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
In his latest update, NAHB Chairman Bill Owens highlights the value of serving on a committee or council, and how members can apply.
Across the country, the Home Builders Institute works alongside home builders associations and their foundations to bring skilled trades education to more students and connect that education to opportunities in their communities.
Latest Economic News
Housing’s share of the economy was 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 15.8% in the second quarter and down from 16.0% a year ago. Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell for the sixth time over the past eight quarters.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.