Presented annually, the AEAs honor outstanding achievements in association management by more than 650 NAHB-affiliated organizations nationwide. This year, BABRM stood out for its community-focused response in the wake of Hurricane Helene. 

“It is truly an honor to have our team’s resilience and dedication recognized on a national stage,” said Megan Carroll, Executive Officer of BABRM. “These awards reflect not only the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, but also the strength and unity of the mountain building community in the face of unprecedented disaster.” 

BABRM was recognized in five categories: 

• Best Council Development Program – Disaster Recovery Task Force: Rebuilding Western NC Together 

BABRM launched a regional task force to guide its hurricane recovery efforts, bringing together experts from across industries to help address challenges like material shortages, mental health, funding access, and education. 

• Best Government Affairs Effort – Regionally – Stronger Together: Regional Housing Recovery After Helene 

In the storm’s aftermath, BABRM hosted regional housing forums that connected residents, contractors, and public officials. These free events provided essential rebuilding information and resources while facilitating collaboration between FEMA, local governments, and the construction industry.

• Best Service to Members – A Call for Connection: Supporting Our Members After Hurricane Helene 

In a show of care and solidarity, BABRM staff and board members personally called nearly 1,000 members in the days following the storm. These check-ins offered emotional support as well as practical assistance, connecting members with resources during a time of great uncertainty. 

• Best HBA Partnership/Coalition – Rebuilding Hope: A Community-First Disaster Response Partnership 

Partnering with BeLoved Asheville, BABRM helped deliver emergency supplies and reconnect isolated communities cut off after Helene. This grassroots coalition became a lifeline for many. 

• Best Public Relations Program Conducted – Hurricane Helene Recovery: Contractor Advocacy & Consumer Protection 

BABRM worked tirelessly to protect both contractors and homeowners during the rebuild, working with Asheville-based Parks PR to run a comprehensive public outreach campaign designed to promote licensed, ethical building practices and deter predatory actors. 

Each of these initiatives demonstrates BABRM’s deep commitment to its members, its industry, and its community. 

As Carroll said, “I hope these honors help remind every member, partner, and neighbor that when we come together with purpose, we can rebuild more than homes—we can rebuild hope.” 

Source: BABRM.