March 2008 Meeting

The Harlingen Area Builders Association held their March meeting this week at Harlingen Country Club. New members, Premier Homes and HomeLink were welcomed to their first meeting. Paul Menzies, Planning Director for the City of Harlingen spoke about changes in the Planning and Zoning Department and gave the members updates on upcoming city projects. Eddie Olvera, Chief Building Inspector for the City of Harlingen updated the members on upcoming changes to the International Building Code that are in effect or will be upcoming this year.

Associate Spotlight Member, Travis Bence, with Bence Property Tax Management, went over the services available at his company and the upcoming April 15th deadline to file a tax protest.

Charity Committee Chairman, Debbie Elizarde, presented a check to Julie Ezell with Leadership Harlingen for their "Welcome to Harlingen" sign project that is underway at Vallley International Airport Entrance. HABA will be a Silver Sponsor and have a master paver placed at the location. Also on hand were TSTC Building Construction Program Chair, Hugo Ortega and Vice President of Student Affairs, Al Guillen who accepted $500 Spring Scholarship on behalf of HABA making it the 5th year and 10th scholarship that has been awarded to the program. Also accepting a $500 donation was Victor Santillan with the Harlingen High School Masonry Program and Gil Tello, also with HCISD to be used for materials that are needed and used in the program.HHS students Raul Torrez and Thomas Bloemendaal who recently placed 1st and 2nd in the area Masonry Competition and who will be going to the State level competition were also presented as special guest.

President Armando Elizarde, spoke about the upcoming New Tour of Homes set for April 19th and 20thwhere more than 10 builders will be showcasing their new homes and where mortgage and bank representatives will be available at each
location.