by Dan Klein, Sr., HBAL President
May 2012
 
Tribute to Youth and to Each Our Part
For those of you who attended the General Membership Meeting on April 16, you probably wish you could hear it again or hear more. What a GREAT evening for outstanding, creative students to hear a message of congratulations and to experience a message from Anders and Jake Lewendal on how we as Americans can each help to make the economic recovery happen here and beyond. Students with an excellence in Interior Design or CAD Design of a home were honored for their very good and creative work. Congratulations again students!
 
We too are all students in our craft whether our specialty is in architecture or banking, cabinetry or demolition, electrical or furnaces, grading or hustling ….. retirement or subbing, trimming or upgrading, visitor or worker, xylotomist or yogi or zincographer. We can all help in this recovery and remaking America great. Anders and Jake reminded us that how we purchase items. From our groceries or hardware, replacing an appliance or a vehicle; buying products which were grown, made or manufactured in the USA will make a major impact not only locally but nationally. All of us doing a little combines into a BIG improvement for us all.
 
Anders and Jake proved you can build an ALL American Home, even though he had to go out of his way to get the bolts needed from Caterpillar Corp to keep it 100% American. You can find their growing list of suppliers at www.theallamericanhome.com along with their challenge to companies and individuals to increase their purchasing by just 5%. I encourage you to post this list in your business and home which will aid us in learning to buy more American products.
 
Did you see the fabulous remodeling in the Tour of Remodeled Homes on April 21-22? Our remodelers and trades people do a fine job here in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. Our community is truly blessed to be able to tap into our industry which has such skill and creativity.
 
Read the label, thank a student and keep learning.
 
Remember to participate in the primary election and vote on May 15. The HBAL golf tournament is June 1 at the Highlands Golf Course. Even if you don’t golf, it’s a great opportunity to volunteer and spend the day with members.
 
Dan