OSHBA 2014 President Todd Booze
Going to IBS is always a good start to the new year and this year was no exception. Attendance was up to more historical numbers this year as estimates were as high as 95,000 registrations, up from 65,000 in 2013.
As always, there was a full slate of educational opportunities for Builders and Associates on topics from Design, Sales and Construction to challenges we, as an industry, are going to face in this recovery. Also presented were numerous other ways to help builders improve their operations and run their business.
On the NAHB front, many efforts are happening to maintain a positive legislative environment in which to operate. NAHB's Lobbying Staff can't be ignored due to their efforts regarding the Mortgage and Appraisal industry, AD&C financing requirements and battles fought related to Environmental, Storm Water and DEQ policies that would affect drastically our businesses and costs.
So, if you ever wonder if our Build PAC dollars are being put to good use, go to NAHB: Value of Membership for more information about the issues that are being dealt with that we sometimes are unaware of or ignore at the local level.
At the State level, the Legislative session is in full swing. Mike Means and your Legislative Committee are in the process of reviewing all Legislation being proposed that could affect our industry. We will keep you aware of those issues.
If you haven't signed up yet for VoterVoice, please do so as it is one of the most effective tools we have in communicating with our legislators to help them understand our position on issues (you can click on the above link to sign up!). Please contact Mike at the State Association (mikem@oshba.org) if you have any questions.
Also, we will be convening April 1 at the State Capitol to meet face to face with our lawmakers, to discuss and try to ensure certain legislation will have no negative impacts on our industry. That afternoon will be our Spring Board of Directors meeting as well.
Finally we are working diligently at the State association to provide you and the local HBAs with the value you deserve by being a member of this association.
To name a few:
Look for the upcoming State Contracts that will be available on line in the next few weeks.
Membership Rebate Program that in 2012 the average participant received over $1000 in manufacturers rebates. (Numbers for 2013 not finalized.) Click here to sign up.
And for all Certified Professional Builders, savings on your insurance from Mid-Continent which more than pays for your dues of being a member of the Home Builders Association. Contact the State offices on how you too can become a Certified Professional Builder.
Go to our blog on the state website for what your peers are saying about the value they find. Or the next quarterly Builder Magazine discusses the value Certified Professional Builders find in their designation.
For more reasons to value your membership, go to this new NAHB microwebsite.
Our membership has continued to grow throughout the recovery, but we need all of your help in recruiting new members so we have the numbers behind us in lobbying efforts. This ensures we have representation at all levels.
Your membership -- what better way to stay connected to the ever-changing conditions that affect our Industry?
