President's Message

One cannot move forward without looking back.  Looking back on the changes our industry and the association experienced in 2008, some may cringe, but we need to reflect on the past year in order to properly prepare for the future. 

In 2008, the HBA was impacted by the decline in the housing industry.  Memberships went down, as did event attendance and sponsorship contributions.  Members across the board touted lack of business as a reason to cut marketing dollars and the inability to dedicate time to the association that they once had.  We were all spread thin in 2008 – any time (and money!) dedicated to the HBA was truly a stretch for many of our members.

While as a businessperson I understand this reasoning, as an association leader I implore you to steer your thinking in the opposite direction.  Now more than ever is when our association, a group of companies joined together and working towards common objectives, should step up and be most involved.  The HBA, despite the economy, strives to: 

Represent the interests of home builders and home buyers in regulatory and legislative issues affecting housing. Educate and inform its membership and the community about the central issues related to home building. Serve as a source of information, education and professional development so that members can run their businesses more effectively and deliver high quality products in a profitable manner with increased value to the home buyer. Create and promote professional and ethical practices that are fair to the home buyer, the builder and the contractor. Promote contracts and relationships that develop trust, loyalty and respect among all members and all segments of the residential construction industry. Foster a positive public image of the home building industry, the association and its members.

Whether it’s learning about a new business practice, meeting a prospective client or gaining exposure for your company through support of association events and initiatives, there is always something to be gained from your membership in the HBA.  Make a commitment to increase your involvement in the HBA in 2009.  I promise you will not be disappointed, if you strive to grow your business through your membership. 

Thank you to our valued Committee members, chairs and co-chairs that dedicated endless hours in 2008 to these goals.  Special thanks are owed to Joe Price for the great job he did in this past year as our dedicated President.  During an undeniably volatile time in our industry, Joe’s guidance and direction helped keep the association thriving.  And, finally, a thank you to the membership as a whole, for having confidence in me to lead your association to a brighter future in 2009.  I look forward to working with all of you in the new year!

Rick Buchholz, HBA President

VP of Land Aquisition, K. Hovnanian