Charlie Kuehn

Four State Homes

President,

HBA Board of Directors

     One of the benefits of being a builder in Southwest Missouri is the growing opportunity to build quality homes that set the standard for future building.   We, as the members of the Home Builders Association, are uniquely positioned to meet this opportunity head on.  HBA members are committed to education, utilizing modern quality products, working together in the spirit of cooperation, and giving back to the community.  All of these efforts combine to give our customers an unparalleled level of quality and are the focus of my tenure as president.

     Education is the cornerstone of any quality builder and supplier.  Understanding and implementing the latest materials and techniques adds volumes to the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail already put forth by our members.  This year I wish to provide educational opportunities that are more numerous and focused on giving our members the knowledge they truly need to remain competitive in the market of building quality homes.  I also believe that we can educate our potential customers of the distinct advantage they receive by hiring and buying from HBA members.  As the communities of Southwest Missouri transition into the 2006 IRC codes, it is equally important to provide training for both the membership and the code professionals we work with.

     The HBA has already begun working with our local communities to develop a regional approach to quality building.  This approach includes an adoption of the 2006 IRC that will provide a similar standard for most of our cities in Southwest Missouri.  This similar standard will translate into consistent enforcement of codes making it easier and more attractive to work in different jurisdictions.  I will be appointing a new committee of HBA members and directors to ensure that this program continues to move forward.

     The HBA will continue to serve Southwest Missouri through Hearts and Hammers, Habitat for Humanity, and many other worthy organizations.  However, this year I would like to improve the focus on the next generation of quality builders and future HBA members by dedicating our organization to the scholarship programs provided for those wishing to enter the building trades.  The “Showcase Home”, which has been already set up to provide scholarship opportunities, will be aptly renamed the “Scholarship Home”.  Additionally, I will be appointing another new committee charged with developing a scholarship program that reaches the level of excellence regularly associated with our HBA membership.

     The dedication of our members to focus on utilizing the latest materials and techniques, working together as a team, and putting the community first will ensure that we will continue to provide the quality, professionalism, and service our customers can expect from HBA members.