November 1, 2007

KALAMAZOO – The Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo (HBAGK) is excited to announce their endorsements for the November 6, 2007 election. The HBAGK is the professional trade association for members of the housing industry in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties as well as the southern halves of Allegan and Barry Counties with over 620 member businesses. As part of the mission “Building Homes, Strengthening Communities”, the HBAGK works towards strengthening the housing industry and business environment through pro-housing initiatives and advocacy.

For the Kalamazoo City Commission, the HBAGK has endorsed Hannah McKinney, David Anderson, Barbara Hamilton Miller, and Stephanie L. Moore; for Portage City Council, Margaret O’Brien and Elizabeth Campbell; for Portage City Mayor, Peter Strazdas; and for Three Rivers City Mayor, Allen “AJ” Balog.

“We encourage the voters of Kalamazoo, Portage, and Three Rivers to vote for these candidates on November 6, 2007,” said Jeff Smith, President of the HBAGK, “these candidates were selected based on their responses to questions related to the building industry in the greater Kalamazoo area.” Candidates were also selected because of their vision for economic development, which is needed both locally and statewide.

“During these challenging times, we need elected officials who have an understanding of important issues facing the housing industry,” stated Dale Shugars, Executive Vice President of the HBAGK, “these candidates exemplify the leadership qualities needed to address such issues.”

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ABOUT HBAGK: The Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo is the professional association for members of the housing industry in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties as well as the southern halves of Allegan and Barry Counties. Builder members consist of residential contractors, remodelers, and developers. Associate members represent all professions that support the home building industry. The HBAGK exists so that members of the residential construction industry can ethically and efficiently provide our communities with safe, quality, affordable housing and to promote home ownership. It is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the Michigan Association of Home Builders.