Building Ingdustry Association, GRO host 2024 GRO Parade of Homes groundbreaking

Vancouver, Wash, January 3, 2024 – Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) and GRO breaks ground for the 2024 GRO Parade of Homes in Vancouver, Washington. Alongside the groundbreaking, Building Futures Foundation, a nonprofit associated with the BIA, presented a $120,000 donation to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.

“These two gestures symbolize bold beginnings and demonstrate the sense of community that has come out of the GRO Parade of Homes,” stated Elizabeth Gomez, Owner of Bridge City Contracting and the 2024 GRO Parade Homes Committee Chair.

The anonymous donation was a result of exposure created during the 2023 GRO Parade of Homes which highlighted the profound need for training programs for high school students to gain skills in construction trades. Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools will allocate the funds for the construction of a new trades building on Hudson’s Bay High School campus.

“This has been an inspiring project for the Foundation. We know that students need more opportunities to be introduced to the trades and this building is just one of the ways we can help make that happen. The community has truly stepped up to make this building a reality for students at Vancouver Public Schools and that is incredibly exciting,” shared Jenny Thompson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.

The 2024 GRO Parade of Homes will feature projects by Affinity Homes LLC and Cascade West Development Inc. GRO Parade of Homes is a display of craftmanship and design innovations. Community members and potential homebuyers learn about design features, new developments, and engage with builders to learn the latest trends and options while walking through the homes. The GRO Parade of Homes gathers industry professionals for networking and information sharing regarding innovations and techniques used in building each of the homes.

“In our third year as title sponsor of the GRO Parade of Homes, we are proud to partner with the BIA to bring the community this celebration of design and craftsmanship,” stated Alexa Lee, Sales Manager at GRO and BIA Vice President Secretary. “This year’s development is building on the community spirit we experienced in 2023.”

BIA’s Parade of Homes has been running for more than 45 years. This is a community partnership of developers, builders, suppliers, supporters, and sponsors which attendees an immersive home show experience. Throughout the 13-day event the GRO Parade of Homes aims to draw more than 10,000 visitors, vendors, realtors, industry professionals, and potential homebuyers.

“Each year the GRO Parade of Homes brings the community a place to gather and celebrate. We are particularly proud of the spirit of giving back that came out of the 2023 GRO Parade of Homes,” stated Danielle Kilian, BIA Director of Events. “First, the St. Jude’s Dream Home contributed nearly $420,000 to their foundation, and now a donation to support skilled trade training for students in Clark County. I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings.”

For more information regarding the Building Industry Association of Clark County or about BIA home shows email danielle@biaofclarkcounty.org or visit biaofclarkcounty.org.

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The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding, and construction.

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