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Texas Association of Builders
November/December 2015
Feature
T
his year, the Texas Builders Foundation, the charitable arm
of the Texas Association of Builders, celebrated its fifth
anniversary. Over the past five years, the Foundation has
awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to students enrolled
in construction programs in Texas schools, participated in
building a home for a wounded warrior, helped the City of West,
Texas rebuild following the fertilizer plant explosion, and raised
funds to help victims of flooding in Central Texas rebuild their
homes and their lives.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Builders Foundation,
thank you to the hundreds of donors who have made it possible
for the Foundation to support and work toward developing the
future of Texas’ construction workforce and facilitate the charitable
activities of the residential construction industry.
The Foundation has also made workforce training, the growth
of Texas’ NAHB Student Chapters, and educating the public on
the building industry as an estimable profession – one that is an
economic driver that employs thousands of Texans, and singularly
provides the skilled workforce that helps the citizens of our state
achieve the American dream of homeownership.
WORKFORCE DEMANDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
As you know, the residential building industry continues to
face a shortage of skilled workers. During the recession, many
craft professionals went to work in other industries, and with
20 percent of our electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters,
and other skilled workers reaching retirement age, it is critical
that we grow our workforce. According to the Texas State Data
Center, in 2014 an estimated 2,600 individuals moved to Texas
By Lorraine Urey
THE MANY FACES OF PHILANTHROPY
The Future of Our Industry is Up to You
