The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) has received four national honors from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), recognizing the association’s leadership in membership growth, education, government affairs, and association management.
The awards include NAHB’s Grand Award for the largest year-over-year numerical increase in membership nationwide, recognizing BABRM’s addition of more than 170 members in 2025. The association also received Association Excellence Awards for Best Educational Program, Best Regional Government Affairs Effort, and Best Association Operations Program Administered.
Together, the awards highlight BABRM’s continued investment in serving the residential construction industry across Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties.
“The recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the dedication of our members and staff,” says Megan Carroll, executive officer of BABRM. “Whether we’re providing education, advocating for smart housing policies, or creating opportunities for professionals to connect, our goal is to help our members succeed while strengthening the communities they serve.”
BABRM’s Grand Award reflects remarkable organizational growth. By adding more than 170 members in 2025, the association expanded its network to more than 1,300 professionals representing every facet of the residential construction industry, from builders and remodelers to designers and material suppliers. Today, BABRM ranks among the 15 largest local home builders associations in the country.
BABRM earned the Association Excellence Award for Best Educational Program for its General Contractor Continuing Education classes. Offered throughout the year, the classes help licensed contractors meet continuing education requirements while staying informed about changes in building codes, regulations, and industry best practices.
BABRM also earned the Association Excellence Award for Best Regional Government Affairs Effort for its work on regional zoning initiatives in Asheville and Hendersonville. Through collaboration with local leaders and industry partners, the association advocates for policies that support responsible growth, expand housing opportunities, and strengthen the residential construction industry.
The fourth award recognizes BABRM’s 2025 Membership Plan, which helped drive record growth while strengthening member engagement, recruitment, and retention across the region.
The national recognition comes as Western North Carolina continues rebuilding following Hurricane Helene while addressing ongoing housing demand, rising construction costs, and workforce shortages.
“These awards reflect what’s possible when industry professionals come together with a shared goal,” Carroll says. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re even more excited about the opportunities ahead.”
