Information, education and inspiration...Those three words describe an event that every member of the Rhode Island Builders Association needs to attend at least once in his or her career. Of course, once you attend, you'll want to do so every year! I'm talking about the National Association of Home Builders Convention and the International Builders Show (IBS), being held January 22 through 24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. The IBS is filled with information because it's the largest annual light construction show in the world. There are literally miles of the latest and most advanced building products and services ever assembled. See all of the latest innovations for yourself, with hands-on demonstrations and working models in over 300 building industry categories. The IBS is filled with education, too, with over 100 educational sessions. And it's full of inspiration because you will see the power of the residential construction industry in America first-hand. The full, three-day registration is discounted for NAHB members (every RIBA member automatically belongs to NAHB) and includes a complimentary one-year subscription with on-demand access to NAHB's Online Library of recorded 2013 IBS education sessions (a $399 value), and entry to the exhibit floor. For complete information and to register, visit www.BUILDERSSHOW.com. Our committees RIBA's committees are revved up and ready to go. As you can see from this issue of The Rhode Island Builder Report, the Legislative Committee is fully geared up for the 2013 session of the general assembly, and the remodelers committee has re-energized its monthly schedule, with seminars and round-table discussions planned that will be of interest and benefit to every remodeler. Regulatory issues RIBA has been especially active on your behalf with three important regulatory issues lately: The proposal to increase "freeboard" another foot in A and V flood zones, changes to the lead-hazard rules in the state, and the proposed rate increase by the Narragansett Bay Commission. These are just three examples of RIBA's legislative and regulatory advocacy for you. But we need your help! Let our executive director, John Marcantonio, know what regulations and policies are making it hard for you to do business, whether they are local, state or federal. Your input will help us focus our advocacy for 2013. RIBA's 2013 member benefit guide will soon be sent to members, with a complete and ambitious continuing education program for contractors, along with pages of other valuable services, discounts and other benefits that make your membership dues one of the biggest annual bargains in your business life. RIBA is all about saving you money and finding you work. And for 2013, we're just getting started! Felix Carlone is the president of the Rhode Island Builders Assn.