At home in the Triangle

How HBAs give back to the local community

by Danielle Jackson

 

As an organization dedicated to the promotion of one of the Triangle’s hottest industries, the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties (HBADOC) has been meeting members’ needs since its inception in 1962. Those needs are ever-changing, but its core mission remains the same: to support the growth of the building industry through active involvement in the community.

 

“Placing equal emphasis on service to our members, we offer resources with which our members can conduct their business with confidence and professionalism,” says Nick Tennyson, executive vice president of the organization, which is based in Durham.

 

Its mission is carried out each day by its core staff, and its membership of more than 850 continues to grow as new developments change the area’s landscape.

 

Impact

Giving back to the community is an essential component of the organization as well, as evidenced by its involvement in various events and projects, from Parade of Homes to Habitat for Humanity.

 

Coordinated in conjunction with the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County’s Parade of Homes, the bi-annual event gives builders an opportunity to showcase their talents to the general public. It is held over three weekends each fall, offering residents a chance to see various styles up close, from simple to elaborate.

 

HBADOC also offers a Green Home Tour each spring, showcasing homes from builders using sustainable building products and practices. Held in May, the last tour featured about 40 homes.

 

Its Builder Blitz, hosted through Habitat for Humanity, is one of the largest in the country. Since 2004, the organization has built 30 Habitat homes, and members have donated funds, labor, and materials to support homes within its coverage area.

 

HBADOC’s Parade of Playhomes is another fundraising effort for the community, wherein members build three to four playhomes that are raffled off. Proceeds benefit charities that work to prevent child abuse in Durham, Orange and Chatham counties. More than $100,000 has been raised since the program began, including approximately $8,500 this year alone.

 

Learning curve

Education is another essential element for success. HBADOC has given more than $110,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors, including 19 scholarships of $1,000 each this year. While scholarships are not restricted to members or students pursuing construction-related careers, priority traditionally is given to these two groups.

 

Education programs and seminars are an important part of any professional’s success as well, and HBADOC members have access to a wide range of educational and informative topics relating to the industry through continuing-education classes. The organization also offers access to green building certification programs and designations in remodeling, sales and marketing.

 

Its involvement with government affairs also helps ensure members remain a step ahead.

 

“By carrying out an extensive government relations program, we’re able to ensure that the industry is recognized as being an economic priority when regulations are being determined,” Tennyson notes.

 

“In all, we provide members with the tools necessary to deliver the best quality product to their customers.”