A MESSAGE
FROM PRESIDENT GREGG BICHÉ Thank you to each and every one of you for placing your confidence in me to lead this great association in 2020. The participation of Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) many members are what keep us going strong, and over the next 12 months we will expand the opportunities for members to become involved. Our members continue to develop new ideas to keep our networking events fresh like Trivia Night that was organized by PWB and FIL earlier in January. This was a huge success and we saw many new faces. And there are more exciting new events to come including FIL’s axe throwing event in April as well as a smash session and costume contest this coming fall that sounds like a great way to blow off some steam. Our goals for the coming year align directly with our strategic plan, which has been lead by Greg Galla of Teal Becker and Chiaramonte, CPAs. It is important for CRBRA to increase our member base of builders and remodelers. As I stated at our installation ceremony, we all know someone that depends on building and remodeling to make a living, yet they are not yet members of CRBRA. As members we need to share our message and demonstrate all that the CRBRA does to help promote and protect our industry. We need to communicate our Value Proposition (see left.) We want to make sure all members, new and longstanding, understand that we have an event or committee that will meet their needs and help them to achieve their own goals. If you’re aren’t currently involved with an event or committee please contact us and we will walk you through the many options we have, including:
• • • •
Professional Women in Building, Membership, Future Industry Leaders, Parade of Homes,
• • •
Community Involvement, Golf, and Best in Building.
We know that there are so many demands for our time and not everyone has the resources to make large commitments. Because of this, we offer micro-volunteer opportunities. These are a great way to become involved and meet leading industry professionals. Our Community Involvement Committee has made great strides this year by helping individuals and organizations that could use a hand from a talented and compassionate group of people like our members. Paul Pipino of Pipino Builders chairs this committee. He would love to hear about new ideas for a Spring or Fall 2020 project, and he is always looking for members to volunteer and become more involved. These activities are not only an opportunity to help in our communities, they also increase awareness of CRBRA and the great things we can do.
“...we all know someone that depends on building and remodeling to make a living, yet they are not yet members of CRBRA. As members we need to share our message and demonstrate all that the CRBRA does to help promote and protect our industry.”
Our annual Lobby Day at the New York State Capitol is coming up in May. If you have not attended in the past, this is a great way help CRBRA and the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) speak with a clear and united voice on the topics that affect us all. Our Lobby Day begins with a morning meeting to provide an update on bills we would like to see enacted and legislation that would affect our industry. Whether you choose to speak or to stand with us for support, our strength in numbers can go a long way. Our day is capped off with a cocktail reception with other local and state members, and provides an opportunity to talk with our State Senators and Assemblymembers. I have loved this industry ever since I was a child, so I feel a great privilege to serve as president of CRBRA. I will do my best to serve in this role in a manner that will represent and promote all of our members. Thank you for the trust you have instilled in me, and for your continued involvement and dedication to this great association. I look forward to connecting with you at many of our events this year.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING AROUND THE CAPITAL REGION
5