As my year as President comes to a close, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for the opportunity to serve this incredible association. What a year it has been. Together, we have pushed boundaries, lifted our industry, and made meaningful progress for our members and for the future of the building industry in the Sioux Empire.
One of the most exciting areas of advancement this year has been in workforce development. We launched our new coloring and activity book, a fun, engaging tool designed to introduce young kids to the world of building. Thousands of copies have already made their way into classrooms, events, and community spaces across the Sioux Empire, sparking curiosity and planting early seeds of inspiration in the minds of future builders.
We also took our Frame the Future event to new heights, connecting with more high school students than ever before. These students showed incredible talent, creativity, and enthusiasm, proof that the next generation is full of potential and ready to step into the opportunities our industry has to offer. Their energy reminded us why this work matters.
And this year, we didn’t just run programs, we built a foundation. Behind the scenes, we laid the groundwork for an entirely new workforce initiative that will launch in the coming year. This program is designed to inspire, educate, and directly connect the next generation to real pathways into our industry. Workforce development is, and will continue to be, one of the biggest rocks for this association. The work is ongoing. The needs are real. But this year, we created long-term momentum that will support our industry well into the future.
Beyond workforce development, we stayed firmly committed to protecting the freedom to build. At the local level, in Pierre, and through our national federation, we advocated for policies that keep our industry advancing, maintain practical and balanced regulations, and preserve opportunities for growth. In a landscape where building becomes more complex by the day, staying engaged, informed, and united isn’t just wise, it’s vital. Policy can bring this industry to a halt if we aren’t paying attention. This is one of the greatest reasons membership matters so deeply. When we stand together and speak with one collective voice, we protect not only our own businesses but the future of industry itself. Staying united isn’t optional, it’s our strength.
We also elevated the quality of our member events, focusing on creating experiences that were meaningful, energizing, and truly worthwhile. Our goal has always been to bring our builders, associates, partners, and community supporters together in spaces where relationships can grow and thrive. This year, that commitment showed, engagement and participation from our members reached new heights.
And our consumer events, The Home Show, Parade of Homes, and the Showcase of Homes, have been nothing short of outstanding. Attendance, enthusiasm, and visibility are all exploding. If you aren’t participating in some way, shape, or form, you absolutely should be. These events are powerful engines for consumer engagement and industry excitement, and your involvement makes them stronger.
As I wrap up my time as President, I am filled with pride and gratitude. This association is strong, innovative, and full of passionate members who care deeply about this industry and this community. It has been an honor to serve, and I leave knowing the association is in exceptional hands. I look forward to watching the next generation of leaders carry this association forward.
Thank you for the trust, the teamwork, and the unforgettable year. Stay engaged, stay involved, and stay connected, because when we show up together, our industry thrives. The future is bright, and we are just getting started.
