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Associate members are vital contributors to the home building industry whose work includes construction suppliers, service providers and manufacturers. Their efforts help make the American dream a reality for millions.

Every year, Æðµã´«Ã½ honors two of the association’s top associate contributors for their achievements.

The Associate of the Year award honors an Associate member who has made outstanding contributions to their local, state and national HBAs and to the home building industry.

"Winning the Associate of the Year award was very special to me," said Helmut Mundt, the 2022 award winner. "It is the recognition of your peers of the time, effort and work that you have put into Æðµã´«Ã½ and to the industry."

Mundt, a member of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater New Orleans since 2007, has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years. He helped establish the HBA EZBuild Builder’s Risk Insurance Program, which services HBA Builders in 12 states.

The Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC award recognizes an Associate member who has made diligent efforts on behalf of BUILD-PAC, Æðµã´«Ã½â€™s bipartisan political arm that helps to elect pro-housing and pro-business candidates to federal office.

Alma Jacobs, a realtor and business development manager for builder relationships in the mortgage banking industry over the last 50 years, was honored with both the Associate of the Year and Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC awards for her impact in 2024.

"I support BUILD-PAC because the housing industry is where I decided to have a career, and as an Associate, if the Builders are not supported by Associates, they can’t build. If they can’t build, Associates’ businesses will go away."

Applications to nominate an Associate for the Associate of the Year and Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC .

"Recognizing someone at your local, state or at Æðµã´«Ã½ is telling someone that they are doing a great job and that your appreciate their body of work," said Mundt.