When a ship is tussled at sea, a good compass comes in handy. When a pilot is caught in a powerful storm, he must fully trust his instrument panel. In such an environment, it can be difficult to tell which way is up. That’s when you must be able to confidently depend on trusted navigational tools.

The HBA’s most important navigational tool is our strategic plan. Our current plan (adopted in 2006) accurately foresaw the coming ebb in the housing market. It identified important issues that would face our members, including navigating a changing marketplace, green building and others. And it positioned the HBA to better serve its members now, at a time when they need more from their association than ever.

One goal of the strategic plan that is nearing completion is the new SpringfieldHBA.com. Our members need more from the HBA website today than they ever have. That’s why we sought input from our members through interviews and member focus groups, to learn what you want most in an HBA website. These efforts have led to the new SpringfieldHBA.com, which will launch at our general membership lunch-launch party on May 20 at the Clarion hotel.

At the new SpringfieldHBA.com, HBA members can access comprehensive, current and relevant members-only information about the area’s residential construction industry. Review the various applicable building codes and code interpretations, and the advocacy and member services offered by the HBA. You can even sign up for the next HBA golf or fishing tournament, or register your Home Show booth online.

Members can browse information on hot issues like Green Building, Land Use Planning, and proposed fees and fee increases in the area. Compare fee structures or find meeting dates and agendas of city and county boards and commissions from throughout the HBA’s ten-county service area. Peruse the results of the HBA’s recent market research projects, read reports and recommendations, review statistical information, or watch focus group videos to learn what potential home buyers are demanding and how to successfully compete for their business.

Catch up on the latest industry news by subscribing to inside-scoop daily blogs and podcasts, just for HBA members. Read, watch, and listen to the latest local news coverage of the industry and see what the HBA is saying in these news stories.
But the new SpringfieldHBA.com offers more than just great members-only content. Public users will find more features, attractions, and opportunities to connect with HBA member professionals than ever before. User-friendly content on the HBA’s major events (Home Show, Parade of Homes, etc.) will drive buyers right to these events.

Potential customers can peek in on Home Remodeling Expo setup the week before the show opens, watch booths under construction and hear from vendors about new products on display at the show. Or take a video tour with the builder of a Parade Home under construction, and be teased to come see the beautiful finished product on the HBA Parade of Homes.

Public blogs and podcasts will provide expert member answers to common questions about home building, remodeling, or home improvement. Helpful tips on how to hire a professional will steer potential customers to HBA members. And the website’s all new “Find a Pro” feature will allow the easiest and most direct online route customers have ever found to HBA members. Users can enter anything they remember about a person or company, a work type they need, or any other relevant keyword and be presented with a list of member professionals meeting their search criteria - often with direct links to the member’s website.
All that and much more will be available on the new website. The best way to be introduced the features and content of the new SpringfieldHBA.com is to come to see it for yourself at the HBA’s lunch-launch party on May 20. We will be helping members set up their password-protected accounts and we’ll walk through some of the most exciting new features and content of the new site for all to see. Please join us.