Founded in 1892 in Columbus, the Builders Exchange has nearly 1,000 member firms, representing the entire spectrum of the industry. Members include architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and manufacturers, along with related professionals such as attorneys, insurance and bonding agents, bankers, accountants and computer specialists.

They join the Exchange to obtain quality services for their businesses and their employees, to access industry education, to develop professional relationships and to create a strong, unified industry.

BX History

The Builders Exchange was founded on October 13, 1892 by 17 men from the Columbus construction industry.

Originally called "The Builders and Traders Exchange of the City of Columbus," the organization set up offices at the brand-new Board of Trade Building at 30 E. Broad St. (where the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower is today).

The founders of the Builders and Traders Exchange wanted to improve communication among the many disciplines and trades which made up the building industry. In 1892, Columbus businesses had few phones and no automobiles or delivery services.

But architects needed to circulate new project plans among contractors. Contractors needed access to these drawings to formulate a competitive bid. Subcontractors and suppliers needed to reach bidders with their own prices.

All the professions in the industry came together every day at the Builders and Traders Exchange for the "Change Hour," where lunch was served for a nickel and business was done on a handshake.

More than a century later, communication is still the basis for BX services and the Exchange still provides the opportunities for business professionals to meet and network.

Strategic Plan

In the 1990s, the Builders Exchange created a Strategic Plan to identify and focus on its role in the commercial construction industry.  The Strategic Plan includes goals and strategies that will be executed over a series of planning horizons, ranging from three to ten years out.

The plan is reviewed and revised annually by the BX board of directors, to address questions including:

1. Where is the BX going?
2. Why is it choosing this direction?
3. How (through what programs) will it get there?

The major components of the Strategic Plan include a mission statement, core purpose, core values, a 10-year goal and several 3- to 5-year goals.  They are:

	The Builders Exchange of Central Ohio advances the commercial construction industry as the resource for communication, education, services and recognition.
	This statement keeps the BX focused on its purpose and function.
	To unify and advance the construction community.
	The core purpose describes why the Builders Exchange should exist.
	Be responsive to the needs of those we serve. Be dedicated to looking ahead. Champion professionalism. Promote respect. Celebrate camaraderie. Value honesty. Be committed to safety.
	Core values are the Builders Exchange's guiding principles that define how the BX can achieve its core purpose.
	The Builders Exchange will be the catalyst to extend the Vision of the BX core values to the construction community, to enhance the success of the building process.
	If successful, Central Ohio will be a better place to build.
	Goal A. BX will be its members' indispensable resource for commercial construction industry/business, leading-edge training and knowledge management. Goal B. BX will be the leading advocate in creating forums which bring together varying commercial construction industry segments to jointly improve the construction processes, foster respect for quality work and encourage fair dealings between all disciplines. Goal C. BX will be its members' competitive advantage through valued business services. Goal D. BX members' business success will be enhanced through valued relationships and communication.

Archived Daily Reporter Articles:

• Strategic Plan revamped as it enters second decade
• BX "Big Audacious Goal" describes a better industry
• Strategic Plan’s success depends on do-able goals
• Breaking down the BX Strategic Plan: goal by goal, strategy by strategy
• BX clarifies advocacy role as facilitator, not lobbyist
• Goal in providing services: 'competitive advantage'  
• Building business relationships still critical role for associations