings we hope for will lower our overall operations cost, said Adauto

City Hall to relocate, easy transition not expected

By Ray Adauto, EPAB

he vote was in and now the hard part begins. It is especially true for the employees of the City of El Paso who have made City Hall their home over the last thirty years. The complex located downtown is to become the new location for the new Triple A baseball franchise and so come sometime in the next four months one of the biggest implosions ever undertaken in El Pasos history. When the city hall complex comes down the employees and offices that have been housed there will be scattered literally around downtown. For people doing business with the city it will also require patience and fortitude. City hall houses about 600 employees and both the city managers office as well as offices for elected representatives including the Mayor. Moving one department isnt an easy task but having to relocate so many departments will be a challenge, no matter the planning. John Dorney, of Dorney Security and a member of the El Paso Association of Builders has years of experience moving and relocating soldiers and others for the U.S. Army. It is difficult to plan such a move and it will require some maneuvering and some luck in order to meet the timelines they are talking about, he said. I have moved soldiers across the street and across the globe, and any time you have to execute a critical move like this requires skill and

timing, Dorney told the Outlook. One of the most critical issues is where different departments will be housed. Recently City council bought the building that houses the El Paso Times. This is where it appears that the City Manager, Council and Mayor will be moving to. As part of that move planning for city council meetings and regular meeting space will have to be designed, built and open for business rather quickly. City Manager Joyce Wilson has been leading the efforts towards the move, and thinks she has it down if things work out right. We have had to plan this move while making sure city business continues, but I have faith in the employees and staff that we will meet our deadlines and have a smooth transition, Ms. Wilson said. The critical timing of the move is required in order to meet commitments to Major League Baseball for opening the ball park in 2014. Site inspection, remediation, and demolition are one aspect, while the others is where to put all 600 employees and the departments they work in. One employee, on the condition of anonymity told the Outlook that this move is complicated and a little disorganized. My fear is that we box everything up, load up and then have nowhere to land, the city employee said. I can tell you that just moving from one floor to another in the building is hardly a cakewalk, but this is something at a whole other level. Those fears and others have been part of the concern voiced by opponents of the city hall

demolition and move. Former mayor Ray Salazar was in office when city hall was built and took the current administration to federal court seeking a stay on the demolition until a vote took place. This building is only 30 years old and is in good condition, Salazar told a television audience on KVIA TVs Extra. His position was also endorsed by others including attorney Stephanie Townsend Allala, a local lawyer heading up a different anti-ballpark group. She has been quoted as saying "Given the past indictments and convictions for corruption, I think that our city leaders should be bending over backwards, Allala said, to let the public know that the era of backdoor deals is ended. While there has been no investigation into those allegations the move to demolish the building and build a ball park still hasnt seen the end. Whether or not protestors continue to try to stop it city hall employees will be relocated. As of this report the only sure indication is that the city has agreed to purchase the El Paso Times building and another building nearby that will require extensive remodelling. Where will the builders and developers get permits and submit plans? Frankly we dont know because the staff hasnt been told either. With everyday problems already a reality in any business, having to adjust to a city hall move adds some frustration and concern. When this move is made then not only will the employees have to adjust so will the industry and the public.

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Presidents Message |
Frank Arroyos
President, El Paso Association of Builders

ElPasoDisposal

772-7495

We are winding our way toward the cooler days of fall. We have so much to be thankful for this year in looking at our market. But now what? Where do we so from here? I am talking about peering over the edge of this so-called Fiscal Cliff? There are three scenarios that could be. The first scenario would be that Congress cannot agree on anything and there are no changes to current law. This is the worst case scenario i.e. taxes increase dramatically, new round of layoffs and higher unemployment. Congress would be stupid to allow this to happen. Scenario number two would be best case. In this case, Congress would adopt the grand bargain to lower marginal tax rates for individuals and businesses and at the same time get rid of tax expenditures. This would establish long term tax policies that would remove the huge cloud of uncertainty for employers and investors. The third scenario would be to do what Congress does best, which is kick the can down the road again for another six months. So what happens then? Businesses and investors will have to endure at least another six months of not knowing how to plan and invest their money. Economic growth will continue at a lethargic pace weve seen for the past two years. Jobs will be created, but at a slow pace. Over-all whatever scenario is played out again lets be thankful for the planning and foresight of the founders of our Constitution to create a political environment that would support freedom and opportunity!

Showroom: 2131 Missouri

915 533 6045 fax 533 6096

Thomas R. Brown, Owner

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Perspective |

Builders Outlook

2012/11

Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB

Election shows Texas is Red, El Paso Blue.again

hard liberal candidates that are so far left of the rest of Texas that they become somewhat ineffective when talking with or to Texas politicians. When two of our state legislators, Naomi Gonzalez and Marisa Marquez broke party ranks and supported Republican Dee Margo the local Democrat Party announced in a public outcry that these two legislators were to be charged with treason to the party. Really? Is the fact that these two highly intelligent, El Paso loving, good legislators were cast aside because of support for a fellow legislator who they said worked well with them? I have a hard time understanding that position, it just doesnt make sense to me. I know Democrat Chair Rick Melendrez. I used to give him a ride to Cathedral High where he was an underclassman and I was a senior. Rick is a good guy, but I think the pressure from some hardnosed ultra-liberal yellow dog democrats couldnt understand them coming out publically to support Dee. In my opinion I think this hurt the Demos more than it ever will Naomi and Marisa. I think these two El

Politics, especially Texas politics, generally has a conservative slant as for decades the Texas east of El Paso traditionally votes conservatively Republican or conservative Democrat. Anyone who has had a chance to visit the Capitol during session sees the results of such votes as the legislature and Senate go about State business. The way El Paso vote is strong Democrat, more aligned if you would with New Mexico rather than Texas. Candidates who would like to pronounce their conservative political background are forced to become liberal Democrats in order to get elected in El Paso. Even some of the most public of elected officials know the game that has to be played in order to get elected here. Business people also play the game by supporting candidates simply because not doing so would be used against them someday, somewhere. I know that by printing this some of my most conservative friends will admit to themselves that this is true in El Paso, and elsewhere. The election showed that El Paso seems to pride itself in electing die

Pasoans saw that in order to get something done in the legislature you have to be united and at the time Dee was part of the team. I know Joe Moody and he too is a good guy. He represents El Paso well and will do so again. I dont think he will do anything to hurt the relationships with Marissa and Naomi, but the election endorsement for his opponent may take a while to heal. It must heal and quickly if our delegation wants to continue working for the overall good of the community. Joe knows this and I know itll be ok in Austin. What I hope is that those of you who vote party rather than person realize that sometimes there are more important issues than party affiliation. Sometimes you dont get the best

because of the blindness of a straight ticket vote. In El Paso thats reserved for the Democrats. In the rest of Texas the same holds true for the Republicans. Next February you will have the opportunity to join us as we travel to Austin and meet with our delegation. Its at that time, Rally Day, that you and we will make a case for our industry. Its a vital part of your reason for being a member and one that I hope you will join in. Our delegation is willing to hear us. Its your obligation to give them something to hear. Political affiliation aside, politics is a vital part of why we exist. Lets send that message not just at the ballot box but in person.

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Builders Outlook

Election Re-cap
It was Moody vs. Margo, Part Three, in El Paso's HD
by Julin Aguilar The Texas Tribune, 2012 Buoyed by the support of two Democratic members of the El Paso delegation, incumbent state Rep. Dee Margo, R-El Paso, seems to have the wind at his back leading up to next month's general election. Margo, 60, the CEO of an insurance sales company, says the support from Reps. Naomi Gonzalez and Marisa Marquez, who represent House districts 76 and 77, respectively, indicate the delegation is not made up of drama queens but rather a unit that can do whats the best for the district. I just think it speaks volumes about bipartisanship, which is what people talk about they want to see evidence of, and I think our delegation works well together on behalf of El Paso, Margo said. It was Margos third HD-78 bout against attorney Joe Moody, a Democrat who defeated Margo in 2008 by 3,200 votes. Moody then lost to his former challenger in 2010 by about 1,400 votes. This time, the endorsements and straight-ticket voting in a presidential election year painted this rematch as too close to call weeks away from the Nov. 6 election. Moody wasnt sure what prompted the Margo support from his fellow Democrats, but he said thats the nature of politics and that he remains undeterred. recently that the support wasnt a nod in favor of the Republican Party or its platform, but as recognition that Margo is an important part of the delegation. Moody aimed to remind voters of the GOP's budget cuts for public and higher education, which he said have resulted in hundreds of fewer teachers in El Paso County and millions in losses for the University of Texas at El Paso. Closing the achievement gap in schools and building higher education into something that is great is something that is great for our community and something that we should focus on, not tearing it down, he said. And Dee was the sole vote for that [budget]. Every member of this delegation voted against that, and thats why I think there are two very clear choices in this election. Like several Republican candidates defending the states budget cuts, Margo, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said his party and the budget writers were merely playing the cards they were dealt. We dealt with the revenue numbers that we were given. Remember 95 percent of our budget goes to Medicaid, education and our criminal justice system. There isnt a whole lot of room, he said, adding that the only option would be to raise taxes. And my question to Mr. Moody would be, Okay, tell me where you want to raise taxes? And what is your priority, education or Medicaid? Margo said his conservative voice wouldve been a welcome return to El Pasos six-person delegation, which also includes veteran lawmaker Joe Pickett, from HD-79, incoming member Mary Gonzalez from HD-75 and state Sen. Jos Rodrguez, all of whom are Democrats.

He appreciates the support he gets, and I appreciate the support I get, Moody said. But endorsements are very rarely what elections are about, and I am focused on talking about where this community needs to go, and really the damage that was done by this Legislature. Marquez told the El Paso Times

We have a red state with red houses of government [so] it helps from El Pasos standpoint, irrespective of the desire to remain blue from the Democratic partisan side, he said. It certainly does not hurt to have one member of the delegation represent the other majority party as we work through issues related to El Paso. Margo also recently earned the support from the Texas Association of Realtors, was recognized by the Texas Border Prosecution Unit and was endorsed by Attorney General Greg Abbott. Moodys support includes some local star power in the form of El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, District Attorney Jaime Esparza and Sheriff Richard Wiles. Wiles specifically cited Moodys support for local law enforcements ability to fight cartels and transnational gangs, something Moody said is indicative of his own ability to work with Republicans. He cites his work with state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, on HB 2086, passed in 2009, which strengthened punishment for criminals involved in various gang activities. I dont think there is anything about my record that shows that I havent been able to work well with people and get things done, Moody said. And that was a major piece of legislation that wasnt a local bill;

that was something that impacted the entire state. The most recent campaign finance reports, filed in June, showed Margo with a steady advantage over Moody, with about $71,000 raised, $97,600 spent and $41,700 maintained since January. He also had about $126,000 in loan balances. During that same time period, Moody raised about $26,000, spent $10,100 and had about $27,300 maintained. Updated reports are due next week. Moody and Margo downplay the potential of straight-ticket voters to affect the race, but historical patterns in El Paso County reflect Democrats' strong edge in that category. In 2010, about 31,000 Democrats voted straight ticket, compared with about 15,500 Republicans. In 2008, the last presidential year, the Democrats had more than three times the number of straight-ticket ballots cast, with about 76,700 to the GOPs 23,600. Asked if he was concerned about a repeat from 2008, when support for Barack Obama in El Paso helped propel Moody to victory, Margo said that year was an anomaly. I dont hear a lot of enthusiastic response this year, he said, about local support for the president.

Builders Outlook

2012/11

Remodeling Market Index Climbs Five Points, Returns to 2005 Levels

The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) climbed to 50 in the third quarter of 2012, up from 45 in the previous quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The RMI is at its highest point since the third quarter of 2005, tracking the positive trends recently seen in the rest of the housing sector. The RMI component measuring current market conditions rose to 52 from 46 in the previous quarter, while the component measuring future indicators increased to 49 from 44. An RMI above 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is higher (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is lower. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity. The strength of the RMI, especially in owner-occupied properties, shows that home owners are investing in remodels as home prices stabilize, said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George Geep Moore Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR, a remodeler from Elm Grove, La. As owners become more confident that investments in housing will hold their value, they are beginning to undertake projects to improve their comfort that they had been putting off. All three indicators of current market conditions improved: maintenance and repairs rose to 56 (from 50), minor additions and alterations to 51 (from 47) and major additions and alterations to 49 (from 42). Current market conditions improved or held steady in all four regions in the third quarter of 2012. Current remodeling activity was particularly strong in owner-occupied housing; the sub-components of the current conditions index for owner-occupied housing were all well over 50, ranging between 55 and 60. Future market indicators in every region but the Northeast experienced gains from the previous quarter: Northeast, 38 (from 41); Midwest, 50 (from 46); South, 52 (from 46); and West, 52 (from 42). All indicators of future market conditions rose: calls for bids, 48 (from 44); amount of work committed for next three months, 46 (from 43); backlog of remodeling jobs, 50 (from 46); and appointments for proposals, 51 (from 43). The improvement in the RMI provides more evidence that the remodeling industry is making the orderly recovery from its low point in 2009 as weve been expecting, said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. Although remodeling projects over $25,000 are now showing some signs of strength, they are still lagging behind smaller property alterations and maintenance and repair jobs. The recovery of the remodeling market in general, and large projects in particular, continues to be constrained by factors such as tight credit and problematic appraisals.

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Builders Outlook

7
unfortunately lost and new construction is delayed so housing stock isnt growing as fast as the population, says Jed Kolko, chief economist of Trulia.com. However, more drastic storms in areas more commonly associated with, say, flooding like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans can have the opposite effect, pushing prices down in the long term as residents relocate to new areas altogether. Hurricane Sandy will affect residential construction, which has modestly rebounded this year, in two ways. Remodeling activity will jump, as homeowners who sustained damage to their properties, particularly primary residences, hire contractors to make immediate fixes. Its bad news for homeowners, but its certainly an opportunity for workers who have survived a very down housing market to get back to work, says Robert Denk, an assistant vice president of economics for the National Association of Home Builders. He notes that this dynamic played out after Hurricane Irene as well. In the short-term the storm will stifle new housing starts. This will in part be due to seasonality, since new homebuilding tends to pause in the winter months in the Northeast, and in part be due to the fact that many of decimated coastal properties in places like the Jersey Shore tend to be vacation homes and as such, will not likely be considered immediate priorities in terms of repair. New home starts, like sales, will likely rebound in early spring to levels slightly higher than before the storm as owners start to finally rebuild those properties. A subsection of the housing market now riddled with post-Sandy questions is distressed real estate. On Wednesday RealtyTrac reported that nearly 25,000 distressed properties valued at an estimated $7 billion sit in counties declared disaster areas. Daren Blomquist, a vice president at RealtyTrac, says the number is actually higher, though the California-based foreclosure site has yet to finalize and upwardly revised count. I think there is potential for people in the foreclosure process to now have less incentive to fight foreclosure on a home if it has been damaged, says Blomquist. In other words, some distressed homeowners may simply walk away from their preforeclosures altogether rather than try and work out a short sale or other such deal. With bankowned homes, the question that arises is whether lenders will choose to pour money into renovations for damaged properties, especially since those REOs already represent non-performing assets. New Jersey and New York have two of the slowest judicial foreclosure processes in the country. New Jersey has experienced 100%-plus increases in foreclosure activity this year, according to RealtyTrac, as lenders finally began processing foreclosures stalled by 2010s robo-signing scandal. New York state has seen similar activity increases this year. RealtyTrac expects Sandys impact will cause a temporary pullback in the number of foreclosure documents filed in both of these states. This storm could slow down the foreclosure process and therefore the housing recovery, warns Blomquist. It will certainly slow down the pace at which the market will absorb these properties.

OURNATION Damages from Sandy could total $50 Billion

Morgan Brennan, Forbes Staff

Hurricane Sandy pummeled the East Coast in November, leaving a trail of devastating destruction in its wake. Damages could run as high as $50 billion, according to Eqecat, and hundreds of thousands of homeowners are expected to file claims for flood and wind damage, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Roughly $88 billion worth of homes across eight states were put at risk by the storms surge, according to Corelogic. Hurricane Sandys immediate impact on real estate in the hardest hit Northeastern neighborhoods is already painfully evident, from New Jersey shore houses completely swept away by the sea to entire neighborhoods like Queens Breezy Point tragically leveled to the ground. But this latest natural disaster wont just affect certain ZIP codes, it will weigh on Americas

housing market as a whole. In many parts of the country housing has welcomed a nascent recovery. Nationally, home sales have been notably higher this year as compared to last. In September, existing home sales were up 11% year-over-year and pending sales up 14.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Prices have risen too, with the national median sales price $183,900, or about 11% higher than September of 2011. Inventory has fallen drastically in many parts of the country, fueling the uptick in prices. The rising numbers have helped housing become a bright spot in recent economic reports, with analysts projecting that residential investment will positively contribute to gross domestic product this year for the first time since 2005. Now that rosy recovery will dampen. This will certainly create a negative in the short term, says Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors. The bottom line is we clearly anticipate a slowdown, but it will be temporary. Move up http://i.forbesimg.com tMove down Along the East Coast, expect home sales to trend downward in coming

months, as sellers take their damaged digs off the market and buyers hold off on purchases. Pending sales will be delayed or in some cases collapse altogether as lenders insist upon new appraisals in areas battered by Sandy. Yun expects the regional drop in activity to log a notable, measurable impact large enough to pull the national sales statistics down for November onward. Home sales typically begin to slow due to seasonality at this time of the year; the storms lingering effects will ensure that slowdown manifests more dramatically. Even so, that short term pain may actually evolve into a market boost fourto-six months from now. With past natural disasters, home sales pause but what generally happens is in later months, as insurance money begins to flow in, the housing market gets elevated to higher levels than before the storm, explains Yun. Interestingly, data tied to comparable natural disasters suggest that home prices tend to be inversely affected. With inventory levels reduced, demand tends to outweigh the supply, causing prices to inch up. Home prices tend to rise after hurricanes and other natural disasters because some homes are

Builders

utlook on the scene |

Pro Am brings out club pros and locals

The annual EPAB Fall Professional Golf tournament featured pros from the Sun Country PGA playing with amateurs at Painted Dunes. The one day 18 hole tournament pitted 25 teams against each other in a pro format where everyone played their own ball to completion. Unlike traditional best ball where everyone tees off, then uses the best positioned ball each of the next hits, the pro format called for more precision and ability. The fields quickly filled up with golfers who play a little better than average and love the challenge of this type of game. The EPAB also featured two gourmet food trucks for the players to grab and go. This was the first time these units had been used at a tournament at Painted Dunes according to the staff. It was a great time for all of us, and we certainly enjoyed the food, the prizes and especially the golf, said Greg Bowling who headed up one Tropicana Team. The team of pro David Muttitt and amateurs John Chaney, Mike Broussard and, Dan Paulson took first place, while pro Bill Harvey and amateurs Brad Lane, Victor Mendez, and Jorge Fernandez came in second. In 3rd place was the team of pro Steve Manning with John Reich, Todd Caldwell and Ray Adauto. Charlie Tellez and Jorge Fernandez won closet to the pins. No one scored a hole in one, valued at $10,000 cash.

View more photos on our facebook page: elpasobuildersassociation

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Pace of NewHome Sales Virtually Unchanged in October
Sales of newly built, single-family homes in October held virtually unchanged from a downwardly revised pace in the previous month, at a seasonally adjusted, annual rate of 368,000 units, according to figures released by HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau today. New-home sales have been occurring at a fairly steady pace since this summer, with October sales running about 17 percent ahead of the pace set at the same time last year, noted Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. While this is encouraging, housings recovery is being significantly constrained by overly tight mortgage lending conditions at this time, and policymaker discussions about changes to the mortgage interest deduction could cast a shadow on future housing demand. After steady improvement in home sales through most of this year, the pace of that activity effectively leveled off over the four months from July to October, added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. The latest numbers are right in line with our forecast, which projects that sales will resume a slow, upward trajectory going forward and will end 2012 about 20 percent ahead of 2011. Regionally, new-home sales numbers were mixed in October. The Midwest posted a 62.2 percent gain following a big dip in the previous month, and the West posted a solid 8.8 percent increase. Meanwhile, the South and Northeast posted declines of 11.6 percent and 32.3 percent, respectively the latter of which was likely impacted by storm preparations at the end of the month. The inventory of new homes for sale rose marginally to a still-slim 147,000 units in October, which is a 4.8-month supply at the current sales pace.

Builders Outlook

2012/11

Jaimes
Courier Service,Inc.
915-549-4533 or 915-478-2404
Bonded, insured for your peace of mind.

2012/11

Builders Outlook

11

Product News
From high-tech BIPV to smarter plugs for the home, we found lots of great new products at Greenbuild this year
Health Product Declaration One of the most exciting developments rolled out at this years Greenbuild is not really a product: the introduction of the Health Product Declaration, an open standard used to promote the transparent disclosure of product ingredients and their health impacts. Many companies have already signed on to supporting this important initiative, and many had booths at Greenbuild, including ASSA ABLOY, Interface, Prososco, Crossville, InPro, Stego, and Teknion. BIPV windows from Tropiglas Tropiglas was displaying its buildingintegrated photovoltaic (BIPV) window technology, which uses a polymer layer sandwiched between two panes of glass. When sunlight passes through the first pane, it is captured by the inner layer and directed to the edge of the glass (similar to how optical fibers work), where standard monocrystalline PV cells convert the light to electricity. The glass is free of visible cells, unlike most current BIPV glazing options, whose cells block part of the view. But the efficiency is only around 4% (35 watts/m2, 80% transparency, 90% IR blocking, SHGC< 0.41). The company claims the manufacturing process is similar to that of low-e coatings, so it shouldnt cost much more to manufacture, but of course, you still have to contend with the other PV components and wiring. Tropiglas is still looking for glazing partners but expects to have product on the market in 2013. Energy enhancements for SafePlug products SafePlug products protect occupants (particularly children) against electrocution and monitor plugs against overloads or discrepancies in the electrical flow that could lead to fires or damage electrical equipment. The companys products can now also increase energy efficiency: they control plug loads so that phantom loads are eliminated and occupants can monitor and turn off appliances. The SafePlug Energy Manager installs over standard outlets and comes with an Energy Server and Energy Manager Outlets. The outlet and server do not require an Internet connection for communication, but the server can be connected to Ethernet or Wi-Fi for remote monitoring. Aquatec water submetering The Aquatec submeter from the German company Sika can be attached directly to a shower, urinal, or other fixtures to track and display water usage data. That information can then be downloaded via optical sensor or sent wirelessly and accessed remotely via any Internet-

connected device. Aquatex is available in white or clear, so you can see the inner machinations, and in a split version, where the mechanism and display are separate for easier installation and viewing. Climate Wizard evaporative air conditioner Climate Wizard from the Australian company Seeley International and distributed in the U.S. by L&H Airco, is a refrigerant-free indirect evaporative air conditioner similar to the Coolerado. The Climate Wizard uses fans with energy-efficient electronically commutated motors (ECM) to move air through a heat exchanger that contains both wet and dry channels. Climate Wizard is a refrigerant-free evaporative air conditioner that provides cool, dry, fresh air along with energy savings. Photo Credit: Seeley International Heat is transferred across the membrane from the dry to the moist channel, where it is vented into the atmosphere. The cool, dry, fresh air then passes into the building to provide cooling. Climate Wizard uses 6.6 gallons of water an hour for the 10 kW model (about 2.8 tons cooling); a 15 kW (4.3 tons) version is also available. Climate Wizard is used primarily in commercial applications, but a residential unit is undergoing testing.

Affordable remote-control shades from Lutron Lutron rolled out a couple of new products at Greenbuild, including its Sensor Layout and Tuning Service for fine tuning the performance of occupancy and daylight sensors so they work as advertised; and a KOOLBLACK rollershade material that reduces solar heat gain to the level usually only attainable with light-colored fabrics. But the product that caught my eye was the companys battery-powered, motorized Serena Remote Controlled Shades. Though not new (they were introduced at the end of 2011), these residential cellular shades are easy to install by a homeowner and can be operated via either infrared (IR) or radiofrequency (RF) controls. They can even be integrated with other lighting controls. A more sophisticated control system is available in the companys Sivoia line. These shades are powered by four standard D batteries, which should last three years, according to the company, because of its unique power management technology. Several material and color options are available, including double-cell and room darkening versions that have R-values of 3.6 and 4.3, respectively. Starting at less than $280, they seem like a bargain in the remote-controlled shade industry.

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Builders Outlook

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BUILDERS Membership News

years

ASSoCIATIon

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Civil Engineer
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Associates Council

Builders Outlook

2012/11

Sam Shallenberger
Western Wholesale Supply

Nothing is better for the soul than a great round of golf with great people playing with you. I have had the luxury of playing some of the finest golf courses in the country, but nothing is better than having your friend partner with you for that golf game. Fortunately I have some of my best friends right here in El Paso, and like others they enjoy the game as much or more than I do. Good for me they also play better than myself, so it takes the sting out from maybe a miss or two on my part. The Association held our Pro Am tournament this year with talent from

around our area, choosing to partner up with the club pros from Sun Country Professional Golfers Association. These pros come from New Mexico and West Texas and what a great group they are. The hosting club, Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, was ready for the teams and head pro Mark Gonzalez did an excellent job as always. His partner in crime Anthony Bellow ran the tournament with skill. We had two great food trucks serving the lunch and frankly that was a big hit. Our many golfers had a great time and we enjoyed making sure they did. My thanks to Ray for his help and to

Margaret for her help in keeping things in order. I am very much looking forward to the installation dinner and hope to see a lot of you there. Nothing matches the fun of seeing old friends at the installation, but Id like to see some new faces as well. Im looking forward to serving in Edmundo Denas administration as Associates Chair. This is supposed to be my last year, so if you have a desire to help me with this year Id much appreciate it. Associates make things happen, plain and simple.

Builders
EL PASO
years

utlook
OF

B U I L D I N G E L PA S O S F U T U R E S I N C E 19 4 6

BUILDERS

ASSOCIATION

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org
6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905 915-778-5387 Fax: 915-772-3038
I execuTive oFFicerS Frank Arroyos - President Cisco Homes edmundo Dena - vice President Accent Homes Frank Torres - Secretary/Treasurer GMF Custom Homes Sam Shallenberger - Associates council Western Wholesale Supply Greg Bowling - immediate Past President Tropicana Homes ray Adauto - executive vice President El Paso Association of Builders I TABSTATe DirecTorS Doug Borrett, Karam Co., Life Director Randy Bowling, Tropicana Homes I NATioNAL DirecTorS Bobby Bowling IV. Demetrio Jimenez

NATioNAL ASSociATioN oF Home BuiLDerS (800) 368-5242 TexAS ASSociATioN oF

I couNciL/commiTTeecHAirS Affordable Builders council Bobby Bowling IV Associates council Sam Shallenberger Build PAc Randy Bowling Desert Green Building council Javier Ruiz industry Promotions Greg Bowling Land use council Vacant Young Designer Award John Chaney remodelers council Rudy Guel membership Drive Mike Santamaria Finance committee Kathy Carrillo education committee Frank Spencer I ADviSorYToTHeBoArD J. Crawford Kerr, Attorney, Firth, Johnston & Martinez I BoArDoFDirecTorS Joe Bernal, Joe Bernal Insurance Doug Borrett, Karam Co. Kathy Carrillo, Pioneer Bank John Chaney, Passage Supply Sergio Cuartas, BIC Homes Ted Escobedo,Snappy Publishing Art Garcia, El Paso Door Juanita Garcia, ICON Custom Home Builders,LLC Samira Gonzalez, Edwards Homes Lorraine Huit, Cardel Design Group Walter Lujan, Dawco Home Builders Sal Masoud, Del Rio Engineering Bruce Meyer, JDW Insurance Edgar Montiel, Palo Verde Homes Kathy Parry, Hunt Communities Javier Ruiz, Senercon & Border Solar Frank Spencer, Aztec Contractors Henry Tinajero, WestStar Bank Linda Troncoso, TRE & Associates Ken Wade, El Paso Building Materials Paul Zacour, Zacour & Associates

BuiLDerS (800)252-3625

2011 Builder member of The Year Greg Bowling Tropicana Homes 20110 Pat cox Award Kathy Parry Hunt Communities 2011 Associate of The Year Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply John Schatzman Award Bob Bowling III Tropicana Homes ePAB SpecialAward Rudy Guel Guel Construction

Honorary Life members Brad Roe Cliff Anthes Wayne Grinnell Chester Lovelady Don Henderson Anna Gil

Past Presidents committed to Serve Kelly Sorenson Mark Dyer Mike Santamaria John Cullers Randy Bowling Doug Schwartz Robert Baeza Bobby Bowling, IV Rudy Guel Anna Gil Bradley Roe Bob Bowling, III E. H. Baeza Hershel Stringfield

ePAB mission Statement: The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated professional organization representing the home building industry, committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community by providing affordable homes of excellence and value. The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6) trade organization. 2012 Builders Outlook is published and distributed for the El Paso Association of Builders by Snappy Publishing 240 Thunderbird Suite C El Paso Texas 79912 915-820-2800