Rain and below freezing temperatures could not dampen the enthusiasm Tuesday as the Home Builders Association of Georgia kicked off the new year with a successful Winter Board of Directors Meeting and Legislative Reception. Thanks to the more than 100 members who braved the weather to take part in the first meeting of 2021 at The Commerce Club in Atlanta.
“We’re excited by the turnout and grateful for the support of everyone there,” said HBAG’s new Executive Vice President Austin Hackney, who was serving in his first meeting in his new role. “We appreciate everyone who came out for the meeting and reception, and their efforts to make sure we had a safe environment. We also appreciate the great turnout by our legislators, and all of your efforts in inviting them to the reception.”
HBAG is also grateful for the video welcome from Governor Brian Kemp and the in-person visit by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan.
As part of the Board Meeting, members heard reports and updates from all HBAG committees, including current financial reports and audit results, regulatory and government affairs. David Logan, Director of NAHB’s Tax and Trade Policy Analysis, provided a report on lumber prices, and National Area Chairman Buddy Hughes and State Rep Bobby Cleveland updated us on NAHB activities. Hughes also announced his candidacy for NAHB 3rd Vice Chairman.
President Jim Chapman gave members an update on organizational changes at HBAG and the sale of the building. He also gave a re-cap of his goals for the year:
- Re-establishing the Golden Isles HBA as a stand-alone local or part of a regional concept
- Revising the by-laws and policies to better represent the current organization
- Working to strengthen our Associates Council so that it is a value-add to the members and HBAG
- Provide greater accountability in the way HBAG funds are collected, spent and accounted for
- Visit as many local HBA events as possible over the next year
- “Bourbon for BUILD-PAC” fundraiser
New EVP Austin Hackney highlighted some of his goals for the next 90 days, six months and the year. Highlights include: Westside HBA’s acquisition of Paulding and Polk Counties, new affinity programs Small Business Growth Partners and The Association Partners, plans for one-on-one interviews with EO’s and Past Presidents, a town-hall style webinar to update the 3400 member businesses of HBAG on the recent changes to the association, a new office location, revision of the association bylaws, meetings planning, committee nominations, and the search for an office manager/events coordinator.
Director of Public Affairs Cindy Morley spoke on the creation of a new strategic communications plan for HBAG, including a redesigned user-friendly website, increased and timely member communications, increased communications with local HBA Executive Officers, and the creation and implementation of an HBAG app and meeting app.
The Board took action on a number of issues, including:
- Approved a resolution supporting Buddy Hughes candidacy for NAHB 3rd Vice Chairman 2022
- Approved the appropriation of $35,000 from the proceeds of the sale of the HBAG building to the Lewis Cenker Scholarship Fund, establishing HBAG as a named funder.