As an NAHB member you should have taken those initial political actions, but now it is time to do more than write a check and vote for President.  You need to ensure that your local Association does absolutely everything possible to elect a slate of pro-builder candidates at the city and county levels.  As has been stated in previous articles any HBA can have a tremendous impact.

An HBA with 200 members that makes a real effort can account for 1000 votes: 

• 200 members
• 150 Spouses of those members
• 300 employees of those members
• 300 employees of sub contractors and supplier companies
• 50 lawyers, accountants, bankers, etc.

While helping to elect a candidate does not guarantee the elimination of impact fees or storm water regulations, it does guarantee that at least one elected official will listen to your information.

The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA) decided to invest time and resources in a recent city commissioner race and their efforts helped elect Eric Bryson to the Bozeman City Commission.  SWMBIA Government Affairs Director Shawn Cote felt participation necessary and effective.

 “In a growing community like ours, its imperative local officials understand our economy and the contribution the building industry makes to our community," Cote said. "As a recent father, Eric routinely talked about maintaining a healthy economy and the critical role our industry has in the community.  Thanks to the efforts of our membership, our city commission is more balanced and at least considerate of business.”

Even if you and your HBA invest time and money in a losing campaign that is of great benefit.  Most politicians and every campaign consultant have a loss in their past and they will all tell you that is the time they learned the most. Additionally, if you lose with class you will gain credibility in the community for the next endeavor. 

Take some time after the campaign and study what was done and what could have been done. How can you raise more money? What would be a better message that resonates with HBA members and other voters? Should a focus group be used to test messages? Was our mail sent to the right voters? Did the candidate do all he or she could? Was our message a part of the public discussion? 

By thinking about these and other parts of the equation you can make another attempt at winning the next election. Don’t take defeat as an excuse to not participate, take defeat as a chance to learn and win big the next time.

It can’t be said enough times that being involved in the political future of your city is the best way to ensure long term growth for your city and profit for your business. Choose a candidate and make every effort to help them win. 

For more information, e-mail Karl Eckhart or Gideon Lett at NAHB. [ return to top ]