President’s message:

As we head into 2008, our industry faces many challenges.  Housing starts are nearing historic lows.  The financial markets are in turmoil.  Inventory of for-sale homes and foreclosures are skyrocketing.  Clearly our industry is undergoing a cyclical correction.

Now, more than ever, our Association needs to be an invaluable resource for our membership.  In an effort to improve our performance, we conducted a survey last year on a wide variety of issues and received many valuable comments.  Over the coming year, you will see changes in our programs in an effort to better serve you.

When reviewing the survey results, I noted a number of you want to increase networking opportunities.  The easiest way I’ve found to meet other members is to regularly attend Association events.  This year we have many great events scheduled, including our monthly membership meeting that is usually held the second Tuesday of each month.  I also encourage you to participate in our special events such as the Pinnacle Awards, the Trade Show, the Golf Outing at the Powelton Club, Lobby Day in Albany, Habitat for Humanity Builder Blitz, the Family Picnic, the Holiday Party and the new year-long large stakes cash raffle.

Another great way to network is to serve on a committee.  Currently we have openings on the new year-long Cash Raffle Committee, Governmental Affairs Committee, Habitat for Humanity Blitz Committee, Pinnacle Awards Committee, the new Remodeler’s Council and the Membership Committee.  Please contact myself or Jean Rowe to get involved.

Speaking of the Membership Committee, our number one goal for 2008 is to again become the largest local association in the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA).  This year you have an added obligation as a member of the BAHV.  You must recruit at least one new member (preferably builder members).  If we each accomplish this goal, at the end of 2008 we will have well over 1000 member companies.  If you do nothing else all year for the Association, please make sure to accomplish this simple task.  We need a stronger membership to effectively Lobby in Albany.

To enable us to better communicate with our elected officials in Albany, last year we went on-line with Voter Voice.  Please take a few minutes of your time when you receive notification from Rachel Neuhaus to send out the letters that have been drafted for you.  This is critical because Albany only reacts when they are bombarded with requests for reform.  A prime example of our effective lobbying last year was the defeat of mandated fire sprinkler systems for single family homes.  I expect even better results this coming year, now that we have Voter Voice.

I am looking forward to serving as President this year.  There is much work to be done.  I am counting on all of you to get actively involved this year to help our industry.  Please feel free to contact me if there is an industry issue you’d like to see our Association become involved with.

Eric Abraham