Kim Medlin with Atlanta Custom Homes Inc. told local builders about “Technology Affecting Your Business in the Future” at the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia's November meeting, held at WhiteWater Country Club.

Medlin, who worked fulltime as a computer consultant for 16 years before becoming a home builder, told the group that information technology (IT) is an important tool in running a business.

He said it can help a company build a professional image through the effective use of desktop publishing to produce such things as flyers, newsletters, letterheads, etc.

Discussing other IT tools which can be utilized he listed a website, a digital camera to show job progress, time management software which can be used for tracking, scheduling and cost management, a notebook computer to give “field connectivity” and provide corporate data as needed, project management software, “do list” management software, and accounting software.

He also pointed out that the Internet has become vital as businesses make use of the world wide web and email.

“Information Technology is becoming a necessity for business survival,” said Medlin. “You must have a plan to get where you need to be. Define your objectives, set milestones, and implement them one at a time.”

He emphasized that small builders will be at a significant strategic disadvantage if they don't use Information Technology, because the big builders are already making - more -use of IT. Chase Manhattan Mortgage, First Citizens Bank and Tucker Federal Mortgage, the current members of the association's Underwriters Club, were recognized at the meeting.

Members of the Underwriters Club assist with the cost of dinner meeting programs and receive recognition at all Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia functions for the entire year. Corporate sponsors for the meeting were Carolina Builders and Prefinished Products Inc. The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves builders in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether Counties, currently has around 395 members. More information about the association can be obtained by calling the association office at (770) 716-7109.