The Building Contractors Association of Otero County (BCAOC) is a nonprofit trade association, which represents the general contractors of the building industry in our region.  Its designated membership area includes all of Otero County.  BCAOC is a local association Chapter and is affiliated with the state chapter, the New Mexico Home Builders Association (NMHBA). Both BCAOC and NMHBA are part of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  BCAOC has over 160 members, the state association has well over 3,000 members and the national association has over 200,000 members nation wide.  Members of our local association are elected annually to serve as directors or officers of both the state and national groups.

  Of the 160+ members in the BCAOC, approximately ½ are licensed contractors and the remaining members are subcontractors like carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tile layers, roofers, sheet rockers, as well as supplies of materials and providers of services dealing with home building such as title companies, bankers, insurance companies and many more.  All of the members have a vested interest In the success of the home building industry in our community.  We all work together to provide the community’s housing and light commercial needs.

  A twelve-member board of directors, a four member executive officers board and the Executive officer manage the BCAOC.  Its events are planned and managed by the Executive officer, Committee Chairs and volunteers.

The BCAOC’s contributions to the local economy through its members is huge.  New commercial and home starts at an all time high in the nation as well as in the Otero County area.

The construction industry employs hundreds of people who contribute to the local economy through their purchases of homes, food, rent, medical services and durable goods.  It is not just those actually working on the construction of the homes that make such an economical impact.  All 160 plus members employ hundreds of people who provide needed purchasing power for the economy.  The employees of our 160 plus member have wives, children and relatives who also participate in the local economy.

Last Year, Otero County statistics indicated that the construction industry in Otero County was a significant contributor of gross receipt taxes, which go into our local government coffers.

Often we hear public sentiment that leads one to believe that the high cost of housing is the fault of the builder or developer.  In fact, the imposition of government-regulated fees in all aspects of the industry are a big factor in high housing cost.  As a regulated industry, the BCAOC take pride in working with local and state governments in shaping fair and equitable polices that will help maintain sensible growth and help overcome the barriers to affordable housing.

The BCAOC strives to provide education and other professional benefits for its members.  Members are also able to purchase affordable workers compensation coverage through the state homebuilders association.

We should take special pride in our industry.  We constantly are striving to make our community a better place to live and work.  The next time someone asks you why be a member of the BCAOC, I hope you let him or her know the many benefits our association provides.

If you or someone you know would like to become a member please contact Amber H. Sanchez the Executive Officer of the BCAOC at 505-437-2066.

Amber Sanchez, E.O

Mike Drunzer