GHBA Members: I trust that this note finds you safe and well. What an interesting experience the last month and a half have been, unlike anything any of us have experienced before, of that I am certain.
As a recap, the GHBA offices have been physically closed since March 23. However, all staff have been working remotely, answering emails, returning phone calls, and communicating with members through conference calls and Zoom meetings.
We have tried our best to quickly adjust to our new working environment and provide timely information to you through our emails every Monday/Wednesday/Friday. This communication has included information about Stay at Home orders, safety guidelines, industry updates, and regulatory information.
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Additionally, last month we conducted our first ever association-wide webinars with GHBA’s General Counsel Ian Faria and his colleague Stephanie Gaston, NAHB’s Chief Economist Rob Dietz, and Texas A&M Real Estate Center’s Chief Economist Dr. Jim Gaines early this month. We’ll also host Congressman Kevin Brady and economist Patrick Jankowski with the Greater Houston Partnership later in May.
We have also continued our lobbying efforts, initially pressing our local and state elected officials on deeming residential construction as essential. While we were grateful to be successful in this endeavor, the work did not stop there. We also began working with elected officials in providing information about COVID-19’s impact and providing input on measures that should be implemented in order to “re-open” the economy. In fact, late last month I was tapped to be a part of a Greater Houston Partnership working group to “Reopen Houston” on behalf of the city, Harris County and the greater region.
Despite these ongoing efforts, I hope that the GHBA staff may be able to physically return to the office in some capacity next month. As you all know, we rescheduled or canceled all events in April and May.
For the month of June, we have rescheduled a few, including the BABA Fishing Tournament to September 25 and PRISM judging has shifted to online only.
We do plan to hold our June luncheons, but transition to webinars at a discounted rate, including the Associate Council luncheon on June 4, RMC luncheon on June 11, and CBC luncheon on June 25. We appreciate your patience as the GHBA calendar remains fluid, and we strive to provide valuable information to you in a timely and accessible way.
Above all else, thank you for sticking with us. We are committed to demonstrating the value of your GHBA membership and are dedicated to being there for you as you have always been there for this community and our local economy. Thank you for your hard work and your perseverance.
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