SDHBA Associate Delegate Report from IBS

 

As I close out my term as the National Associate Delegate for South Dakota – I couldn’t help but
reflect on all the changes over the years. I recall being just a small voice in a large room with many
prominent business leaders and associates from all over the county, which was at the time very
intimidating. In 2026 – I look at the Membership and Associate Committees I have had the privilege
to be a chosen committee member on and see the impact that not only I have made but those
around me as well. Being active and doing the work – is the satisfaction and the reward for the
impacts you and have.

Membership continues to slowly grow – Jan 2026 – 137,381 was our total membership. Retention
will be an ongoing focus as it is just slightly lower by 1% from last year at 74.9%. We will continue to
see lots of changes coming in 2026-2027 with Membership. We will see a redesign of the website
focused on membership. Marketing has planned improvements to the Touch program, NAHB
Connect, and enhanced member pay. But most importantly – there will be lots of discussion and
changes coming with the membership model. This is a huge focus for our new incoming leadership
team in hopes for growth and retention.

The membership committee also approved 2 new Affinity Programs – Travelers Insurance and DHS
Marketing. Both will provide benefits to our members in SD as well as provide royalties back to our
state and local. Be sure to take advantage of the Member Savings – check out nahb.org/savings
The Associates Committee has 3 awards that are presented at the IBS show. The BEAM (Builders
Engaging Associate Members) was awarded to Bubba Jenkins. The Associate Advocate for BUILD
PAC – was awarded to Lisa Cortez. There were 3 finalists for the Associate of the Year – Chris
VanPelt, Billy Ray, and Luellen Smith – Congratulations to Chris VanPelt from Louisiana for AOY! The
Associates committee also elected a new NAC – Laura Dwyer.

The elections of the new leadership occurred at the Leadership Council – Chairman Bill Owens,
followed by Bob Peterson, Gary Campbell and Jim Chapman. We will also see our very own Don
Dabbert coming up the ranks.

As always the economic forecast is one Associates and Builders alike look forward to. It is no
surprise that housing affordability is at the forefront of all discussion. Rising home prices and
interest rates are of course the largest component with 65% of U.S. households unable to
afford a median-priced new home. With a median home price of $413,595 and a mortgage
rate of 6%, roughly 88.2 million households are priced out of the market. If the median
home price goes up by just $1,000, the monthly payment increases by about $6, and the
required minimum income rises by nearly $300 per year. This small change will price an
additional 156,405 households out of the market. The good news is mortgage rates are
forecasted to remain at the 6% range. Some trends to note – smaller homes are being built,
townhome being more popular as more affordable, remodeling will continue to be gaining
significant market share as homeowners are sitting on $36 Trillion in equity.

As our Advocacy efforts remain at the forefront to fight more affordable housing -its
important to continue to support your local build pac. As I conclude this report, I would like
to give a huge congratulations to Rachel White, Dean Hedrick and Kim Hefner for receiving
the Build Pac Champion Award. I can honestly say – I don’t think in my NAHB history have I
seen 3 South Dakota members achieve this honor. Very proud of the work we do and
thankful to have served as our Associate National Delegate!

Candice Menke
SDHBA Associate Delegate