We Are Stronger TOGETHER

The Value of SBCA Chapters

By Talia Zanotelli

Across the country, SBCA chapters are providing members with opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge, and advance the structural building components industry. These regionally based groups are more than just local extensions of the national association—they are vital hubs of connection, education, advocacy, and camaraderie. SBCA’s support of these chapters ensures they are equipped to bring members together in ways that drive relevance, strengthen local markets, and contribute to the broader success of the industry.

Why Chapters Matter

Chapters give members a way to stay engaged in a rapidly evolving industry. With the pace of innovation in technology, equipment, and building practices, staying connected to peers and industry leaders is more important than ever. Chapters help members remain informed and adaptable through educational events, plant tours, and open forums for sharing best practices. But they also go beyond technical value; they build relationships that strengthen companies and careers.

Camaraderie is a cornerstone of chapter life. Whether it’s by networking over dinner, hitting the links at a golf outing, or touring a cutting-edge manufacturing facility, chapters create spaces for meaningful connection. These relationships often lead to collaboration, mentorship, and problem-solving that would be hard to achieve in isolation.

Chapters play a critical role in keeping the industry relevant at the local level. Through regionally focused programs and advocacy, they amplify the voice of members on key issues such as building codes, legislative developments, and workforce challenges. In short, chapters make local markets stronger and more visible.

A Year in Chapter Events

SBCA chapters are more active than ever. In just the first half of 2025, more than a dozen events brought members together to learn, network, and have fun. Here are a few highlights:

• The SBCA of the Capital Area held its Annual Business Meeting in January, followed by its 12th Annual Golf Tournament in April and a joint plant tour with SBCA of the Carolinas in May.
• The Truss Manufacturers Association of Texas (TMAT) hosted multiple events, including the First of the Year Training in February and the Spring 2025 Meeting & Dinner in April.
• The Northwest Truss Fabricators Association (NWTFA) offered a Spring Educational Session in April and hosted its 42nd Annual Golf Tournament in July.
• The SBCA Arizona Golf Outing in May brought members together for one of the chapter’s most popular social events.
• Online meetings of the Georgia, Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, and Illinois chapters have kept members engaged with easy access to important updates and peer discussions.

These are just a few examples of how chapters bring value to members, and there are even more meetings to come in the remaining months of 2025 and beyond. Whether it’s friendly competition, professional development, or regionally relevant programming, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and lead.

Behind-the-Scenes Support

SBCA’s role in supporting its chapters is foundational to their success. For those that are an SBCA-managed chapter, SBCA provides essential operational infrastructure and peace of mind for local chapter leaders. SBCA’s involvement includes the following:

• Manages chapter funds within a centralized financial system where chapter funds are segregated from other funds, eliminating the need for separate chapter accounts, tax filings, or financial reporting.
• Includes chapter funds in its accounting records and serves as an account signer (with chapter officer approval).
• Provides commercial general liability and directors and officers insurance coverage.
• Assists with meeting planning, event registration, webpage setup, agenda creation, and promotion.
  This behind-the-scenes support allows chapter leaders to focus on what matters most—member engagement and programming—without being bogged down by administrative burdens. If your chapter is interested in becoming SBCA-managed, reach out to Talia Zanotelli at 
  tzanotelli@sbcacomponents.com or 608-274-4849. 

Chapters Earn and Invest

Active chapters also receive quarterly publication rebates based on their share of total chapter membership and sales. In 2024, rebates totaled over $50,000, with more than $11,000 distributed in Q1 of 2025. This money can be reinvested in events, training, and other member services. Only active chapters are eligible, providing yet another incentive to stay engaged and offer meaningful programs.

Chapters Leading the Charge

While every chapter adds value, some are providing robust programming and have high engagement:

• SBCA of the Capital Area hosts multiple annual events, including a business meeting, golf tournament, and regional tours.
• TMAT (Texas) is one of the most active groups, regularly organizing training, networking, and major industry events.
• NWTFA (Northwest) combines educational programming with long-standing traditions like its annual golf tournament.
• SBCA Minnesota and the Mid-Atlantic SBCA continue to offer consistent, high-value programming 
  to their members.

These chapters demonstrate how sustained engagement and strong leadership can create thriving local communities that support the broader goals of the industry.

Benefits at a Glance

Chapters offer a wide range of benefits that make membership more rewarding. They include:

• Connecting with peers, suppliers, and experts in your region.
• Collaborating through plant tours, training, and events tailored to local needs.
• Advocating as a unified voice on state and local issues.
• Learning from other professionals and discovering solutions to shared challenges.
• Building camaraderie through fun and informal events like dinners, golf outings, and social gatherings.
• Staying relevant by participating in regionally specific programming that reflects your market’s realities.

Get Involved

Whether you’re new to the industry or a long-time member, participating in a local chapter can elevate your experience and expand your impact. It’s an opportunity to give back, grow your network, and help shape the future of framing in your region.

If you’re not already involved with your local chapter, now is a great time to engage. Visit www.sbcacomponents.com/locate-a-chapter for more information on chapters, or 
www.sbcacomponents.com/events to see what’s coming up. 

Reach out to SBCA staff to learn more about starting or joining a chapter near you at tzanotelli@sbcacomponents.com.

Stronger chapters mean a stronger industry, and when we come together, we all go further.