Article: The Builders' Perspective

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COBA Hosts Second Annual Builders' Perspective Breakfast

Wondering about the current outlook for builders in Central Oregon? Curious about the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead for the construction industry? The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) is proud to present its second annual Builders’ Perspective Breakfast on March 5, 2019, featuring a panel of prominent builders and industry experts who will discuss local trends, challenges, and future projections for the building industry.

COBA established this event in 2018 to educate both members and the community about the realities of the construction industry, with insights directly from builders and industry experts. With the current construction climate, this year’s conversation will be especially relevant, addressing issues like boundary land challenges, system development charges (SDCs), and permit fees that builders must pay before even breaking ground.

Other major topics of discussion will include labor shortages, rising costs, the lack of infrastructure, and the scarcity of land inventory—issues that are affecting builders across the region.

Tim Knopp, Executive Vice President of COBA, emphasized, “This event was created to present an accurate description of the outlook of our industry and provide the opportunity for the audience to engage with top builders and industry experts.”

Mandy Weidman, Senior Vice President of Operations and Sales Manager for COBA, added, “Our COBA members are doing incredible things to support the future of our community. For example, Kirby Nagelhout and Sunwest Builders teamed up with other COBA members to create a construction training class at COCC. They are truly invested in our community and the future of the trades.”

COBA also advocates for workforce housing affordability and has worked with the City of Bend to allow duplexes and triplexes in the residential standard zone, making it easier to build homes for the local workforce.

The elite panel of builders, handpicked for their knowledge and experience, will share different perspectives on the most pressing issues facing the construction industry in Central Oregon. The event will be moderated by regional economist Damon Runberg, who will discuss local housing trends and provide insights into the industry’s direction as we enter a new decade.

Speakers' Panel:

  • Jeff Deswert, President, Kirby Nagelhout Construction
  • James Fagan, Owner, Timberline Construction
  • Steve Klingman, President, Hayden Homes
  • Kelly Ritz, President, Stone Bridge Homes NW
  • Moderator: Damon Runberg, Regional Economist

Event Details:

  • Date: March 5, 2019
  • Time: 8:00 – 10:00 AM
  • Location: Riverhouse Convention Center
  • Tickets: $39 for COBA members | $49 for non-members
  • Presented by: Miller Lumber
  • Supporting Sponsors: PrimeLending, Jordan Ramis PC
  • Electronics Sponsor: Oregon Lifestyle Property Group
  • Staging by: Staging Spaces & Design

Seating is limited—RSVP today at coba.org/events.

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