Technical Education Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career

By Curtis Banta, President

Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association

Graduation season is around the corner. For new graduates, this can be an exciting yet daunting time as they contemplate the next chapter. If you know a soon-to-be or recent grad seeking new opportunities, encourage them to explore technical education opportunities that can lead to professional and personal fulfillment.

Each February, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and industry leaders in our community celebrate Careers and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE includes several fields, such as information technology, advanced manufacturing and construction. In addition, this nationally recognized month shines a spotlight on the educational opportunities available for high school students, college students and adults.

There are many reasons to steer someone toward technical education, including: continued on page 24

Promising Career Prospects. Baby boomers currently fill many trade jobs. According to a recent Home Builders Institute report, a substantial portion of the construction labor market could retire in the near future. That means job prospects for CTE students are promising, especially in residential construction. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data and analysis by NAHB, the number of residential construction jobs available in November 2022 was 388,000.

Pacific Twang plays Country, Swamp Rock and Americana, featuring beautiful vocal harmonies and stellar musicianship.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC!

A big Thank You to the sponsors of SICBA Stage and Musical Guests!

Savanna Woods

Former contestant on The Voice, Local Stanwood favorite, singer/ songwriter plays ‘Americana Grunge’ both folksy and raspy rocker.

Enchantrix

Guitar driven, awesome female vocals, and a big sound.

Mama Dirty Skirt Fun and upbeat with a full sound, we play all the best hits of the 70’s!

On Sicba Stage

Friday, March 24

3 to 6 Pacific Twang

Saturday, March 25

12 to 3 Savanna Woods

Saturday, March 25 4 to 7

Enchantrix

Sunday, March 26 12:30 to 3:30

Mama Dirty Skirt

The Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association was founded in 1979 and has been active since then. When the interest rate was in double digits, SICBA members drove across the country to Washington, D.C., collecting 2x4s with messages for Congress protesting the state of the home building industry at the time.

Now over 440 members strong, SICBA continues to advocate for affordable housing and the health of the building industry this day. Our partnership with the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) helped create the framework to get the industry safely back to work during the COVID-19 crisis and to serve as an example for other industries in their safe return to work. Thanks to our members’ commitment to work safely within these guidelines, residential construction has been going strong in Washington ever since.

SICBA members work and live in Skagit and Island Counties and take an active role in our local community. We host the annual SICBA Home & Garden Show to allow our builders to showcase their craftsmanship to the community and to prospective buyers. We work with charities and nonprofits in our neighborhoods to strengthen our community and help the needy. Our annual golf tournament gives a portion of its proceeds to charity and our holiday drive raises money for two local food banks in Skagit and Island Counties.

In addition to advocating for small businesses and affordable housing, SICBA keeps an eye towards workforce development. In many trades today, only 1 new person joins the workforce for every 5 that retire out. We advocate for greater emphasis in schools on the trades as a rewarding career path for students. SICBA and its chapter association SWHB (South Whidbey Home Builders) gave $6000 in scholarships in 2022, to children of SICBA members and to students seeking careers in the construction trades.

SICBA Board of Directors

2023 OFFICERS

President Curtis Banta

1st Vice President Kim Piazza

2nd Vice President Kelly Fox

Secretary Robert Desmarais

Treasurer Hugo Prado

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Builder Member - Josh Williamson

Builder Member - Jay Roberts

Builder Member - Charles Locke

Builder Member - Bob Johnson

Associate Member - April Moore

Associate Member - Jason Joiner

Associate Member - Kathy Sanchez

Associate Member - Dee Dee Swartz

2023 STATE DIRECTORS

Kim Piazza, Jay Roberts (CGB & CGP), Charles Locke (CGP & CAPS), Chris Deasy (CAPS & CGP), Curtis Banta (CGB), Dee Dee Swartz, Kelly Fox, Gary Wray, Robert Desmarais, Patrick Hayes (Life), Bob Moe (CAPS & Life), Dottie Piazza (Life), Ted Clifton (CGB, MCGP & Life), John Piazza Sr. (CAPS & Life), Rick Tremaine (Life), Scott Rainwater (Life), Bob Johnson (CAPS, CGP, & Life)

2022 NATIONAL DELEGATES

Curtis Banta, Gary Wray, Bob Moe (CAPS & Life), Ted Clifton (Life), Dottie Piazza (Sr. Life), John Piazza Sr. (CAPS & Sr. Life), Bob Johnson (CAPS & CGP)

SICBA OFFICE STAFF

Executive Officer – Wayne Crider

Marketing & Events Coordinator – Pamela Sheedy

Membership Services Coordinator – Sydney Ross