SBCA Provides Great Value

Making the Most of Two of the Most Popular Benefits of SBCA Membership

By Molly Butz and Talia Zanotelli

With so many great programs, resources, tools, publications, education, networking, and more that SBCA offers, it can be hard to keep track of them all and make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership. For component manufacturers and framers, optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and reducing costs are key to maintaining a competitive edge. 

Being a member of SBCA has many benefits, one of which is being a part of the community dedicated to excellence and innovation. As a member, you have free access to Digital Quality Control (QC) tools to streamline your QC processes and help maintain high standards (see more on page 31). You also benefit from discounts on a range of training programs, from Truss Technician Training to Forklift Safety. These resources support the continuous improvement of your team’s skills and knowledge, further boosting your operational efficiency.

Building Relationships and Community

One of the standout advantages of SBCA membership is the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry. Members frequently share their experiences, including successes and challenges, fostering a collaborative environment in which knowledge and best practices are exchanged. This network can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and a stronger industry presence for your company.

Joining your local SBCA chapters is a great way to get involved. They offer a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and fun activities like golf and attending baseball games. Chapters are local extensions of the national organization (SBCA), providing members with a platform to engage with peers, share insights, and address regional industry challenges. These local chapters host events, workshops, and meetings that facilitate face-to-face interactions, fostering strong professional relationships and community ties.

“Local chapters are important because they allow representatives to be active in the association that do not have a travel allowance and thereby cannot attend Open Quarterly Meetings (OQMs) or the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC),” says Rhonda Leppert, President of the SBCA of the Capital Area Chapter (SBCA CAP).

Getting involved with a local SBCA Chapter can lead to leadership opportunities where members can contribute their expertise and help shape the future of the industry. The collaborative spirit within chapters often results in innovative solutions and collective problem-solving, benefiting all members involved.

“My involvement in the local SBCA chapter, NWTFA, has allowed me the opportunity to make connections with fabricators in my region, share concerns and collaboratively problem solve, and have some fun participating in our local golf tournaments,” says Chad Johnson, President of the Northwest Truss Fabricators Association (NWTFA). “Being a member of the NWTFA helps me to remain informed and connected in my region.”

Jobsite Packages 

Another key benefit of SBCA membership is jobsite packages. Whether you’re working with roof trusses, floor trusses, long span trusses, wall panels, or cold-formed steel, there is a package designed to meet your needs, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness on the job.

As a member of SBCA, you get discounted prices for jobsite packages and other publications, in addition to access to SBCA’s Electronic Jobsite Package subscription. Creating electronic Jobsite Packages from the https://docs.sbcacomponents.com/ website is fast and easy. Within moments, you’ll have a complete digital package that you can email or print. 

“We’ve found that the electronic jobsite packages make it easy to stay ahead of the game and stay organized since they don’t take up any office space but are still quick and easy to produce, and we can rest assured all of the information is included,” says Adam Finkenhoefer, General Manager of 84 Lumber.

The pages of the electronic Jobsite Package documents have been formatted specifically for viewing on computers, tablets, and other mobile devices. Additionally, each page of the package contains a space at the bottom to display the job number, jobsite address, customer name, and component manufacturer’s (CM) company logo.

“We’re happy with it and it’s been a seamless venture,” continues Adam. “We like that multiple people can put packages together, how much easier from the customer service side of things it is to be able to go back and look at the list online and see if the package was created or not. It’s helping us cut down on unintentional duplicates, and we like that we’re only paying for what we need!”

“Including these guidelines with SBCA’s Jobsite Packages, whether print or digital, with every shipment not only helps your customers handle, store, brace, and install components more effectively, it also proactively fulfills your company’s obligation to genuinely warn and instruct regarding your products,” concludes Adam. “This is yet another way to ensure the trusses and wall panels you’re providing are being properly installed.”

When all the assets of being an SBCA member are combined, it is easy to see the value of SBCA membership and the benefits it provides in improving your business. Whether you are a current member or a future member, there is something for everyone and we are always looking to increase value to membership, providing top notch resources and education for the industry. For more information on SBCA and/or membership, please visit us at sbcacomponents.com/member-benefits or contact Talia Zanotelli, Membership Coordinator, at 608-274-4849.