BUILD-PAC Featured Event: NAHB President Dave Wilson Honored in St. Louis

Whether its a golf tournament, reception, luncheon, pheasant hunt or a wine tasting, NAHB members across the country hold many different events to raise money for BUILD-PAC.  Often the only people who hear about them are those who attend. We want to make sure everyone is aware of the great fundraisers and unique ways our members raise money for BUILD-PAC. 

We would like to introduce our newest addition to BUILD-PAConnection; our “Featured Event” series.  We will highlight one event in each issue.  This will not only allow us to recognize and thank those states that go above and beyond for BUILD-PAC, but also, hopefully give all of our contributors fundraising event ideas.  If you would like your fundraiser to be considered for the “Featured Event” series please contact Bhavna Pandit, Director of Finance at 1-800-368-5242 ext. 8259 or bpandit@nahb.com.   

This Week's Featured Event:  Kansas City, MO

Kansas City has held a Gold Key reception for the past three years which has always proven to be a tremendous success.  This year was no different.  They hosted a  wine tasting and dinner event held at The Villa.  NAHB President Dave Wilson was the featured guest and emphasized the important relationship between BUILD-PAC and our efforts on Capitol Hill.  "Having Dave come to Kansas City to talk to us about BUILD-PAC is a great honor.  We have had incredible support from our members for BUILD-PAC because they see the tremendous impact their involvement has in the legislative process, our industry and on the ability of local families to buy new homes. Supporting candidates who support housing is critical to the future of our industry," remarked Tim Underwood, Kansas City HBA Executive Vice-President/CEO.

The event garnered tremendous support.  While contributions are still coming in, when all is said and done, BUILD-PAC will have raised close to $50,000. The event recruited new club members and many members renewed their BUILD-PAC memberships.

Ten TIps for a Great BUILD-PAC Fundraiser:

1)      Utilize the BUILD-PAC staff on everything from legal advice to logistics.

2)      Recruit volunteers to help with the event -- you can't do it all!

3)     Set a fundraising goal -- whether $10,000 or $100,000 -- set it and aim for it!

4)     Allow enough time to plan a successful event.

6)     Invite an honored guest -- such as an NAHB officer or your U.S. Member of Congress.

7)     Develop a timeline and stick to deadlines.

8)     Collect contributions prior to the event.

9)     Follow-up -- make sure all "pledges" are collected immediately after the event.

10)  Thank-yous -- make sure you thank all volunteers who made the event possible.

Meet the BUILD-PAC Officers: 2005 Chairman, Earl Sharp

Earl Sharp, 2005 BUILD-PAC Chair,  has worked in the building industry for 47 years.  Sharp worked constuction while in college and later while teaching at a 56 student elementary school in Appalachia.  He was drafted into the military and served in the military police corps where his duties included being stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, while Dr. Martin Luther King was there.  Sharp started his first construction company 41 years ago and has loved the building industry ever since.  "I like traveling different places on behalf of BUILD-PAC, and seeing different people everyday. My work allows me to do that," says Sharp.

Sharp's involvement in the Building Industry led to his involvement with NAHB.  Sharp attended his first NAHB International Builders Show in 1969. He has served as a local President, National Vice President ('88-'89, '00-'01) and on several other committees.  Sharp's real passion is politics.  He marries his love of politics and his commitment to his business and industry through getting involved with NAHB on advocacy matters.  One of Sharp's favorite sayings is, "You need three things to make your business successful; your lawyer, your accountant and your lobbyist. Without the third, the first two are going to cost you more."  Sharp believes that if you don't get involved in politics and legislative action, you don't really have your business' best interest at heart.

Sharp undoubtedly has the whole industry's best interest at heart. He has taken on the monumental task of leading BUILD-PAC to the next level. He has committed to building the PAC to $4 million this election cycle.  Sharp believes BUILD-PAC will achieve this goal if the membership is properly educated on the importance and necessity of a strong PAC.  He feels that the PAC has the full support of NAHB leadership and is poised to achieve the goal.

Earl Sharp resides in Knoxville, Tennessee with Libby, his wife of 47 years.  They have 3 daughters, 4 grand-daughters and 3 grandsons.[return to top]

BUILD-PAC Recognizes New Club Members

New BUILD-PAC Club Members*

Capitol Club Anne McKnight (TN) Gold Key Club Bill Kinnebrew (AL) Jay Mills (NM)
*As of May 26th

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BUILD-PAC Political Trivia --

The person who responds the quickest with correct answers has his or her choice of the following prizes; PING NAHB golf wind shirt, a box of golf balls or a BUILD-PAC martini shaker and martini glasses. 

The winner will be recognized in the June 9th edition of BUILD-PAConnection.