By Gary Kraemer, 2020 Housing First Minnesota President
As I begin the new year as your Housing First Minnesota president, I’ve reflected on the work done by all those who have led our association before me, and I am eager to get to work advancing the American dream of homeownership for all Minnesotans.
At our recent strategic retreat, our leadership team discussed the importance of bringing our message of housing affordability to a broader audience. You’ve heard us talk about this again and again, but it can’t be emphasized enough: affordability has a major impact on every Minnesotan—from our families to our employees to our coworkers—and it is important to recognize our role in ensuring housing is available to all. That’s why this year we’re utilizing all of our association’s programs to kick off a fresh consumer campaign that helps create a movement that leads to meaningful change.
Everything we do here at the association is connected to this common goal. Our advocacy work ensures we’re supporting housing-friendly candidates in elections, creating sensible regulations, and researching ways to improve the housing market for all Minnesotans. Our association events help build connections between industry professionals to keep the market competitive. The Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tour give consumers a transparent way to shop for homes, builders, remodelers, and communities that fit their needs. Contractor University and our Green Path program keep members educated on the latest industry innovations and best practices. And our members-only benefits like our new Association Health Plan and auto rebate program are designed to help members grow their businesses while creating top-notch products and services. All of these come together to create a stronger housing market in Minnesota—one which is in dire need of these ongoing efforts.
There are many more examples of the ways in which our programs here at the association help drive the American dream of homeownership, but what I want to stress to you, our members, is that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are building something great together, and I look forward to a year of partnership and continued growth.
