SAHBA News
NAHB Remodelers Chair a Blur of Activity
By Greg Miedema
It's hard to believe I'm serving as NAHB Remodelers (NAHBR) Chairman. From my ascension up the ladder beginning three years ago (after years of participation) to my swearing in this past January, I am grateful for the chance to be involved at this high level. It is so rewarding to represent my profession and SAHBA in this high-profile, national leadership position.
My involvement includes regular phone calls with NAHB staff and the press, and dialogue with various NAHBR Trustees, Committee Chairs and local leaders. The advent of email has, to a certain extent, made the travel less demanding.
After Spring Exec in March (held in Washington, D.C.), I attended the Harvard Futures Steering Committee Meeting a session I'll return to in September. In June, the Spring Boards in D.C. were another set of meetings that deal with association issues.
We've been heavily involved with the lead-based paint issue, with the rule taking full effect April 2010. To that end, a tentative meeting with an EPA official is set for Sept. 14 in D.C. That is preceded by a "Road Show" recruitment and education event hosted by NAHB in Birmingham, Ala.
After the Futures meeting, it's off to Chicago for Fall Boards. In November, I will visit the Jacksonville Council. From there, I relinquish the gavel at the 2010 IBS in Las Vegas come January.
My national role has not diminished my activity with our local Council or SAHBA. If anything, it brings greater insight and understanding of how the entire industry and NAHB functions. It's an experience that, even in these tough times, I wouldn't pass up. I love what I do at work, and for the local and national associations.
Miedema owns Dakota Builders and is SAHBA's only five-time Remodeler of the Year. Details at gam@dakotabuildersinc.com.
