RIBA Member Benefit Guide

Take advantage of the many resources available to you as a member of the Rhode Island Builders Association! To access member resources, please call today 401.438.7400.

Member Benefits

Find Work/Hire Members

Services include member-to-member referrals, the RIBAlist.com consumer website, and the annual Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide, which is a comprehensive listing of all members and their respective services.

The RI Home Show

RIBA hosts the Rhode Island Home Show, which is attended by thousands of people from southern New England. Attendees are all interested in buying/building a new home or remodeling an existing one, making it one of the largest shows around. As RIBA member, you get a 5% discount on the booth rates.

75th RI Home Show Logo | Circular logo with The RI Home Show 75 years text | RI Builders | Rhode Island Builders Association | RIBA

Complimentary Education! (Thousands $ in value)

Online or in-person, our contractor education offerings are some of the best association-based programs. Each are designed for your professional development, and they are always tuition free for our members! Classes and seminars are given monthly for both owners and their respective employees. Subject matter includes codes, safety, estimating and so much more! Most classes also are eligible for Rhode Island continuing-education credits. MA education credits also are available.

Workforce / Trade Training for Employees (amazing value!)

As a member of RIBA, you can send current or prospective employees to trade training. Upskill your current workforce or enroll them in a 26-week pre-apprentice training before you hire them. With 6 locations and Spanish speaking options, this trade training program is a standout — Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC/ Plumbing are available. Looking to post or find a job, use RCWPJobs.com, an industry specific residential construction job resource.

Complimentary Safety Service

All members have access to a complimentary Safety Service that includes a jobsite visit and/ or consultation to guide teams toward proper workforce-safety procedures, ensure OSHA compliance, and lower insurance rates. This is a totally confidential service, and it can save you thousands of dollars as well as fines.

Vital Information Resources

Members stay in the know with information they can only find through RIBA, including the award-winning, monthly Rhode Island Builder magazine; update e-mails; participation on various committees; member podcasts and so much more! This is a true advantage in the marketplace!

Solution Services

Industry-based professionals are available to help you find answers to your most troubling issues. From permitting, new-regulations compliance, to financing resources, the solutions staff at RIBA gives you peace of mind!

Insurance & Bonding

RIBA has its own full-service, inhouse insurance agency — The Builders Insurance Group (BIG). Members will find a rewarding service experience, trusted advice on insurance products, and the knowledge that the resources of this affiliate go toward helping the industry. BIG understands construction and works with more than 40 other insurance partners to find the right type of coverage for you. Members can reach out at any time for a free quote to confidentially compare policies and be sure the coverage you need is there when you need it most

Builders Insurance Group

Medical & Dental Plans for You, Your Employees

The Association offers complete health and dental plans for both you and your employees. The dental plans are the best available when it comes to cost because RIBA has its own pool and its own rate. Contact Builders Insurance Group to learn more today

Powerful Legislative Advocacy

RIBA represents you locally, at the State House and on the federal level with “all things regulatory,” and with effective political lobbying. We track every bill that affects you, and we put in legislation to help the state’s housing needs. Feel free to join our committees, get updates on bills, and advocate on key legislation impacting the residential construction industry.

Professional Women in Building

Participate and become a member of RIBA’s Professional Women in Building (PWB). The group offers informative programs that focus on professional development, networking, and career knowledge for the construction industry. All RIBA members are welcome to join and participate in programs.

Socialize, Network & Enjoy!

Our events are a favorite benefit among our new and long-standing members! Take advantage of big, fun events like our Annual Clambake, Golf Classic, monthly network events, a holiday party, cookouts, annual meeting…. And if you like to socialize, meet new people, and catch up with old friends, these events offer that opportunity!

Take advantage of the many resources available to you as a member of the Rhode Island Builders Association! This section provides a brief overview. For more information, please view our Member Benefit Guide or call the office, (401) 438-7400.

 

Insurance Programs servicing the insurance needs of the entire RI, MA & CT communities

riba-member-benefitsBuilders Insurance Group (BIG) was created in 2012 by the Rhode Island Builders Association. The idea was to provide Rhode Island’s residential contractors with a full-service, added value alternative for their specific insurance needs, conveniently located at RIBA headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Suite 301A, East Providence, RI 02914, builderinsgroup.com.

BIG is also a member agent of Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services, (renaissanceins.com) which provides us with the clout, economies, services, expertise and market access of a very large, regional organization. Unlike large firms, we can deliver personalized, local service and we have a deep commitment to the communities in which we live and work. We are open to serving all RIBA members and non-members alike and their families, with health insurance, property and liability insurance, auto insurance, workers compensation insurance, builders risk insurance, bonds and all other types of coverage.

Our RI insurance agency staff consists of well-seasoned, insurance professionals with excellent records of experience in health insurance administration and property & casualty insurance programs. Whether you are a sole proprietor with no employees, or a large corporation with multiple locations and large workforce, BIG can help you build a better insurance program to help you today and to prepare you for tomorrow.

 

Marketing Opportunities

Members receive free listings in our annual Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide, which is distributed to thousands of consumers at our Home Show at the RI Convention Center each Spring, available at RIBA member lumber yards and suppliers, and mailed to consumers on request. For more information on this terrific promotional opportunity, see the advertising information.

Online Member Directory: Members receive a free listing on our website and RIBAlist.com – including contact info., email address, and a link to your company’s web site. Potential customers can search for you by your company name and the services you provide.

The Home Show: Since 1948 RIBA has offered the Home Show, which today takes place every Spring at the RI Convention Center in Providence. The Home Show is attended by thousands of people from southern New England, all interested in building/buying a new home or remodeling/decorating their existing homes. Exhibit your company’s products and services and meet thousands of new clients for one low price. RIBA members receive a 5% discount on booth rates!  Visit RIBAHomeShow.com for information.

 

Educational Training For Your Business!

RIBA offers Lead-Safe Remodeler/Renovator Courses, OSHA-10 Certification, RI CRLB mandated classes online at RIBAEducates.com, Management Training, Small Business Seminars, Graduate Builder Institute Courses, and safety classes on a variety of topics.

RIBA safety consultants may be retained to conduct OSHA-30 hour Certification courses, Hoisting Pre-Licensing classes, job site visits, and provide assistance concerning safety matters. OSHA-required Safety Manuals (trade-specific and personalized for your company) are available for purchase from our consultants.  Contact Elise Geddes for more details.

 

RI Builder Report

RIBA publishes an award-winning monthly magazine: the RI Builder Report, which covers issues and events in the building and remodeling trades. From what’s happening on Smith Hill and Capitol Hill, to new regulations, member news and issues that affect you in your own backyard, the RI Builder Report delivers the information you need to help you stay abreast of the industry and keep your business running smoothly.

The magazine is also a great advertising vehicle. A captive audience of over 1000 member companies will see your advertisement. Members receive discounted rates. For more information on this terrific promotional opportunity, see the advertising information.

 

Social Activities and Networking Events

RIBA’s Committee Meetings and Seminars offer a robust schedule of educational topics, including time to network with other members.

Life isn’t all work. Join us for fun events: Sports Outings, Golf Tournaments, Summer Outings, BBQ’s, and more. Treat your employees and network with your colleagues.

 

Government Relations

Land use restrictions, taxes, and environmental and consumer regulations all restrict how you do business. While some regulation is necessary and appropriate, RIBA’s government relations activities strive to protect and promote your interests against unreasonable and burdensome rules that add costs and restrict residential construction and remodeling. Our activity at the Legislature, the state agencies and in the courts impacts the future of the entire industry and is one of our top core activities.

Helping You Build A Better Future

RIBA is here to help make your business more profitable. Our services and benefits are designed with our members in mind. However, we are always looking for new ways to help you. Your ideas for new products and services are always welcome.

In addition, association committees are a great way for you to give input and help shape the association and the future of your industry.

Our committees include: Education & Workforce Development, Environmental, Health Insurance, Land Use Controls, Lead Abatement, Legislative, Marketing & Public Relations, Programs & Events, Remodelers, and Professional Women in Building.

Get involved and consider volunteering for a committee when you join!