Dues Renewal Grace Period ends

Members who had not paid their dues and/or had not reported their continuing education hours were granted a grace period that ended November 30, 2008. This will be the last issue of the magazine received by those who have not renewed.

Congratulations to all who renewed, and who will continue to receive the benefits of membership in the oldest, largest and most respected home inspection organization in North America.

Working for you in D.C.

Through recent e-mails, ASHI alerted members about how they could encourage their local housing entities to apply for CDBG funds for local NSP programs and to incorporate provisions that include home inspections in these programs.

Although the deadline for grant applications was Dec. 1, 2008, ASHI will continue to keep members informed about federal programs that may benefit them and their clients.

Having a federal lobbyist is an outstanding membership benefit. Randall Pence gives the membership an inside track to government housing-related activities, as he works on behalf of the profession and ASHI.

InspectionWorld Orlando

You’ll want to be where the ASHI action is in January, so register now online at www.InspectionWorld.org. Find complete conference information online, including hotel reservation info.

Encourage chapter members to join you in registering early to help your chapter compete for this year’s Chapter Enterprise Award. To learn more about the award, visit ASHI Documents and Forms on www.homeinspector.org.

Council Reps: Note Important Dates

• Jan. 20, 2009, CoR Meeting, 1-5 p.m., Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
• Jan. 23, 2009, Annual Business Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Deadline for volunteers was December 1, 2008

During December, committee chairs will be contacting members to serve on their committees. Committee members help shape ASHI’s future and provide the knowledge and expertise that keeps ASHI relevant in a changing market. Thank you to all who submitted a Call for Volunteers form.

Another Successful Leadership Training Conference

With more than 75 chapter leaders from 48 chapters, this year’s Leadership Training Conference in New Orleans was a big success. Past LTCs have had bigger turnouts, but for several years the Chapter Relations Committee has been turning LTC from a good ol’ boys reunion to a true two-year training cycle for up-and-coming leaders. And that’s exactly the crowd that attended: more than 80 percent were first- or second-timers. Attendees enjoyed spirited sessions on ethics, legislation, volunteer recruitment/training, communications and invigorating chapters with bold plans.

Once again, the CRC held a four-hour “boot camp” for three new and/or struggling chapters. These chapter leaders were guests of CRC, and all expenses were paid. Budget allowing, the CRC will repeat the boot camp next October 22-23 in Chicagoland. If your chapter is struggling, think about applying for a scholarship in 2009.

Next year, LTC will go back to the first year of the two-year training. If this was your first LTC, plan on coming back. If you have attended two, find your replacement. 

Current ASHI Membership

ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,708
ASHI Associates with Logo Use: 162
ASHI Associates: 1,872
ASHI Retired Members: 161
Affiliates: 94
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: 5,997

Smart Track Chapter Modules Perfect for Chapter Meetings

Looking for technical presentations for your next chapter meeting? Smart Track Chapter modules (slide presentation with instructor notes) are available to chapters. To gain access for your chapter, contact Bill Lewis at bill@ashi.org or 847-954-3187.

ASHI Calendar of Events

• Jan. 20, 2009, Council of Representatives annual meeting, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Orlando, Fla.
• Jan. 21, 2009, Board meeting, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Orlando, Fla.
• Jan. 21-24, 2009, InspectionWorld,
  Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Orlando, Fla.
• April 17, 2009, Board orientation, Rosemont, Ill.
• April 18, 2009, Board meeting, Rosemont, Ill.
• July 18, 2009, Board meeting, TBD Oct. 22-23, 2009, Leadership Training Conference, Rosemont, Ill.
• Oct. 24, 2009, Board meeting, Rosemont, Ill.
• Jan. 17, 2010, Board meeting, Las Vegas, Nev.
• Jan. 17-20, 2010, InspectionWorld, Las Vegas, Nev.