The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County is turning 100 and to celebrate the organization is taking on the task of completing 100 community service projects in 2009.
As the oldest local homebuilders association in America, the MBA prides itself in its longstanding community connection. The organization was originally started by five Seattle builders in 1909 to oversee the quality of construction during the drastic rise in population due in part to the Alaskan Gold Rush.
Today, the association focuses on lobbying for affordable housing, addressing impact fees and expanding product market on a city, county and state level. The association established MBA University to give members a variety of workshops and classes to stay up-to-date and get certified in different areas of the building industry. Ten years ago, the MBA introduced the Build Green program, a community based, sustainable criteria driven program that has been successful and nationally recognized.
“The MBA has survived through The Great Depression, two world wars, and the many ups and downs of the housing industry,” said a confident Sam Anderson, the CEO of MBA. “This year is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the MBA and its partnerships with the community and businesses throughout the decades”
In 2007, the MBA put together a Centennial Committee to talk about the various events and volunteer projects the organization wanted to do in honor of the centennial year. The 100 for 100 Community Service Projects will include Ramp-a-Thon, where member volunteers build 25 to 30 free wheelchair ramps for disabled home owners; Painting a Better Tomorrow, building and maintaining shelters for homeless individuals and families; and educating youth about careers in construction.
The first community project completed was the January 15 dedication of new housing built for homeless in transition as part of a project with the Vision House in Renton. Volunteers from Centex and members of the association donated time and services for the project.
Additional planned projects include service to local shelters on the last Friday of every month, food drives at general membership meetings, a clothing drive at the 2009 Northwest Builders Show, and special projects on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Earth Day.
The largest of the Master Builders’ 100 for 100 projects will be the construction of a laboratory and education space at the Mercer Slough Environment Center in Bellevue. The new wet lab building will allow students and visitors to participate in hands-on environmental experiments that directly relate to the local ecosystem.
In addition to the 100 for 100 Community Service Projects, the MBA will celebrate its centennial with an all-member picnic in July, a black-tie gala in December and a published history of the association.
“We hold more than 300 events and meetings a year to promote networking and community among our community,” Anderson said. “Bellevue has been great neighbors and it’s been a really good partnership.”
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
Housing Market Tips from MBA CEO Sam Anderson
Reporter: What do you think about the housing market as it stands?
Anderson: The housing market is rocky right now. I have household names that you will recognize that are going out of business and are in bankruptcy. Everybody in the industry is in trouble, on the other hand it’s a tremendous opportunity for the consumers.
Reporter: What would you say to a consumer who is hesitating to buy?
Anderson: All builders and marketing type are focusing their energy on educating prospective home buyers. This is the time to buy a house. Interest rates are at an all time low. There’s a lot of choice and its like buying a car. Go in and don’t be afraid to negotiate with your builder. Standing inventory doesn’t help any of them. If you’re ever going to make a deal – now is the time to do it. A lot of people are hesitant to buy right now because they fear that their house value will go down. Well, if you plan to only live there for a year, then yes maybe, but if you are planning to stay longer then it’s a smart move to buy right now.
Reporter: Where do you think the industry is headed?
Anderson: Consumer confidence, it’s what this whole country is lacking and the building industry as well. Yeah, these are tough times, but in 1981 we had double digit unemployment and interest rates, the Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan misery index time. Things were far worse just on paper then they are now. Of course the thing is now its on a global arena. We came through 9/11 and the Dotcom crash, so yes it’s tough, but we survived in the past and this too shall pass.
