Committee Reports
GA
The GA committee met and discussed several issues including builder liability, anti-indemnification in construction contracts, the Governor’s Housing Action Plan and the Solomon bill package we have been working on, among a host of other issues. We had special guest speakers – Susan Armstrong from the PA Aggregates and Concrete Association discussing educational opportunities for members, as well as Adam Browning and Joe Valentine, who spoke on issues with the DEP Sewage Advisory Committee and the Chapter 71, 72 and 73 regulatory package. Casey Coyle, Esq gave an update on the Aloia v. Diament Building Corp case, which he argued before the PA Supreme Court the day before.
Membership/Communications
The Membership committee discussed ways to generate awareness about the home building industry and what PBA does. The committee is looking for an issue that impacts people and can be used to show how PBA is a force. There will also be a new membership drive this spring in conjunction with the NAHB drive. Marketing pieces will be developed to show how taking advantage of benefits can actual “pay” for memberships. This will be though the Member Rebate program, PA One Call, and by using the Lowe’s Pro program.
PHRC
Chris Hine, of the PHRC, reviewed the current webinar series is almost complete but there are videos available on the PHRC You Tube channel. There are three additional webinars left for the Spring semester. Mr. Hine reminded everyone not to miss out on the 2021 PA UCC Code training opportunities. There was also a preview of the PHRC Housing Conference.
Workforce Training & Education
Endorsed Trade Program Director Chris Warren provided a report on current reviews and there were 11 total schools for 2025-26 with 2 new schools added, 11 new programs added for a total of 40 programs. Added landscaping and welding programs have helped to grow the program. Chris Warren will develop a “playbook” for how to implement local HBAs to their local CTCs. It is vital to have the local HBAs be involved in their CTC and volunteer time for reviews and visits.
Board Recap
PBA President Greg Harris called the first meeting of the 2026 Board of Directors meeting at The Hotel Hershey on March 14.
After welcoming the Board, President Harris called for a moment of silence for those members we have lost recently. They include:
- Curtis Bailey – Schuylkill and Carbon
- Loudon L. “Hap” Campbell
- Perry L. Cisney – York BA
- Al Hughes – HBA of Metro Harrisburg
- William “Jeff” Miller – Chester Delaware
- Paul S. Ochman Sr. – HBA of NEPA
- John Simock – Lehigh Valley BA
- Robert Yanover – York BA
- Manfred Zerbe – York BA
Mark McNaughton, Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, noted that the GA meeting went very well. There were five motions made and each was passed unanimously by the PBA Board.
Motion 1 – Government affairs committee recommends to the board of directors to pursue changes to both Statute of Repose and the UTPCPL and move together.
Motion 2 – Government affairs committee recommends to the board of directors to change the name of the Defend against Construction Liability, Risk Management and Building Materials Special Committee to the Builder Liability special committee and pull the Liability task force underneath.
Motion 3 – Government affairs committee recommends to the board of directors the creation of the Sewage Advisory Committee task force.
Motion 4 – The government affairs committee recommends to the board of directors to have PBA fully fund the housing study every three years on a recurring basis.
Motion 5 – The government affairs committee recommends to the board of directors to support the policy provided in HB 2016 (amending the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act).
PBA Treasurer Richard Clawson presented the PBA and BSI financials everything is on track according to plan.
Peter Gallagher, Past PBA President and member of the Pocono BA, reported on the membership committee and shared information about the most recent Membership Drive and plans for a Spring drive.
NAHB Area 3 Chair Andrew Kaye spoke about the recent IBS event in Orlando as well as Member Pay and the TIMS program evolution. Mr. Kaye announced NAHB plans to make significant bylaw changes to make them more realistic. He also acknowledged BA of Metro Pittsburgh EO Jim Eichenlaub on receiving a grant from NAHB to produce a playbook to assist locals in the integration and assimilation of smaller locals. This will be used nationwide.
Mr. Kaye also spoke about Pennsylvania’s participation in BUILD PAC. To date, the state has only raised $12,694 of its $88,039 goal while we will receive $72,000 for the upcoming Congressional and Senate races. Mr. Kaye implored members to donate.
Jim Eichenlaub, EOC President, explained that the Executive Officers Council has developed a policy on EO reimbursements based on participation. In addition, Mr. Eichenlaub noted that the EOC has now held two Roundtables and they have been very successful in providing EOs with information and networking opportunities.
PBA President Greg Harris thanked everyone for their support. He also spoke about the upcoming consultation program and urged members to participate in surveys. Results of this program will help shape the future of PBA.
The next meeting of the PBA Board of Directors will be July 24 at the Bedford Omni Springs Resort.