Housing First Minnesota Awards
Throughout the years, Housing First Minnesota has built up a distinguished awards program as a way to honor and celebrate the talents and industry contributions of our association members. With categories for builders, remodelers, designers, and leaders—there are awards for a wide range of recognitions. Awarded each year at the Building Industry (BIG) Night, Housing First Minnesota awards are given to the best and brightest in the industry.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The idea for building industry awards arose in 1958, with the first ever Registered Builder awards. The awards were split into three housing price categories: under $15,000, between $15,000-$25,000, and over $25,000. With one winner in each category, three builders were awarded “striking bronze statuettes on walnut bases, suitably engraved” — the forerunners of today’s Reggie awards.
The Registered Builder award was a one-time event until 1967, when the Parade of Homes decided to revive an annual builder award program. Through the years, the Reggie award has become one of the most sought-after awards within the housing industry. It is the foundation of the Housing First Minnesota Awards and the reason they are what they are today. As more builders joined the association and the Parade of Homes grew, new awards in different categories were added. These included the Trillium Awards in 1990, the Remodeler of Merit Awards in 1994, and the Robert L. Hanson Service Award in 2006.
Housing First Minnesota is proud to recognize our members and their achievements in the building industry. Each of the following awards is presented at the annual BIG Night celebration.
Building Housing First MN Award
Your help in growing Housing First Minnesota membership is priceless. Formerly the SPIKE program, our Building Housing First MN Award recognizes the one member with the most recruitment efforts over the past calendar year.
Legislator of the year award
Housing First Minnesota’s Legislator of the Year Award is given to members of the Minnesota Legislature who have championed the advancement of our policy agenda and legislative priorities. These legislators work closely with Housing First Minnesota to introduce or support legislation or amendments that advance our legislative goals. The award is given only when a deserving Legislator is identified, and there can be more than one recipient in any given year. The winner(s) are selected by select members of the Public Policy Committee.
Advocate of the year
This award recognizes members who have made major contributions in support of Housing First Minnesota's advocacy mission and platform, complementing Housing First Minnesota’s mission to “Helping our members build their businesses through marketing, advocacy, and industry connections.” Recognition of an individual may be based on their contributions in a given year for outstanding service in promoting Housing First Minnesota’s legislative platform or for outstanding service over several years. The award is given only when a deserving member is identified, and there can be more than one recipient in any given year. The winner(s) are selected by select members of the Advocacy Committee.
Rising Star Award
This award honors emerging leaders within Housing First Minnesota’s ranks. Rising Stars are at the beginning of their building industry career. The winner exemplifies leadership qualities and shows a dedication to activities that build industry relationships and promote professional development. The Rising Star will be awarded to one or more individual(s) representing excellence as a builder, a remodeler, or an associate. The winner(s) are selected by the past year’s winner(s), past chair of the Young Professionals committee, and select past Builder, Remodeler, and Associate of the Year winners.
MN Green Path Leadership Award
The MN Green Path Leadership Award is given to a recipient that inspires us with their innovation, passion, and commitment to building energy-efficient and sustainable homes. This award is presented by the Housing First Minnesota Green Path Committee.
REGGIE AWARDs
For more than 50 years, local builders have coveted the Reggie Award more than any other. Winners are selected by judging teams of builders and remodelers who visit homes within each category and scored homes to select the best example of excellence in design, construction quality, and value.
ROMA AWARDS
The Remodeler of Merit Awards (ROMAs) honor our remodeler members for quality and value in remodeling projects that range from baths, kitchens, and additions to whole-house remodels. Professional remodelers from Sioux Falls, SD judge entries on creativity in meeting the unique challenges of remodeling, and in successfully meeting the needs, desires, and budgets of their clients.
Trillium AWARDS
The Trillium Awards were established to honor our associates for their partnership with builders and remodelers. As Reggie-winning homes and ROMA-winning projects are judged the very best, the Trillium Awards are given to all entered participating Associates in a ROMA-winning project or a Reggie-winning home.
Builder, remodeler, & Associate of the year AWARDS
Each year, one builder, one remodeler, and one associate member of Housing First Minnesota earn these prestigious awards, which recognize engagement, trade partner satisfaction, and community service. Builder and Remodeler of the Year also include customer satisfaction. Past “of-the-year” winners evaluate online surveys submitted by Housing First Minnesota members that work with the nominees as well as customer testimonials to select this year’s top three honors.
Robert L. Hanson LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Since its inception in 2006, the Robert L. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award has signified dedication and service to the industry. Now, we’ve taken that a step further to create the first Lifetime Achievement Award for Housing First Minnesota members. The Robert L. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award winner(s) is selected by a Housing First Minnesota review pannel.
