1. business and industrial
2. advertising and marketing
3. marketing

2015 Call for Entries
STARS AWARDS GALA
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Charlotte Convention Center
6:30 p.m. Pre-Gala Networking Reception
7:00 p.m. Dinner and Awards Presentation
Builders, associates, realtors, media and advertising professionals, local HBAs
and the many others who make major contributions to the residential home
building industry are invited to enter the STARS Awards Program.
Submit the projects that you think are the best of the best, and see if you have
what it takes to be honored as a STAR of the home building industry!
Early Bird Entry Deadline: June 19, 2015
Regular Entry Deadline: July 8, 2015
Presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association in conjunction
with the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference
How to Enter
the STARS Awards Program
ELIGIBILITY
You must be a member of the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB) to be considered for any
award. Each award winner will be announced and
recognized at the STARS Awards Gala during the
21st Century Building Expo & Conference.
Projects must have been completed between
July 15, 2013 and July 8, 2015
Table of Contents
Entry Preparation Information ........... 2
Category Information ......................... 3
Builder/Associate of the Year ............ 6
STARS Entry Form ........................... 9
Entry/Ticket Payment Form .......... ...10
ENTRY PREPARATION
PROCEDURES
Carefully review all preparation procedures and
judging criteria before preparing and submitting
your marketing statement/project description
and entry materials. All entry materials and
photos become the property of the STARS
Awards and will not be returned. Any photos may
be used for promotional purposes in the event your
entry is a winner.
ENTRY FEES & DEADLINES
Early Bird Deadline: All entries (fees and exhibits)
must be received on or before June 19, 2015.
Fee: $100 per entry.
EXHIBIT MATERIALS/
LABELING
Purchase Tickets:
$75 by September 8 | $100 after September 8
Web site: www.21buildingexpo.com
1. The entry form, payment form, marketing
statement and all exhibit materials for a given
entry must be submitted electronically (by
sharing files through the Dropbox
program—www.dropbox.com and with
judging@nchba.org).
2. A completed entry form must accompany
each entry as a separate file.
3. A completed marketing statement must be
included as a separate file.
4. A completed payment form must be received
before entry will be processed.
5. All photos must be high quality jpg files and
in color. All file names should include the
category number and project/company name.
CONTACT INFORMATION
JUDGING
Regular Deadline: All entries (fees and exhibits)
must be received no later than July 8, 2015.
Fee: $150 per entry
GALA INFORMATION
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Charlotte Convention Center
6:30 p.m.—Reception
7:00 p.m.—Dinner & Presentation
Kathryn Stansbury
STARS Awards C/O NCHBA
5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 415
Raleigh, NC 27606
PO Box 99090, Raleigh, NC 27624
Phone: 1-800-662-7129
Fax: (919) 676-0402
E-mail: kstansbury@nchba.org
Industry professionals will judge projects based
on the criteria outlined in each category heading.
Judges reserve the right to divide
categories into subcategories (by
price, for example) depending on
the range of entries.
Categories & Judging Criteria
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Judging Criteria and Exhibits required for
Brochures/Direct Mail/Newsletters: Effectiveness
in conveying project theme and relaying relevant information,
copy, graphic design, creativity, overall presentation/appeal as it
relates to reaching the target market and effectiveness in
meeting marketing objectives. Submit an entry form, marketing
statement and one electronic file of any brochure, newsletter,
or direct mail piece.
1. Best Brochure/Marketing Piece for a Community
2. Best Brochure/Marketing Piece for a builder, developer,
associate or realty company
3. Best Newsletter (Printed or Electronic) for a builder,
developer, associate or realty company
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits for Logos: Effectiveness in
conveying message/concept, copy and graphics, overall design/
appeal, effectiveness in communicating to target market and
effectiveness in meeting marketing objectives. Submit an entry
form, marketing statement and one electronic file of the logo.
4. Best Logo Design for a builder, developer, associate or
realty company
5. Best Logo Design for a community
Judging Criteria for Advertisements and Publications:
Effectiveness in conveying concept and relevant information
clearly, creativity, copy, graphics, design, overall presentation/
appeal as it relates to reaching the target market and
effectiveness in meeting marketing objectives. See individual
category for exhibit requirements in addition to entry form and
marketing statement.
10. Best Marketing, Advertising or Branding Project for a
builder, developer, associate, realty company or community.
May be solely print or a combination of print and digital.
Projects may be single elements or a campaign. Submit
photos/examples of the entry’s components and any other
applicable supporting materials.
Judging Criteria for Radio and Television Projects:
Effectiveness in conveying concept and relevant information
clearly, creativity, design, overall sound and visual appeal/
presentation as it relates to reaching the target market and
effectiveness in meeting marketing objectives. See individual
category for exhibit requirements in addition to entry form and
marketing statement.
11. Best Radio Commercial or Project for a builder,
developer, associate, realty company or community. Submit
one audio file of the project and include builder or project
name in file name.
12. Best Television Commercial or Project for a builder,
developer, associate, realty company or community. Submit
one video file of the project and include builder or project
name in file name.
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits for Websites: Overall design/
presentation, creativity, copy, organization and balance of content
(does site give enough information to give visitor a true sense of
the product or company), ease of obtaining information,
effectiveness in communicating message to target market and
effectiveness in meeting marketing objectives. Submit an entry
form (with web site address where indicated) and marketing
statement.
13. Best Website for a Builder or Developer
14. Best Website for a Community
6. Best New Homes Publication for consumers or general
brokerage agents. Submit one electronic copy of two unique
issues.
7. Best Billboard for a builder, developer, associate, realty
company or community. Submit two jpg photos of the
billboard from different angles.
8. Best Advertisement (color or black and white) for any
size for any priced community, builder, developer, associate
or realty company. Submit one electronic file of the ad.
9. Best Digital Marketing, Advertising or Branding Project
for a builder, developer, associate, realty company or
community. Entries may include e-blasts, banners, web
videos, social media campaigns, etc. Projects may be singleelements or a campaign. Submit audio/video files of the
entry’s components and/or applicable internet links (with
log-in information if needed).
15. Best Website for an Associate
SALES/INFORMATION CENTER
Judging Criteria /Required Exhibits for Sales/
Information Center: Function of floor plan layout, creativity,
effectiveness in visually conveying product/company information,
effectiveness in clearly communicating the marketing theme,
product, community and/or builder image as it relates to reaching
the target market and effectiveness in meeting marketing
objectives. In addition to entry form & marketing statement,
submit a minimum of five photos (maximum of 10) of overall
exterior, overall interior, interior displays, office space, etc.
16. Best Sales/Information Center for a builder, developer,
associate, realty company or community. Entries may include
showrooms, clubhouses or any kind of structure that is used
as a centralized information center for a given business or
community.
OUTDOOR DESIGN
Judging Criteria for Landscape Design Category:
Selection and use of materials (plants, flowers,
stone, etc.) in the landscaping which successfully
enhances the community/business and/or home, overall
design/appeal, integration into surrounding area, creativity,
attention to detail, successful reflection of the overall marketing
themes and objectives and also the lifestyles of the target
market. See individual category for exhibit requirements in
addition to entry form and marketing statement.
17. Best Landscape Design for a community, attached
home, detached home or other business location. Submit at
least five photos (maximum of 10) depicting the overall look
of the project in addition to specific entryways, common
areas, designated buildings, etc. Include the site plan.
Judging Criteria for Outdoor Living Area Category:
Overall appearance and design, functionality of the space,
creativity and special features, workmanship and detailing,
effectiveness in meeting marketing objectives and effectiveness
in reaching target market. See individual category for exhibit
requirements in addition to entry form and marketing
statement.
18. Best Outdoor Living Area for detached or attached
home. Submit at least five photos (maximum of 10)
depicting the project. Entries could include outdoor
kitchens, screened porches, patios, etc.
ARCHITECTURE/
FLOOR PLAN
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits for
Architecture/Floor Plan Categories: Overall
exterior and interior design appeal, workmanship and detailing,
function of floor plan, creative use of interior space, special
features, effectiveness in reaching the specified target market and
meeting marketing objectives. Submit a minimum of six photos
(maximum of 12), to include one photo each of the front and
rear view elevations and at least four different interior photos
(i.e. living room, dining room, master bedroom, kitchen, family
room, etc.). Also include the floor plan. For attached
communities, include one photo of the community and/or
special architectural or planning features.
22. Best Single-Family Detached Home with a sales price
under $250,000
23. Best Single-Family Detached Home with a sales price
$250,000–$500,000
24. Best Single-Family Detached Home with a sales price
$500,000–$750,000
25. Best Single-Family Detached Home with a sales price
$750,000–$1 million
26. Best Single-Family Detached Home with a sales price
over $1 million
27. Best Systems Built Home
INTERIOR MERCHANDISING/
DESIGN
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits for Interior
Merchandising Categories:
Use of color, texture, materials, interior space,
furnishings, accessories, window and wall treatments, creativity,
overall appeal and function of layout and design, effectiveness in
reaching the specified target market and meeting marketing
objectives. In addition to an entry form and marketing
statement, submit a minimum of eight photos (maximum of
12): to include front elevation, rear elevation, and six different
interior photos (i.e. living room, dining room, master
bedroom, kitchen, family room, etc.). Also include floor plan.
19. Best Interior Merchandising/Design for a home with a
sales price under $250,000
20. Best Interior Merchandising/Design for a home with a
sales price $250,000–$500,000
21. Best Interior Merchandising/Design for a home with a
sales price over $500,000
28. Best Attached Home Plan with a sales price under
$250,000, to include townhomes, condos, etc.
29. Best Attached Home Plan with a sales price $250,000 —
$500,000, to include townhomes, condos, etc.
30. Best Attached Home Plan with a sales
price $500,000 or more, to include townhomes,
condos, etc.
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING
Sponsored by Duke Energy
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits:
This category covers projects completed January
2014 through July 8, 2015 and will be judged solely on the final
HERS (high efficiency residential standard) score without Solar
PV included, as confirmed by a certified HERS rater. The project
with the lowest verified score will receive the award. Entrants
must submit an entry form, an energy specification sheet in pdf
form ((to include the final certified HERS score (without PV),
ACH50 value and duct leakage (tested at 25 Pa)), a pdf of the
original HERS rating certificate or ENERGY STAR certificate, the
project’s REMRATE file (version 14.4.1 ) and four jpg photos of
the project (1 exterior and 3 interior shots).
31. Best Energy Efficient Single-Family Project
REMODELING/RENOVATION
Judging Criteria/Required Exhibits for Remodeling/
Renovation Categories: Overall appeal and design,
workmanship and detailing, functionality of space as it relates to
project/client objectives,
challenge and impact of
transformation, use of special and unique features, effectiveness
in meeting and exceeding the stated project objectives. In
addition to the entry form and marketing statement/project
description, submit a minimum of 8 photos (maximum of 16)
to demonstrate the project before and after renovation. Each
after photo should be taken from the same vantage point as the
before photo. Include the starting and remodeled floor plans,
elevation and other supporting materials needed to understand
the project.
32. Best Room Remodel/Renovation. May include kitchens,
bathrooms, attics, basements, etc.
33. Best Addition
34. Best Whole House Remodel/Renovation
35. Best Aging/Accessibility Remodel/ Renovation. Entries
should identify specific aging in place/universal design
features that meet the needs of aging in place consumers.
LOCAL HBA AWARDS
36. Best HBA Website, to include any HBA
website that directly benefits consumers and/
or members of the association. Entries will be judged on
overall design/presentation, creativity, copy, organization
and balance of content (does site give enough information to
give visitor a true sense of the HBA itself or project), ease of
obtaining information, effectiveness in communicating
message to target audience and effectiveness in meeting
marketing objectives. Submit an entry form (with web site
address where indicated) and marketing statement.
37. Best HBA Communication/PR Effort. May be a single
piece or campaign, distributed in printed or electronic form
and targeted to members or consumers. In addition to an
entry form and marketing statement, include one example of
the communication piece or campaign in electronic form
and /or a link where materials can be viewed. Entries will
be judged on overall presentation, communication and
relevance of intended message, copy and overall graphic
design, creativity and special touches, effectiveness in
meeting stated objectives and reaching intended audience.
38. Best HBA NC BUILD-PAC Fundraiser. Entries should
be creative and fun efforts designed to raise funds for NC
BUILD-PAC. Include entry form, project description and
electronic files of any photos, reports, or other materials that
highlight the initiative. Organization, execution, creativity
and unique elements of effort, fundraising impact,
achievement of given objectives and level of engagement of
association and members will be judged.
39. Best Government Affairs Initiative. May be any event or
program that was created to advance housing issues and/or to
combat anti-housing proposals. Include an entry form, project
description, any photos, media reports, or other materials that
highlight the initiative in electronic format. Judges will review
organization and execution of project, creativity and unique
elements of effort, pro-housing impact, if given objectives are
achieved, and the level of engagement of association and
members.
40. Best HBA Parade of Homes Marketing Effort, single piece
or campaign. May include a publication, multimedia efforts,
etc. Include electronic file of effort in addition to entry form
and marketing statement. Judges will review overall
presentation and appeal, effective communication of POH and
HBA information and message, if the project achieves stated
objectives, copy and overall graphic design, organization of
content, creativity and benefit to members and consumers.
41. Best HBA Community Project or Program, designed/
developed to provide support and assistance to the
community. Include entry form, project description and
electronic files of any photos, media reports, or other materials
that highlight the initiative. Organization, execution, creativity
and unique elements of effort, impact on community,
achievement of given objectives and level of engagement of
association and members will be judged.
42. Best HBA Event or Special Project. May be an event or
project designed to generate non dues revenue, honor
members, highlight the local association, etc. Include entry
form, marketing statement and electronic files of any photos,
media reports, or other materials that highlight the initiative.
Overall organization and execution of event, creativity and
unique elements of effort, impact on association and/or
intended audience, achievement of given objectives and level of
engagement of association and members will be judged.
SPECIAL AWARD & COMMUNITY
OF THE YEAR AWARDS
43. Special Award. Includes individual HBA member
projects. Projects can include volunteer activities, charitable
works, etc. outside of the HBA (HBA efforts should be entered
in Category 42). Include an entry form, project description
with objectives and electronic files of any photos and
supporting materials that showcase your project. Judges will
evaluate overall presentation and impact of effort.
44. Community of the Year. To be considered, a community
must enter at least five other categories. Additional entry fee
not required. COY entries should include a marketing
statement for the community, a map/site plan for the
community & at least five jpg photos of different aspects of the
community. Judges will review overall neighborhood design,
unique design features, implementation and creativity of the
marketing plan, effectiveness and continuity of all marketing
phases (i.e., graphics, advertising, sales office, merchandising,
signage, product design, etc.), overall quality of presentation
and overall sales success.
2015 STARS Awards Nomination Information
Category #45 NCHBA Distinguished Builder Member of the Year
Category #46 NCHBA Distinguished Associate Member of the Year
These awards recognize home builder association members who have made significant, long-term
contributions to the HBA, the building industry and community. Recipients of these prestigious awards
will be announced at the STARS Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.
We invite you to nominate a builder or associate member that you believe is deserving of this special
honor. Self-nominations are accepted. Previous winners are not eligible.
Judges will use the following criteria when reviewing nominees:
Local HBA Association & Membership Activities
 Committee/Board involvement
 Special projects/accomplishments in relation to the local
association
 Participation in and support of the local association, its events and
programs
REDUCED FEE
for Categories 45 & 46
$50/Entry
NCHBA/NAHB Association & Membership Activities
 Committee/Board involvement
 Special projects/accomplishments in relation to the association
 Participation in and support of the association, its events and programs
Civic Responsibility
 Community service projects
 Charity support and involvement
 Youth organizations
 Religious activities
I nominate ___________________________________________________ for Distinguished Builder Member of the Year
I nominate _________________________________________________ for Distinguished Associate Member of the Year
Please prepare a summary outlining the nominee’s service and why this member should be considered for this prestigious
award. Along with the summary you may include photos, newspaper articles, etc. in your presentation to detail the work of
this member. Take this form, the summary and any other items you wish to share and send to the NCHBA office along with a
photo of the nominee. Please refer to page 2 for deadlines and submittal instructions.
Your name:__________________________________ HBA: ___________________________________________________
2015 STARS Awards Nomination Information—
Executive Officer of the Year Awards
Category #47 NCHBA New Executive Officer of the Year
This award will be presented to an EO who has served no more than three years in an association management
position and is judged to have made major contributions to the profession during this time period. Candidates
must have served no more than three years (cumulative) by Dec. 31, 2014 as an executive officer of an NAHBaffiliated local association.
Category #48 Executive Officer of the Year
This award will be presented to an EO who has served more than three years in an association management
position and is judged to have made major contributions to the profession during this time period. Candidates
must have served more than three years (cumulative) by Dec. 31, 2014 as an executive officer of an NAHBaffiliated local association.
General Award Criteria:
 One (1) complete copy of entry (form, supporting materials, and samples) must be submitted.
 Candidate must be submitted by a sponsor other than the nominee.
 Entries must include:
 A one-page essay, submitted by the sponsor, on why the nominee qualifies and




should receive the award. Along with the summary you may include photos,
newspaper articles, etc. in your presentation to detail the work of this EO.
At least one professional recommendation for the nominee from the local HBA
At least one high resolution photo of the nominee
Candidates must be an executive officer of an NAHB-affiliated local association .
Candidates must demonstrate participation in the state and/or national EOC.
REDUCED FEE
for Categories 47 & 48
$50/Entry
Judges will use the following criteria when reviewing nominees:
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



Candidates’ actions and commitments during the 2014-2015 calendar year must have promoted the goals of their HBAs.
The candidates’ association management practices, concepts, techniques, and ideas during the 2014-2015 calendar year must have
assisted in the advancement of other EOs.
Local Association & Membership Activities: Committee/Board involvement; Special projects/accomplishments in relation to the
local association; Participation in and support of the local association, its events and programs.
NCHBA/NAHB Association & Membership Activities: Committee/Board involvement; Special projects/accomplishments in relation
to the association; Participation in and support of the association, its events and programs.
Civic Responsibility: Examples include community service projects, charity support and involvement, youth organizations, religious
activities, etc.
I nominate ___________________________________________________ for New Executive Officer of the Year
I nominate _________________________________________________ for Executive Officer of the Year
Please refer to page 2 of the Call for Entries for deadline and electronic submittal instructions.
Sponsor name:_______________________________________
HBA:_______________________________________________
New in 2015 … Introducing the
Builders Mutual Safety Program of the Year Award!
Builders Mutual does more than just insure builders. We are building a safety culture across the Southeast to raise
awareness about the importance of jobsite safety. Since it is up to you to take an active role in supporting safety
throughout your business we would like to reward your efforts.
Category #49 Builders Mutual Safety Program of the Year
This award recognizes the achievements of builders or trade contractors who have developed, implemented and
maintained a high quality safety program.
General Award Criteria:
Entrants, in addition to this completed entry form, are required to submit responses to the following qualitative
essay questions. Please feel free to include samples of any unique templates, materials or programs you use in
conjunction with your safety initiatives.
♦ Provide an overview of your company safety program and its effectiveness. (350
words or less).
♦ Explain how your company's owner management supports the safety program and
what involvement the employees play in the structure and operation of the program.
(350 words or less)
♦ Explain your company's procedures to correct or control present or potential safety
hazards on the jobsite. (350 words or less)
♦ Describe your company's safety and health training program. (350 words or less)
No Entry Fee
Required
Judges will use the following criteria when reviewing nominees:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Quality of the company safety program
Management's involvement and commitment to safety
High level of employee and/or trade contractor involvement in safety
Effectiveness of the safety program
Hazard prevention and control
Safety and health training
New or innovative programs, practices, procedures or resources used by the company to promote safety
Unique program elements used by the company to support and heighten safety awareness
Company Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
(As you would like it to appear on the award should you win)
Entry Contact Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
City________________________________________ State _________ Zip code _____________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________ Fax: _________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Member of the following local home builders association(s): ____________________________________________
Note: NAHB Membership is a requirement of the program. Please list all local home builders associations you are a member of.
Please refer to page 2 of the Call for Entries for deadlines and electronic submittal instructions.
2015 STARS Awards Entry Form
Category Number: _______ [Complete separate form for each category entered and review entry guidelines and
judging criteria before preparing entry materials.]
Category Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
Company Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
(As you would like it to appear on the award should you win)
Entry Contact Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________ State: _________ Zip Code: _________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________ Fax: _________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Member of the following local home builders association(s): ____________________________________________
Note: NAHB Membership is a requirement of the program. Please list all local home builder associations you are a member of.
Please complete the information below as appropriate and
applicable to your category:
Target Market for entry: ________________________________
Completion date for project entered:_______________________
Community Name: ____________________________________
Model/Residence Name: _______________________________
Location Address: ____________________________________
Location City/State: __________________________________
Select one:
Attached
Detached
Home Sales Price/Community Price Range: $_______________
Heated Sq. Footage: ___________________________________
Unheated Sq. Footage: ________________________________
Garage Sq. Footage: ___________________________________
When did site open? ___________________________________
# of Units in Community/Units Sold:______________________
Builder/Developer: ____________________________________
Marketing Director: ___________________________________
Don’t forget the MARKETING STATEMENT/
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This statement should describe your project and
explain the major objectives of the entry and how
they were met. Identify the target market, any
unusual constraints or opportunities that the
project presented, and how those issues were
addressed. Include any additional information that
you would like for the judges to have that further
addresses the judging criteria and the unique
nature of your project. Statement should be
typewritten, double spaced and not more than
550 words.
Ad Agency: _________________________________________
Architect: ___________________________________________
Land Planner: ________________________________________
Interior Designer: _____________________________________
Landscaper: _________________________________________
Web Designer: _______________________________________
Web Site: ___________________________________________
For local HBA categories only:
EO Name: ________________________________________
No. of Members: ___________________________________
YOU MUST MAKE PAYMENT
ON PAGE 10.
ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
WITHOUT PAYMENT.
Entry Payment/Ticket Reservation Form
2015 STARS Awards Gala
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Charlotte Convention Center
6:30 p.m. Reception | | 7:00 p.m. Dinner/Awards
STARS Awards Entry Fees:
Gala Tickets:
$75—Early Bird Price by September 8
$100—Regular Price after September 8
$100/ENTRY BY JUNE 19
$150/ENTRY BY JULY 8
($50/entry for Categories 45, 46, 47 & 48)
Tickets are available individually or by table of 10.
Categories entered (list category #s):
# Individual Tickets: ________
# of Entries: ____________________________________
# Table of 10 ___________
Total Due: $_____________________________________
Total Due: $______________________________
Billing First Name:______________________________________ Last Name:_____________________________________
Billing Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Billing Address : ________________________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________ State : _______________ Zip: ______________________________
Billing Contact Email: __________________________________________________________________________________
Entry or Ticket Contact Person (if different from above):__________________________________________________
Contact Phone: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact E-Mail: _________________________________________________________________________________________
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Amount Authorized: _______________________________________________
 Check Enclosed (Payable to NCHBA) Visa  MasterCard AMEX
CC No: __________________________________________________________
Exp. Date: ________________________________________________________
Mail to: STARS Awards/NCHBA
PO Box 99090
Raleigh, NC 27624
Email to: kstansbury@nchba.org
Fax to: (919) 676-0402
Name on Card: _____________________________________________________
Phone: (919) 676-9090
Signature: _________________________________________________________
FOR NCHBA USE ONLY
Date Rec’d__________________ Check#/Credit Card: ____________________ Amount Rec’d: __________________
Paid By: ______________________________________________________________________________________________