Fellow Members:

There’s no need to describe the challenges that our industry has faced these past few years. We’ve all been affected in one-way or another and have made adjustments in our businesses that bring with them a whole new set of regulations, and service needs. It’s at these very times that participation and the strength of membership in your trade association grows in importance as we look to our association for the assistance and support we need. BAMP, our state, (PBA) and national associations (NAHB) are working tirelessly to serve the membership while making sure our elected officials understand what is needed to steer housing and our economy in the right direction.

For many of our members, becoming involved in BAMP’s Remodeler’s Council may never have crossed their minds, but now that they are engaged in this segment of the housing industry I want to remind you that BAMP is there to help you in this area too. I have made it one of my top priorities for 2010 that our Remodelers Council would become more active in servicing the needs of the membership and in raising awareness of the consumer that BAMP is the place to turn when considering home improvements or renovations, in addition to new home construction.

The need to be a member and get involved in our association is greater today then ever before. 2010 brings with it a new construction code in Pennsylvania and new federal regulations from the EPA concerning renovating pre-1978 homes and the need for contractors to comply with the new requirement to have certain employees trained and certified. BAMP members are leading the charge to educate our legislators on the impacts these laws have on the industry and in calling for changes to these mandates, while educating our members on what is required of them to comply if changes are not made.

The association is also stepping up its efforts to make sure the members are aware of, and using, the full range of benefits and services available to them as a member of BAMP. We have combined the joint power of the membership to offer discounts in many of the building products and business services that you use every day. Whether its wireless telephones, payroll processing, office products, insurance programs, vehicle purchases or manufacturing discounts on many of the materials and products you may use in your construction projects, we have the programs that can save you money!

If you are not utilizing these benefits, I encourage you to contact the association to learn more about the services offered and how you can take advantage of these member’ savings. I also encourage you to visit the Member’s only section of our website, www.pghhomebuilders.com, on a regular basis to learn the status of industry issues and topics as well as discover what upcoming events are scheduled. Finally, I urge you to use this directory, listing the companies and contact information of your fellow members, as a resource to the businesses that are standing with you in support of the housing industry. Doing business with a member is always a good idea, but especially in these times when we all must work together for a stronger and prosperous industry.

Greg Kinzler
2010 BAMP President