Building the Future
HBA GLBR Resource Center

Building a Stronger Future for the Great Lakes Bay Region

Michigan’s skilled labor shortage is urgent. Our region is struggling to fill thousands of good-paying jobs in the skilled trades, while young people, veterans, and displaced workers lack clear pathways into these careers.

The HBA GLBR Headquarters and Resource Center, located at 932 W Fisher Road in Auburn, MI. is being built to change that, creating a regional hub for workforce readiness, skilled trades training, and community-based economic mobility

This isn’t just a building. It’s a gateway to opportunity, self-sufficiency, and long-term community growth.

🏗 Project Progress Update

Construction Is Officially Underway

We’re making moves on the future home of the Home Builders Association of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Framing began last week and is expected to be completed by next week — a major milestone in bringing this vision to life. Thanks to the generosity of our members and industry partners, donated materials and labor are helping move the project forward efficiently and collaboratively.

This facility will house HBA GLBR’s core operations while also being open to the public and membership as a workforce and resource center for the region

🔨 Watch Us Build Up

This page is your go-to source for real-time updates as construction progresses. From foundation to finishing touches, follow along as the dream becomes reality.

📸 Construction Gallery Coming Soon
📰 Project Updates & Member Spotlights
📍 See Who’s Building With Us – A showcase of member companies contributing materials and labor

💬 A Message From Our CEO

“This is more than just the start of a new building—it’s the next chapter in a united effort to support, educate, and advocate for our members and communities.”
Chris Page, CEO, HBA GLBR

Help Us Keep Building

As we move into the next phase of construction, we are seeking additional support in the following areas:

Immediate Needs

  • Electrical supplies for the main office

  • Labor to hang and finish drywall

  • Post-framing cleanup labor

  • Labor to hang interior trim and doors

  • Interior painters

  • Licensed plumbers and electricians

  • Labor support to frame and finish the building exterior

Material donations, labor contributions, financial support, and advocacy all play a critical role in moving this project forward

Join Us in Building the Future

If you are interested in supporting this project through labor, materials, or other resources, please contact:

  • Chris Page

  • Jim Boufford

  • Ron Schauman

For the following, please contact Chris Page:

  • Final site plan

  • Material lists

  • Labor support coordination

  • Questions or feedback

📞 (989) 793-1120

📧 cpage@hbaglbr.com
🌐 hbaglbr.org

Cash Donations:
Checks payable to:
HBA of Midland Michigan Charities Group

 

 


📲 Stay Connected

For news, progress photos, and community updates, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, and check back here often.


🤝 Be Part of the Build

Interested in donating materials, labor, or resources? Want to be recognized as a part of this important chapter in our history?
Fill out the form and one of our team members will be in touch.


The HBA Community Impact & Workforce Resource Center

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Blueprints for new HBAGLBR facility

The Path Forward!

The merger between the HBA of Midland and HBA of Saginaw was completed in October 2024, following a successful membership vote in June 2024. This historic decision brought together our strengths and resources to form one unified association serving the entire Great Lakes Bay Region.
At the time of the merger, we also formed a Building Task Force, a dedicated group that has been meeting bi-weekly since October to thoroughly evaluate our facility options — whether to buy or build, new location, and how to fund it.

Key milestones achieved so far:

• June 2024: Membership voted to approve the merger of HBA Midland and HBA Saginaw.
• October 2024: The merger was finalized, officially creating the HBA of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
• October 2024: The Building Task Force was established and began meeting bi-weekly.
• December 2024: Both the Midland and Saginaw offices were listed for sale.
• Late December 2024: The Midland office was sold; staff and operations were transitioned to the Saginaw office.
• May 9, 2025: We officially bought property in Auburn, a central location that reflects our commitment to serving the entire region. This location is located at 932 W. Fisher Road.
• July 16, 2025 Ground Breaking Ceremony + Celebration

This site is a significant step forward — not only as a new home for our HBA, but also as a symbol of the strong, unified future we are building together.

Land Purchase

Thank You to Our Donors & Industry Partners

This project is only possible because of the incredible support from our building community. We extend our sincere thanks to the following companies for donating materials, labor, and expertise:

Material & Labor Contributors

  • Belden Architectural Elements

  • Carter Lumber – Lumber for Project

  • Dewitt Lumber – Lumber for Project

  • Builders First Source – Lumber for Project

  • Leatherer Truss, Inc. – Trusses for Entire Project

  • Tristate Distribution – Floor Joists

  • Storm Master Exterior – Roofing Installation

  • Kirkland Properties – Siding Installation

  • Schauman Construction – Framing the Main Office

  • AT Frank – Interior Flooring for Office

  • Marvin Windows (by Laurence Smith)

Special Recognition: A special shout-out to Ross for taking the lead on coordinating several key donations.

HBA GLBR Framing

What This Building Will Do

The HBA Community Impact & Workforce Resource Center

This facility will be a cornerstone for talent development, small business incubation, and equitable economic growth within the skilled trades

Planned Facility Features Include:

  • Training labs and classrooms for hands-on workshops and certifications

  • Tech & resource room with computers, CAD software, and resume tools

  • Public huddle rooms and offices for interviews, mentorship, and job coaching

  • Board rooms and multi-use spaces for meetings and hiring events

  • HBA GLBR administrative offices

We’re not just constructing walls — we’re opening doors.

Benefits of Supporting the Project

Why Your Investment Matters

The property was purchased under the HBA’s 501(c)(3), making all tangible material donations tax-deductible

Supporter Recognition Includes:

  • Business logo displayed on-site during construction and for one year after completion

  • Recognition on the HBA GLBR website and social media

  • Recognition on a dedicated accent wall in the new facility’s entryway

  • A lasting role in strengthening the future of the skilled trades

Your materials and labor will be the foundation for someone’s future career.