President's Message: Our Voice, Our Value

Speaking Up, Stepping Forward, and Strengthening Our Industry

As I near the end of my term as SBCA President, I’ve been reflecting on how far this association has come—and how important it is that we continue showing up, speaking out, and pushing our industry forward.

Earlier this summer, dozens of SBCA members came together in Washington, D.C. for our Legislative Fly-in and Open Quarterly Meeting. If you’ve never participated in one of these events, I can tell you it’s one of the most direct and impactful ways to advocate for our industry. Over the course of a few days, we held meetings with lawmakers and their staff to talk about the key issues affecting component manufacturers: workforce shortages, immigration reform, housing supply constraints, and the role our industry plays in addressing all of them.

While every participant brought valuable perspective and local context to their meetings, members of SBCA’s leadership team also took on a unique role this year. We met as a group with staff from Congressional offices to speak on behalf of the association as a whole—to clearly explain what SBCA stands for, what we represent, and how we’re working to support the structural framing industry across the country. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and I’m proud of the way our team and our industry handled it.

The impact of these meetings is hard to overstate. Advocacy doesn’t always lead to immediate results, but it builds relationships and increases awareness over time. And when our industry is represented by professionals who are prepared, respectful, and focused on solutions, it sends a message: we’re not just asking for help, we’re offering it. We’re contributing to one of the country’s most pressing needs: the ability to build more housing – more efficiently, and with higher quality.

We also spent time during the D.C. meeting working through SBCA business. From various presentations and education sessions to association updates and a Washington Nationals baseball game that allowed attendees to connect beyond the boardroom, it’s clear the association is actively growing and adapting to meet today’s challenges.

One of the biggest takeaways from our time in Washington was just how important it is to communicate clearly about who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Effective advocacy starts with being able to connect the dots for people who may not know our industry. That kind of communication, grounded in data and real-world experience, helps lawmakers and partners alike understand the value we bring to providing solutions to complex problems like housing affordability and efficiency. 

That’s one of the things I value most about SBCA. This isn’t an association that just talks; we act. Whether it’s by helping members navigate market pressures, providing avenues for innovation and workforce development, or showing up in D.C. to advocate for real solutions, SBCA is doing the work necessary to keep our industry strong and competitive.

Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about BCMC. This year, it’s being hosted in Omaha, and I hope many of you are making plans to attend. For those new to the industry, BCMC is much more than a trade show. It’s a gathering of manufacturers, suppliers, framers, and industry partners who are all working to build a better future for the broader construction and structural building components industry. There are hands-on education, cutting-edge machinery, and opportunities to connect with others who understand your challenges and share your goals.

For me, this BCMC will also carry personal significance. It will be my final one as SBCA President, and I can’t think of a better way to wrap up my term than by welcoming the industry back to my own city.

Between now and October, there’s still important work to do. I encourage every member to stay engaged, whether that means participating in your local chapter, joining a committee, or just reaching out to a fellow component manufacturer to compare notes. This association is only as strong as its members, and your involvement matters.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your president. I look forward to seeing many of you in Omaha at BCMC 2025!  

Jeff Taake, SBCA President