September is Associates Appreciation Month, and as I look at everything happening at HBASE this fall, I can’t think of a better time to recognize what makes this association so strong: our members and the relationships we have built together.
Our Associate Members are an essential part of that strength. More than 620 Associate Member businesses bring expertise, products, services, innovation, leadership, sponsorship, and volunteerism to HBASE and the residential construction industry. They are involved in nearly everything we do, from our consumer events and education to workforce development, advocacy, committees, community involvement, and the Home Builders Care Foundation. As a builder, I see firsthand how important those partnerships are, not only to individual projects but to the success of our entire industry.
This month’s newsletter is also a great reminder of the value those relationships create. Our Member-to-Member Discount Program features HBASE businesses offering exclusive savings and services to fellow members. It’s another example of members choosing to support one another and creating value within our association.
That value is also being recognized beyond the Sioux Empire. HBASE currently ranks 13th nationally among more than 700 state and local home builder associations, and we were recently recognized through NAHB’s 2025 Annual Membership Achievement Awards for the Highest Retention Rate Increase. We also received the State Membership Retention Award. Those are accomplishments we can be proud of, but more importantly, they reflect members who continue to see value in belonging, participating, and investing in HBASE.
September is also one of our busiest and most exciting months as we roll out the Fall Parade of Homes™ on September 12–13 and 19–20. The Parade is one of our greatest opportunities to put the talent of our members and the strength of our industry in front of the Sioux Empire. Behind every Parade home are builders, trade partners, suppliers, designers, lenders, and countless other professionals working together. Our VIP Feature Home Bus Tour on September 17 gives members another opportunity to experience the Parade, connect with one another, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our industry.
The momentum continues into October with two Member Spotlight Socials, new Lunch & Grow educational opportunities, and the Showcase of Remodeled Homes™ on October 3–4. With 11 projects this year, the Showcase will highlight everything from interior transformations to outdoor living spaces while demonstrating the creativity, craftsmanship, products, and expertise of our Builder and Associate Members.
We’re also looking ahead to our Holiday Gala on November 13, when we’ll come together to celebrate another year and recognize our annual award recipients. I encourage you to nominate a deserving member for Builder Member of the Year, Associate Member of the Year, or Volunteer Member of the Year by October 1.
As we celebrate Associates Appreciation Month, I hope each of us takes a moment to appreciate the relationships we have because of HBASE. Those connections lead to business opportunities, friendships, stronger projects, new ideas, and a stronger voice for our industry. They remind us that an association isn’t defined by an event or a membership number; it is defined by the people who choose to be part of it.
Thank you to our Associate Members for everything you bring to HBASE and thank you to every member who continues to participate, volunteer, sponsor, lead, and support one another. Our association is strong because of you, and I am excited about everything we have ahead of us this fall.
Craig Wynia
President
Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire
