By Todd Polifka, 2021 Housing First Minnesota President
It’s official—we’ve made it to 2021. Throughout the last year, we have all gained a new appreciation for the networks and communities in which we live, work, and build. As I begin my time as your Housing First Minnesota president, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our community of builders, remodelers, and suppliers as we work to ensure the opportunity of homeownership for everyone, everywhere. Stepping into this role, I have reflected on what I have learned throughout this past year, and I am eager to put that knowledge into practice to help our members come together and build strong networks.
Solid industry connections are at the heart of all our work here at Housing First Minnesota. The events put on by our association—both in person and virtual—help members grow their networks and keep the market competitive. Your leadership team has pivoted many of the events and programs over the past 10 months to fit our ever-changing world, and we will continue to do so to best fit the needs of our membership. I encourage you all to participate in these reimagined events, particularly the brand-new Northern Design Build Expo. This expo is our new Builders and Remodelers Show and will kick off this spring in a virtual format. The two-day event will feature valuable education, along with virtual exhibits that allow exhibitors and attendees to seamlessly connect.
But it’s not just our association events that provide a marketplace to grow your network. Our home tours allow members to connect with homeowners and are also wonderful opportunities for associates to strengthen their bonds with the builders and remodelers showcasing their products. The advocacy work of your Housing First Minnesota team is successful through bipartisan connections and collaboration as members share their real stories and experiences with our legislators at the Capitol. And the important work of your Housing First Minnesota Foundation is accomplished through leveraging new and long-standing partnerships, as well as the generosity of those that are committed to ending homelessness in Minnesota.
Throughout the changes over the past year, one thing has become increasingly clear to me: the value of membership has never been higher. As the industry continues to adapt and change, your association is focused on providing the knowledge, advocacy, marketing, and connections to help our members succeed and bring the industry together.
READ MORE: Housing First Minnesota Names Todd Polifka its 2021 President >>
