As the year winds down, I would like to thank everyone who has worked to make PBA a more modern, responsive organization.
First, John Olson started us on a path of improved community outreach on social media and completing the strategic plan. Dean Hilliard has been involved with our efforts from the very beginning and will be a great president, his determination and drive has been an inspiration. Because of this, several items have received the attention they deserve. Greg Harris, your new vice-president, has taken on several projects, such as the regional realignment, to increase the importance of the regions and strengthen the bonds between the chapters. Cindy Cepko leads the efforts to increase our social media presence, and she is now involved with our new outreach to young people considering construction as a career.
PBA has saved every builder in Pennsylvania thousands of dollars per house, and we’ve been doing it since the Review and Advisory Council was formed under Frank Thompson’s leadership. Jon Sukonik just had a very successful code cycle, again
saving every builder thousands of dollars. Government Affairs worked with Jon and others to get our language into the PA UCC.
We have also increased our efforts to amend the by-laws, to make them meet our current needs, while recognizing the increased importance of our Associate members. We hope this new prominence will allow newer, younger, members to see their future in PBA.
Changes have come to our staff as well. While succession is never easy, we have begun to prepare for and anticipate our future needs while allowing the staff to understand how important we believe they are to our organization. Some of our Chapters have struggled with the loss of staff and I am proud of how our EOs have stepped up and offered help where they could. I believe the shared struggles of COVID and rampant increases in inflation and interest have united us in a common goal of reducing the costs of housing and developing our workforce for the future.
The government has realized that we are in a housing crisis, but they don’t understand that the crisis is of their making. We are not the cause of nor victim of their mistakes, but we do offer the best source of solutions if they will seek our counsel.
First, we would ask local municipalities to revamp their zoning rules, to reduce setbacks, allowing more choices when siting buildings and septic on lots, to reduce lot sizes where conditions permit, and to allow more multifamily housing. Next,
Pennsylvania needs to follow EPA guidance and require NPDES permits only for 5-acre disturbances. DEP should also rewrite septic regulation using reduced water consumption and allow for 2-bedroom houses and duplexes on septic systems. Finally, the federal government needs to encourage home ownership without programs that would put artificial pressure on inflation and demand. A program supporting local infrastructure would be ideal help, while creating new jobs.
If I have forgotten anyone, it is only because of how many have worked to grow PBA. I’m proud of our accomplishments, but they have only heightened my desire to see what we can do in the future. PBA needs ideas to address our struggles, balancing the budget through non-dues revenue, such as a referral portal on all locals’ websites tied to a PBA run database, is one example. We can increase our membership by increasing our importance to builders and associates. Almost nowhere in Pennsylvania are we building enough new, safe, energy efficient, houses to replace our aging stock. This is my goal for the future. I hope PBA can help with your goals as well.
Again, I wish to thank you all for your support. I pray that everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Thomas McCosby
2024 PBA President