Editor’s note: This column was published in the most recent edition of Oklahoma Builder magazine
By Mike Means
OSHBA Executive Officer
What was I thinking? I thought for sure after the Oklahoma Building Summit & Expo things would slow down. I thought for sure there would be a day or two that might even be “dull.” What was I thinking?
Meetings, events, and budgets! Issues that can take up a day fast and you wonder where the time went.
We have already begun planning for next year’s Summit. The OSHBA Board of Directors held its fall board meeting and approved the new slate of officers and next year’s budget.
But I would like to share with you a little about the “meetings and events.”
We have some very serious issues facing us as a nation and it is imperative that we give our perspective to our elected officials. To that end, we recently met with Congressman Lucas, Congressman Russell and Congressman Cole. We delivered the Oklahoma perspective on employment, overreach by EPA and OSHA, and several other issues the homebuilding industry faces.
Of course, we wanted the inside scoop on who would be the next Speaker of the House, but alas, they were tight-lipped. (Editor’s note: Turned out to be Paul Ryan)
Yours truly has also attended several Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission meetings recently. This cycle was pretty unique. There was hardly any controversy until they got to Chapter 11.
You see, Chapter 11 is the energy code section and everyone, and I mean everyone, wants to give their two cents. Let me tell you that we should all be thankful for the work that Curtis McCarty, Todd Booze, Mike Gilles, Larry Cagle and Chris Ramseyer did on behalf of the industry.
The work is not done yet as final adoption awaits, post publication of this magazine. And then it has to pass the scrutiny of the state Legislature.
But at OSHBA it isn’t all work and no play.
OSHBA holds just a few events each year. One of them is our annual Sporting Clays tournament. I would like to take a moment to thank our chairman, David Brookshire, for leading the cause. The cause? Our Homebuilders PAC which helps our legislative efforts.
This year the event was held at Quail Ridge Hunting and Sporting Clays near McCloud. Owner David Martin worked with us and helped us have an enjoyable event.
Congratulations go to Randy Harnsberger with OEC for being the top shooter and winning a new Glock .45!
The top team went to Metro Appliances hosted by Mike Thompson. Larry Stein won an antique clay thrower donated by Mike Fretz. He won because he left the most clays intact during the shoot. Brian Stedman won the drawing for the new Franchi Instinct L shotgun. (And yes Mr. Chairman, it is an over/under, not a double barrel!)
Another event that is always a highlight is the State Associates Golf Tournament.
This year, thanks goes to Titian Burris with ClimateMaster for helping us hold a very successful event. The Associates decided this year to add a charitable component to the event so half the proceeds were dedicated to the Homeless Alliance to help in their efforts to alleviate the problems faced by the homeless.
Nope, never a dull moment with OSHBA. Maybe December, it might slow down…nope. I will be on the road coming to a place near you!
Until next time,
Mike Means, State EO
