Kristine Thalman
BIA/OC CEO

There is no doubt, 2009 was a challenging and eventful year for BIA/OC.  We not only worked hand in hand with our principal office in revising outdated by-laws, but also worked with our sister chapters to put together one of the most comprehensive business plans ever.  Thanks to a yeoman’s effort by our outgoing President, Paul Johnson, our association is not only more transparent and accountable to the all members in the region; it is now operating on a standardized financial planning format so that BIA/SC can anticipate potential red flags whereas a tool of this nature was never there before.  Our own BIA/OC Board of Directors chose wisely to invest $50,000 in helping BIA/SC to have the necessary tools to manage and address these challenging economic times.

Out of the business planning process, a new collaboration was launched.  The Orange County, Los Angeles/Ventura and Antelope Valley chapters are working together to find key efficiencies in our daily operations.  Event management, membership, accounting and government affairs will take on a more regional approach so that we move more towards a "one membership, one association" organization that allows our members to traverse among chapters without experiencing the silos that exists.  This will be a great experiment which I’m looking forward to some positive outcomes.

Finally, our BIA/OC departments have responded to member feedback with new programs such as: the Asset Opportunity Group, lower-priced tickets to events, and joint events with other chapters and councils. In addition we also continued the impressive President’s Leadership Academy to help foster growth for our future industry leaders.  BIA Orange County got greener this year with the launch of “QGreen” committee, which is the "go to" committee to be up to speed on green technology and trends.  The BIA/OC staff strives to continue to provide quality events and workshops with key leaders in the industry to educate our membership at an affordable cost. 

I’m very proud of the work the BIA/OC staff has accomplished in the face of one of the worst economic downturns in history.  We are fortunate to have loyal members and companies that continue to make BIA/OC one of the largest and strongest chapters in the State.

1. Tax Credits - This year BIA/OC worked diligently on behalf of our membership to advocate for the successful adoption and implementation of the State’s $10,000 tax credit for new home buyers.  As a result, the effort for tax credit implementation and extension was authored by an Orange County Assemblyman.  Additionally, BIA/OC worked closely with local congressional members to ensure the adoption and extension of the $8,000 federal tax credit.
   
   
2. Fee Deferral and Reduction - The BIA/OC government affairs team saved our builder members millions of dollars over the last year by implementing and extending development fee reductions and deferrals in more than 15 local jurisdictions.
   
   
3. AB 1881 Model OC Landscape Conservation Ordinances - BIA/OC worked side-by-side with our coalition partners, OC Division League of California Cities, to create and advocate for a model ordinance that was designed to protect local control, ensure applicant self-certification, reduce cost, and create consistency for the benefit of the private sector.  All 34 cities and the County of Orange adopted the ordinance!
   
   
4. Land Use Policy - BIA/OC prevented a number of over-reaching land use policies including local mandatory green building ordinances, a mandatory solar ordinance, and several harmful zoning code amendments in cities throughout Orange County.
   
   
5. This year the BIA/OC Government Affairs Team was awarded the NAHB Association Excellence Award for "Best Governmental Affairs Lobbying Program Administered" for our Chapter's efforts on fee deferral and reduction.
   

OC Builder Advocate - If you would like to sign up for this newsletter email vcao@biaoc.com.

Kristine Thalman
Chief Executive Officer