[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 4 (Friday, January 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL BUILDING INDUSTRY 
                  ASSOCIATION ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 23, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the 
establishment of the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry 
Association. Throughout its existence, the Association has worked to 
make the dream of independent homeownership for residents of Maryland 
and Washington, DC a reality.
  Under the leadership of building industry pioneer Carl M. Freeman, 
the MNCBIA received its charter from the National Association of 
Homebuilders in 1954. And since its inception, the organization has 
remained true to its mission statement, which reads: ``The Maryland-
National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA) is dedicated to 
organizing, influencing and improving economic growth and legislative, 
regulatory, social and educational opportunities for all segments of 
the building industry and the community it serves.''
  The MNCBIA is truly demonstrative of the diversity of its trade: The 
Association is comprised of more than 730 companies representing the 
interests of more than 18,000 employees of the residential development 
and building industries. Throughout its existence, the MNCBIA has 
worked to create an entrepreneurial environment in our area that 
encourages innovation and competition.
  The Association should be strongly commended for its role in the 
regional economy. In addition to representing the homebuilding industry 
in local communities, Members are engaged in single and multifamily 
building, land development, remodeling, rehab and renovation and 
general light construction. Associate members are companies and 
individuals who provide materials, products, financing and many other 
services, including subcontracting, to builders and developers.
  Mr. Speaker, because of the hard work of its members, the MNCBIA has 
contributed to a vibrant building sector in our metropolitan area, and 
boosted demand for goods and services from the building products 
industries and other sectors such as construction; consulting 
engineering, architecture and real estate law.
  Successful relationships between the homebuilding industry and 
residents of Maryland and Washington, DC, are essential for smart 
growth and mutual satisfaction with the development process. The MNCBIA 
strives to foster open communication and understanding between these 
two groups.
  The Association has also taken great care to protect the integrity 
and craftsmanship of the region's home and building designs by 
establishing the Annual Custom Builder Awards of Excellence, which 
recognizes local custom builders and remodelers for excellence in 
construction, architecture, and design.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Maryland-National Capital Building 
Industry Association for its numerous contributions to communities in 
Maryland and Washington, DC during the past 50 years. Housing means 
more than just a roof over your head: It signifies that you can provide 
for your family independently. I look forward to working with the 
Association in the future in its efforts to build safe, affordable 
homes for the citizens of Maryland and Washington, DC--so that those 
families can claim their part of the American dream.

                          ____________________