As a builder, contractor, supplier, or organization involved in the construction or housing industries, you value the ability to build and maintain quality, attainable homes. You understand how homeownership continues to be a key tenet of the American Dream, and you understand the value of advocating for regulations and laws that support that dream.
So do we at RVI. That’s why we place so much value on being an active member of our local Builders Association, and believe you should too. Our co-founder Ashly Hartmann serves as the State Director for the Headwaters Builders Association, regularly meeting with representatives from across the state, while our other founder, Sam, sits on the Board of Directors.
Joining your local Builders Association could do wonders for you, your business, and your community. Here’s a look at what it means and what it could do for you.
What is the HBA?
Chartered in 1993, the Headwaters Builders Association (HBA) is a professional organization dedicated to providing quality, attainable housing in northern Wisconsin. It has approximately 100 members including builders, subcontractors, building suppliers, and related businesses in Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Iron, Price, and northern Lincoln counties.
One of 21 local associations throughout Wisconsin, HBA is affiliated with the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). When you become an HBA member, you enjoy a “3-in-1” membership to all three associations, offering you access to three different communities.
The WBA affiliation provides you with the tools to help project the Wisconsin housing industry, helping homeowners and businesses flourish. The NAHB affiliation offers advocacy, expertise, knowledge, networking, and savings so that you have the resources to build a better product and a strong business.
What are the Benefits of Becoming an HBA Member?
It all sounds good so far, but what are the concrete benefits of membership? First and foremost for us at RVI, membership with the Headwaters Builders Association is a fantastic way to give back to our profession and its future by bonding with the community and sharing knowledge and resources.
This in turn benefits all of us in a number of ways. To start with, you get to connect with other professionals in the industry throughout the Northwoods, making it a fantastic networking opportunity.
There are also various educational offerings, both in-person and online. You can hear from speakers on important issues regarding UDC, OSHA, Zoning and industry trends, making sure you are always up to date on the latest changes in your industry and staying at the top of your game.
Membership also means that you are part of a group with a collective voice aimed at our local, state, and national legislatures to work together on important issues in the industry. In these cases, several voices can make more impact than one lone speaker.
For example at RVI, Ashly helped to fundraise for the PAC Fund in a poker run, representing RVI in doing our bit for investing in good government and supporting pro-housing public officials in Wisconsin and on the national stage
What’s more, the HBA donates both time and money to support local communities and schools. By joining, you can be a part of these valuable community efforts, helping to boost local growth and generate excellent PR for your business.
Finally, members have exclusive access to business consultants, legal advice, discounted insurance programs, rebate programs, and more. By taking advantage of these discounted or even free services, your membership can actually save you money.
Are you a member of your local Builders Association? If not, why not? We’d love to hear about your experiences, either in the comments or on social media.
