A significant economic showcase will begin this weekend, a showcase that could prove a solid measuring stick for just how healthy this region’s economy is — or could be.

For the first time, the Tidewater Builders Association will hold one of its famed Homearama events in Isle of Wight County. Founders Point, a residential development in Carrollton, a good stone’s throw from the Suffolk city limits, will host the first Spring Homearama starting this Saturday.

The home expo, showcasing homes well above many residents’ affordability threshold, is not designed just to sell the featured homes, but rather to spotlight the area, the builders, the subcontractors and supply companies used in creating these works of art.

And it is this group of skilled men and women that is the lifeblood of the local economy and the true stars of Homearama.

When new home sales and new home construction are booming, the economy booms as a result. More people are at work and more materials and supplies are being purchased.

The trickle-down effect from builders, subcontractors and vendors means jobs, tax revenues and a better quality of life for everyone.

The Homearama event is a time for these men and women to stand proudly next to some of their finest work as an estimated 100,000 people come through the development over the next few weeks.

Most of those attending will not be looking for a new home at Founders Point, but will be looking for ideas to take back to their homes and looking for those skilled laborers and contractors who can make those ideas become reality.

The Suffolk News-Herald is a proud partner of the Spring Homearama for a number of reasons. For one, this event takes place in our coverage area and it is important to us to support such events. But Homearama also gives those who are at the forefront of our area’s economic recovery a chance to shine and show off what they do best.

We look forward to the start of Homearama this weekend and hope to see a lot of you there.