H B OME UILDERS A SSOCIATION NEWSBRIEF The Official Newsletter of the Home Builders Association of Greater Southwest IL The Voice of the Homebuilding and Remodeling Industries in Southwest Illinois. Representing Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair Counties January 2017 issue www.hbaswi l .org HBA Presidential Year in Review 2016 HBA President Jeff Schmidt RLP Development Upon reflection, 2016 seems to have been a year that was filled with many challenges and many accomplishments for our organization. During my installation speech last January I challenged every member to recruit one new member this year. That did not occur, however, we did realize an increase in membership and an average of 90% retention, which reverses a declining number over the past several years. Thank you to the new members that helped us achieve this success and the members that recruited them. What I would consider the most unfortunate loss to our region, was the decision to build the next NGA site in north St. Louis. It was a huge disappointment not only for members of our association, but for the entire Metro East. However, the Municipal Assistance Committee was instrumental in working with Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and Madison County on revising the I-55 Development Code which was adopted in July of this year. They also have been involved with other municipalities providing input and guidance as their committees and boards navigate the complexities of adopting, in whole or part, building codes and ordinances. Most recently, Troy , IL is revising their Subdivision Ordinance and our committee is there providing guidance and expertise to assist them. Our Professional Women in Building Council continues to impress. Hosting private lunches with Troy Mayor Allen Adomite and O’ Fallon Mayor Gary Graham. They also held their inaugural “Power Women Luncheon” featuring two very successful women, from the state of Illinois, Colonel Laura L. Lenderman, SAFB and Kristina Rasmussen, President and COO of the Illinois Policy Institute. These along with other activities have raised thousands of dollars allowing them to provide scholarships for local female students in the home building and remodeling industries. The New Homes on Parade Open House Event with the implementation of “Parade Craze”, an app downloaded on a smart phone; not only was successful and reached even more potential home buyers, especially millennials. Our local HBA published the “Building Industry Laws You Should Know” book and provided this to all members. This will continue to be a benefit to members for years to come. On a national level in 2016, Home Builder and Developer, Ed Brady, from Bloomington, IL served as Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders and is being considered for the next commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration. The Presidential election gives us President Donald Trump, with his significant background in the building industry. While addressing NAHB attendees at the mid-year meeting in August zeroed in on issues of concern to the industry, particularly regulations that he said today represent 25% of the cost of building a home. He indicated that he would declare a temporary moratorium on new agency regulations and lower the cost for homebuilders. On the state level our own Mark Vogt, Vogt Builders has moved up the HBAI leadership to become its Treasurer. Tracy Butler our Executive Officer received the “Presidents Award” from outgoing President Dean Graven, for her work on the afore mentioned book. Earlier this year Bob Dee Jr., Homes by Deesign, represented us in a roundtable discussion consisting of MetroEast business owners with Governor Rauner. Finally, we will once again be honored with providing assistance to our members of the armed forces during the return of the Air Show & Open House as Scott Air Force Base celebrates 100 years of continuous operation. As much as we have accomplished this year, many are left out of this review, I feel we have set into motion many other exciting improvements to our organization; that will come to fruition in the coming months and years. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been given this opportunity to serve you and I look forward to the many changes that new leadership will bring. God Bless all of you, your families and businesses. I feel most would be disappointed if I did not end this with a hearty, “GO BIG RED”!
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