About Us

The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society. We carry out our goal through advocacy, information, and community. Based in Washington, D.C. the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857.

Comprised of nearly 300 state and local chapters the national component of the AIA unites local and state members in the common causes of advocacy, community, and knowledge. Many state components offer educational conferences and networking opportunities playing an integral role in representing member interests before state legislatures and regulatory agencies on architecture-related issues.

Local Chapters sponsor a wide range of activities, including educational conferences, community service projects, post disaster and urban design workshops, and Architect Registration Exam preparation classes. The AIA San Joaquin is one such local Chapter, one of the 22 Chapters comprising the AIA California Council, our local State Component. The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) is the nation's largest state architectural organization, representing more than 11,000 members on issues of statewide importance to the public and profession.

The AIA California Council has a strong reputation as a member-driven professional organization which is supported locally by the AIA San Joaquin. The mission of AIA San Joaquin is to act as the local representation of the American Institute of Architects, serving as the voice of the profession through advocacy, community involvement, design awards, mentorship and support for Emerging Professionals with their path to architectural licensure.

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The Central California Builders Exchange was originally formed in 1903 to act as a liaison between contractors and architects to streamline the bidding process. CCBE has evolved into a dynamic professional association, with nearly 800 members representing the entire spectrum of the Valley's construction industry. We currently process over 3,000 plans each year, from all over Central California, with that number climbing steadily.  Because we cover such a large area, we are able to provide comprehensive services to members and plan providers. We take pride in meeting the ever changing needs of our members and the demand of the industry.

The Central California Builders Exchange measures our success on the success of our members. That’s why we are . . . .Supporting the Industry that Builds Communities.

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Established in 1947, the Building Industry Association of the San Joaquin Valley is an organization of approximately 150 members representing builders, developers, subcontractors and affiliated businesses in the residential, commercial and industrial building industry in Fresno and Madera Counties.

The objective of BIA is to cooperate with all branches of government and with other trade, civic and veterans organizations to secure cooperative action in defending housing affordability and the economic competitiveness in Fresno and Madera Counties.

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The association statement is as follows: The AGC of California represents contractor and Specialty Contractor members throughout the state.  The annual construction volume of these members range from less than $100,000 to over $100,000,000. 

Construction projects by AGC members include commercial and residential buildings, highways, roads, tunnels, dams, utility systems, power plants, bridges, refineries, sewage and waste treatment plants, rail transit systems and building restoration.

AGC of California is supported by more than 550 Associate members.  These Associate members include suppliers, attorneys, bankers, accountants, insurers, consultants and other industry-related firms.

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Associated Builders and Contractors is a national trade association representing over 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 77 chapters across the United States, including five chapters in California. The Golden Gate Chapter, based in Livermore, serves and represents more than 600 companies in Northern and Central California. 

ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became the fastest-growing association in the United States. The Golden Gate Chapter was founded in 1976 in Concord.

Two general statements provide a perspective into why contractors belong to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) in Northern and Central California. 

FIRST,  Contractors join ABC for many reasons, but they stay in ABC when they see how ABC serves and represents contractors based on clearly defined core values. 

SECOND, While many contractors belong to other construction trade associations primarily because of who they meet, contractors join ABC because of what it does.

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Formed in 2005, the local Central California Chapter of the US Green Building Council is based on the desire to network and learn from one another regarding the concept of sustainability and how it impacts the building industry. In 2008,the US Green Building Council awarded the Central California region full Chapter status.

We promote a mission to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life for the better. We believe that individuals coming together as a group, with a common purpose, can make a difference.

We believe that the future of the valley, state, nation, and world will be bettered as a result of or our efforts. We believe that we can affect change and the commitment of our members is the key to our success. To learn more about the green building movement, explore our local Chapter site, visit with our 4 Chapter branches, and be a part of the change!

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The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and improve the construction industry by the advancement of women within it. NAWIC offers members an opportunity to expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments, and improve their skills and knowledge,

NAWIC's Objectives are:

To unite for the mutual benefit of the women who are actively engaged in the various phases of the construction industry.

To promote cooperation, fellowship and a better understanding among members of the Association.

To promote education and contribute to the betterment of the construction industry.

To encourage women to pursue and establish careers in the construction industry.

To provide members an awareness of the legislative process and legislation as it relates to the construction industry.

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As the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry, NKBA is the leading source of information and education for consumers and professionals alike. With more than 40,000 members and growing, NKBA owns the world's largest trade show and industry event.

NKBA's is to enhance member success and excellence by promoting professionalism and ethical business practices, and providing leadership and direction for the kitchen and bathroom industry. 

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The mission of CSI is to advance the process of creating and sustaining the built environment. CSI is a national association dedicated to creating standards and formats to improve construction documents and project delivery. The organization is unique in the industry in that its members are a cross section of specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors and building materials suppliers.

The national organization has 146 chapters and more than 15,000 members. Monthly Chapter meetings allow members the opportunity to communicate openly with their counterparts and exchange information for successful project management.

CSI is renowned in the industry for its rigorous certification programs for professionals seeking to improve their knowledge of accurate and concise construction documents. CSI provides continuing education, professional conferences, and product shows. For more information about this national organization, visit www.csinet.org, or call 800-689-2900.  For information about the local Fresno Chapter click below. 

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The Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County is a nonprofit organization established to market Fresno County as the premier location to expand and grow core industries. We strive to promote economic prosperity in Fresno County not only through marketing the region and facilitating site selection for new businesses, but also by assisting in the retention and expansion of businesses that are already located in the Fresno County area through job creation and elimination of barriers to business. Over 160 businesses and local government entities support the EDC through its membership.

The Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County also provides leadership for economic development efforts throughout Fresno County, influences ongoing infrastructure planning processes for the region, and is involved with many other initiatives that will strategically place Fresno County for economic prosperity. The EDC continues to be a catalyst of ideas, that through collaboration, we can put into action.  We will continue to make progress in the economic evolution of the region.  We are the “Essential Connection” between businesses and the community.  We are committed to seeing Fresno County prosper.

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