Chapter resources are just a click away on www.ASHI.org

When you log on to the member extranet, make sure you visit the new Chapter resource page. Simply click the blue “Chapters” link and you’ll find the closest chapter to you, your local chapter events calendar, your chapter discussion board, information about Chapter Leadership Days, public relations and marketing tools, member recruitment and mentoring tools, leadership resources, legislative resources and more. What are you waiting for? Do it now!

Looking for some good speakers for your next chapter meeting?
The Chapter Relations Committee has compiled a partial list of companies that are heavily involved in home construction and/or repair. Many of these companies have distributors, reps or contractors who will put on presentations for a group of home inspectors. Some companies charge a fee, but many do not. You’ll find the list on the Chapter Leadership Resources page of www.ASHI.org member extranet.

Calling all chapter presidents!
The Chapter Relations Committee knows many local projects have been planned and completed by chapters around the country to raise ASHI awareness among potential buyers, real estate practioners and the general pubic, and to inform homebuyers why they should insist on an ASHI inspection.

CRC would like to know what your chapter has done or is planning to do in 2006. A link to the form was distributed in July First Thing. If your chapter has not filled out and returned the form, please contact Bob Kociolek at 847-759-1620 or bobk@ashi.org.

Dues notices and MRC claim forms coming in August
Cost-effective and convenient for the membership describes this year’s dues process as notices go electronic for the first time. A combination of e-mail and regular mail will be used to distribute dues notices beginning next month.

Many who receive the notice will quickly renew their membership and document their educational experiences because they are proud to be affiliated with an organization that has stringent membership requirements and that helps bring customers to their door. You are encouraged to review the benefits of membership, and be prepared to renew and return your MRC claim form when your notice arrives.

Attention Chapters hosting high-attendance annual seminars
ASHI staff has booth and will travel, if invited, to a limited number of chapter seminars this year. In addition to a
presence at the seminar, staff is willing to help promote the event to non-members. Seminar attendance must be high enough to justify the expense of sending the booth and staff members. If your chapter is interested in working with HQ, contact Anthony Snyder at anthonys@ashi.org.

Members needed for Parallel Inspections
Right now, ASHI is recruiting full Members only to lead ASHI Candidates on Parallel Inspections. This program will allow up to two Candidates to ride along with a full Member on a inspection. The Member’s report will go to the client and the reports from the Candidates will go to the Member. The Member will then review the reports from the Candidates and offer suggestions for improvements. The reports may then be corrected to be in substantial compliance with the ASHI Standards of Practice. What’s more, these inspections can be counted in the 50 or 250 needed for C2 or full Member status, and Members will receive MRCs.

Officers, Chapter leaders, Committee members and COR reps: sign up today to be a Parallel Inspection Guide by
logging on to the ASHI member extranet and clicking here.

Candidates will soon receive a message about how to be partnered with a Parallel Inspector Guide. For more information, contact Anthony Snyder, director of membership & marketing, at anthonys@ashi.org.

InspectionWorld travel plans
The average round-trip fare for a direct flight to Anaheim from Chicago for January is currently $261. How is it looking for your part of the country? You may want to take advantage of lower airfare and book now if you plan to attend InspectionWorld California, taking place January 10-13, 2007, at the Disneyland Hotel. A solid educational slate has been developed for the conference, which will count for 20 ASHI MRCs, and ASHI HQ is deep in the planning phase for a stellar social and networking program as well. Things are overall shaping up to create a great conference, chock-full of everything you have asked for: quality education, the industry’s largest exhibit hall, and, of course, great networking opportunities!

ASHI holds the line on advertising rates
ASHI’s 2006-07 Advertising Kit, covering the ASHI Reporter, www.ASHI.org, and The Inspector e-newsletters, is now available in the media and publicity section on www.ashi.org.

The rates for the new fiscal year 2006-07 remain the same as for the past two years. Chapters are encouraged to reserve Reporter ad space now for seminars later in the fiscal year because advertising space is limited and many issues sell out months ahead of publication. Questions? Contact Sandy Bourseau, sandyb@ashi.org or 847-954-3179.

The ASHI Chapter Enterprise Award
This award is designed to encourage chapter members to attend InspectionWorld together. Present and promote the award challenge to your chapter at your next meeting or in your newsletter. Questions? Contact Bob Kociolek at HQ, bobk@ashi.org.

Exam Board looks for Director
The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, dba the National Home Inspector Examination, invites home inspectors who wish to serve the profession to apply for a seat on the EBPHI Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning January 2007.

The deadline for applications is August 15, 2006.
For a copy of the application in Word format, with the requirements, scope of work and responsibilities, contact Noel Zak at noelz@homeinspectionexam.org.

Endorsed insurer adds new coverage
BRP, ASHI’s endorsed insurance provider, has announced that mold exclusions can now be modified to offer some protection on new and existing home inspector professional liability policies.

For details, contact Christy Hawthorne, Capitol Special Risks, 866-268-1327.

ASHI calendar of events

• Oct. 19-20, 2006, Chapter Leadership Days, Rosemont, Ill.
• Oct. 21, 2006, Board Meeting, Rosemont, Ill.
• January 9, 2007, Council of Representatives Meeting, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.
• Jan. 10, 2007, Board Meeting, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.
• January 10, 2007, PARR/FEMA Training Course, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.
• Jan. 10-13, 2007, InspectionWorld California, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, Calif.  
• April 13-14, 2007, Board Orientation and Meeting, Rosemont, Ill.
• July 13-14, 2007, Town Hall Gathering and Board Meeting, TBD