Top Reasons to Become an Associate Member

Membership
Published

For many NAHB Associate members, visibility and networking are keys to a successful business. Joining a community such as NAHB opens the doors to make those connections and increases business opportunities that service and trade professionals would otherwise not have, especially when working with home builders.

In honor of Associate Member Appreciation Month, we asked last year's Society of Honored Associate inductees to share their top reasons for joining the Federation as an Associate member.

Be A Part of a Larger Mission

NAHB comprises more than 140,000 members who work hard every day to make the home building industry the best that it can be. This community allows you to be a part of that mission and have your voice heard on issues that matter most.

"A unified voice through NAHB has a far greater impact than individual or smaller trades efforts," said 23-year Associate member Byron Anderson of Valley Glass & Windows, Inc. "The beauty of the tri-level Associate membership is the ability for state and local associations to tap into NAHB's knowledge and assets when facing new regulations on the state and local levels."

Shine a Spotlight on Your Business

You are your biggest promoter. With NAHB, there are many ways to bring recognition to your business through the people you meet and the events you attend. Judy Dinelle, 2020 Associates Member Committee chair and building ambassador for 84 Lumber, credits her membership and NAHB involvement for allowing her to expand her business connections.

"The top reason to join the Federation has to be networking with fellow professionals, customers and suppliers, while also spotlighting the products and services you offer," Dinelle said.

Getting others to know your name, what you do and what you can offer them, is only going to help your business grow.

Gain Personal Relationships Lead That to Professional Ones

Being an Associate member exposes you to different people from not only your own field, but others from the home building community. Rich Robinson, 2020 Membership Committee chair and vice president of the Member Rebate Program, explained that joining the Federation not only benefits you professionally, but personally.

"By getting involved at my Builders Association immediately, I was able to form wonderful relationships that alone would have been worth joining, but some even led to fantastic business opportunities," he said.

Anderson, Dinelle and Robinson were nominated for the 2019 Associate of the Year award. As finalists, they were all inducted into NAHB's prestigious Society of Honored Associates. Applications for the 2020 Associate of the Year award are now open at awards.nahb.org.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics | Membership

Dec 19, 2025

2025 Census Survey Reminder: Help Us Advocate for Home Building

Members should have received an important reminder this week from NAHB to complete our 2025 Builder and Associate Member Census. Please take a few minutes to participate to help us develop education, advocacy and networking opportunities needed to help your business grow.

Member Benefits

Dec 19, 2025

Ford Announces Big Savings for NAHB Members on 2026 Model Year Vehicles

As a flagship partner of the NAHB Member Savings Program, Ford Pro has announced significant savings on eligible 2026 model year vehicles — up to $5,500 off. The lineup includes popular options such as Broncos, F-150s, Super Duty pickups, and Transit vans.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Dec 19, 2025

Existing Home Sales Edge Higher in November

Existing home sales rose for the third consecutive month in November as lower mortgage rates continued to boost home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, the increase remained modest as mortgage rates still stayed above 6% while down from recent highs. The weakening job market also weighed on buyer activity.

Economics

Dec 18, 2025

Lumber Capacity Lower Midway Through 2025

Sawmill production has remained essentially flat over the past two years, according to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report. This most recent data release contained an annual revision, which resulted in higher estimates for both production and capacity in U.S. sawmills.

Economics

Dec 18, 2025

Inflation Slows in November (with a Caveat)

Inflation unexpectedly eased in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest report. This data release was originally scheduled for December 10 but was delayed due to the recent government shutdown.