A Clay Challenge benefiting students, a home show highlighting the latest trends, members helping neighbors, and an eye to the future – these are all incredible features on their own. However when you combine them and throw in a whole lot more, you begin to see the impact of the Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania (BACP).

BACP serves the home building industry in Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin Counties. Founded in 1957, BACP currently is made up of 144 members. Builder Members make up 41% of the roster, with Associate Members coming in at 49%, and Affiliate Members make up the remaining 10%.

Local President, Chris Warren of Warren Builders works closely with the BACP Senior Officers and Board of Directors to meet the needs and objectives of the membership. Through their efforts and the day-to-day management of Executive Officer Keri O’Shea and Digital Media Specialist Emily Wolfgang, BCAP is a shining example of the good an association can do for a region.

BCAP members partner with organizations in their community including Centre Parks and Recreation, Housing Transitions, Habitat for Humanity, and others to make life better through a program called BuilderWorks. Community members make requests based on needs. BuilderWorks projects have included constructing a new playground for an affordable housing community, installing a new kitchen at the Active Adult Center, building a fence to protect the Pollinator Garden among others. BACP members volunteer and give back to their neighbors.

The Centre County Cornhole Classic was another way BACP comes together to help. For the past five years, Proceeds from the event have benefited Centre Volunteers in Medicine and PAWS.

 

Not only does BACP work with the community at large, but they are also looking out for the future of the home building industry through efforts to encourage and sustain a future workforce. Scholarships presented to graduates pursuing construction careers, participating in Construction Career Day and Industry Showcases, plus involving local students in the annual Home Show are just a few of the ways BACP members are building the foundation for tomorrow.

“The BACP and its members believe that through our scholarship and workforce development programs a stronger future workforce can be cultivated,” said Keri O’Shea. “BACP members will be participating in school activities, and teachers and students will be participating in builder association activities such as the Home Show and BuilderWorks programs.”

Of course all this good work would not be possible without a variety of fundraising activities that are open to both members and others. The annual Home Show always draws in an audience from across the region to see the latest innovations in the home building industry. In 2020, the event will move to a new home in the C3 Sports Complex and run from March 6 through March 8.

Additional events include the Bricks and Sticks Golf Tournament that takes place in August. Funds are earmarked for the Habitat for Humanity and Affordable Housing efforts.

The 2019 Clay Challenge, presented by the BACP and Green Horizon Landscape, will be held on October 11 at Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge. This event will raise funds to support BACP student scholarships and workforce development.

“Our goal is to help attract and keep students in the construction trade and that will be accomplished by BACP members collaborating with schools throughout central PA. Last year, we presented three scholarships to students that will be continuing in the trades. Proceeds from this year’s event will allow us to continue our scholarship program and expand our workforce development opportunities with these schools and our community,” Keri explained.

BACP is always there to support its members. An exciting members-only educational library was recently launched that provides members with access to information and classes. This valuable resource is available on the website through a member login.

A Professional Women in Building Council is also taking root at BACP. Word is getting out through social media highlighting the excitement of the founding members and the effect that the council will have on the industry in the region.

The hard work and determination of BACP members is obvious through the impact they have had, not only within the industry, but also with the people of the region. That resolve is also evident when you consider that members have been recognized for their achievements including Thadd Wendt (designated as a PBA Life Member) and Chris Warren (PBA Associate of the Year).

The Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania is a fantastic example of members working together to make connections and make a difference in the home building industry.