Part three of a three-part series, sponsored by the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association.
The South Central Wisconsin Builders Association (SCWBA) is widely recognized for its home-building members. However, many community members may not realize that the SCWBA is composed of far more than just builders. Of its 180 members, only about 40 are actual home builders. The remaining members include lenders, contractors, landscapers, suppliers, local business leaders, and more.
Heidi Van Kirk, Executive Officer of SCWBA, discusses the benefits that members receive. 鈥淭hese members are part of SCWBA because they see the benefits it brings to their communities and businesses. One of the most significant advantages of SCWBA membership is in marketing.鈥 She states. 鈥淲hile some SCWBA members are large organizations with substantial marketing budgets, many are small businesses that invest less in traditional advertising. For these smaller members, SCWBA鈥檚 events and community engagement efforts often serve as their primary marketing strategy.鈥
The most prominent of these events is the Parade of Homes. This annual event invites community members to tour a selection of newly built homes, all constructed by SCWBA members. These homes showcase the expertise of SCWBA鈥檚 designers, contractors, material suppliers, finishers, landscapers, and more. This year鈥檚 Parade of Homes features 18 homes across South Central Wisconsin, with properties in 糖心Vlog传媒, Milton, and extending to Edgerton and Clinton.
The Parade of Homes presents an excellent opportunity for prospective home buyers or builders to connect with local experts who can guide them through the home buying or building process. At each home showcased, attendees can interact with the builders, contractors, installers, suppliers, and lenders involved in the project.
鈥淭he Parade of Homes puts the homeowner in the driver鈥檚 seat,鈥 says Tess Dongarra, President of SCWBA. 鈥淗ome buyers want to know who built the home and who supplied the materials like flooring, cabinets, and countertops. This event is a great way to meet everyone involved in building a home. For those considering building a home, it鈥檚 an invaluable opportunity to select your designer, builder, and suppliers with confidence.鈥
Attending the Parade offers the opportunity to make strong connections, not only with a builder, but with subcontractors and lenders as well. Andy Dongarra, Vice President and Mortgage Field Manager at Johnson Financial Group, serves as the State Director of SCWBA. 鈥淲e meet a lot of people at the Parade who are surprised how financially approachable building a home can be鈥, Andy states. 鈥淲e see a lot of Parade visitors who are just starting to think about building a home, meet with a loan officer during the event, and learn that they can build sooner than they think. One way we do that is by offering a discounted interest rate to Parade of Homes visitors. In addition to being the Parade of Homes Title Sponsor, I鈥檓 really glad that we at Johnson Financial Group can provide these types of benefits to the visitors at the event.鈥
During the Parade of Homes, Johnson Financial Group will be hosting garage showcases at Next Generation and Advantage Homes. Visitors are encouraged to stop in these locations and connect with a Loan Officer.
Ultimately, the Parade of Homes provides a unique and valuable experience for potential home buyers and builders. By enabling consumers to interact directly with the professionals behind their future homes, the event fosters a more informed and confident decision-making process. This not only benefits individuals looking to build or buy but also enhances the overall quality and satisfaction within the local housing market.
Moreover, the Parade of Homes serves as a catalyst for community engagement and local economic growth. By drawing attention to the skilled trades and services available in Southern Wisconsin, the event supports local businesses and highlights the strength of the regional economy. As attendees explore the showcased homes, they gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication of the SCWBA members, reinforcing the value of investing in local talent and resources.
鈥淭he Parade of Homes is more than just a showcase of beautiful properties,鈥 Dongarra notes, 鈥渋t鈥檚 a celebration of the local expertise and collaboration that drives the Southern Wisconsin community forward. It strengthens connections between consumers and professionals, promotes local businesses, and ultimately contributes to the growth and prosperity of the region.鈥
The 2024 Parade of Homes will be held on September 19th through 22nd. Community members are encouraged to visit any and all of the 18 homes in this year’s showcase. Tickets and event details can be found at the event website, .