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Thoughts on “Smart Growth ♦ An Historical Perspective on “A Better Place to Live” ♦ What We Do HBA/DE President
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Ladies/Gentlemen:
I am truly honored to be elected by you to lead this organization. I want to thank all the past presidents for their efforts. This organization has a great history of past presidents, including my Father, Steven L Fortunato back in 1970. I have some big shoes to fill.
I pledge that I will do my best to lead this organization as these past presidents have done. I am fortunate that we have a great board of directors to help me with this task.
As far as the next year and the future….
Needless to say, our industry and this organization face some tough challenges. Our economy is in a downturn that our generation never imagined could happen. New home starts are at the lowest level on record. The unemployment rate in the construction industry is 20%
Yet, with the economic adversities at hand and the state of our industry, I am amazed that there are still many legislative and regulatory initiatives being introduced that will drive up the cost of housing, threatening homeownership. As a result, these initiatives threaten our industry, our employees and our economy.
On the National level, we are part of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They are working for us to deal with these threats. Some examples are the FHA loan limits, eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, 20% down payment for Qualified Residential Mortgages, difficulty in getting ADC loans, and others.
On the local level, the HBADE is here to defend against these threats. And there are numerous threats: The Chesapeake Bay initiative, mandatory fire sprinklers, storm water runoff regulations, escalating energy codes and rising sea level regulations are just a few. Some of these initiatives are of are of good intentions, and others are designed to stop new home ownership. The problem is that often they do not fully calculate the costs involved and the impact on home-ownership. These initiates drive up the cost to build a home. As a result, fewer can afford to buy which makes the dream of owning a home harder to reach.
The economic impact is felt with fewer jobs
The HBADE spends a large amount of time and manpower on these regulatory issues. That includes both staff and volunteer member time. This is a big part of the value of your membership.
There are lots of other benefits of belonging to this organization: educational seminars, social events, networking events, political goodwill, and others. Your continued support is critical for our industry and this organization. We need support from Builders, Remodelers and Associate members
If your livelihood depends upon the home building industry, then you can’t afford not to belong to the HBADE.
I have 2 primary goals for this next year:
- Strengthening our voice and influence with regulators. Our industry is a major driver in our economy. Regulatory agencies need to hear from us as small business owners. We have done a great job in the past. We need to push even harder in the years to come.
- Increasing our membership. We need to get those back that have let their membership’s lapse. We need strength in numbers; A unified front. We need to convey to our members the value they receive from this organization.
I have 3 challenges for all our members that will help us achieve these goals.
1. Continue your membership. Renew.
2. Get others to join. If you know others that have dropped out, get them to rejoin. Decide on 2 firms you know and call them tomorrow. Do business with members.
3. Participate: Join a committee, come to meeting. Join a council
When we send out a “call to action” email;….respond….call the legislator we are asking to you call….attend the meeting we want you at.
Sign yourself up; Sign up your staff
If everyone contributes to these 3 challenges, we will achieve these goals.
The past success of this organization is due to the participation of its members.
Together, as a unified industry, we will get through these difficult times.
We will be successful. We are and we will continue to be a recognizable and respected voice for our industry.
As individual business owners and as an industry organization, we will be heard.
Be proud to be a part of the history of this organization
Be proud to be a part of the future of this organization.
Frederick T. Fortunato
