The primary objective of the SHBA is to ensure that local citizens have access to the housing of their choice and the opportunity to realize the American dream of homeownership. As the SHBA and its members have a stake in the quality of life here in Eastern Washington, they actively participate in economic development efforts and give back to our community through participation with local charities. SHBA facilitates business-to-business networking and serves as a resource to the public, providing information and referrals to help people enjoy their construction experience. Their “Find a Pro” directory and Consumer Resources provide a valuable tool to those who are considering a construction project.

• Since 1947, the Spokane Home Builders Association has worked to promote, protect and educate the local building industry by providing benefit programs, networking opportunities and government representation to builders, developers, sub-contractors, suppliers and industry service providers in seven Eastern Washington counties;
• Serves nearly 700 member businesses, representing all facets of the building industry – general contractors, developers, realtors, architects, excavators, plumbers, electricians, financial institutions and more;
• SHBA is the second largest Home Builders Association in the state;
• Affiliated with the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), the third largest State association of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB);
• Provides industrial insurance refunds (39.3% return rate in 2015, 45% return rate in 2014);
• Provides educational opportunities for its members;
• Offers the Kim Momb Scholarship Fund for students pursuing a higher education in a housing-related program;
• Recognized by the State of Washington as the only non-union accredited residential carpentry apprenticeship program in the state;
• Coordinates special events for the community such as the Renovation Expo and the Fall Festival of Homes.

Tri-County HBA is a chapter of the SHBA, and regardless the size of a home, we seek to better our community in the Tri-County Region: Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties. I’ve gained a number of benefits as a member that I wouldn’t have known otherwise: friends and networking in the industry, community involvement, as well as helping represent the Eastern Washington building industry politically. Last year I went to speak to our Legislature about bills that would support the building industry in our area and oppose other bills that wouldn’t be good for Eastern Washington. SHBA offers a platform for the building industry as a whole to gather and make the kind of changes we need to keep small business and the building industry alive here.

On a local level, the Tri-County Home Builders Association has recently gotten involved with Dr. Bacon’s Colville Homeless Project with plans of helping construct tiny homes for homeless individuals and families. Like Eisenhower said, everyone deserves a home, and not having a home compounds the problem of the housing industry today.

When I joined over four years ago, I didn’t know that SHBA members get an awesome four-in-one membership deal: Tri-County HBA, SHBA, NAHB and BIAW. All those acronyms spell a lot of dedicated builders supporting and promoting the industry. BIAW, for example, has a strong lobbying team in Olympia that defends affordable housing for the citizens of Washington State. They “help fight against a government that has made this industry among the most regulated in the nation.” – BIAW.com. They also have full-time business attorneys on staff offering free legal advice for members.

I have also found that the SHBA promotes professionalism, pride in work and a mentality for excellence in the trades. And, in being able to meet with other professionals, I’ve been able to discuss problems, concerns or issues and get valuable feedback from fellow members.

Housing is a major indicator of a nation’s well-being and accounts for about 15 percent of the nation’s GNP. Moreover, construction also can generate millions of jobs. The downturn in the housing market was one of the largest contributors to the nation’s high unemployment rate. There’s power in numbers. The more builders that stand together, the better we can promote the positive changes needed to maintain, and even gain more ground on good housing policies. All dedicated professionals should consider HBA membership to help fight for small business and private property rights. The only way to fight government and win is to join forces with others who are dedicated to supporting their industry.

You can contact me personally at 509-738-9453 and I’d be happy to discuss your interest or questions. You can also contact the Spokane Home Builders Association at 509-532-4990 and they would also be happy to assist.

Housing and homeownership are critical to a strong and prosperous nation. Home is central to American life. It is where families make lifelong memories and where children are nurtured so they can build a better tomorrow. Homeownership promotes social stability, is critical in creating wealth and provides upward mobility and financial security to individual households.

When you choose a home, you’re not only choosing a building to live in, you’re choosing to join a community. The Home Builders Association is committed to improving the communities we live and work in through service projects, advocacy and outreach. Find out more at www.shba.com.