GE Money and Certainteed Construct New Consumer Finance Program
Kettering, Ohio (August 5, 2008) — GE Money today announced a multi-year agreement with CertainTeed, North America’s leading manufacturer of interior and exterior building products, to provide consumer financing through select contractors nationwide. The program was created in response to both CertainTeed-credentialed contractors and homeowners who have requested unsecured loan options to finance home improvement projects.
Managed by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, the program includes two financing options: GE Money’s PROJECTLINESM PLUS program, which provides revolving credit terms; and the PROJECTLOANSM program, which offers homeowners an installment loan financing option. Both options will be offered by participating contractors that have earned CertainTeed Roofing and Siding product knowledge and installation credentials.
“Our products help turn a house into a home,” said Eric Nilsson, vice president of Corporate Marketing for CertainTeed. “The addition of this program helps ease the financing process for consumers as they make improvements to their homes.”
“Through this partnership, CertainTeed’s Roofing and Siding credentialed contractors have a new tool that helps them fully serve their customers by offering the installation of quality building products as well as turnkey financing options,” said Jay Butch, senior marketing manager for CertainTeed Roofing. “The simple application process can be completed over the phone during the sales call or at the homeowners’ convenience. Contractors and their customers have been asking for such a program, and as a leading provider of retail credit services to consumers, GE Money was a clear choice to provide fast, no-hassle financing.”
“CertainTeed has offered high quality products to help customers beautify and increase the value of their homes, for over 100 years,” said Bruce Christensen, vice president and general manager, Home Improvement, GE Money – Sales Finance. “Now consumers can take advantage of this new program to finance their home improvement project easily and conveniently, when they hire a CertainTeed credentialed contractor.”
About CertainTeed
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, walls, ceilings and access covers.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 7,000 employees and more than 70 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2007 the group had consolidated sales of more than $3 billion. For more information about CertainTeed contractor credentials, visit www.certainteed.com or call 800-233-8990.
About GE Money
With more than $200 billion in assets, GE Money, a unit of General Electric Company, (NYSE: GE) is a leading provider of retail banking and credit services to consumers and retailers in more than 50 countries around the world. With more than 130 million global customers, GE Money, based in London, UK, offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, mortgages, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found at www.gemoney.com. GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, based in Kettering, Ohio, provides private label credit card programs and financial services for consumers through dealers; national, regional and independent retailers; associations; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers in more than 20 industries including: automotive, consumer electronics and appliances, elective health care, floor covering, home design and improvement, home furnishings, jewelry, marine, music, powersports, outdoor power equipment, recreational vehicles, sporting goods and travel.
GE is Imagination at Work — a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.ge.com.
For more information contact:
Michael B. Loughery,
CertainTeed
(610) 341-7328
mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
www.certainteed.com/pressroom
Cristy Williams
GE Money: ,
678.518.2596 or
cristy.williams@ge.com
CFA mourns passing of John Skotzke
Appleton, Wisconsin (July 10, 2008) — It is with great sadness that the CFA informs you that John Skotzke, founder and owner of John Skotzke Concrete Construction Inc., passed away on July 5, 2008, with his family by his side.
John was born on February 23, 1932 in Appleton son of the late Edward and Jule (Lenske) Skotzke. He married Doris Nooyen on May 2, 1953 in Appleton, Wisconsin.
John established John Skotzke Concrete Construction Inc. in 1956.
John was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time with his family and his brother, Paul.
John is survived by his wife Doris of 55 years; his children, Chris Skotzke (Mike Klingert), Neenah; Steve (Laurie) Neenah; Mike (Jodi), Neenah; John Jr., Fremont; Lea (fiancé Frank), Neenah; Maria (David Schmidt), Greenville; grandchildren, Matt, Carly, Colton, Lea, Katie, Mitchell, Kiara, Sam, Chrissy, K-D, Lea, Casey, Tiffany, and Wynter. John is also survived by his brother, Paul (Irene), Appleton, his sister, Virginia (Jim) Hartzeim, Hampton, VA.; numerous other relatives and friends.
The funeral mass is being held today in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
For anyone that might wish to pass along condolences to Doris Skotzke and family there is now a posting for John onhttp://www.wichmannfargo.com.
American Concrete Institute Announces New Publications
Farmington Hills, Michigan (July 9, 2008) — The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announces the availability of five new publications to educate and inform industry professionals on the newest concrete-related information and technology. As always, ACI members receive a special discount (up to 40 percent) on all publications. Publications can be ordered by calling 248-848-3800 or online at www.concrete.org.
332-08: Code Requirements for Residential Concrete and Commentary
The code portion of this document covers the design and construction of cast-in-place concrete one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) and their accessory structures. Topics include the design and construction requirements for plain and reinforced concrete footings, foundation walls, and slabs-on-ground, and requirements for concrete, reinforcement, forms, and other related materials. Also available in PDF form.
Publisher: American Concrete Institute
Publishing date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87031-267-0
Number of pages: 27
Price: $55.50 (ACI members $34)
209.2R-08: Guide for Modeling and Calculating Shrinkage and Creep in Hardened Concrete
This guide is intended for the prediction of shrinkage and creep in compression in hardened concrete. It outlines the problems and limitations in developing prediction equations for shrinkage and compressive creep of hardened concrete. It also presents and compares the prediction capabilities of four different numerical methods. This document is addressed to designers who wish to predict shrinkage and creep in concrete without testing. Also available in PDF form.
Publisher: American Concrete Institute
Publishing date: May 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87031-278-6
Number of pages: 45
Price: $68.50 (ACI members $42)
330R-08: Guide for the Design and Construction of Concrete Parking Lots
Concrete parking lots serve many kinds of public facilities, commercial developments, businesses, and multifamily housing projects. They primarily accommodate parked vehicles, but may also provide maneuvering areas and access for delivery vehicles. A full appreciation of the differences and the modification of design and construction procedures to take these differences into account can result in economical concrete parking lots that will provide satisfactory service for many years with little maintenance. This guide includes information on site investigation, thickness determination, design of joints and other details, durability considerations, paving operations, and quality-assurance procedures during construction. Maintenance and repair are also discussed. Also available in PDF form.
Publisher: American Concrete Institute
Publishing date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87031-279-3
Number of pages: 36
Price: $62.50 (ACI members $48)
201.2R-08: Guide to Durable Concrete
This guide describes specific types of concrete deterioration. Each chapter contains a discussion of the mechanisms involved and the recommended requirements for individual components of concrete, quality considerations for concrete mixtures, construction procedures, and influences of the exposure environment, which are all important considerations to ensure concrete durability. Also available in PDF form.
Publisher: American Concrete Institute
Publishing date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87031-284-7
Number of pages: 49
Price: $70.50 (ACI members $43)
421.1R-08: Guide to Shear Reinforcement for Slabs
Tests have established that punching shear in slabs can be effectively resisted by reinforcement consisting of vertical rods mechanically anchored at the top and bottom of slabs. ACI 318 sets out the principles of design for slab shear reinforcement and makes specific reference to stirrups, headed studs, and shearheads. This guide reviews other available types and makes recommendations for their design. The application of these recommendations is illustrated through numerical examples. Also available in PDF form.
Publisher: American Concrete Institute
Publishing date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87031-280-9
Number of pages: 23
Price: $52.50 (ACI members $32)
For more information, contact:
Sara Steptoe
Marketing Communications Specialist
248-848-3148
Sara.steptoe@concrete.org
Advancing Concrete Knowledge
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., USA, members of the American Concrete Institute advance concrete knowledge by producing consensus, concrete-related codes, specifications, guides, and reports; creating and administering certification programs that support individuals in the concrete industry; delivering seminars and distance learning opportunities; publishing Concrete International magazine; and producing two peer-reviewed technical journals. For additional information, visit www.concrete.org.
New membership benefits are available. Get More than ever before!
CertainTeed Corporation Supports Habitat for Humanity’s 2008 Home Builders Blitz
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (June 5, 2008) — CertainTeed Corporation joins building industry professionals across the United States in support of Habitat for Humanity’s second national Home Builders Blitz, May 31 – June 7. As a national partner for the project, CertainTeed is donating roofing, vinyl and fiber cement siding, insulation and gypsum wallboard products.
The Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz engages professional builders to make affordable housing available in their communities by donating time, building materials and subcontractor services to build homes in just one week. During this year’s build, approximately 1,000 building industry professionals will donate homebuilding materials as well as kick start an accelerated build, constructing more than 250 homes in partnership with 110 Habitat affiliates throughout 34 states. The accelerated build will serve to house more than 1,000 people.
“We are thrilled to support this endeavor which helps individuals experience the pride of homeownership,” says Peter Dachowski, President and CEO of CertainTeed. “We have partnered with Habitat for Humanity for many years and we look forward to continuing our affiliation with this worthwhile organization.”
The concept behind Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz originated in 2002 with Tom Gipson, a professional home builder in Raleigh, N.C., who supported Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to eliminate poverty housing in his community. Gipson rallied other local builders for an accelerated build, which was so successful that Habitat for Humanity International decided to promote it as a nationwide event in 2006. Since the concept’s inception, the professional homebuilders industry has assisted Habitat’s mission by building in excess of 780 homes. For more information about Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz, please visitwww.habitat.org/buildersblitz.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
About CertainTeed
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed Corporation and its affiliates have more than 7,000 employees and more than 70 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2007 the group had consolidated sales of more than $3 billion.
www.certainteed.com.
For more information contact:
Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed
(610) 341-7328
mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
www.certainteed.com/pressroom
Katie Burton
katie@millerbrooks.com
Miller Brooks, Inc.
11712 North Michigan Road
Zionsville IN 46077
317.873.8100
317.873.8110 (fax)
Western Forms Acquires Solid Wall Systems
Kansas City, Missouri (May 10, 2008) — Western Forms and Mercedes Homes are pleased to announce Western Forms acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Solid Wall Systems, Inc. (“SWS”) from Mercedes Homes, Inc., a Melbourne, Florida- based homebuilder, effective May 9, 2008.
Since its inception in 2001, SWS, has been a leading production builder of cast-in-place concrete walls in Florida and was featured in several publications and national broadcasts, such as the Bob Vila television show and ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. With such a recognized brand name in Florida, the company will continue to operate as Solid Wall Systems.
Western Forms, is not currently in the construction business, nor will it be in the future. Therefore, Structura Technologies, LLC, an affiliate of Western Forms that provides services to assist builders and contractors in the transition from block, wood, or other materials to cast-in-place concrete walls, will work in conjunction with SWS to develop third-party installer licensees to perform the actual cast-in-place wall construction in Florida.
Mercedes Homes has been instrumental in developing cast-in-place concrete technology for abovegrade walls in Florida and continues to recognize the value and benefits of poured-concrete walls. Their divestiture of SWS will now allow Mercedes Homes to concentrate on their core business while still offering the option of solid wall construction to their customers.
Mercedes Homes, Inc. (“MHI”) is the 30th largest single family homebuilder in the United States based upon number of homes settled/closed as reported in the May 2008 issue of Builderâ magazine. MHI is principally engaged in the marketing, sale and construction of single-family detached/attached homes generally ranging in sales prices between $100,000 to $800,000 for each home. MHI primarily builds in four (4) geographical regions, consisting of ten (10) separate housing markets:
- East Florida – Jacksonville, Space Coast and Treasure Coast
- West Florida – Orlando and Tampa
- Carolinas – Charlotte
- Texas – Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio
Western Forms, Inc. based in Kansas City, Missouri, is the worlds leading manufacturer of aluminum forming systems and support services to the residential and commercial concrete construction industry. Western Forms was founded in 1955 and invented the fabricated aluminum form in 1963. With its 350 employees, and 22 patents, Western Forms continues to lead the industry in innovation. Prompt delivery of Western products are available through a well established network of national distributors. In affiliation with Structura Technologies, LLC, Western embraces concrete contractors and builders by providing engineered-to-order forming systems coupled with extensive ongoing technical services.
Press Contacts:
Ron Ward
816-241-0477
rward@westernforms.com
Chris Ward
816-679-5520
cward@westernforms.com
Blaine Nye
816-215-8357
bnye@structuratech.com
Concrete Foundations Association Announces Availability of Concrete Facts Online
Mt. Vernon, Iowa (April 28, 2008) — The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) – a North American association dedicated to improving the quality and acceptance of cast-in-place concrete foundations – has announced the availability of Concrete Facts as an e-magazine online. As part of CFA’s green and sustainable initiatives, the online version of the magazine is free.
Covering important issues facing today’s concrete foundation contractors, Concrete Facts is distributed bi-monthly. The online version has the same editorial content as the printed version and even looks and reads just like the printed issue. The magazine can be read online or downloaded to view later. In addition, you can print either the entire issue or just a portion. The e-magazine is available at www.cfawalls.org.
According to Jim Baty, CFA Technical Director, the Association is dedicated to the pursuit of green and sustainable initiatives and the online version of the magazine is just another way to accomplish these goals and reduce CFA’s environmental impact. “Our members and others in the design and construction community will have the latest information about concrete foundations readily available to them at any time,” said Baty. “Not only will this effort increase our growing readership, but it will also improve our commitment to green practices.”
About the CFA
The CFA was established in 1974 for the purpose of improving the quality and acceptance of cast-in-place concrete foundations. Since that time, the CFA has transitioned to a network where foundation contractors can focus on building better businesses and improving the recognition of performance in codes and standards.
CFA provides promotional materials, educational seminars, opportunities for networking, and technical meetings for members throughout the U.S. and Canada involved in segment of the market now identified as Removable Concrete Forms (RCFs), walls produced by forming, placing concrete and then removing the forms of wood, aluminum or steel-ply. The CFA represents the interests of its members and the industry on several code and regulatory bodies, such as ACI 332 – the American Concrete Institute’s committee responsible for the creation of the “Residential Concrete Standard” and the International Residential Code (IRC) as well as concentrated efforts with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Portland Cement Association (PCA).
The CFA produces industry shaping documents including the CFA Standard for Residential Poured Foundations and the CFA Cold Weather Research Report. For more information about CFA, please visit www.cfawalls.org.
Putzmeister America, Inc. Debuts New Telebelt® Model at CONEXP0 2008
Sturtevant, Wisconsin (April 28, 2008) — Every three years the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show hits Las Vegas, Nevada with a bang and Putzmeister America, Inc. is there to showcase its newest and most customer-focused products, services and technologies. This year is no exception, with the introduction of the company’s new Telebelt® TB 600 truck-mounted telescopic belt conveyor.
The TB 600 features a rated output of 600 cubic yards per hour (459m³/hr) and has been engineered to meet high volume material placement demands.
Putzmeister America, Inc.’s new Telebelt® TB 600 truck-mounted telescopic belt conveyor was designed with civil contractors in mind and meets high volume demands.
“Designed with civil contractors in mind, the TB 600 is perfect for those seeking a 50 percent production increase,” says Putzmeister America Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Bill Dwyer.
With a 24″-wide high capacity main conveyor and feeder belt, the TB 600 offers versatility in material type and volume. The machine will place all flowable materials, such as pervious concrete, roller-compacted concrete (RCC), soil, cement, flowable fill and large aggregates up to 6″ (152mm) in diameter. The feed conveyor also offers fully hydraulic variable speed capabilities. Both belts feature 360° continuous rotation for maximum flexibility in setup.
“The benefits of the TB 600 can be fully realized on volume-intensive job sites like landfill linings where the sheer quantity of material to be placed exceeds the capabilities of other methods,” notes Dwyer. “The TB 600 can truly help expedite the process and reduce the time needed for job completion up to 30 percent. Like all Telebelts, this new model saves time and labor by handling multiple tasks from a single location on a job site.”
Other standard features of the TB 600 include:
- Low unfolding height of only 15′ 4″ (4.70m)
- A 102′ (31.08m) horizontal reach
- Four-section telescopic boom
- Modular Boom Control (MBC) system for the main conveyor functions
- Ergonomic and lightweight proportional radio and cable remote controls
Visitors saw firsthand the benefits of Putzmeister’s TB 600 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. In addition to the new Telebelt model, Putzmeister also showcased its 63Z-Meter truck-mounted concrete boom pump, a placing system including a 38Z-Meter detach boom, pin tower and BSA 14000-HPD high pressure trailer pump, and a TK 70 trailer-mounted pump.
The company offers more information at www.putzmeister.com or by calling 1-800-884-7210.
Markovich Appointed Vice President of Durand Forms
Durand, Michigan (April 10, 2008) — The Board of Directors of Durand Forms has appointed Mark Markovich as
Vice President / General Manager effective April 1, 2008.
Mark Markovich has previously owned Dependant Foundations, Inc. in Brighton, MI and has been using the Durand Forming System for over 25 years. In that period of time, Mark helped pioneer the change in poured foundations from wood forms to aluminum in Michigan and the surrounding area.
Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Concrete Foundation Association since 1998; and is recognized as an industry leader in developing and implementing new systems and methods for reducing on site labor costs for contractors.
The current management team in place for Durand Forms that will continue to work with Mark would include, Phil Fearnow VP of Sales, Mark Schmitz Controller/Material Manager and John Buechler Plant Manager.
Any questions can be referred to Ron Ward, Chairman and CEO Durand Forms.
THERMOMASS Promotes Brad Nesset to National Sales Manager
Boone, Iowa (February 23, 2008) — Composite Technologies Corporation (CTC), the manufacturer and supplier of the THERMOMASS Building Insulation System, today announced the promotion of Brad Nesset to National Sales Manager. Brad will have the primary responsibility for the sales and marketing of THERMOMASS Insulation Systems to the tilt-up concrete industry.
“Brad has been a key part of our success, and we are thrilled to promote him to this critical position,” said Tom Stecker, President of CTC.
Nesset, 30, joined CTC in 2005 as a Regional Sales Manager. He has held that title serving both the Eastern US out of Atlanta, and the Western US out of Los Angeles. Prior to joining CTC, Brad was with the Dow Chemical Company in its Building & Construction group.
A native of Iowa, Nesset grew up in Ames and possesses a Construction Management degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He is an ACI Certified Tilt-Up Technician, and an active member of the TCA, USGBC, and CSI.
About Composite Technologies Corporation
Composite Technologies Corporation is headquartered in Boone, Iowa. The THERMOMASS® Building Insulation System has been used in a variety of concrete projects totaling over 850 million square feet since 1980. For more information about THERMOMASS® call (800) 232-1748 or visit our web site atwww.thermomass.com.
Concrete Brackets adds CCB-2000 to Patented Concrete Foundation & Footing Bracket System
Las Vegas, Nevada (January 22, 2008) — Concrete Brackets, LLC (Old Saybrook, CT) announces the introduction of their new CCB-2000 Footing Bracket. The CCB-2000 was developed for single faced sidewalk/ slab applications and designed to save more then 50% savings in time, labor, and, material during the setup and stripping of foundation forms. The CCB-2000 Self–Store bracket folds flat to 2 inches and expands to 16 inches allowing them to be quickly set ,stored, and moved from site to site.
The CCB-2000 Self-Store Bracket joins the company’s patent protected system that replace obsolete, time consuming wood reinforcement & strapping techniques. The system is affordably priced ensuring a quick return on investment.
Concrete Brackets, LLC, a Morin Company, is well known for their experience and innovative approach to reducing on-site material and labor cost. The Morin group was founded in 1959. Ken Morin, president & CEO joined the business in 1986 and quickly identified the need for more cost effective solutions to standard concrete foundation techniques.
Morin Products Mfg. was started in 2004 and renamed Concrete Brackets, LLC in 2006. Con-crete Brackets was awarded a US patent in the summer of 2004. The Morin group remains family owned and operated. Concrete Brackets is proud to manufacture all products in the USA.
Concrete Brackets LLC was a member of the Concrete Foundations Association in 2009.
