Leaders of the AHBA traveled to Raleigh in mid-June for the NCHBA Legislative Day and meetings with state law makers.  Pictured at left is the Asheville delegation meeting with State Senator Joe Sam Queen (K.C. Hart, Ardienne Franklin, Sen. Queen, Caroline Purcell, Thomas McClain, Sean Sullivan).  Sen. Queen discussed the importance of what he calls the "three-legged stool" concept, i.e.,  a good education, a stable job, and home ownership.  Not pictured was State Representative Bruce Goforth, a fellow builder and friend of the industry.

Sullivan Lobbies Washington on Behalf of the AHBA

Sean Sullivan traveled to Washington DC in the last week of April, 2008 with Greg Spicer, the President of Math Insurance, Associate VP of the AHBA and the Legislative Chairman.  On April 29, Sean, Greg and other NCHBA members met with U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler, Senators Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole to discuss both national and local building and real estate issues.  Rep. Shuler met privately with Sean and Greg afterward and discussed possibly attending this years AHBA Christmas Banquet.  (Also shown on the far right is Mike Gerber of Builders Mutual Insurance Co.)

LSC featured in the Spring edition of Green Business Quarterly

A feature article on Living Stone Construction appears in the publication, Green Business Quarterly, in their Spring 2008 edition (on the news stands now).  The article focuses on how we approach our customers and how they react to the "green building concept."  We discuss how we build "green" in a practical sense and still meet the strict DRB guidelines found in upscale developments.  Finally, we describe how we address health concerns for those with allergies moving to the mountains.

Sullivan "Pinned" as New AHBA President

On Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, at the AHBA Christmas Gala, Sean Sullivan was pinned "New President" of the AHBA.  In this role, he also will serve as a Director of the North Carolina Home Builder's Association.  Sean's wife, Rebecca, came on stage and received the pin from outgoing President, Stuart Ray.  She then did the honors of pinning the incoming President, her husband.  Following this pinning tradition and an oath swearing, Sean gave his speech to the crowd of nearly 300 and received a standing ovation.

AHBA Directors Meet With Sen. Fred Smith

Sean Sullivan, AHBA First Vice President, hosted a meeting with Senator Fred Smith and the Board of Directors on October 11, 2007 at the AHBA office.  They discussed North Carolina and local building issues as well as the senator's race for governor of North Carolina.  The session ended with a book signing of his new book, A Little Extra Effort.

Sullivan & Turchi Attend Queens Gap Launch, Meet Jack Nicklaus

Sean Sullivan and Frank Turchi attended the launch event at Queens Gap in Rutherfordton, NC, on Tuesday, October 30.  Golfing great, Jack Nicklaus, was on hand and described the golf course construction progress and even autographed Frank's name tag!  Word is out that it will go on eBay shortly...so be on watch.

LSC to be Featured in December Issue of Constructech Magazine

One of our subcontractors, Mario Salmone of ILUXE and Electric Solutions, was interviewed for a feature story on how technology fits into a "Green" home.  This led to an interview with Sean Sullivan.  Sullivan said, "Controlled lighting allows us to have lights work at a percentage of their normal "full" power thus saving a great deal of electricity.  Energy Sentry controls the way the house uses power and the way that the power company charges you for it."

LSC Wins Gold Craftsmanship Award at 2007 AHBA Parade of Homes

LSC has won the "Gold" in the "Craftsmanship Award" at the 2007 AHBA Parade of Homes.  LSC competed against 4 other homes in its division and came out on top!  LSC was also awarded a distinguishing feature prize for "Wood detailing, teak floors and specialty hardware"

Living Stone Construction to be featured in Upcoming Issue of Pinnacle Magazine

Sean Sullivan was interviewed and the Living Stone Construction model home in the Settings of Black Mountain was photographed for a feature article on LSC in an upcoming issue of Pinnacle Magazine.  Pinnacle specializes in exceptional luxury real estate across the country and is featuring "green homes" in this issue.

AHBA Officers Travel to Washington for National Legislation Day

Sean Sullivan and other officers from the North Carolina Home Builders Associations, traveled to Washington, DC, on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 (National Legislation Day) to meet with their North Carolina Senators and Congressmen about key legislative priorities affecting the building industry.  They met with Senators Dole and Burr and Congressman Shuler's Chief of Staff and voiced their concerns about pending legislation.  The National Association of Home Builders is the second largest lobbying group in the nation. 

Living Stone Construction Featured in Documentary on Greening Black Mountain

Sullivan elected National Director for the Asheville Home Builders Association

On April 12, 2007, Sean Sullivan was nominated as the National Director for the Asheville Home Builders Association.  On April 19th, he met with Congressman Heath Shuler to discuss national and local issues pertaining to the building industry.  Sean will be representing the AHBA at the National Legislation Day in Washington from June 6-10th. 

LSC Home on WNC GBC Healthy Built Home Brochure Cover

Building “Green” for Comfort and Long-Term Cost Savings

 By John Sullivan  (as published in the Asheville Citizen-Times)

Sullivan Certified as Clear Water Contractor

General Manager Sean Sullivan attended the eight-hour Clear Water Contractor Training Program sponsored by the Watershed Association of the Tuckaseegee Ricer (WATR) on March 22, 2006 and was certified as a Clear Water Contractor.  Training topics included: modern erosion control techniques and erosion control law; the most environmentally effective and cost effective techniques for erosion control for different terrains in the mountains; and ideas for reducing labor and materials costs while protecting water quality and adjoining properties.   [top of page]
 

AHBA Board Meets with U.S. Congressman Charles Taylor

[March 22, 2006]  Members of the Board of Directors of the Asheville Homebuilders Association present U.S. Congressman Charles Taylor a check from BUILDPAC, the Building Political Action Committee.  During the meeting, the AHBA Directors discussed the building industry, its challenges and concerns, and its positive impact on Western North Carolina.  Representing the AHBA were, L to R, Sean Sullivan, 2nd Vice President, Thomas McClain, Director, Derek Weekely, Director, Congressman Taylor, Stan Caton, BUILDPAC Chairman, and Howard Ferree, President.                                                                                                                                                           [top of page]

Using Technology to Save Time (and Money!)

 By John Sullivan  (as published in the Asheville Citizen-Times)

Building or remodeling a vacation, second home, or retirement home when owners live elsewhere can be a frustrating and expensive experience.  Living Stone Construction has developed a way to effectively communicate with out-of-state owners using modern technology, i.e., the Internet. [read more...]                                                                                                                                                                   [top of page]

How do I choose a Builder?

By Leslie Hinsz

Finding and choosing the right builder for your new home can sometimes be a daunting task. In Asheville we are fortunate to have many excellent builders and 229 of them are members of the Asheville Home Builders Association!  [read more...]                                                                    [top of page]

Highlights of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for Individuals

FS-2006-14, Jan. 2006

During 2006, individuals can make energy-conscious purchases that will provide tax benefits when filling out their tax returns next year. The new law provides tax credits for making your principal residence, which must be in the United States, more energy efficient and for buying certain energy efficient items. At the same time the law provides credits for various types of alternative motor vehicles, including hybrids.  [read more...]                                                                                        [top of page]