from the top New for 2023

BY DAVE NIELSEN CEO of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland

It feels like we’re finally entering a year where the significant impacts of the pandemic are in the rear-view mirror. Certainly, the economy as well as more typical challenges are still in play, but we’re seeing signs that key parts of HBA’s operations are improving and showing promise for stronger growth as we move further into the new year. That is welcomed news after almost three years of rough, chaotic and unpredictable seas.

That certainly doesn’t mean business is returning to usual. In fact, none of us should expect that. We may not know exactly what will be different or how current impacts and pendulum swings will re-center, stay stationary, or swing the opposite direction. However, like any strong business, we are focused on identifying what our members/industry need going forward, and what we can learn from recent challenges and changes to help us better prepare for our future.

Certainly, advocating for housing and our industry’s ability to provide it as affordably as possible while increasing needed supply in the months and years ahead is critical. Learn more about our goals in that area in the Housing and Industry Advocacy section of this magazine.

Beyond that, we’re working on a number of other areas to provide value to all of our members, including segments that have their own unique needs. Recently, we reformatted our Remodelers Council (formerly known as PRO) into the Remodeling and Custom Building Council, recognizing that most builders who specialize in one of those two areas also work in the other, and many of the issues the two segments experience are similar. Those of you in these categories should have received some communication from us about this new council. Look out for more details and a launch event announcement very soon.

We know that during times of market uncertainty and slowing of sales, our industry needs different things, including:

• Information and data on how the market is performing, including nuances in market sub-segments and outlooks for potential improvement overall.

• Peer-to-peer learning opportunities, especially from those who have been through previous recessions, on how to manage through and prepare for growth coming out of downturns.

• Connections to resources and new relationships that can provide more business opportunities.

• Business services and benefits that can further help reduce costs or increase value to employees or your company. The insurance, fuel, warranty, credit card and other programs we offer are highlighted on page 10. Energy efficiency and building envelope review services we can offer through our Building Science Program are highlighted on page 12.

• Education and training through programs like our annual BuildRight Conference in April, offering deep dives on potential opportunities for business growth and development.

Our staff and members engaged through HBA’s Boards, Councils and Committees are working on these and the evolution of other programs and services like our consumer shows, industry labor/job training partnerships, and outreach to a larger and more diverse base. If any of the above areas or opportunities are of interest, please reach out to me and let me know if you would like more information or to learn how you or your company can become more involved.

HBA is looking forward to a new year, even with the bumps and challenges still ahead. As always, thank you to our members for your continued support.

DEDICATED BUILDER TEAM WITH OVER 50 BRANDS TO CHOOSE FROM. SPECIAL BUILDER PRICING FROM ENTRY LEVEL TO LUXURY PREMIUM PRODUCTS. DEDICATED IN-HOUSE SALES, PARTS & SERVICE, INSTALLATION, AND DELIVERY. NO PROJECT TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE. WE CAN SERVICE A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME UP TO LARGE MULTI-FAMILY PROJECTS.