2016 CKHBA Fall Newsletter

Gilles & Diana Michaud Except
The 2015 Clare Curtis Award 

Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association said goodbye to the 2014-15 Board of Directors at the CKHBA Christmas Party in December of 2015. At this time 2014-15 CKHBA President Dan Vanmoorsel introduced the 2015 CKHBA Clare Curtis Award to a well deserving Gilles Michaud of Gilles Michaud Construction Ltd. for his years of service on the CKHBA Board of Directors as well as his dedication and involvement in supporting the local construction industry.  

OHBA President John M. Swears in
2016 CKHBA BOD

Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association kicked off with a bang in January 2016 when the Ontario Home Builders Association President John Meinen swore in an all new look to the CKHBA Board of Directors lead by President Scott Vandersluis of Bouma Builders. The 2016-17 BOD also includes Vice President Dave Depencier of Depencier Builders, 2nd Vice Jon Rumble of Rumble Homes, Secretary Gina Mancini of Union Gas, Treasurer Ed DeJonge of Ed DeJonge Construction and Directors Dave Ewald of Ewald Homes, Mike Dziedzic of Eco Insulation & Jame McKeller of Oldershaw Builder Supply.

Joe, Gina & Mark of Union Gas stand
proud to help with the renovation

The first order of business for the 2016-17 BOD was to introduce the "Renovation for Evelynn project". The project involved CKHBA undertaking a total renovation of a home to make it wheelchair accessible for a little girl named Evelynn who suffered a near fatal stroke in September of 2015. Evelynn was given a 5% chance to live after the stroke caused a massive hemorrhage in her brain. As Evelynn began to beat the odds CKHBA put together a plan to open up bedroom walls, enlarge hallways, create a wheelchair accessible bathroom and ramp etc. at no cost to the family. By the time Evelynn returned home in the spring her newly renovated home was complete and ready for her smiling face. Shortly after the completion of this project CKHBA participated with erecting the walls with the Habitat for Humanity New Build in Charring Cross On.

Sacwal & CKHBA Donate to Habitat

On June 4th 2016 CKHBA hosted the Annual Parade of Homes. This year was one of the best turn outs yet, sponsored in part by several CKHBA members, with this year's title sponsor being SacWal Flooring. SacWal and CKHBA was also able to turn over a $1000.00 cheque from the event to Habitat for Humanity.

2016 CKHBA Golf Best Dressed

July 15 2016 CKHBA hosted the 2016 CKHBA Golf Tournament at the links of Kent Golf Course. This year the title sponsor was Eco Insulation and carried a "Beach Theme". There was a live band playing on the golf course and a special prize given out for best dressed group that encouraged golfers to dress down and have fun!      

CKHBA was not done yet! At the September meeting Past President Dan Vanmoorsel introduced "Careers in Construction" to CKHBA as well as several local high school teachers and department heads. Careers in Construction is a presentation designed to engage and educate youth on the possibilities of a future career in construction. Local teachers and dept. heads are very excited to start scheduling presentations with CKHBA. Vice Principal of Chatham Christian High School would like to see every student in the school present for a Careers in Construction presentation.

CKHBA recieves 2016 OHBA
Special Recognition Award

On Sept. 20 2016 President Scott Vandersluis and Executive Officer Kevin Owen attended the 2016 Ontario Home Builders Association Conference in Collingwood Ontario. Every year at the Presidents Gala OHBA welcomes a new President and gives out Awards to Local Associations and individuals working with them. OHBA welcomed new President Neil Rodgers. President Neil Rodgers then took to the stage and began to speak about the Renovation for Evelynn Project and a great local association, The Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association. Rodgers then announced the Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association as the winner of the 2016 Ontario Home Builders Association Special Recognition Award.  

CKHBA has a few more things coming up in 2016 including the Fall Home and Leisure Show. The Home and Leisure Show can increase association members brand awareness and is a great fund raiser for the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. CKHBA will also have OHBA Past President John Meinen at our October Membership Drive to discuss the importance of being a member of your local Home Builders Association and to educate potential members on what kind of work is being done by Builder Association's on Provincial and National level. The October Membership Drive is designed to build CKHBA membership. Last but not least, CKHBA will host an Annual Christmas party in December and pay tribute to the 2016 Clare Curtis Award winner that is yet to be determined.