At the NAHB: New message from a new chairman

Chuck Fowke, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has provided his first virtual address since taking the helm of the organization in June.

In the new August video update, Fowke highlights how the NAHB is addressing key issues impacting its members and delivering results that make a difference to their bottom lines.

“While the spread of COVID-19 has been devastating while bringing both financial and health crises, we’re seeing a spark of hope beginning to grow,” Fowke says.

It’s been good news for housing and home builders in recent months following a market plummet during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We will transform these present challenges into real, positive changes,” Fowke said, noting that housing can help lead the U.S. economy to recovery.

Yesterday the Department of Commerce reported that residential starts for July surged 22.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.496 million from the revised June rate of 1.22 million. Single-family starts are up 8.2% for July. In June, total starts increased better than 17%.

The chairman’s full video address is available here.

A custom home builder from Tampa, Fla., Fowke was elected chairman following the conclusion of the NAHB’s Spring Leadership Meetings in June. Fowke replaced Dean Mon who informed the board of directors that he would be unable to complete the remainder of his term due to personal reasons.