We believe that homeownership should be within reach of all Americans.
The BIA of Stark & East Central Ohio is a non-profit association of members engaged in residential and light commercial construction, remodeling, and land development in Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Tuscarawas and Stark counties. Our members consist of builders, remodelers, land developers, suppliers, manufacturers, subcontractors, architects, engineers, attorneys, real estate brokers, and many other industry professionals.
A Broad Range of Services
Membership Benefits
The Building Industry Association of Stark & East Central Ohio is more than simply a trade association. We are a non-profit organization that offers a broad range of services to meet the diverse needs and interests of its members, the local building industry, and the community. The BIA hosts educational events, social events and more, as well as being the organizer/coordinator for the annual Stark County Home and Garden Show, Tuscarawas County Home and Garden Show, Carroll County Home & Garden Show, the Spring and Fall Circuits of New Homes, and the Parade of Homes Explore more information on the pull-down menus below!
Download the Adobe-fillable Membership Application below. Then, either email it to info@biastark.org or U.S. Mail it to our office at 4344 Metro Circle NW North Canton, OH 44720 along with payment of the membership fee. You will be notified of your official acceptance once our Board of Directors reviews and approves your application at the next Board Meeting.
INDUSTRY PROMOTIONS
The BIA produces several events throughout the year that bring public attention to the building industry. These events help members sell products and become recognized in a positive framework. Annual events include Industry Night, the Stark County Home & Garden Show, the Tuscarawas County Home & Garden Show, the Spring and Fall Circuits of New Homes, and more. Click HERE to visit the BIA Events Calendar for upcoming events!
MONEY-SAVING BENEFITS
The BIA offers opportunities to save money on several products and services by obtaining group rates for its members. The areas a member can save money include phone services, workers’ compensation, car purchasing and rentals, and legal research. Current BIA Members also offer discounts to other BIA Members through the return of our popular Member 2 Member Discount Program. Click HERE for more information on discounts through NAHB.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
A range of social activities for members includes BIA Networking Nights, the Holiday Open House and Installation Banquet, and the annual Golf Outing. Social events are held at a variety of locations with speakers, different themes, and programs that offer a real way to increase business contacts and learn more about the building industry. The BIA also has approximately 10 committees that offer members the opportunity to meet other members, share skills, increase knowledge, and receive recognition. Click HERE to view the BIA Events Calendar to see what’s on our schedule!
THE POWER OF THREE!
By joining the BIA, you also become a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the Ohio Home Builders Association (OHBA). These organizations work at the local, state, and national level to maintain a positive atmosphere for growth in our industry. Click HERE for more information!
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The BIA is constantly lobbying local government to make sure building industry concerns are addressed. Appears and testifies on zoning and building codes and impact fee issues. Serves on the County Board of Building Appeals. Fights excessive regulation at the local, state and federal level. Provides help with utilities.
PUBLICATIONS
Several publications are available at every level of the BIA to our members only. Our local newsletter, The Splinter, updates members on upcoming events, legislative updates, and member services. BIA members also receive a copy of the local Membership Directory for convenience in contacting fellow members. Members also receive free copies of “Builder” magazine and “Nation’s Building News.”
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The BIA supports many charitable organizations with members’ time and from contributions through the BIA Foundation.
BIA of Stark & East Central Ohio
Committees
Building Codes
Ted Hake, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Maintain relationship with local county and municipal code officials.
- Participate on Chamber of Commerce codes subcommittee, Stark County Residential Board of Building Appeals, or other similar public/private entities.
- Prepare bulletins on local code actions affecting BIA members.
- Prepare system to alert local members when pending decisions of interest to industry are being considered.
- Keep elected and appointed officials abreast of problems facing the industry which result from or can be solved by local action.
Build My Future
Steve Smith, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Maintain relationship with schools (high school and vocational) that have construction training curriculum.
- Encourage students to pursue careers in construction – all trades.
- Develop enrollment in NAHB Student Chapter program with students.
- Conduct networking and educational opportunities for interaction with association, members, students, and faculty.
- Plan and develop work and training participation at job sites on projects.
- Plan and develop funding opportunities.
Stark County Home & Garden Show
Preston Roseman, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Plan, organize and produce a Home & Garden Show to benefit the industry and exhibitors.
- Promote the Home & Garden Show and sale of exhibit space through brochures, advertising and publicity.
- Arrange special entertainment and attractions.
- Maintain ticket and box office supervision.
- Recruit volunteers for help in admissions and miscellaneous duties.
Program & Education/Sales & Marketing
Laurie Corbit, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Prepare a planned series of programs for the year.
- Publicize events through fliers, newsletters, etc. Encourage builders to attend.
- Conduct educational programs and seminars on subjects of interest.
- Help to plan and promote special events as needed (ex: Cleveland Indians Outing, Holiday Open House & Installation Banquet).
- Promote seminars and educational programs.
Developers Council
Martin Van Gundy IV, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Maintain relationship with local county and municipal officials including county commissioners, regional planning, EPA, zoning, county sanitary and subdivision engineers, and other related entities and officials.
- Develop and coordinate local goals.
- Prepare bulletins on local actions affecting BIA members.
- Prepare system to alert local members when pending decisions of interest to industry are being considered.
- Keep elected and appointed officials abreast of problems facing the industry which result from or can be solved by local action.
Complaint & Conciliation
Robert Soles, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Review and consider complaints received in writing from homeowners regarding a builder member of the association. Try to help the builder and homeowner resolve the dispute to their mutual satisfaction.
- Follow Complaint & Conciliation Procedures approved by the board of directors.
Tuscarawas County Home & Garden Show
Holly Waldenmyer, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Plan, organize and produce a Home & Garden Show to benefit the industry and exhibitors.
- Promote the Home & Garden Show and sale of exhibit space through brochures, advertising and publicity.
- Arrange special entertainment and attractions.
- Maintain ticket and box office supervision.
- Recruit volunteers for help in admissions and miscellaneous duties.
Build PAC
Steve Smith, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Keep the BIA of Stark & East Central Ohio relevant in local, state and national political affairs.
- Develop and coordinate local goals.
- Plan events to raise money for the growth of the Political Action Committee.
- Develop other strategies to raise money for Stark County & East Central Ohio Builders PAC.
Golf Outing
Mike Gruber, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Plan the annual outing in the following areas: facility, favors, meals and hole prizes, etc.
- Set-up at the course as needed.
- Set-up and clean-up at the dinner facility as needed.
- Volunteer services for the day of the outing (ex: assist at registration, help with various contests, distribute and collect sponsor signs).
Membership Services
Steve Lapp, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Plan and conduct programs for new membership development.
- Establish goals (immediate and long-range) for membership.
- Welcome new members, contact and retain new members, and network.
- General Membership Meetings: arrange to meet new member at function, introduce them to others, and sit together.
- Encourage new members to attend orientations.
Spring & Fall Circuit of New Homes & Condos
Stevan Lasorella, Chair
Staff Contact: Joe Race
DUTIES:
- Plan and conduct a Spring & Fall Circuit of New Homes to market members’ homes for sale in our five-county area.
- Set up rules and regulations.
- Set up budget with treasurer and Finance Committee.
