Behind Every Great Association Stands Many Great Women

In a quote befitting the building industry and the thousands of talented women working diligently and creatively to improve it, comedian Lily Tomlin once said, “The road to success is always under construction.”

The women of BIASC and California’s larger homebuilding industry know a lot about things that are under construction, and even more about success. This issue of Southern California Builder pays well-deserved homage to all the women that have had an impact on our industry and our state by focusing on a few who have had a particularly strong influence. There are many, many more women we would have liked to feature, but the confines of this magazine are much more limited than the skills and imaginations of the women of our industry.

You may be surprised to see California’s Lieutenant Governor included among these influencers, but Eleni Kounalakis has deep roots in the homebuilding industry. AKT Development, one of the largest master-planned community developers in the Sacramento area, was her family’s business, and she herself was its president for 18 years before entering politics. You will find her perspective on homebuilding, Sacramento’s efforts to encourage the construction of more homes, and women in leadership to be particularly interesting.

Speaking of first-class people, the first class of inductees into BIASC’s Hall of Legends will be selected next month. The mission of the Hall of Legends is to memorialize and pay tribute to the talented individuals who shaped our industry. The Hall of Legends’ inaugural class will be recognized at BIASC’s Centennial Celebration on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego during the Building Industry Show (BIS) on October 25th and will formally inducted at the Regional Installation Gala at Rancho Mission Viejo on November 10.

Yes, I did say “in San Diego during BIS.” This year’s BIS will indeed bring together all of Southern California homebuilding in one show, with the San Diego Building Industry Association joining us in one mega-show, with mega-exhibits, mega-programs, and mega-fun – including the aforementioned Centennial Celebration aboard the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier. We at BIASC are well aware that we have set a high bar for BIS parties (Remember Sammy Hagar?), so stay tuned for some exciting news! Ensure your place by registering for BIS now, because October will be upon us before we know it.

I also mentioned the first-ever Regional Installation Gala on November 10th. This will be an event to remember, so watch for more details in the near future. And expect the unexpected!

Looking at what I’ve just written, I am reminded of how much BIASC and its chapters and councils offer to our member companies and their employees. Be sure to make the most of your membership! 