Central Tennessee HBA's Award-Winning Membership Growth Plan

Membership

Published Oct 14, 2026

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By extending its reach into underserved communities and creating strong connections with members, the Home Builders Association of Central Tennessee (HBACT) turned regional growth into award-winning success.

NAHB recently awarded HBACT EO Chrissi Hopkins the NAHB Membership Cup, recognizing the HBA for its outstanding membership strategy.

Covering eight counties, HBACT has focused on expanding its footprint in previously underserved areas by appointing new charter presidents to promote membership, build relationships with local officials and provide networking opportunities in outlying counties.

The wider reach helped HBACT gain regional influence and add more than 100 new members in 2025, a significant achievement for the mid-sized association. That growth has also invigorated the association’s networking events, which have seen record attendance and participation.

"Expanding your regional presence isn’t just about recruiting members in new areas; it’s about creating a genuine connection to those communities," Hopkins said. "We have worked to identify local leaders in the counties we serve, involve them in leadership roles, and host events that make members feel like the association is invested in their success regardless of where they’re located."

Thanks to comprehensive member onboarding, newcomers find ways to get involved and are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities within the association — ensuring long-term engagement.

"We have found that consistent outreach, member engagement, and ensuring new members quickly see value in their membership leads to stronger retention and long-term growth," Hopkins said. "When members feel welcomed, connected, and heard, they become our best ambassadors for recruiting others in their respective spheres. If you can create a culture that is inclusive, engaged, and focused on delivering value, membership growth naturally follows."