President's Message: Advancing the Association into 2025
Exciting Initiatives are Already in the Works
SBCA’s variety of initiatives and projects is always impressive. From its educational offerings, BCMC & Framer Summit, Digital QC, and jobsite publications to the numerous networking opportunities for membership, amongst much more, the scope of this association’s work is extensive. I feel very privileged to have a front row seat as the SBCA President, witnessing the immense effort put forth by staff, members, and leadership alike. With the common goal of increasing awareness of structural building components, providing resources to component manufacturers (CMs) and SBCA members for their businesses, and expanding the market share of structural building components, this association is truly a force to be reckoned with.
As SBCA President, some of my goals are to continue strengthening SBCA’s offerings to component manufacturers through value-added services and deliverables, and to encourage CMs to get involved and contribute to the association. Thus far, we have made great strides towards these lofty goals, and I am proud of the progress we have made.
Components offer a solution that make a major difference in our housing and building market of today and into the future. Collectively, we need to continue to articulate the benefits of roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels. This is just one of the many reasons why SBCA gets involved with initiatives such as HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase. It’s also why SBCA is conducting another Framing the American Dream study in 2024/2025. It’s why we are always striving to do more to drive component usage.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about several projects and efforts on the horizon and already underway. The association’s commitment to growth and excellence is unmatched, and this upcoming year will be no different.
One significant project in the works, which will add further value for SBCA members and the industry overall, is the revision of the Building Component Safety Information (BCSI) booklet. SBCA’s E&T Committee, the National Framers Council (NFC), and the TPI TAC have been working diligently to update this publication. The BCSI revision is an important update and will make the document more user-focused, easier to read and navigate, and provide practical and applicable solutions.
Additionally, SBCA’s newest jobsite publication, the Component Warning Notice Tag and Component Warning Notice Sheet, was released at BCMC 2024 with samples, informational material, and an education session entitled, Preventing Injuries with the Truss & Component Warning Tag & Warning Sheet, which was presented by Kent Pagel of Pagel, Davis, & Hill, and Jess Lohse, SBCA’s Executive Director. This new notice will offer more tools to the industry to provide additional safety on the jobsites and to warn people of dangers. You can learn more about this notice and the education session on SBCA’s website, www.sbcacomponents.com/cwn, and in upcoming issues of SBCA Magazine.
The SBCA Board of Directors is dedicated to advancing the association and staying aligned with its Strategic Plan. To that end, the Board will hold an in-person Board-Member-Only meeting at the end of the year to reflect on our progress and strategize for the upcoming year. This meeting is critical for Board members, fostering productive and focused planning. As the leadership team, we are committed to ensuring that we uphold SBCA’s mission and purpose.
Additionally, SBCA’s National Framers Council has launched a new magazine, Framing Today, geared towards framers and the framing industry. In this newest effort, NFC is providing a new platform for insights, information, and connection amongst the general framing industry, while aiming to expand its reach into the broader construction market. This is yet another way we are promoting the use of structural building components and framing methodologies.
I’m looking forward to seeing these initiatives unfold over the coming year. These projects and goals will enhance the value we offer to our current members and attract future ones. As we move forward into 2025, we need to focus on growing our membership, engaging more component manufacturers with our association’s mission and efforts, and expanding our outreach to positively impact the construction industry. I implore you to get more involved at both the local and national level of SBCA through our various events. With Open Quarterly Meetings (OQMs) in Charleston, SC, Washington, D.C., and Napa Valley, CA, as well as BCMC in Omaha, NE, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for networking and engagement throughout the year.
As we approach the close of 2024, and embark upon 2025, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks and gratitude for all those involved in making this association what it is today. Thank you to our staff, our membership, our leadership, and industry partners. We couldn’t do this without you. Here’s to a great 2025!
Jeff Taake, SBCA President