June News and Highlights

WHY WE ADVOCATE, WHY IT MATTERS, WHY WE SHOW UP, NO MATTER THE LEVEL OF ADVOCACY

At the Home Builders Association of West Virginia (HBAWV), advocacy is one of the most important benefits we provide our members. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day by builders, remodelers, suppliers, tradespeople, and the families they serve.

When HBAWV advocates, we advocate for every member. Together, our unified voice carries far greater influence than any individual could alone. That is the power of membership—and the reason advocacy remains at the heart of everything we do.

Every regulation, building code, tax policy, permitting process, workforce initiative, and housing-related law can affect how our members do business. HBAWV serves as the collective voice of the residential construction industry, ensuring that the perspectives of housing professionals are heard before decisions are made—not after.

Our advocacy efforts extend from the State Capitol in Charleston, WV to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. We work closely with legislators, regulatory agencies, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to promote policies that support housing affordability, protect small businesses, strengthen workforce development, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. We work through legislative meetings, testimony, grassroots engagement, and ongoing relationships with elected officials to help our members succeed.



Advocacy isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting an industry that provides jobs, strengthens local economies, and helps West Virginians achieve the dream of homeownership. Every meeting attended, every bill reviewed, every relationship built, and every member who shares their story helps shape the future of housing in our state.

Advocacy in Action: Representing West Virginia on Capitol Hill

The NAHB Spring Leadership & Legislative Conference, held June 9–13, 2026, in Washington D.C., brought together housing leaders from across the nation to shape the future of the residential construction industry. Throughout the week, HBAWV representatives participated in leadership meetings, legislative strategy sessions, board and committee meetings, area caucuses, educational panel discussions, and advocacy events designed to strengthen our industry and amplify the voice of home builders.

From exchanging ideas with industry leaders to meeting with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, every conversation reinforced the importance of showing up, speaking up, and advocating for policies that promote housing affordability, workforce development, regulatory reform, and economic growth. The relationships built, knowledge gained, and voices united during this conference will continue to make a lasting impact—not only for our members, but for homeowners, businesses, and communities across West Virginia. Together, we are building more than homes—we are building the future of our industry.

Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. BUILDING LEADERS.

BUILDING WEST VIRGINIA

 Meet this month's featured member from Greater Charleston, whose dedication continues to make a lasting impact on our industry

Please CLICK the news article photo to enlarge

🎉 Did You Know? West Virginia Turns 163! 🎉



🌄 West Virginia became the 35th state on June 20, 1863, during the American Civil War, making it the only state to be formed by separating from a Confederate state.

🏔️ Our nickname is “The Mountain State,” and for good reason—over 75% of West Virginia is covered by forests, making it one of the most heavily forested states in the nation.

🌉 The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere and is home to the world-famous Bridge Day, when BASE jumpers and rappellers take the leap from the bridge.

🚂 West Virginia is home to the world’s longest-running scenic steam-powered excursion railroad, the Cass Scenic Railroad, where visitors can ride historic logging locomotives.

💎 The state’s official gemstone is Coal, recognizing the industry’s enormous role in shaping West Virginia’s history and economy.

🌸 The state flower is the Rhododendron, which blooms across the mountains each spring with beautiful pink and white blossoms.

🐻 The Black Bear is West Virginia’s official state animal and can be found throughout the state’s forests.

🐦 The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird and can be seen year-round across the Mountain State.

🍎 The Golden Delicious Apple was first discovered in Clay County and became the official state fruit in 1995.

⚔️ West Virginia’s state motto is “Montani Semper Liberi,” which means “Mountaineers Are Always Free.” 💙💛

💧 The Greenbrier River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the eastern United States.

🛤️ The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in North America and remains one of the state’s most famous historic landmarks.

🎓 West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, was founded in 1867, just four years after statehood.

🏞️ The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve became America’s 63rd National Park in 2020.

❤️ West Virginia has all 55 counties represented by unique communities, traditions, and hometown pride, making it one of the most close-knit states in America.

🇺🇸 Happy 163rd Birthday, West Virginia!

163 Years of Rich History, Proud Heritage, Beautiful Mountains, and the Independent Spirit that reminds us all…



COUNTRY ROADS TAKE ME HOME.........

Best of West Virginia Awards

This year brings exciting updates, including a brand-new platform designed to enhance the submission experience, expanded sponsorship opportunities for greater visibility, and—for the first time—open submissions to non-HBAWV members. With these new enhancements, the program will highlight more outstanding projects and professionals from across the state. We encourage all entrants to attend the convention, where all winners are announced October 22-24, 2026, at Chief Logan State Park located in Logan, WV. Stay tuned and get your entries ready—this is one you won’t want to miss!.

When you hear

"IBS Scholarship Program", your first thought might be:

Deadline: July 24, 2026

IBS 2027 | Las Vegas, Nevada



Don't delay. Don't assume someone else will apply. Don't miss this opportunity!

"Well, I'm definitely not in the 25-35 age bracket!" 😄



And that's perfectly okay.

The 2027 International Builders' Show (IBS) Scholarship Program is designed to help emerging industry professionals experience the largest annual light construction show in the world. If you have a rising star on your team—a project manager, estimator, designer, sales professional, superintendent, office leader, or future company owner—this could be an incredible opportunity for them.

We encourage all eligible members—and member companies with promising young professionals—to review the application requirements and submit an application.

Opportunities like this don't come around every day, and neither does a chance to attend IBS with scholarship support.

Selected recipients receive:

✅ IBS Expo + Education registration

✅ Hotel accommodations

✅ Travel stipend

✅ Networking opportunities

✅ Industry exposure and professional development

✅ Lifetime bragging rights (okay, maybe not officially... but still!)

North Central WV Home Builders Association

MORE THAN BUILDERS

TRUSTED PARTNERS

Celebrating professionals who strengthen our industry, our communities, and the Home Builders Association every day.

Please CLICK on the article photo to enlarge

Please reach out for more information on this HBA program and discount.

If you currently have one of the following for your insurance, you already have Encova and need to make sure your agent is aware that you are a member of HBAWV, and check whether you qualify for the discount.

1. Allegheny Point
2. Brick Street
3. NorthStone
4. PinnaclePoint
5. SummitPoint

Home Builders Association of Mid-Ohio Valley

Growing Businesses, Driving Results, Shaping the Future

Celebrating professionals who strengthen our industry, our communities, and the Home Builders Association every day.

Please CLICK on the article photo to enlarge

For reservations, call:

ROOMS ARE LIMITED

Chief Logan State Park Lodge (304)855-6100 Code: GS1190