A Message from the President

Category: Events, Build-Remodel-Topics
01/05/2026

70 years of building together:

Here's what's next

 

Shannon Roers Jones, ROERS

2026 BIA-RRV President

Happy New Year! As we kick off our 70th anniversary year, I want to share what’s ahead for our Association and how we’ll work together to make this a year of growth, engagement and impact. Our mission is simple: help our members succeed and strengthen the building industry in our region. Everything we do this year ties back to that goal. Here’s where we’re focusing:

1. Sharing the Value of BIA Membership

Membership is the heart of our association, and we’re committed to making it stronger than ever. This year, we’re aiming for 1% growth, recruiting 80 new members, and restoring builder membership to 175+ strong.

We’ll keep promoting the BIA name and brand, but more importantly, we’ll focus on engagement, especially with first- and second-year members. Those early years are critical for building lasting involvement.

Our BIA Ambassadors are engaged in helping us hit a 90% retention rate, and we’ll be meeting individually with builder members to identify businesses they work with who aren’t yet part of BIA-RRV. Plus, we’ll make sure every member, whether new or legacy, has the tools they need for success.

This anniversary year is the perfect time to remind members why BIA has been a trusted partner for 70 years - and why that legacy matters for the next generation of builders and trade partners.

2. Growing Members’ Businesses

Your success is our success. For 70 years, advocacy has been integral to what we do, and in 2026 we're making it a top priority. 

We’ll be active during the Minnesota legislative session, working with the Builders Association of Minnesota leadership and lobbyists to represent your interests. Our Political Engagement & Advocacy Subcommittee document will outline how BIA takes policy positions, and we’ll continue educating members on the value of our PACs.

Our goal? Raise $25,000 for BUILD-PAC and NDAB-PAC combined and keep our voice strong in elections and policy decisions.

We’ll also keep the Return on Incentives campaign moving forward, expand commercial builder engagement, and partner with Home Builders Care Foundation to create apprenticeship opportunities and student chapter involvement for workforce development.

3. Sustainability for the Future

Finally, we’re planning for long-term strength. That means advancing our strategic plan and enhancing non-dues revenue streams coming from programs like our health plan, Very Invested Partner sponsorship program and 401k retirement program.

We’re committed to keeping our events fresh and relevant. In 2026, we will continue building on the strengths of the Home & Garden Show and Parade of Homes, encouraging members to showcase their businesses through these large-scale consumer events. At the same time, we’re exploring new event concepts to keep our marketing strategies innovative and impactful.

Behind the scenes, we’ll streamline processes and continue strategic planning with Home Builders Care Foundation to ensure growth and direction for years to come. The goal is to build a sustainable future for the next 70 years.

Let’s build momentum together!

2026 is full of opportunity and we can’t do it without you. Whether it’s engaging in advocacy, attending events  or sharing your expertise, your involvement makes all the difference. Please reach out to the Association office at (701) 232-5846 if you would like to learn more about involvement.

Thank you for being part of our story for 70 years. Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration and success!