HBA: Construction's impact cannot be overestimated

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of construction to the Springfield community.

One only has to look around the entire southwest Missouri area to see how very true this is.

Everywhere one looks, homes and commercial buildings are under construction.

Throughout the history of our nation, housing has been a driver of the economy.

In addition to the obvious providing housing and commercial business locations construction provides jobs.

In fact, construction is probably the single largest provider of jobs in the area.

People who have those jobs buy food, clothing, home furnishings, cars and trucks and myriad other items.

They also spend their money on entertainment. This is the trickle-down theory at its very best.

In Springfield and Greene County year-to-date, 1,266 permits have been issued to either build single-family homes or remodel existing homes. In addition, 67 new permits have been issued to build multifamily housing.

Think of the impact all those permits have had on the local economy.

Obviously, the people who work in the construction industry need specific education.

Some jobs require four-year degrees, while others require fewer years of training.

However, in today's world everyone needs some education or training beyond high school.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is pleased and proud to participate in saluting construction and helping provide scholarship support to students entering the construction industry.

Each year the HBA provides six scholarships and three departmental grants to local institutions of higher learning.

Several years ago, Robert Roundtree, City Utilities general manager, said in his address at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting "good things don't happen by accident."

The good things happening in the construction industry in this community have occurred through careful, managed planning and development.

Good things will continue to happen to this community, and the construction industry will play a significant role.

Springfield's tomorrow will be better than today due in great part to the interest and concern of the people in the construction industry.

To recognize and salute the builders and developers of this area is the right thing to do.

(Louise Henson is executive officer of HBA of Greater Springfield.)