75 Years of SWCA

                On February 7, 1946 W.F. Heinrichs, Cecil Hearns, A.R. Nieman, J.T. Scott, Paul Barnes, C.C. White, C. Ed Rath, Larry O. Collins and Everett Hylen joined together to create a non-profit corporation which was known as the Vancouver Contractors Association, Inc.  Cecil Hearns was our first board President. The first logo for SWCA was designed by Architect Dave Hilbrand. The organization became an official non-profit association in 1947.
                By 1974, our service area included not only Vancouver, but members from Longview, Camas and Portland. An early trifold brochure proclaims “SWCA – A Good Plan!” and touts the early benefits of SWCA, including a plan center, networking and a healthcare program. SWCA has continue to grow and expand our scope of services and membership. In the aftermath of the 2009 recession, SWCA expanded their membership to include associate members – to help connect our trades and construction members to the service providers that they use every day to build their businesses.
In the early days SWCA was focused on providing their members with access to local plans in the physical plan center. The goal of the association has always been simple – to provide the tools to local contractors to help them compete effectively, win more work and be more successful in business.
SWCA has always been known for more than their plan center:  SWCA hosts social events that are unrivaled in the county.  From our themed Holiday Party & Auction to the Annual Golf Tournament – SWCA events are amazing extravaganzas.  SWCA introduced the Construction Executive Summit as an educational event to gather construction executives from around the county and provide them with state-of-the-art business skills and continuing education credits. In addition, SWCA hosts networking events like Thirsty Thursdays and Contractor Connections.
The Eric Sander Memorial Trap Shoot recognizes the contributions of a board member who was instrumental in establishing the Retro program. Eric Sander was known to be a “walking party” who lit up every event he attended with his singing and dancing. Eric passed from cancer about 4 years ago but he was a vibrant SWCA member up until the very end.
While the global pandemic of 2020 may have changed how many of us work, SWCA has continued its work to support all of their members and help them to build their businesses. We look forward to connecting with our members and continuing our social and educational events.  We look forward to another 75 years!