A Letter From the HBA of Columbia President

Greetings! Welcome to the Home Builders Association of Columbia, an organization deeply rooted in our community and dedicated to fostering excellence in the home building and construction industry. For decades, the HBA has been more than just an association; it has been a driving force behind the growth and innovation that define our region. We proudly represent businesses across every facet of home building, remodeling, and construction services, serving as a vital link between our members and the community they help build.

Over the past few years, our industry has faced significant challenges, particularly due to the impact of Covid-19. While these challenges have tested our resilience, they have also inspired us to push forward with renewed focus and determination. We are committed to emerging from this era stronger and more successful than ever before. Through the collective efforts of our members and leadership, we are rebuilding and reinvigorating the HBA to ensure a vibrant future for the building industry in our community. This progress would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership of our outgoing president, Orie Hemme. Orie’s dedication, vision, and hard work have set the stage for continued growth and success. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his invaluable contributions.

As we move forward into 2025, I am honored to step into the role of president and continue building on the strong foundation laid by those before me. I would also like to commend our Executive Officer, Jami Clevenger, whose efforts have been instrumental in revitalizing our organization. Jami’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our members through regular events, education, and networking is truly commendable. With Jami’s leadership, we are poised to expand and enhance the experiences we offer, including but not limited to; the annual Home Show and the Fall & Spring Parade of Homes, which continue to be highlights for our members and the community.

Looking ahead, one of our primary goals this year is to strengthen our working relationship with city and county officials. By establishing regular meetings and fostering open lines of communication, we aim to create a collaborative environment that benefits our local builders and the broader construction industry. Together, we can address challenges, streamline processes, and build a stronger foundation for our community’s growth.

Additionally, we plan to provide more opportunities for our members to showcase their exceptional work. The professionalism and ethical standards upheld by HBA members set them apart as the best in the industry. I encourage you to visit our website to access our directory and consider hiring an HBA member for your construction projects.

We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. With your support, we will continue to uphold our mission to unite, represent, and preserve the building industry in our community. Let’s build a brighter future together!

Thank you for being a part of the HBA of Columbia—your support and engagement make all the difference.

Sincerely,

Austin Hall President, Home Builders Association of Columbia