If you haven’t heard yet, 2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.
Eighty years! That makes us the oldest provincial home builders’ association in Canada.
We were even established before the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
A lot has changed since Frank Lount, Henry Borger, Walter Senicki, Henry Pehrson, Frank Mager and A. W. Hagg gathered around the table and formally created the association.
Over the years, we have changed our name, changed our logo, changed our location and changed our membership.
But the one thing we haven’t changed is our mission.
The MHBA always has been and always will be the voice of the residential construction industry in Manitoba.
It will always provide a forum for ongoing education for its members.
It will always endeavour to create an environment in which our members can operate their businesses successfully.
And it will always promote affordability and choice in housing for all Manitobans.
Residential construction is an extremely important industry in Manitoba.
According to a recent economic impact study, $3.5 billion of residential construction value is completed annually in this province.
More than 24,600 jobs can be attributed to our industry, which pay more than $1.3 billion in wages.
This isn’t a recent or sudden phenomenon; we’ve been doing this for 80 years, and we’re going to continue to do it for a long time, too.
However, this year, we’re also going to take some time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and to celebrate those achievements.
What’s coming up this year?
Let’s start with the two largest Parades of Homes in Canada, one in March and one in September, both accompanied by awards galas.
The annual Housing Forum and monthly breakfast technical seminars represent outstanding professional development opportunities.
Our RenoMark Renovators Council offers a renovation information night in April and is prominent at both the Winnipeg Renovation Show and the Winnipeg Home Show at the ask a renovator booth.
As well, our extremely active committees meet on a monthly basis.
There’s also plenty of time for socializing and networking at our curling bonspiel, a spring reception and the largest local golf tournament.
Believe it or not, this is just a brief outline of the activities that will help us in the celebration of our 80th anniversary year.
Celebration is a big part of any milestone year. However, reflection and appreciation are also important.
The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association has a long and proud history. Some true giants in the industry have shaped and driven this association.
This year marks an opportunity to celebrate a long and proud history of success.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.