Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 25, 1990 TAG: 9003310037
SECTION: TODAY'S HOME PAGE: TH3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: David Meador
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For three days, March 30-31 and April 1, the Salem Civic Center will be the site of "one-stop shop ping for the latest in products and services" related to the building industry, says Melody Williams, RVHBA executive vice president.
Over 100 exhibitors will fill 150 booths to display products and answer questions about everything from foundations and financing to carpeting and cabinetry.
"Nowhere else can you go to see so many products and services under one roof," said Steve Strauss, president of the home builders. "What might ordinarily take you four months to see can be seen in two days at the home show."
And Strauss thinks that seeing the latest products is only part of the benefit of attending the show. "Talking to the exhibitors will give homeowners a good chance to pick the brains of the experts for valuable information," he added.
The Roanoke Valley Home Builders Association is a trade organization that represents over 500 regional firms, including over 100 builders, contractors, developers and remodelers. Another 400 or so associate members represent suppliers, banks, real estate firms, insurance agencies, architects and attorneys, among others.
The annual home show, in its 20th year, is the RVHBA"s most visible activity, but its members are active throughout the year representing the interests of the building industry locally and in Richmond. Of particular concern to builders is maintenance of public infrastructure - the roads, bridges, sewerage and water utilities provided by state and local government - said Williams.
"The building industry employs about 8,000 people in the Roanoke Valley in some capacity," said Strauss. "We are interested in keeping the industry vibrant. We work with local municipalities to help develop the Roanoke Valley in an orderly fashion. We have a direct impact on bringing new business into the region because we provide the housing for both people and businesses."
The association has also assisted local governments with the preparation of their comprehensive development plans, and it contributes to keeping the plans up-to-date, he said.
The association provides some direct services to homeowners, as well. Upon request, it will provide a list of builders and remodelers to homeowners, and it maintains a library of building journals and other publications at its Apperson Drive, Salem, headquarters that is open to the public. Its Remodel Care program, coordinated by the Remodelers Council and the Better Business Bureau, can help homeowners take the risk out of choosing a remodeling contractor.
So get a head start on your next building project by attending Expo '90.
The hours are: Friday, March 30, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, March 31, 11 am.-9 p.m.; Sunday, April 1, noon-6 p.m.
Admission is $2. Senior citizens (65 and older) will be admitted for half price and children under 12 will get in free when accompanied by an adult.
by CNB