Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Aug 02, 2004 06:17am | #1

   the national organization is ok... or great .. depending on your viewpoint.. to me the bennies come from your regional organization.... which you actually join and which includes membership in the NAHB..

    we've been a dues paying member since 1975..

    we still get lot's more back by belonging to RIBA than the cost of our dues... as with any organization.. the more you participate, the more you get ( and give )

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Bowz | Aug 02, 2004 05:23pm | #2

   I am a remodeler, who is considering growing my volume.  I joined the local HBA a year and a half ago, and automatically became an NAHB member. While the national does have some benefits, I've gotten the most benefits locally.  Benefits include getting to know some of the new homebuilders, new subs, bankers, real estate people, cabinet shops, designers, etc.

   I have also picked up some leads, some sales techniques, and marketing ideas, while networking at the meetings, or helping at the home show. The biggest benefit for me getting involved has been the increase in my people skills. Being involved has forced me out of my introverted, "work by myself", ways. Like Mike said, you will get out of it what you put into it.

   Interestingly, there are only 5 other remodelers in the local HBA. After getting to know all but one of them in the last year, I consider them to be more like friends and comrades, than competitors.  Actually we rarely are even looking at the same projects, but we still have the same struggles.

   Another local advantage was when a building inspector continually was getting out of line, the association had the clout to work with the municipality to improve the process, and builder's working lives.

2. 
   BossHog | Aug 02, 2004 05:41pm | #3

   I think national organizations have their benefits, they just aren't always obvious.

   For instance - The NAHB is one of the groups who opposed the Canadian lumber tarriffs. The local and state levels of the NAHB couldn't do this as effectively as a national organization.

   I don't care if you think it's your right. I say: Sorry, it's 1999. We have had enough as a nation. You are not allowed to own a gun, and if you do own a gun I think you should go to prison. [Rosie O'Donnell]