You’re already a Housing First Minnesota member. Here’s how you can make the most of it.
Being a Housing First Minnesota member is more than adding a logo to your website or attending the occasional event. Membership opens the door to industry connections, professional growth, business development, advocacy, and exclusive resources designed to help you succeed. Yet many members only scratch the surface of what’s available.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, elevate your brand, sharpen your skills, or help shape the future of housing in Minnesota, there’s no short-age of ways to get involved. Here are just a few opportunities you might not be taking full advantage of.
Build Your Network
One of the greatest benefits of membership is access to an unmatched network of builders, remodelers, suppliers, trade partners, and other industry professionals. With a year-round calendar of events—from member-exclusive happy hours and golf tournaments to home tours, galas, and educational programs—there are countless opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and grow your business. Katie Hronski, ambassador committee chair at Housing First and market representative at Cambria, says, “The connections I’ve made [through my Housing First Minnesota membership] have led to new business opportunities, valuable partnerships, and a stronger sense of community within the industry.”
Lead the Charge
From home tours and events to advocacy initiatives and Foundation projects, committee members help shape many of Housing First Minnesota’s most important programs and priorities. It’s one of the best ways to contribute your expertise while building meaningful relationships with fellow members. Find a full list of committees and task forces at HousingFirstMN.org/Committees.
Stay in the Know
Knowledge is one of the most valuable member benefits. In fact, Housing First Minnesota provides exclusive access to market data, housing research, business resources, and industry publications that help members stay informed and competitive. Weekly permit data is shared through the Keystone Report, while The Hot Sheet provides a monthly snapshot of the housing market. Members also receive The Digest and Housing Industry News, each of which offers industry-relevant information and news. For those interested in exploring more in-depth research, Housing Affordability Institute offers expert analysis on housing policy, affordability, and the forces shaping the industry’s future.
Take Advantage of Member Savings
Housing First Minnesota offers a variety of programs that help members reduce operating costs, from exclusive rebates and discounts to health insurance opportunities and more. The Association Health Plan helps qualifying businesses save an average of 7–10% on employee health insurance, while HomeSphere connects more than 2,700 builders with rebates and incentives from leading building product manufacturers. Members also receive discounts from companies including Sherwin-Williams, Verizon, Cintas, Staples, Speedway, Circle K, Airgas, and many more. See the full list at HousingFirstMN.org/MemberOfferings.
Reach the Right Audience
Whether your goal is to connect with fellow industry professionals or reach prospective homeowners, Housing First Minnesota offers myriad ways to put your business in front of the right people. “Housing First advertising has allowed us to have valuable conversations with both prospective customers and strong leaders in the industry,” shares Nick Super of ABC Supply Co., Inc. “We have unlocked access to a market we previously struggled to enter and gained valuable name recognition within that market.”
Associate members can increase visibility through sponsorships at association events like Members Only or the Builders and Remodelers Show (BRS), or they can take advantage of advertising opportunities in the many B2B products available. For builders and remodelers seeking new business, Housing First’s consumer-facing publications and home tours are the perfect place to position your business front and center.
Celebrate Your Success
Every year, Housing First Minnesota recognizes the outstanding people and projects shaping Minnesota’s residential construction industry. From exceptional new homes and remodeling projects to sustainability, innovation, marketing, craftsmanship, and professional achievement, the association’s annual awards program offers members the opportunity to showcase their work and earn recognition from peers across the industry.
Keep Your Skills Sharp
The industry never stands still—and neither should you. Throughout the year, Housing First Minnesota hosts industry workshops, expert-led panel discussions, and many more educational opportunities. Members can also earn continuing education credits through Contractor University, which offers more than 50 online courses covering everything from business management to building and energy codes.
Make Your Voice Heard
Housing affordability remains one of Minnesota’s most pressing challenges, and Housing First Minnesota is at the forefront of the conversation. As a member, you can participate in grassroots advocacy efforts, engage with lawmakers, attend Housing Day at the Capitol, and help influence policies that impact the future of homeownership throughout the state.
“One of the best parts of being a Housing First member is having the chance to bring your real-world experience into the policy conversation,” says Andrew LeJeune, advocacy chair at Housing First and president of GlassArt Design. “Housing First is viewed as the leading voice for housing in the state, and we have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of our state by getting involved.”
Amplify Your Brand
Membership brings opportunities for organic brand visibility. Whether through social media features, magazine articles, television segments, or project spotlights, Housing First Minnesota actively promotes member companies and their work. The more involved you become, the more chances you’ll have to share your story and elevate your brand.
Interested in learning more about how you can take advantage of your Housing First Minnesota membership? Contact Member Services Manager Kim Carter, Kim@HousingFirstMN.org
