SPECTRUM: This year’s Mat-Su Home Show a huge success

As 2017 gains momentum, and we’re already into the month of May, an undercurrent in many of our minds remains the sustainability of the economy at a statewide and local level. The state has nearly a $3 billion deficit this year. The Alaska State Legislature is in extended session to tackle a new fiscal plan, while the construction, commercial fishing and tourism seasons are gearing up to launch another aggressive year of hard work.

Yet, in the home building trades, we are resolute and thriving because we recognize everyone needs a warm, safe place to live.

As the Valley’s home building trade advocacy, the Mat-Su Home Builders Association, Inc. (MSHBA) represents over 130 members who own and manage businesses in the building trades. You might even label our members the “backbone” to Mat-Su’s infrastructure and growth because we build, maintain and repair the homes and apartments in which you and your family reside. We’re also your neighbors and part of the same community.

MSHBA’s trade and its success is a huge responsibility we take seriously.

One annual opportunity we afford Alaskans, so they can meet and confer with leaders in the home building industry, is our trade show. This year, thanks in large part to Publisher Dennis Anderson and the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Newspaper, and signature sponsors Spenard Builders Supply, Sheremet Homes, Alaska Fireplace and Accessories, First National Bank Alaska, Spinell Homes, Alaska Dream Charters and MTA, we were able to generate 2,218 visitors and over 200 lbs of canned goods donated by caring attendees supporting MYHouse in Wasilla.

MYHouse offers food, clothing, shelter and laundry services, as well as employment support, public health care, and substance abuse treatment, among other community-based assistance. MSHBA’s mission goes beyond supporting its trades, with an active and engaged intent on bettering our community and giving back to its residents. That’s why we chose MYHouse as 2017’s home show charitable beneficiary. It’s a worthy cause that needs your support.

This year we had 127 vendor booths. Our members met with thousands of you, while displaying and educating prospective patrons on the newest building materials and products and generating strategies for upcoming home improvement projects. We sold services and products, made lots of new friends, and gave a ton of free advice and recommendations to keep Alaskans building and modern.

We also enjoyed a successful spring preview tour of 21 homes. Thanks in large part to sponsors Allen & Petersen, Mat-Su Title,

Yukon Title, and KAYO “Country Legends” 100.9 FM, Alaskans stepped into their future home and reveled at solid, professional craftsmanship. The tour afforded participants the opportunity to assess multi and single-family homes, at the same time conferring with builders and reviewing the latest in construction and design trends.

Many thanks to all the participants, vendors, sponsors, and even the prizewinners, who were ecstatic at the chance to tour and get updated on the industry’s advancements while winning something too.

Trade shows take planning and hard work, and a team effort by industry members. MSHBA’s members are above reproach in dedication and loyalty to Valley residents, and those investors who want to build in the Mat-Su for lodge, rental and investment purposes.

The state economy may be tenuous, but the Mat-Su home building industry is robust and growing. Thanks to all of you, and our hard working members, next year’s trade show will be even better.

Through thick and thin economies, our industry won’t relent in getting the job done because you matter to us, and your home does too.

Sarah Collins is the Executive Director of the Mat-Su Home Builders Association, Inc. For more information on joining, or supporting MSHBA, go to: MatSuHomeBuilders.com