Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Construction Professionals in Wausau, WI
Founded in 1967, the Wausau Area Builders Association (WABA) has served as a cornerstone for the building industry in central Wisconsin. As a non-profit trade association affiliated with the Wisconsin Builders Association and National Association of Home Builders, we advocate for quality housing, industry standards, and community engagement. Our organization represents builders, developers, suppliers, and professionals committed to advancing the building industry through advocacy, education, and workforce development. We collaborate with local schools to promote career opportunities in construction and administer scholarship programs to nurture future industry leaders. Through annual events like the Parade of Homes and Home Shows, we connect consumers with trusted professionals while supporting local causes.Our members adhere to rigorous professional standards, ensuring homeowners receive reliable services and ethical business practices. We actively influence state and federal policies to create a favorable environment for housing and construction. With decades of collective experience, our leadership team brings deep industry expertise to every initiative we undertake. We prioritize transparency in operations, maintaining open communication with members and the public. Our commitment to community development is demonstrated through grants, charitable donations, and partnerships that strengthen local neighborhoods. By fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and excellence in residential and commercial construction.
Services
Advocacy
Workforce Development
Home Shows
Parade of Homes
Community Support
Member Networking
Educational Programs
Scholarship Programs
Event Sponsorships
Building Industry Representation
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We advocate for favorable housing policies at local, state, and national levels
- Our members receive exclusive business development resources and networking opportunities
- We host educational programs to keep members current with industry innovations
- Our workforce development initiatives connect employers with skilled professionals
- We maintain strict membership standards ensuring ethical business practices
Services
Advocacy
We represent building industry interests at local, state, and national levels. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating favorable regulatory environments, promoting quality housing policies, and protecting members' business interests through legislative engagement.
Workforce Development
Our Build My Future initiative connects students with construction career opportunities. We collaborate with schools to provide hands-on experiences, administer scholarships, and develop programs addressing workforce challenges in the building industry.
Home Shows
Annual home shows showcase local builders, products, and innovations. These events help consumers find trusted professionals while providing members with marketing opportunities and industry networking platforms.
Community Support
Through grants, scholarships, and charitable donations, we strengthen communities. Our programs fund classroom resources, support local causes, and promote neighborhood development projects benefiting residents across our service area.
Member Networking
We facilitate business relationships through events, committees, and programs. Members gain access to networking opportunities that foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership development within the construction industry.
People
Ashley Dupuis-Bohman
President
President of WABA and representative from Intercity State Bank, bringing financial expertise to guide association strategy and member services.
Alex Forer
Past President
Former president and owner of Larry Meyer Construction, offering extensive building industry experience to association leadership.
Cara Spatz
Executive Director
Executive Director managing day-to-day operations, member relations, and event coordination for WABA's programs and initiatives.
Christi Santama
Board Director
Board member representing Associated Bank, contributing financial industry perspective to WABA's strategic decision-making processes.
Seth Jozwiak
Board Director
Serving on the board while operating Jozwiak Construction, providing practical builder insights to shape association policies and member support programs.
Questions
How does WABA support local construction professionals?
We provide advocacy, networking opportunities, educational resources, and workforce development programs to help members succeed in the building industry.
What community initiatives does WABA participate in?
We administer scholarships, fund classroom grants through our Building Youth into Builders program, and support local causes through donations and volunteer efforts.
Can non-builders join WABA?
Yes, we welcome suppliers, utilities, lenders, architects, and other professionals serving the building industry as associate members.
What events does WABA organize annually?
We host two Parade of Homes events, a Home Show, and the Build My Future workforce development program each year.
How does WABA advocate for the building industry?
We work with state and federal representatives to shape housing policies, fight burdensome regulations, and promote industry-friendly legislation.
