Director's Message: Shaping the Future with Purpose

Delivering Meaningful Value to You

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

Over the last several years, SBCA’s Board of Directors, and more specifically, its Executive Committee, have pushed SBCA’s staff and me to continuously increase the value of membership for all who belong to SBCA. For any membership organization to succeed, its inherent values must be at the core of all its actions. With that in mind, we have taken strategic actions not only to maintain value to our members, but to enhance it. 

SBCA has three primary membership types: component manufacturer (CM), framer (NFC), and associate (supplier) members. The synergy among all three allows SBCA to thrive. While we all share the common goal of advancing the component and broader construction industry, each of the three membership types has its own unique set of needs. 

CMs require not only sound technical footing to manufacture their products, but also tools to enhance the quality of their products, safety information to protect their employees, and communication vehicles to properly convey risks associated with the installation and erection of their products. Additionally, they need a unified voice and organization when external forces attempt to disrupt their supply chains or means of conducting business. 

Framers similarly require safety information for their employees, but given that their activities take place in the field on jobsites, they have a very different set of needs. They also benefit from an organization focused on elevating the professionalism of their industry. In an industry that often overlooks the complexity of the framing trade, SBCA provides insights and tools for better understanding of framing through highlighting the expertise, professionalism, and sophistication of our NFC members. 

Suppliers are always looking for ways to further engage their customers. SBCA offers several great opportunities to communicate with CMs and framers while also fostering feedback loops to enhance equipment, software, and material offerings. We also prioritize significant focus on innovation and strive to push the envelope toward improvements in structural framing solutions. 

Our ongoing collaborations with other trade organizations strengthen relationships among suppliers and key stakeholders in the construction industry.

Recent Membership Enhancements

So, let’s talk specifics. To provide enhanced value to our members, here are just a few of the recent additions to the numerous offerings SBCA is providing its members*:

CMs – A revised safety in-plant program specifically for CMs that includes make- and model-specific information for equipment typically found in component manufacturing operations. 

NFC – Starting July 1st, NFC’s FrameSAFE program will be included as part of the NFC member dues, with no additional fee.

Suppliers – Revised BCMC exhibitor pricing with new discounts to incentivize additional machinery displays.

Beyond tangible benefits like those listed above and on our website, the opportunity to communicate with like-minded individuals representing companies from across the country is often rated as a top membership benefit. Having a “Rolodex” of other SBCA members to reach out to whenever you’re up against a difficult situation can be the difference between a prolonged, drawn-out resolution and an expedited solution. 

SBCA: The Voice of the Component Industry

Similarly, SBCA serves as the voice of the component industry. Whether it’s engaging with building officials during a calamity or other unforeseen event, such as extreme weather conditions or natural disasters, communicating with state governments which may be trying to enact legislation that is harmful to our industry’s methods or operations, or working with elected officials on the national or state levels when imposing trade policy or changes to regulation enforcement, our organization offers the best opportunity to present a unified front at local, state, and national levels. 

A prime example of our advocacy efforts is SBCA’s Legislative Fly-in, which accompanies our June Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) coming up in Washington D.C., June 4-6. Learn more at www.sbcacomponents.com/fly-in. SBCA is helping coordinate meetings with legislators as well as other government officials to establish dialogue that can influence everything from tax credits for the use of components to immigration reform. I strongly encourage you to attend to strengthen our collective voice and help drive the conversation in a positive manner for our industry.  

*For a complete list, please visit sbcacomponents.com/membership 

Jess Lohse, Executive Director