The weak economy may set a more successful stage for local builders now that Dawson and Lumpkin counties’ home builders associations have joined forces.

“This is a positive step for both associations,” said Rory Cunningham, president of the Dawson County association.

Statewide, homebuilder’s associations have seen a decrease in memberships by about 40 percent in the last year.

While Dawson County’s association has seen a steady increase, Lumpkin County’s association has been hit and was down to about 25 members, Cunningham said.

“We approached them to see if there was a way we could work this out and try to get through the tough times together,” Cunningham said. “That way, when the economy is better, we’ll be a stronger organization all the way around.”

The official collaboration took place Nov. 18, when the two associations gathered at Ryans Steakhouse in Dawsonville for the first combined meeting.

Builders Larry Stouffer and Bob Clark, who served as president and vice president of the Lumpkin County association, have joined the Dawson board of directors to complete the new board.

The Dawson/Lumpkin Homebuilders Association meets the third Wednesday of each month at Ryans in Dawsonville.

Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the monthly business meeting at 8 a.m.

For more information, call (866) 522-4055, (561) 254-4494 or e-mail eo@dawsoncountyhba.com.