Why You Should Belong
Professional Organization
The members of the Building Industry Association do not build houses – they create homes. They provide a basic part of the American Dream – a place where a family lives in an environment that they chose.
When you apply for membership in the BIA, you are saying that you are a part of creating this dream. You are committed to quality, customer service and craftsmanship.
Networking and Contacts
The ability to meet and get to know other members in your industry is one of the greatest tools that the BIA has to offer. Membership functions are held several times a year in the form of general membership meetings, outings, fundraisers, and special events.
Participation at association events and programs not only helps you increase your contacts, it helps you stay informed on important industry topics, as well.
Industry Awareness
Every member receives the BIA’s newsletter, the Lancaster Builder, and our bi-monthly update, BIA Update, which offers up-to-date information on issues affecting the building industry, along with an on-going calendar on the activities of the association.
Members
also
receive
the
Pennsylvania
Builders
Association’s
publications,
Keystone
Builder
and
PA
Builder
Magazine,
as
well
as
BUILDER,
NAHB’s
magazine
which
offers
special
features
and
articles
on
housing
projects
and
products
from
across
the
nation
and
the
Nation’s
Housing
News,
NAHB’s
monthly
newspaper
featuring
issues
affecting
the
industry on a national level.
Governmental Affairs
BIA members can become more informed through the association’s grassroots lobbying efforts on the numerous issues affecting building industry on the national, state, and local levels.
Three political action programs protect industry interests in government: BUILD-PAC insures that candidates that represent the building industry on a national level focus on pro-business, pro-building issues, while PaCAH focuses on the state level and BIAPAC focus on local government.
Money Back Guarantee
The BIA offers a money back guarantee for its first year members. If after the first year, you are not satisfied with your membership, you can receive a refund on your dues (local dues only; state and national dues are not affected).
To be eligible for the money back guarantee, you must meet the following conditions:
- A letter must be addressed to the association President requesting your dues refund.
- As a new member, you must have attended at least two membership functions.
- As a new member, you must have attended a Member Orientation.
Membership Directory
BIA’s convenient reference guide to all members allows easy access to practically every product or service. Members can be listed FREE under three categories that best describe their company’s product or service. A copy of the directory is mailed to every member, and copies are handed out to consumers who attend the annual Spring Home Show.
The Membership Directory is also available on the BIA’s website. This directory is updated on a daily basis and is available to members and consumers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Advertising and Marketing Opportunities
The BIA offers members discount advertising rates in our publications including: Lancaster Builder, BIA Update, and our Spring Home Show and Parade of Homes guidebooks – the official publication for each event.
Member companies may also choose to sponsor BIA events, such as membership meetings, golf outings, educational seminars, and other special events. By being a sponsor, you are gaining exposure within the BIA network.
Members may request a current listing of BIA members at any time, and may receive one free set of labels per membership year upon request (additional sets of labels can be purchased for a fee).
Also, as a member, you are entitled to the use of the BIA, PBA and NAHB logos on your promotional material. What an easy way to get your company recognized as a member of a professional trade organization.
Professional Development and Education
Today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the quickly changing information necessary to keep the competitive edge; however, the BIA continuously strives to keep members abreast of the latest trends in the industry. Improve your professional skills and expertise at BIA seminars and workshops.
Through the NAHB online bookstore, BuilderBooks.com, you are able to search and view thousands of industry specific publications. With your membership, you can receive member-discounted rates through BuilderBooks.com.
Money Savings
BIA members get exceptional discounts on a number of items from Nextel phones and service, to health and workers’ compensation insurance, as well as office supplies and hotel and airfare discounts. With BIA membership, you can receive these and other discounts for your business – if you take advantage of some of these programs, your membership could pay for itself in no time!
National Association of Homes Builders
With over 200,000 members, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is the largest building industry trade association in the United States. Organized into a federation of approximately 800 state and local associations, NAHB offers thousands of programs and services. With a staff of over 300, members can benefit from the knowledge of experts in almost any facet of the building industry. Technical assistance is available on topics like architectural design, energy efficiency, land use, zoning, and codes, among others.
Pennsylvania Builders Association
The Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) represents builders to the General Assembly and provides a liaison with state government agencies. The PBA represents over 12,000 member companies in Pennsylvania. |
