President’s message

President Tracy Doriot, BIAW Certified Builder

As Washington reopens for business and we return to in-person meetings and events, there couldn’t be a better time for our 2021 BIAW membership drive. Looking back over the last 16 months, the building industry has weathered the COVID storm fairly well. We couldn’t have done it without the power of our nearly 8,000 members.

Resources and referrals

Earlier in my career, I looked at the guy building houses across the street as the competition. I didn’t understand why I would join my local association. Now, I view my membership as critical to my business success.

With membership comes all the resources, recommendations and intellectual capital you gain from working with others. Need a good roofer? How about an insurance broker? You can always find a good recommendation from fellow BIAW members. I know several times a week, builders ring me up looking for recommendations—and I’m happy to give them. Members do business with members.

BIAW also provides safety incentives, health insurance and education programs, workforce development and more. They helped us through COVID, sharing tips on building washing stations, updated guidance and leads on personal protective equipment or hand sanitizer early in the pandemic.

Promote and protect

BIAW also works to promote and protect our industry. In one of only a few states where residential construction was not deemed “essential” during COVID business shutdowns, BIAW quickly deployed communications and government affairs strategies to urge our governor to modify his stance. As a result, he reopened our industry five weeks before others.

The need to promote and protect the home building industry persists. As we’ve demonstrated through our government affairs, communications and legal work, BIAW continues to fight for our industry and our communities. We’re in the trenches, working to promote and protect the home building industry so Washington families can enjoy the American dream.

Leaning into leadership

Strong membership also relies on strong leadership. Serving as a leader in my local association and at BIAW has contributed to my personal success and business growth. Our organization provides abundant leadership opportunities at the local, state and national level in a variety of areas.

Look around and find what interests you. Government affairs? Workforce development and scholarships? Events? Pace yourself, find your passion and get involved. You can start as a committee member and follow a path to leadership. Who knows you might have the next big idea!