EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MESSAGE 2022 is Coming to a Close

As we close the book on 2022 at Olympia Master Builders, I think we can agree it’s been nice to be back to a bit more “normal”. While we are still feeling the affects of Covid in several ways being back to in-person events and meetings has been great! Both the BIG Home and Garden Show and the Tour of Homes had great attendance by the public who were excited to be back out and participating!

Labor issues have continued to plague members throughout 2022, along with building material shortages and rising interest rates. In fact, labor shortages were the most listed reason for members who chose not to participate in the 2022 BIG Home and Garden Show. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes dropped eight points in October. The count on unfilled construction jobs has jumped drastically over the last year as well. As the housing market slows, pressure will be taken off the tight labor market. Though according to NAHB’s Chief Economist Robert Dietz, the long-term labor challenge will persist beyond an expected near-term recession (read more on page 8).

Coming out of the pandemic, OMB started offering a few new items for members!

First, the Professional Women in Building (PWB) group, led by Chair Debbi Boyd of Real Estate of the South Sound, increased their offerings with the addition of Food for Thought Breakfasts. These breakfast meetings bring in quality speakers with a whole range of professional topics. For those of you who don’t know, PWB was chartered at NAHB in January of 2020 after the hard work of Debbi and several other OMB members. PWB membership and events are open to all members, you do not have to be a woman to join. If you are interested in participating email Jill Williams at jill@omb.org for more information.

OMB also started up a Contactors Roundtable under the leadership of Chair Daniel Doyle of Doyle Construction, LLC. The Contractors Roundtable meets each month and roundtables with new and seasoned Contractors on topics that have ranged from contracts to hiring quality employees. This group has been instrumental in the sharing of ideas and knowledge among contractors in our Association. Please email staff@omb.org if you would like to be added to the mailing list for the Contractors Roundtable.

OMB has also added two new team members in 2022, Rodolfo Bonilla Franco, Office Administrator and Jessie Simmons, Government Affairs Director!

Thank you all for your continued support of Olympia Master Builders and the mission of housing affordability for all economic segments of society.