Oftentimes, as small business owners, we don’t feel as though we have a voice. We don’t have the “buying power” of a multi-national corporation or the “man power” to always analyze the best pricing on items from materials to office supplies. We don’t have a seat on the board or a place at the table when it comes to negotiation the things that matter. Big things like taxes, impact fees, cost of doing business, insurance…. Or do we?

As individuals, we are largely ignored by our lawmakers, vendors and insurance regulators. As an organization, we are a force to be reckoned with and a voice that is simply too loud to be ignored. We need that. We all need that. The success of our industry rests on the ability of each of us to join together and say when enough is enough. We may not have time in our day to day to devote to the larger cause – but our SSHBA makes it a priority. Every day. Each of us benefits from this effort… we must take this momentum and move it forward.

What can you do? Make the SSHBA a priority in your business. Attend a networking event, meeting or join a committee. This will benefit you in an individual way by opening up doors to new clients; taking advantage of member discounts and having a bit of fun along the way. However, it will also benefit you in a major way by increasing the presence of our industry in arenas that matter. This will result in an easier and more cost-effective way to do our business. Win-Win!

So, spread the word. The incentive program is an amazing way to grow our organization, help our own businesses and even PAY for our own dues. Each person who refers a builder member who joins receives $50 off their own dues and $25 off for referring an associate member who joins. Again, Win-Win! Talk to your friends, vendors and business associates and take advantage of this offer!

Fall is a busy time for the SSHBA and the perfect time to introduce a new member. Mark your calendars and bring some friends to the following events:

August 16th – Autobahn Racing Event at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet – 4:00
September 13th – Tour of Homes Kick Off Party at Doc’s Smokehouse in Mokena – 6:00
September 15/16 & September 22/23 – 2nd Annual Tour of Homes! Come out to support your fellow builders!
October 25th – Membership Meeting/Tax Reform Panel – 5:30

I hope that you are enjoying this summer! Take the last few weeks to relax, re-charge and soak up the sunshine. I look forward to seeing all of you on August 16th!

July is a quiet month around here at the SSHBA so this article will be short and sweet, just like our office staff…

With the sweltering temperatures lately, it is clear that we are really in the swing of summer. Speaking of swing….We had a perfect day for our annual golf outing last month! We were able to fill two courses at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park. Everyone had a great time plus there were many amazing raffle and auction prizes for attendees. A special thank you to the Golf Committee, they did a great job providing a fun filled networking event.

We need everyone’s help to make the remaining events of 2018 a success. Mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:

August 16th- Autobahn Racing Event at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet at 4:00pm

September 13th- Tour of Homes Kick Off Party at Doc’s Smokehouse in Mokena 6:00pm

Weekends of September 15th/16th & 22nd/23rd – 2nd Annual Tour of Homes

October 25th- Membership Meeting/ Tax Reform Panel at Ruffled Feathers in Lemont at 5:30pm

Please do your best to share information with other people in the industry and explain to them how membership with the SSHBA can benefit them. Don’t forget… your membership is a three in one membership and one of the best benefits to joining the SSHBA is that you receive a local, state and national level membership. As an added bonus, we now have a membership incentive program that is ongoing. For each new Builder member that joins, the referring member will be credited $50 off their renewal dues. For each Associate member that joins, the referring member will be credited $25 off their dues. There is no cap (not to exceed total cost of membership) on how many credits you can receive. Let’s all work together to build our association this year!

Thank you all for reading. Have a safe summer and try to stay cool!