

BATON ROUGE, LA – The Louisiana Home Builders Association (LHBA) delegation returned from Las Vegas this week following an exceptional showing at The International Builders' Show (IBS), where several Louisiana industry leaders received prestigious recognition for their outstanding contributions to the home building profession.
The week-long event, which brings together thousands of builders, contractors, and industry professionals from across the nation, proved to be particularly rewarding for Louisiana's delegation, with multiple members earning accolades for their leadership and service.
Jules Guidry was recognized for his dedicated service as the outgoing BUILD PAC Chairman, highlighting his commitment to advancing the political interests of the home building industry. His leadership in this critical role has helped strengthen the industry's voice in legislative matters affecting builders nationwide.
In a significant leadership transition, Brian Clement was elected to serve as Louisiana's State Representative, positioning him to advocate for the state's home building interests at the national level. This appointment reflects the trust and confidence his peers have in his ability to represent Louisiana's unique needs and perspectives.
Chris Van Pelt received the prestigious Associate's Council Chairman Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the associate member community within the industry. This honor acknowledges his efforts in fostering collaboration between builders and industry suppliers and service providers.
Dan Mills was installed to the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Executive Officers Committee (EOC) Board of Directors, a role that will allow him to help shape policy and direction for the national organization representing America's home builders.
The event also celebrated significant service milestones, with Paul Stephenson and Wanda Cortez Belanger being honored for their remarkable years of dedication to the industry. Stephenson was recognized for 20 years of service, while Belanger was celebrated for her 15 years of commitment to advancing the home building profession in Louisiana.
Adding to Louisiana's achievements at IBS, the LSU Construction Management Student Competition team, led by Stephanie Heumann, secured an impressive 2nd place finish in their division. This accomplishment showcases the quality of construction management education in Louisiana and demonstrates the bright future of the state's building industry with emerging talent ready to carry the profession forward.
The International Builders' Show serves as the premier event for the residential construction industry, featuring the latest products, technologies, and educational opportunities. Louisiana's strong representation and multiple recognitions at this year's event underscore the state's significant contributions to the national home building industry.
These achievements reflect the Louisiana Home Builders Association's continued commitment to excellence, professional development, and industry leadership. The recognition of these individuals and teams demonstrates the depth of talent and dedication within Louisiana's building community.
The LHBA continues to support its members through professional development opportunities, advocacy efforts, and industry recognition programs that help elevate the standards and reputation of Louisiana's home building professionals on both state and national levels.