April 12, 2012 – More than 800 companies, including 200 building product manufacturers have begun sporting the “Made in U.S.A.” seal. The certification is based on companies’ self-assessment of whether their products meet federal guidelines on what qualifies as made in America. The grassroots build-American movement is gaining momentum with dealers and manufacturers as well as builders.

Dudley Powell isn’t wasting any time. Fewer than six months after watching a special report on an “All-American” home built in Bozeman, Mont., the Orlando-based manufacturers’ rep is planning to break ground on a similar house in Florida.

This makes him the latest addition to a growing sample of builders, dealers, and manufacturers nationwide who are adjusting their business models to anticipate and accommodate requests for American-made products—in some cases, enough to construct an entire single-family home.

Although construction won’t begin until June, Powell’s effort is gaining momentum through his
recently introduced BuildtheUS.com, a hub for builders and manufacturers looking to track down American made goods. His plans call for construction of a…[ Download the complete story in the PDF "ProWatch - Born in the USA" ]

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The Home Builders Institute (HBI) Construction-Coaching Opportunities to Reach Employment (C-CORE) is an industry-sponsored mentoring program for underserved, at-risk and court involved youth. The program, funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to match 5,000 youth aged 13 to 18 with more 1,600 industry mentors recruited from home builders associations, NAHB Student Chapters, other business organizations and local communities. The HBI C-CORE program currently is located at 28 sites in 12 states across the country and continues to grow.

The Importance of Mentors An estimated 17.6 million young people experience circumstances that endanger their chances of living up to their full potential. Yet with the support and guidance of caring adults, their odds for eventual success improve. A structured and trusting mentoring relationship can make a big difference in a young person’s life by providing support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and positive examples.

In addition to creating meaningful peer-relationships, the HBI C-CORE program aims to reduce recidivism and youth involvement in substance abuse, truancy and other high risk behaviors, while improving job placement opportunities and retention rates.

Industry Involvement Through Civic Engagement

HBI mentoring is unique in that it matches youth who are participating in residential construction training programs or interested in the field with mentors from the industry. The goal is to further strengthen young people’s commitment to an eventual career in any aspect of the residential construction industry, from electricians to plumbers to carpenters and real estate agents. As with other HBI programs, the HBI C-CORE program includes student involvement in local industry-focused community service projects that promote leadership development, community attachment and relationship building. Working alongside their mentors in community service clubs, students give back to their communities through projects like building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Becoming a Mentor

Being a mentor requires a few hours each month, yet makes a huge impact on a young person’s life. There are benefits for mentors too – studies show that mentors gain an increased sense of intrinsic personal and professional satisfaction and enhanced leadership, teaching and communications skills.

Becoming an HBI mentor is a simple process and involves a small time investment. Prospective mentors agree to submit to a background check and commit to spending three hours each month with their mentee. Prior to embarking on a mentoring relationship, mentors receive intensive training that explains their roles and tasks and provides insights about how to build a solid relationship with a young person. Training also covers topics such as effective communication and problem solving.

To find out more about how you can participate, visit www.hbi.org or contact Tadar Muhammad at tmuhammad@hbi.org or 863-557-5054.