It was the best I've seen in years!
The 2014 International Builders Show (IBS) and National Association of Home Builders Convention in Las Vegas was fantastic, and it attracted over 75,000 builders, remodelers and suppliers. The IBS floor, well over half a million s/f of it, was full of crowds and energy. Truly, business is back!
For the first time, NAHB and the National Kitchen & Bath Association teamed up for a combined show. Altogether, it was an unparalleled exhibition and education program for anyone in the residential construction industry. And I'm proud to say that over 30 members of the Rhode Island Builders Association attended.
Not only that, but our Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) brought distinction to RIBA by bringing home six national awards, including top honors for the best membership growth and retention in the country. Congratulations to PWB president Cheryl Boyd (who herself won an award for best PWB recruiter in the nation in her category) and all the members for their hard work this past year!
It's important for RIBA to be well represented at national industry events like the IBS, so if you didn't attend this year, plan to attend the 2015 IBS, January 20-22, in Las Vegas.
Despite these great signs of recovery in the market nationally, shortages of credit and skilled labor continue to be a problem. Those problems are exacerbated in Rhode Island because of a poor business climate. Let's get after our leaders in 2014 to remedy those long-standing problems and to finally make changes in the way we do things so those problems never occur again.
RIBA's own Home Show took place during the first week of April, and was bigger and better than ever.
Of course, one of the biggest stories of the year for the RIBA family is the free education now being offered for members and their employees. Whether you need an OSHA-10 card, lead certification, or want to take advantage of any other valuable RIBA course offering, it's covered by your annual membership dues. (There could be a small charge for books or materials.) For more information, visit www.ribuilders.org.
RIBA membership is one of the best investments you can make in 2014!
Felix Carlone is the president of the Rhode Island Builders Assn.
Felix Carlone, F.A. Carlone & Sons