FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION�S NEW FAX RULES

            The FCC granted a stay regarding its new fax rules.  As a result, the new regulations affecting fax advertisements will not go into effect until January 1, 2005.  Originally the new rules were to go into effect August 25, 2003. 

            The two key pieces of the new regulations; First, the new rules did not allow for businesses to send fax advertisements to those with whom the business had an �established business relationship.�  The second rule requires parties sending faxes to obtain prior written consent from the recipient.  While it is never a bad idea to have such consent on file(you will need one beginning in 2005), there is no rush at the present time.

            A fax sender meets the new definition of an �established business relationship� if recipient has purchased a good or service from the sender in the proceeding 18 months.  That definition encompasses any active member of an association since the member must have paid dues at some point in the past year.  Also, businesses have up to three months to send fax advertisements to any party that has inquired about products or services but did not make any purchase.

            If you are interested in reading the FCC actual ruling, you can find it at  

2003 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SPONSORS

January                no meeting
February              Kohl Building Products
March                  First National Bank of Penna.
April                    Builder Services Inc.
May                     none
June                     none
September           Dominion Peoples
October               The Long Barn
November            Penelec "A First Energy Company"
December            Christmas Party

If you would like to sponsor a general membership meeting contact Walt Freidhoff at 535-8371. If you would like to sponsor a Northern Cambria meeting contact Al Lieb at 948-9897

PENNSYLVANIA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION TO ADDRESS MEMBERSHIP NEEDS

The PBA will soon be conducting a membership needs assessment.  We can not stress enough the importance of participating in this process.  The PBA uses the results to develop services and programs to fit your needs.  �Help Us Help You!�  A random sample of members will be selected to participate.  For more information on the membership needs assessment, contact Doug Meshaw at 800-692-7339,  Ext 3007.  You can also email him at [email protected].

KEEP YOUR GROUP FOCUSED

When a group discussion goes astray, use these phrases to refocus everyone�s attention.

1.         �Let�s stop for a moment and review our main points.�

2.         �I�d like to go back and see how this relates to our original agenda item.�

3.         �I think we�re spinning our wheels.  Let�s get back on track.�

(Source:Intervention Skills. W. Brendon Roddy, Pfeiffer & Co.)

Do you know why divorce is so expensive?  Because it is worth it. - Chet Fluder