Chattanooga Times Free Press

WORKING TOGETHER TO GROW OUR COMMUNITY

- Jay Bell President, Home Builders Associatio­n of Chattanoog­a

Very few profession­s connect a community or region like the residentia­l constructi­on and remodeling industry does. Long before the foundation is poured and walls are framed, the process of building or remodeling a residence brings together dozens of profession­als that contribute individual expertise that ultimately concludes with either a new home or an upgrade to an existing residence.

From the real estate agent to the mortgage lender, from the plumber, electricia­n and carpenter to the carpet, appliances and siding, the residentia­l constructi­on process is one that brings together dozens of businesses, hundreds of employees and thousands of families nearly every day.

For more than 70 years, the Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a (HBAGC) has committed itself to building quality, affordable housing for those who strongly believe in the American Dream of one day owning their own home.

Looking back, it has been quite a journey. Through the good times and bad, the builders and the many businesses that support the residentia­l constructi­on industry work closely together to provide an economic developmen­t engine that drives our local economy in a variety of ways.

For example, a recent economic impact study conducted by the National Associatio­n of Home Builders determined that the estimated one-year local economic impact of building 1,000 single-family homes in Chattanoog­a produces $192.2 million in local income, $26.5 million in taxes and other revenue for local government­s, and 2,796 local jobs. In addition, the additional, annually recurring impact of building single-family homes in Chattanoog­a includes $36.9 million in local income, $13.4 million in taxes and other revenue for local government­s, and 705 local jobs. Every year.

And it doesn’t stop there. HBAGC is proud of its long history of “giving back” to many local and area organizati­ons such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Hamilton

County schools, Chattanoog­a Area Food Bank, and providing scholarshi­ps for deserving students who are interested in a career in the constructi­on trades. Through the years, HBAGC has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local and area organizati­ons and institutio­ns so that our membership can have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of those who need a helping hand. Through these contributi­ons, HBAGC is able to be a true community partner in the growth and success of this wonderful place we call “Home.”

The next time you drive buy a new constructi­on site or remodeling project, take a moment to consider the multiple moving parts, all working together, to grow our community in a responsibl­e and productive way. Whether it’s the person holding the hammer or the family putting the key in the front door for the first time, it’s an amazing experience.

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Jay Bell

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