Mid-Year Review

Jessica Whyde

SAHBA has operated successfully for almost 60 years by adjusting to shifts in local housing cycles and regulatory environments. As the needs of our members have changed over the years, SAHBA has evolved and grown into the association we know today.

The severity of the most recent downturn has not only impacted our members, but has forced changes across the country and throughout the entire economy. While the dust still needs to settle for the industry as a whole, SAHBA is not waiting to take action. SAHBA has been working diligently in recent months to continue to meet the needs of our members while adapting to market conditions.

Remodelers in the Spotlight - While SAHBA was fortunate to already have a strong Remodelers Council, recent consumer focus has put the group center stage. This year marked the launch of our first Remodelers Home Tour and efforts are well underway for a follow-up event in February 2011. In addition, SAHBA remodelers successfully collaborated at the Spring Home Show with the popular feature, Remodelers Row. With the positive feedback from exhibitors and consumers, SAHBA Remodelers have plans for the Fall Home Show as well.

Member Payment Options – SAHBA recognizes the financial challenges facing many companies today. In an effort to offer flexibility to those loyal members that have supported the association, members now have the option to pay dues in up to six installments. For more details regarding payment options, contact Carol: carol@sahba.org.

Streamlined Leadership – SAHBA’s new leadership structure went into effect at the first of the year. With a smaller Executive Board, the group is able to act more nimbly to address current issues and requires fewer association resources. In addition, the roles of the 1st and 2nd Vice Chairs have been more clearly defined, taking some of the workload off of the acting Chair and ensuring better development of our SAHBA leaders.

Staff & Operations – In conjunction with leadership changes, the staff went through a significant reorganization. All staff members now have clearly defined roles, outlined objectives and development plans, and established timeframes to meet the goals of the association. We’ve also taken a hard look at operational systems, administrative procedures, and compliance issues so SAHBA is providing the most efficient and effective service to our members.

Social Media – In case you hadn’t already heard, SAHBA is on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Our goal is not only to help you stay connected with current SAHBA issues and events, but help you understand how social media is applicable to your own business. Many of our members have joined SAHBA online and our LinkedIn group just recently hit the 200-member milestone!

Of course, we aren’t done yet. SAHBA leaders are working continuously to ensure the strategic vision of the association meets the current and future needs of our members. The investments we are making today ensure SAHBA will be here to support the building industry for the next 60 years and beyond.