In a cost-saving move the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has shut down its office for the entire week of August 24.

In an announcement on the NAHB website the organization said that the five day August holiday was a cost savings effort and that its office would also be closed for the entire week of the Thanksgiving holiday (November  23-27) rather than just on Thanksgiving the and the following Friday as is traditional.

NAHB President Jerry Howard had told his board of directors of the plans in May saying that "this shut down plan, along with other cost-cutting measures that have already been adopted, is being implemented to help the Association save millions of dollars."

The home building industry has been among the hardest hit employment sectors during the current economic slowdown and hundreds of construction companies, small and large, as well as those who depend on those homebuilders for their livelihoods have gone out of business.  NAHB did not tie their announcement to membership factors but it is fair to assume that they have been suffering from a loss of members, dues, and contributions.

Persons wishing to contact the Association are advised that phone calls and messages will be returned after normal hours resume on Monday.