Jim Chapman and other GAHBA past presidents to celebrate the organization’s many accomplishments over the decades.
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association celebrated its 75th Anniversary during 2020, and ended the year with both a look back and a look forward. Founded in 1945, GAHBA is a not-for-profit professional trade association dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving the home building industry as a viable economic force in the Atlanta area with a membership of more than 1,000 residential builders and housing industry professionals. Jim Chapman, president of Jim Chapman Communities, has served the organization in a number of leadership positions, most recently as 2018 GAHBA president.
To close out this unprecedented year, the association’s current president, Gabe Chatham, invited five of GAHBA’s previous presidents, including Jim Chapman, to share highlights of their association tenure. Here’s what they had to say:
1980 GAHBA President John Wieland with JW Collection – During 1980, GAHB leadership grew the organization’s membership to over 1,000, and created the OBIE Awards to recognize home building excellence.
1985 GAHBA President David Chatham with Chathambilt Homes – In 1985, GAHB created the Government Affairs Committee and expanded the organization’s reach into neighboring counties and communities.
1991 GAHBA President George McClure with the McClure Company described how he oversaw GAHBA’s explosive growth in 1991 and the creation of numerous new networking events, as well as the transition from an Atlanta-only organization to one that encompassed the Greater Atlanta region.
2007 GAHBA President David Clough with Waterford Homes was president during a challenging year of increased construction business closures. The organization focused on helping members work collaboratively to meet these challenges and keep their businesses intact.
2018 GAHBA President Jim Chapman with Jim Chapman Communities – Under Jim’s leadership in 2008, GAHBA created the Young Professionals Group to groom the next generation of home building leaders. The organization also resurrected the annual Parade of Homes, which continues today as an important tool to help create awareness about new construction homes.
Continuing his leadership role in the industry, Jim is currently serving as 2021 President of the Home Builders Association of Georgia.