Summer Meeting Recap:
HBAT Returns to Meeting in Person
Your State Association is developing a series of policies that will defend and advance the ability to build new homes. New construction is not always popular, and we must fight for our right to build a home, development a community and provide good jobs for our tradesmen. We need your perspectives and input.
Message from HBAT President James Reid
 
For everyone that made the trip to Destin for the HBAT summer meeting, it sure was great to see you in person!
 
For those that were not able to attend, here is a summary of what you missed. On Sunday evening we had a welcome reception on the Grand Lawn of the beautiful Henderson Beach Resort. The weather was perfect, the food delicious and the drinks plentiful. Best of all we were able to reconnect with our friends and fellow builders from across the state after a long year of Zoom meetings. In the process we also raised $1,560 for scholarships through a silent auction. 
Learn more about the Home Builder Foundation and the David Stauffer Scholarship fund.


Monday morning, we got down to business with a review of our Government Affairs efforts and a Housing Industry PAC status report. Our Membership forum presented results from a survey regarding HBAT’s effectiveness in our advocacy efforts, as well as topics such as committee structure and future meetings. That was followed by presentations by Chris Penasa with Small Business Growth Partners (a business coaching firm that works with home builders across the country) and a presentation by Ruth Hanlon of PPG highlighting color and decorating trends for the coming year. So much great information!
Tuesday started with a special guest speaker, Lake Coulson from NAHB’s federal government affairs team. He described the challenges builders are facing with skyrocketing lumber prices, a new proposed increase to the lumber tariff from the Biden administration, and the prospect of higher tax rates & greater regulations from the federal government. The federal update shows that home builders have significant fights ahead the next 4 years in Washington. It is always good to hear that NAHB is working hard to keep housing affordable, or at least more affordable. 
Buck Orrison was onsite to give quotes on the HBAT Benefits Trust Health Plan. Enrollment continues to grow, and you owe it to yourself to get a quote for you and your business. Learn More.





Tuesday afternoon, Housing Industry PAC donors were also treated to a private reception on the deck of the hotel overlooking beautiful Henderson State Park and the Gulf of Mexico. 
Over $55,000 was raised for HIPAC before the meeting and an additional $10,000 was raised during the Board meeting!
If you are committed to continued advocacy for the home construction industry, we strongly encourage you to contribute to the the Housing Industry PAC. We support state level candidates, who respect your hard work and vote in the Legislature to protect your ability to build new homes.
On the final morning, the Board of Directors met to perform our triannual association governance. Last year was an important transitional year for our State Association. We overcame challenges and have a strong future ahead of us if we take advantage of it. 
As stated at the introduction to this email, your State Association is developing a series of policies that will defend and advance the ability to build new homes. New construction is not always popular, and we must fight for our right to build a home, development a community and provide good jobs for our tradesmen.
 
We need your perspectives and input.
 
We invite you to participate in future opportunities. Join a call to get an update on new laws, reply to an email from the HBAT, attend a local event to meet our dynamic CEO, Charles Schneider, and contribute to the Housing Industry political action fund.
Sincerely,
 
James Reid
HBAT President 2021
Reid Homes in Bartlett, TN