Every year during late winter, the two North Olympic Peninsula Home Builders Associations host their Home Shows, which provide fun and information for people of all ages! (Here is a link to some photos of the Home Show held in Port Townsend earlier this month.) Homer Smith Insurance is a member of both of these organizations, and we’d like to share a little about each of their histories.
The longest serving building industry trade association in our region was known as the North Peninsula Home Builders Association, and it was started in the mid-1970s. In 2001, they changed their name slightly, taking the “Home” out of the name to include all types of builders. Since then, their goals have been expanded to include programs like Built Green of Clallam County to educate and instruct potential builders how to modernize their craft using cutting-edge environmentally sustainable practices. Membership in the organization has its privileges, namely legislative representation through the NPBA, manufacturer discounts and the chance to visit with other members to achieve common goals.
Their most visible event is the Annual Building, Remodeling and Energy Expo, which is held in Sequim. Builders have the opportunity to meet potential customers and help just plain folk looking for ideas to use around the home and garden.
The other big player on the Peninsula is the Jefferson County Homebuilders Association. The JCHBA is headquartered in Port Townsend and has been serving the region since 1983. Their mission statement promotes “affordable housing for our workers and the development of local business” through networking opportunities, resources and education.
Membership includes not just builders, but also subcontractors, local banks, mortgage brokers, insurance agencies, newspapers, realtors and other businesses actively supporting the industry. Among the many benefits are access to programs like the Building Industry of Washington’s Return on Industrial Insurance and member discounts through the National Association of Home Builders.