It seems to me that with the downturn in housing production and home sales, it is becoming abundantly clear to those outside our industry what we've always understood, and that is the fact that construction IS THE backbone and driving force behind our local economies. The tax dollars and other revenues that construction and home sales (not to mention the financial trickledown effect of these activities) generates is a significant portion of the revenue that our cities and counties rely upon to operate. In fact, nationally, jurisdictions hit hardest by the recession are scrambling to reverse onerous regulations and processes that are deemed to be detrimental to rejuvenating local housing markets, and thus their tax revenues.

Just as in the private sector, local governments are discovering that they must do more with less. And, just as in the private sector, government can only accomplish this by building in efficiencies through implementation of best practices. For example, there are model jurisdictions that have successfully developed and implemented efficient permitting processes that provide the oversight government needs, while removing the unnecessary obstacles that add time, expense and frustration for contractors and end clients. Indications are clear that those jurisdictions, who commit to creating predictability into their processes, reap the rewards associated with playing a partnership role in the recovery of housing and the trickle down dollars associated with a healthy and vibrant construction economy.

It's certainly true that our local governments are often placed in a predicament of having to comply with a number of unfunded state mandates which provide little latitude for local discretion, while doing much to hinder the pursuit of the concept of doing no further harm to an industry already on its proverbial knees. This is precisely why it's so critical that the sixteen local associations that comprise our state association-the BIAW-work together in Olympia with the unified voice of over 12,500 member companies. As numerous legislators on both sides of the aisle will readily attest, the BIAW is by far the most respected and effective trade organization in the state when it comes to progressively protecting the building industry, private property rights and small business in general.

Our state association develops that unified voice around the issues that our members deem most important to them. This is done following a democratic process that involves fact finding, discussion, debate and ultimately a vote by state directors elected by each local association to represent the interests of their local HBA. This unified voice on the issues, along with the fantastic work that our BIAW lobbyists do on our behalf, is precisely the reason that we have collectively enjoyed the significant successes over the years-and precisely why we must continue to insure that all our local associations adhere to the commitment of working together for the good of the whole.

I would like to recognize and sincerely thank our NCHBA state directors for their commitment in representing our members and their interests at BIAW's recent summer Board of Directors meetings in Blaine. This commitment represents an investment of a time and comes as an opportunity cost to them as they spend a few days away from their families and their businesses. However, in making that commitment, these directors help to ensure that our members' voice is part of that democratic process in establishing the will of the majority.

In moving forward, I am very proud that we have two NCHBA state directors who have been nominated and approved as candidates for BIAW Senior Officer positions in 2010. As many of you know, Randy Gold-Gold Construction-served our state association as its president in 2003. During his year as president, Randy oversaw one of BIAW's most successful initiatives-that being I-841, which rid the State of Washington and employers in all industries of the excessively onerous ergonomics rule (which if left in place would have crippled many small businesses and drastically impacted housing affordability).

Many members from our sister associations across the state have successfully encouraged Randy to once again run for BIAW First Vice President, because they recognize that he has the leadership skills that our state association needs in a most critical and pivotal time in BIAW's history. Additionally, Jim Blair-North Meridian Title and Escrow-is a candidate for BIAW Secretary, and will lend a skill set that will serve our statewide members well in this time where our industry needs a unified BIAW more than ever before.

As a valued NCHBA member, it's important to me that you know that your association is actively working to promote and protect your interests as a valued member. If there are issues that you believe the NCHBA should be addressing and is not, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime. Your input and insights are invaluable and so needed and appreciated!

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