 | Wess Galyon is President and Chief Executive Office of the Wichita Area Builders Association which is the largest building industry trade association in the state of Kansas. He has been with the Association in this capacity since 1986 and represents the interests of builders and associates from his local association. Wess can be reached at his office, 316-265-4226. For more information, go to www.wabahome.com. |
Home Improvement
2002-02-01 16:27:00
What’s to see?
Question: What is the history behind the Home Show and what can one expect to see this year?
Answer: The Wichita Area Builders Association has been producing the Home Show for 48 years. It has always been a very popular local event and, over the years, has expanded to include visitors from all over Kansas.The Show maintains its popularity because consumers know that they can see just about every home related product in one location. As we always say, it's the largest window shopping spree around. Consumers attending the Show can compare products and conduct research right at the Show without feeling pressured.Exhibits represent home products and services for virtually every aspect of a home, from floors to ceilings, interiors and exteriors including outdoor living, decorating and improving, constructing and remodeling and more. Whether you're considering building, remodeling or redecorating, you should be able to see it all at Home Show 2002.The Wichita Area Builders Association is a Trade Association whose membership consists of builders and persons in allied trades, industries and professions.The primary objective of the Association is to work toward providing quality, affordable housing and homeownership for the greatest number of people possible.The Association strives to promote a better understanding between the industry and the general public in regard to housing issues and acts as a liaison between the building industry and all levels of government whose actions impact efforts to maintain housing affordability.The Association promotes adherence to an industry adopted Code of Ethics and high professional standards and business priorities among its members to the mutual benefit of both the consumer and the housing industry as a whole.Homeownership strengthens the social fabric of the nation. By encouraging civic participation and involvement in schools and communities and inspiring the upkeep and improvement of the home, homeownership fosters good citizenship.Safe, decent and comfortable housing in general, and homeownership in particular, are also a positive influence in children's lives. Children of homeowners stay in school longer and are more likely to become productive citizens, according to a study by the University of Chicago. The benefits to children are even more pronounced among low-income households, the study found.The nation's homeownership rate has increased dramatically during the past 50 years. From about 44 percent at the end of World War II, it has grown to more than 64 percent. And although some other countries may have slightly higher homeownership rates, America's homeowners live in houses that are larger, more comfortable and have more amenities than homes in any other major country.There is a lot of activity in the market and consumer confidence is improving. Wichita is open for business, and this is an excellent one-stop-shop for consumers interested in any type of home improvement.The Home Show opens January 31, 2002 and runs through February 3, 2002 at Century II Convention Center. Check the ad in this publication for hours and admission costs. Remember, there is free parking and shuttle bus service from Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
