Local HBA takes three national awards

The local organization was presented with three awards at the Aug. 3 Association Excellence Awards banquet in Connecticut. The annual program recognizes accomplishments of state and local home builders associations in North America.

The Springfield HBA received awards in the following categories:

• “Best Source of Revenue Other than Dues,” for the 2005 HBA Home Show, which generated more than $50,000 in net revenues. The annual event draws between 15,000 and 20,000 people during a four-day period and accounts for about 37 percent of the group’s annual operating revenue.

• “Best Political Action Program Administered,” for its 2005 Stop the Housing Tax political campaign. Last year, Ozark voters were asked to consider $1,800-per-home residential impact fees for debt repayment. The campaign used national court decisions to portray the impact fees as “hidden housing fees,” and voters rejected the ballot issue.

• “Best Fund-raising Program to a Targeted Specialty Group Conducted,” for its 2005 fund-raiser for the HBA Charitable Foundation that had an all-time high in attendance. The annual program provides thousands of dollars in scholarships and departmental grants that support young people who plan to pursue careers in residential construction. Funds also go to local charities and provide affordable housing and disaster relief.

More than 200 local and state associations were eligible for the excellence awards. Springfield’s HBA has 390 members.