The HBA was chartered by the National Association of Home Builders and the Ohio Home Builders Association to represent the counties of Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull, thus the HBA of Mahoning Valley.

The original two dozen charter members paid annual dues of $35.

In the 60 years since the birth of the Home Builders Association of Mahoning Valley, remarkable changes have come to the builders who serve the valley. The average price of a new home in the late 40's was around $10,000, and lots were $2,500.

In the HBA's first 25 years, housing became the priority of the industry as the baby boomer generation began. Builders scurried to meet the demands of returning veterans and their need for new housing. Even the Cold War assisted with the construction of bomb shelters in the back yards of many homes.

In the 60's, as inflation began to affect costs of labor and material in the city, construction activity began in the semi-rural townships.

Since then, the HBA has battled what it believes is bureaucratic paperwork, resistance to technological advancement, confronted seemingly improper, illogical, or inadequate zoning and code regulations, endured "nimbi" pressures on environmental issues, storm water runoff, pollution control, endangered species, and wetlands. The HBA has dealt with costly construction fees, and survived sewer and water moratoriums, financing limitations, and major recession in the early 80's.

In the 90's, the association began to react to a surge in housing growth in various townships. At the same time, housing technology changed at a rapid pace. Also, the HBA members came together to challenge the no-growth initiatives as well as proposed unfair impact fees. The HBA enlarged its Governmental Affairs Committee, and re-established a political Action Committee called "Build PAC."

The 90's also saw a huge growth in the HBA's membership ranks to 900 companies representing close to 20,000 employees. The larger amount of members have assisted with the association's committees who run projects and programs throughout the year. Various money saving benefits were established, such as Workers' Compensation savings, and exclusive health care program, liability and builders risk plans, and a long distance and 800 number savings program.

THe HBA has also diversified itself with separate councils serving the remodeling, landscaping, interior design, and furnishing industries. The HBA Women's Council was formed in 1991 to serve women in construction leadership positions, and to assist the association. The Women's Council also became the community arm of the HBA by working with various charitable groups.

In 2000, the HBA formed an official Disaster Agency, working with local FEMA and police groups. Its first official event was the F-2 tornado which hit Lowellville in April of 2001. The HBA Disaster Agency was also activated with the September 11, 2001 tragedy.

The basic philosophy of the founders of the HBA of Mahoning Valley in 1945, was to protect and promote our industry, and now, 60+ years later remains the same objective. It is the HBA's responcibility to uphold good construction standards, honesty to consumers, quality workmanship, and to keep abreast of current codes and regulations.