We would like to take this time and welcome Brian Bohn with Signal 88 Security as our newest member!  Thank you Doug McCulloch with Douglas Custom Homes for encouraging Signal 88 Security to become a member of the North Texas Home Builders Association.

Other members we would like to thank for joining in 2011 are:  George Medlen – Herring Bank,  Dave Clark – Nortex Housing Finance Corporation, Steve Fairchild – Hamilton Bryan, Eddie Holcom – Harmon & Holcomb Homes.

Wayne Pharries, Bill Rowland, O.W. Ayers

O.W. Ayers and Bill Rowland were inducted into the Housing Hall of Honor at the November membership luncheon of the North Texas Home Builders Association Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel.

Ayers, owner of The Lantern House, and Rowland, longtime home builder and co-owner of Rowland & Donnell Homes, were inducted by Wayne Pharries, representing the 2011 Board of Governors. A native of Wichita Falls, O.W. Ayers attended Austin elementary, Reagan Junior High and graduated from Wichita Falls High School. He served in the Naval Reserve in the Korean War. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Edith, at First Baptist Church. They have been faithful members ever since.

Prior to opening The Lantern House, Ayers worked at United Electric and Cummins Supply. In 1971, he was approached by his banker, Willard Still, his friend and attorney, Milburn Nutt, and Don Barnhart, owner of the local Pepsi bottling company. They wanted to partner with him in starting a new lighting center.

The Lantern House opened on Sept. 1, 1971 in the Call Field Shopping Center. Ayers was a 25 percent partner, store manager, stock boy, clerk, janitor, et al. His skills, work ethic, and character grew the business. The store later moved to a larger location on McNiel and, in 1985, moved across the street to its present location. During the years, he bought out his partners and brought his sons, Tommy and Mike, into the business. Edith also remains a prominent member of the staff along with Deena Awbrey who has worked at The Lantern House for 35 years.

Ayers has been active in the community and the home builders association. He has been a huge supporter of the Parade of Homes, donated products to Habitat for Humanity, participated in numerous trade shows and product shows, and always given of his time and money to support builder projects.

Additionally, Ayers started coaching football at the Boys Club in 1954. In 1957 he presented the idea of teaming with Toys for Tots and renaming the Boys Club football championship the Toy Bowl. Ironically, his team won the first Toy Bowl game. He also coached basketball and baseball for the YMCA for many years.

Ayers served on the first Football Advisory Committee for the Boys Club in 1959. He also served and chaired the Boys Club Operational board of directors, he coached until 2001, and thus spent 47 years helping and coaching the youth of our community.

Ayers and his wife, Edith, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The Lantern House also celebrated its 40th anniversary of standing behind its motto of “quality at a Price you can Afford.”

Bill Rowland was born in Wichita Falls but moved to Paris, Texas, before his second birthday. After graduating from high school, he returned to Wichita Falls in 1946. He attended Midwestern University and Texas Tech, earning a degree in petroleum geology in 1951. Returning again to Wichita Falls, he was employed as a sales engineer with Collins Company, a Carrier air conditioning sales and service company.

He became a member of the Wichita County Home Builders Association in 1957. During that time he worked at United Electric before venturing into home sales with Tom Hill and Bob Seabury. Rowland began his own real estate and home building business in 1967, building his first home in Southwinds Addition.

In 1969, he went into partnership with Elvin Dudley. In 1983, he formed a new partnership with his son, Bobby Rowland, and Blanche Donnell. Twenty-eight years later, Rowland & Donnell Real Estate and Rowland & Donnell Homes remain very successful companies.

Rowland was active in the association from the start, serving on committees, as an officer, and as a director. He was elected president in 1971, again in 1985, and a third time in 1999. When there has been a committee meeting, an association event or function, Rowland has always been there when needed by the association. He has made a positive different in the home building industry of North Texas.

Additionally, Rowland is a director of American National Bank, a Salvation Army Life Member, a member of the Optimist Club for 52 years, a Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist Church for 22 years where he also served two terms as chairman of the board. Rowland also has served the community helping the Golden Gloves and Camp programs of the Boys and Girls Club, serving on the Wichita County Irrigation District for more than 20 years, and giving his time to the Wichita Falls Plumbing, Planning & Zoning, and Electrical boards. He also served The Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind and on the Wichita Falls Centennial Committee.

He was Realtor of the Year in 1976, Builder of the Year in 1981, Realtor Silver Service Award winner in 2000, and Realtor Emeritus in 2010.

He was active in the creation of several subdivisions including Expressway Village, Horseshoe Bend Estates, Briargate Estates, and Chaparral Trails.

Both O.W. Ayers and Bill Rowland are well-respected leaders in the home building and real estate community and highly deserving of the Housing Hall of Honor awards.

New officers 2011/2012 from left Stan Mountain, John Harmon, Chuck Dennis, Jose Garcia, Bryan Waggoner, Johnny McClane, Bobby Rowland, Steven Hinson, Barney Brock, Tim Sawyer. Not pictured Doug McCulloch, Sharon Tucker, David Bedingfield and Randy Wachsman.

Texas Association of Builders First Vice President David Miller was the speaker and installation officer at the October membership luncheon of the North Texas Home Builders Association held Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Wellington Banquet & Conference Center.

The new board of directors consists of President Stan Mountain, Vice President Steven Hinson, Associate Vice President Sharon Tucker, Treasurer Barney Brock, and Secretary Tim Sawyer. Directors include John Harmon, Randy Wachsman, David Bedingfield, and Bobby Rowland. Associate directors are Johnny McClane and Bryan Waggoner. Doug McCulloch is the immediate past president. Jose Garcia is state director and Chuck Dennis is life director. John Harmon is the alternate state director.

In his remarks to the membership, Miller, who is president of Newell Construction in Lubbock and the incoming president of the TAB, encouraged everyone to support Proposition 2 in the upcoming election. Proposition 2 will fund needed water projects across the state.

He also spoke in support of retaining the mortgage interest deduction for homebuyers. He said fully 25 percent of the cost of a new home is due to federal, state, and local government regulations. Therefore, homeowners need the mortgage interest deduction.

Miller noted that OSHA is increasing the number of inspectors visiting residential construction sites throughout Texas. “We met with OSHA representatives to come up with training and safety programs for our members to help them meet OHSA guidelines.”

He added that Texas is the number one state in residential construction for each of the last two years.

Miller said TAB membership is currently at about 10,000 members, down from a high of 14,000 members a few years ago. However, he noted the membership decrease has ended and the organization has enjoyed a slight increase in membership during the past year.

He urged everyone to get involved in TAB. “We need to hear your voice out there. There are local and regional issues that you need to be involved in. If you don’t put anything into it, you won’t get anything out of it. There are a lot of committees to get involved in and provide your input.”

He also urged North Texas Home Builders Association members to attend the upcoming Sunbelt Builders Show. This year the show will be in Austin from Oct. 20-22. “There will be 215 exhibitors and four keynote speakers including Gen. Tommy Frank.”

Miller said attitude is important in any organization. “Like a virus, it spreads!”

In closing, he thanked the leaders and members of the North Texas Home Builders Association for their support and involvement in TAB during the last few years and promised to keep working for the interests of homeowners and builders in the future.

From left to right: 1st Place Team Dennis Company Homes, 2nd Place Team Harmon & Holcomb Homes, 3rd Place Team 1st National Bank and Honorable Mention Fideltity Bank

Home Builders stage golf tournament  By Lee Grace

A total of 18 teams competed in the second annual North Texas Home Builders Association Golf Tournament held Friday, Oct. 7, at River Creek Golf Course near Burkburnett.

Dennis Company Homes and Harmon & Holcomb Homes tied for first place with Dennis Company winning on a score card playoff. The Dennis Company team included Alan Hinson, Mike McElroy, Dusty McElroy and Garrett Pace. The Harmon & Holcomb Homes team consisted of John Harmon, Tom Holcomb, Bill Holstead and Lane Leggett.

Tieing for third place was First National Bank and Fidelity Bank with First National claiming third place on a score card playoff. Making up the First National Bank team was Larry Park, Dean Barrett, Steve Penny and Jim Hawkins. The Fidelity Bank included Jeff McClatchy, Perry Curry, Eddie Holcomb and Mike Keel.

First Bank sponsored the lunch, while Lone Star Waste was the range sponsor.

Individuals and companies purchasing hole sponsorships and/or team sponsorships, or donating items for door prizes and for the goody bags included: Absolute Insulation, American National Bank, Allred Thompson Mason Daugherty Insurance, Alan Hall, Atmos Energy, Archer Title of Texas, Classic Builders, Breegle Abbey Carpet & Floor, Builders Lumber Company, Builders Wholesale, C & I Electronics,  David Bedingfield Homes, Dennis Company Homes, Douglas Custom Homes, Dutch Watson Cabinets, Fidelity Bank, First National Bank, Ferguson Enterprises, Guarantee Title Company, Hamilton Bryan, Harmon & Holcomb Homes, Herring Bank, JAM Doors Windows & Millwork, John Wilson – Wichita Falls Association of Realtors, KFDX TV-3, Klasse Homes, KMOC Radio, Lance Friday Homes, Landmark Title Company, Lone Star Waste, Midwestern State University, Morrison Supply Company, Oncor, K & K Construction, R.J. Wachsman Homes, S&H Granite, Servicemaster of Wichita Falls, State National Bank, Stewart Title Company, Texas Carpet Outlet, Texoma Community Credit Union, The Ember Shop, Times Record News, Union Square Federal Credit Union, Waggoner Carpet One, Wilson Office Supply, and Woodco Supply.

Money raised by the golf tournament will be used to support various community charities and activities of the North Texas Home Builders Association.

 The North Texas Home Builders Association would like to say THANK YOU for your participation and support for this years golf tournament!

President Doug McCulloch, Representative Lanham Lyne

By Lee Grace Classified Writer

State Representative Lanham Lyne discussed a quick recap of the regent legislative session on Friday, Aug. 5, to the members of the North Texas Home Builders Association. The luncheon was held at Coyote Ranch Resort.

He said more than 5800 bills were filed during the session. A total of 1380 passed with 1327 being signed into law by the governor. Twenty-four were vetoed and 29 were not signed but allowed to become law. Lyne said he filed four bills during the term. One was a fee bill for Midwestern State University. Another was a co-generation bill to allow people with gas compressors to run small engines to operate without having to report themselves as a power company.

A third bill was to improve enforcement of hotels and motels in filling our certain forms. A fourth bill to help businesses didn’t pass. “I sponsored two tax bills, a fee bill and a ‘green’ bill,” he noted.

He said we are spending more state revenues now that federal revenues. This year’s legislature had to cut $15 billion from the budget to keep it balanced.

“We spent too much time passing ‘feel good’ legislation,” he stressed. “You can’t eliminate risk from everyday life. Trying to eliminate it is what I call ‘feel good’ legislation.”

He noted that his philosophy is that “the government should protect you from me and me from you. The government should not protect me from me.”

He asked the members to ask themselves this question: When I go to the city council or the legislature or county government, do I really want government involved in what I am approaching them about?

“Small business from throughout the state tells me: Just stay out of my business!”

He added, “It seems like government wants to protect us in all things at all costs!”

Two accomplishments were the passing of a balanced budget and the redistricting of legislative districts. “We had 12 hours of name calling for a bill that will go to federal court for approval anyway.”

Lyne also spoke about using common sense in government and in our everyday lives. “I am very passionate about these things. It takes all of us to step up and say this is not right.”

An example of the lack of common sense in government rules and regulations concerns the amount of arsenic found in drinking water. “Arsenic is an element naturally found in nature. Currently drinking water is 99 percent pure. But government regulators want to remove the remaining one percent to make drinking water absolutely pure. But this will double or triple your water rates.”

He asked, “Where is personal responsibility? People are always throwing the blame at someone else! We always want to blame someone else. That is how government works today.”

He added, “Ask yourself how much you want government to be involved in your daily life? How much do you want to pay? As a community, we are going to have to take more responsibility.”

He closed by saying that 75 to 80 percent of state income is through sales taxes. “As the economy improves, it will lead to higher state income.”

NTHBA Members at 363rd Training Squadron Facility

Thirteen members of the North Texas Home Builders Association spent Thursday, June 23, touring the 363d Training Squadron operations at Sheppard Air Force Base.

The group was met at the Missile Road entrance and taken to the ordinance range by Senior Airman Ryan Barta.

They learned about ordinance detonation from Master Sgt. Jason Putman, Tech Sgt. Adam Wade, and Staff Sgt. Eric Ybarra. They then observed (and felt) a 100-foot long detonation cord explode, as well as explosions of TNT and C4.

Following the ordinance demonstrations, the group toured the 363d Training Squadron with Col. Anthony Puente and Capt. Pedro DeLeon. They learned about the role the squadron has in training airmen and airwomen concerning ordinance, bombs and nuclear weapons. Leading the training were Sgt. Desmond Ojeda and Sgt. Chandler Vasquez.

Students learn how to build weapons, store weapons, and load weapons on different aircraft. The group also learned about the different weapon systems found on F-16, F-15, A-10, B-1, B-52 and other Air Force aircraft.

Association members participating in the tour included Doug McCulloch, Chuck Vergauwen, Stan Mountain, Charles Barr, Chase Radillo, Mason Adams, Steve Hinson, Alan Hinson, Sharon Tucker, Harold Newton, Scott Hollars, Teri Gibson, and Lee Grace.

June 3rd Parade of Homes Ribbon Cutting

THANK YOU ALL for your participation and willingness to give to the 2011 Parade of Homes.  Without you it could not happen.

Our Builders – David Bedingfield Homes, Dennis Company Homes, Douglas Custom Homes, Garnel Construction, Harmon & Holcomb Homes,  Klasse Homes, Lance Friday Homes, Mountain Construction, R.J. Wachsman Homes, Rhone Building Corporation, Rowland & Donnell Homes

Our Corporate Sponsor – Builders Lumber Company

Landmark Title Company for sponsoring a magnificent Kick-Off Lunch

Our Housing Guide Advertisers -American National Bank, Allred Thompson, Mason, Daugherty Insurance, Atmos Energy, Binswanger Glass Company, Breegle Building Products, Dutch Watson Cabinets, The Ember Shop, Ferguson Enterprises, Ferguson-Veresh Heating & Air, Fidelity Bank, First Bank,  Guarantee Title Company, JAM -Doors, Windows & Millwork, Landmark Title Company, Lantern House, Lowe’s, Marble Works, Inc., Morrison Supply Company, S & H Granite, Smith’s Gardentown, Stewart Title Company, Texas Carpet Outlet, Texoma Community Credit Union, Union Square Federal Credit Union, Vic & James Paint Center, Waggoner Carpet One and Woodco Supply Company

Those who donated prizes – Hamilton Bryan, Archer Title, Fidelity Bank, First National Bank and State National Bank.

Those of you who took the time to participate in the Kick-Off Lunch,  Ribbon Cutting and tour the Parade Homes.

You are greatly appreciated!

Congratulations to these Winners!  Rose Martinez winner of the Under Counter Beverage Center donated by Hamilton Bryan, Guarantee Title winner of a ceiling fan donated by Fidelity Bank, Vivian Kirkpatrick winner of the golf bag donated by State National Bank, Rebecca Lammers winner of a $25.00 gift card donated by Archer Title Company, Linda Taylor – winner of a $25.00 gift card donated by Archer Title Company and  Rick Spicer winner of a $25.00 gift card donated by First National Bank.

Scholarship Chairman Randy Schaffner, Bryce Tucker, Jose Ramos, Cody Klasse and President Doug McCulloch

Members of the North Texas Home Builders Association want to Congratulate these

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

CODY KLASSE, LANDON LANE, JOSE RAMOS,  BRYCE TUCKER , AMANDA JINKS

We wish you the best in your college pursuits and hope you find the home building industry as rewarding as we do!

Doug McCulloch, Dr. George Kazanas, Chuck Vergauwen

School superintendent speaks to home builders

By Lee Grace

Dr. George Kazanas, superintendent of Wichita Falls ISD, discussed the school budget, future goals, and problems encountered during the present economy with the members of the North Texas Home Builders Association during the May luncheon held Thursday, May 5, at the Wellington Convention Center.

Kazanas, who received his undergraduate and master’s degree from Baylor University and his Ed.D from Tarleton State University, said the administration and teachers are working hard to deal with the many problems caused by the state and national economic malaise.

He said the school system enrollment is holding steady at 14,630 students. Of that total, 30 percent is Hispanic, while black students represent 20 percent of the total. Sixty percent of the students qualify for the free-reduced lunch program. He noted that figure was slightly above the state-wide average of 55 percent.

While the 2006 bond program allowed the building of two new elementary schools (and the closing of two schools), any future bond programs will probably deal with secondary schools.

While the school system budget is approximately $134 million, WFISD is currently facing a potential $6 million to $11.4 million shortfall from the state legislature, though the final bill has yet to pass.

Dr. Kazanas said therefore, they have to plan to accommodate an $11.4 million shortfall. “Since the state budget still has not been approved, there is a strong possibility of a special session.”

He said the $28 billion shortfall facing the Texas Legislature not only affects school systems throughout the state, but also nursing homes, higher education, and transportation.

He said since 80 percent of the WFISD budget concerns personnel, they are looking are several options including reductions in salaries, a salary freeze, reductions in health care contributions, elimination of programs, and cuts in maintenance, facilities, support areas, and personnel.

He added, “We still feel like we are in a position to provide a quality education to our students.”

In the future, they will look at the facility needs including number of junior high and high schools. “We are not considering any school closings for the coming school year. However, we will be forming a Facility Action Committee to look at secondary schools.”

As the city’s second largest employer (behind Sheppard Air Force Base), the WFISD employs more than 2,000 persons. “We are an industry of service,” he stressed. “Our people are our greatest resource.”

Dr. Kazanas noted that one indication of the quality education provided by the WFISD is that more than 40 senior students received more than $10 million in scholarships for the upcoming school year.

In other business, association president Doug McCulloch recognized the members with May birthdays. He also reminded everyone about the upcoming Parade of Homes scheduled for June 4 through June 12. The kickoff luncheon is set for June 3 at Landmark Title Company.