Could it be that Orlando area new housing has turned the proverbial corner? Based on third quarter stats just released for RESIDENTIAL MARKET REPORTS for Orlando, there is a glimmer of hope that the up-tick in construction starts during the past three months is the first step in the right direction. Third quarter new home research found production single-family starts up by just over 40% from the second quarter of 2009 (see attached graphic). Before we all celebrate, keep in mind that a 40% increase from a very small number to begin with, is … well, still a small number. But we’ll take what we can get, and hope that it’s the start of something bigger.

FBMA will be recreating its e-Blueprint publication to accommodate advertisements. We are currently selling ads which can be as simple as a one-panel advertisement or 3-panel animated gif file.

Advertisements will be available on the cover, individual columns, monthly updates and more! Affordable rates have been established for businesses or individuals wishing to promote their products or services. Ads can be purchased in six or 12 month installments.

To download advertising rates and view opportunities available, visit http://www.fbma.org and click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Should you have any questions, please contact FBMA at (352) 383-0366.

FBMA is seeking volunteers to serve on its committees, Board of Directors and special events as needed. For those interested in learning about the various positions available, click on the link below.

Committees include: Associate Member Council, Building Oversight, Convention, Education, Membership, Government Relations, Insurance, Outreach, Winter Education Conference, Tactical Ongoing Planning (TOP) and Truss.

To learn more about FBMA's volunteer opportunities, click on this link today.

Are you an architect, building code official, designer or building industry professional in need of continuing education credits? If so, look no further than the WoodSource Seminars, offering affordable education and networking opportunities on September 23 and 24, 2010 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Presented by WoodSource Magazine, seminars begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m. each day and are certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Attendees can register for a one-day admission at $25.00 or two days worth of education at $50.00 per person. The registration fee includes one to ten continuing education credits, a luncheon, coffee breaks, seminar certificates, and admission to FBMA’s trade show, the Gulf Atlantic Building Products Expo, one of the largest trade shows in the Southeast. Registration for the WoodSource seminars will begin in May 2010.

The October 2009 issue of Building Products and Construction Industry Insights provides public market valuations, M&A activity and economic trends in the building products and construction industry. The Building Products and Construction Industry Group of Edgeview is dedicated to providing superior M&A advisory services to middle market, building products and construction-related companies.

Videos Bring Builders Up to Speed Fast on Raised Floor Construction
Professionals who haven’t constructed a raised floor home or perhaps just need a refresher can quickly catch up on the basics thanks to a series of short videos now available on www.RaisedFloorLivingPro.com

. Consumers will also find the series helpful. The vignettes, which are each about two minutes long, explain what a raised floor is and cover site prep and footings, foundation design, crawlspace considerations, framing options, and porches and decks.