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To further its mission of promoting good business conduct in the building trades in the greater Pottstown area, the Building Industries Exchange (BIE) of Pottstown & Vicinity Inc. provides consumer advisories to the public free of charge.

The following brochures are available at the BIE at 801 N. Charlotte St. or will be mailed to consumers upon request:

"Looking for a Builder? Pick the Right One," from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of Attorney General Mike Fisher.

"Avoid Home Improvement Headaches." Don't get nailed by an unscrupulous contractor. Before you hire or sign a contractor for home repair, review this BIE publication.

"Tips for Hiring a Contractor." Keep your project on the level by following the guidelines in this BIE publication.

The BIE screens its membership to provide the public with an assurance of quality craftsmanship and ethical business conduct. The BIE directs consumer complaints with the performance of contractors to the Pa. Attorney General's toll free consumer protection hotline 1-800-441-2555.

According to the BIE, complaints frequently involve consumers who have hired a contractor without having obtained excellent references or a complete written understanding.

Now observing its 58th year of operation, the BIE is a professional trade association dedicated to promoting integrity in and providing service to local building industries.

It operates a plans room that is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free to BIE members and consumers who have jobs for bid. A nominal fee is attached to guest contractor use.

The BIE sponsors the annual Pottstown Home Show, awards scholarships to aspiring tradesmen and women, provides referral services and consumer advisories to the public, and publishes a handsome annual directory of construction information. Brochures and directories are available, at the BIE at 801 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, free of charge.

It offers contractors regional project summaries; discounted cost data; plan copying services; bimonthly news; business, technical and safety programs; social opportunities; job banking; preferred employee banking; local TV exposure; conference room use; and optional association-rate health, life, disability, dental and vision insurance via Independence Blue Cross and its preferred providers and brokerage firms.

Visit the Exchange on line or find a contractor at www.pottstownbie.org.