New Jersey HBA Achieves Milestone
The Builders Association of Northern N.J. leadership.
This year, the Builders Association of Northern N.J. (BANNJ) is celebrating a significant milestone. The association commemorated 80 years during a celebration on Feb. 8, 2024. Since 1944, BANNJ has served as the premier voice of the home building industry in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Sussex counties.
“Our local association hit some rough patches throughout the years, but the unwavering commitment of our dedicated executive officer and HBA staff helped revive and strengthen our association,” said Michael Kurpiel, BANNJ board member. “We incorporated best practices from other HBAs across the country, and now we are a thriving and influential association and look forward to serving our community for the next 80 years.”
The 80th anniversary and board installation dinner took place at The Terrace at Biagio’s in Paramus, N.J. NAHB’s Chief of Staff Meghan Everngam installed the new board of directors:
- Derek Weissman, President
- Thomas Petersen, Chairman of the Board
- Kathleen M. Kurpiel, Executive Vice President
- Candy Gordon-Geanoules, Vice President/Treasurer
- Kimberly Little, Associate Vice President
- Jackie Giraldo, 2nd Associate Vice President
- John Cioletti, Immediate Past Chairman
During the celebration, the HBA recognized several members for their outstanding contributions to the association and the field. In addition, members of the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey also joined the celebration. In a show of support for the industry’s contributions, 9th district congressional candidate Billy Prempeh also attended the celebration.
To view videos and photos of the event, visit BANNJ’s website or Facebook page.
Latest from NAHBNow
Workforce Development
Apr 17, 2026
9 NHE Grants Boost Residential Construction VisibilityThe National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB's philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the home building industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities.
Economics
Apr 16, 2026
Iran War Adds to Economic HeadwindsA multidimensional supply shock is weakening the U.S. economy, fueled by the delayed effects of the 2025 trade wars and tariffs, elevated oil prices, and persistent policy uncertainty. NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides a high-level summary of key economic markers.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Apr 17, 2026
Count of Second Homes Declines in 2024In 2024, the number of second homes in the U.S. was 6.2 million, accounting for 4.3% of the nation’s housing stock, according to NAHB estimates. This reflects a modest decline from 2022, when the number reached 6.5 million. This decline suggests some cooling following the pandemic-era surge in second home demand.
Economics
Apr 16, 2026
Young Adults Report More Interest in the Construction Trades: 2026 SurveyNAHB estimates the U.S. has a structural housing deficit of 1.2 million units. Among the myriad of headwinds home builders face trying to close that gap is the industry’s chronic shortage of workers in the construction trades.
Economics
Apr 15, 2026
Builder Sentiment Posts Notable Decline on Economic UncertaintyEconomic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and interest rates resulted in a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing market enters into the heart of the spring buying season.