BIA Affiliate Membership Update

In 2021, the BIA changed its membership structure to one based on a company rather than an individual. What that effectively meant was that the (hypothetical) Acme Building Company would be a member of the BIA of Central Ohio, with all employees of that organization eligible to receive BIA communications, attend events, and participate in our committees and councils. We believe that this will allow for more participation from those in our industry and make our association more valuable, accessible, and reflective of the people we represent.

Because the BIA is affiliated with both the Ohio Homebuilders Association (OHBA) and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), we are required to send the name of an individual from our member companies who will serve as the member of record with both organizations and receive those organizations membership benefits beyond those provided by the BIA. Additional memberships in OHBA and NAHB can also be obtained for others in your company. These memberships are called Affiliate memberships.

When the BIA transitioned to its company membership structure in 2021, the Board of Trustees elected to include complementary Affiliate memberships in specific membership categories. However, since then, our organization has received feedback that Affiliate membership may be less valued than we initially believed it would be, sometimes leading to confusion about who was eligible to participate in BIA activities. Furthermore, because their respective Boards set dues for OHBA and NAHB, the BIA had little control over increases that may occur. In short, the organization was paying more for a benefit many had told us was not of value.

At the April meeting of the BIA’s Board of Directors, the Board unanimously voted to eliminate the complimentary Affiliate program in conjunction with the 2024-2025 dues renewal cycle. Concurrently, the Board also voted to reduce the cost of Affiliate membership for those wanting membership at the state or national level (From $260 to $199). Affiliate memberships must be purchased separately from the company’s renewal.

We continue to believe that the BIA of Central Ohio represents the entirety of the residential construction industry in our region. We are stronger when everyone in our industry can say, “I am a member of the BIA.”

Your organization’s continued support of the BIA will allow us to continue advocating for housing creation, promoting our industry, supporting educational opportunities, and serving as a connection hub for everyone in the residential construction industry.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding these changes.

Sincerely,

Jon Melchi

Executive Director