Treasure Coast`s Top Craftsman Honored for Excellence

Vol. 27 Number 19
MAY 2008
Treasure Coast's Top Craftsman Honored for Excellence
Annual program recognizes sub-contractor contributions to Parade of Homes award-winning models.
Calendar of Events
JUNE 2008
TUESDAY, June 3rd
Green Building Certification Class
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, June 6th
Okeechobee County Breakfast
WHERE: Clock Restaurant
TIME: 7:45 a.m.
SPEAKER: New County Administrator
COST: $10
Meeting Sponsor: Available
MONDAY, June 9th
Membership Committee Meeting
TCBA Office
9:00 a.m.
TUESDAY, June 10th
Green Building Certification Test
PSL Building Department
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, June 11th
Green Building Council Meeting
8:00 a.m. at TCBA Office
THURSDAY, June 12th
St. Lucie County Breakfast
WHERE: PGA/ St. Lucie West Country Club
TIME: 7:45 a.m.
SPEAKER: Candidates
COST: $12
Meeting Sponsor: Available
TUESDAY, June 17th
Membership Drive Open House
TCBA Office
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Complimentary Refreshments
Wednesday, June 18th
Continuing Education Seminar
TCBA Office
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Parade of Homes Co-Chairman Arlene Brown of Fast Title Inc., Sponsor MCIM Representative Joe Loria, Sponsor Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
of the Treasure Coast, TCBA President Randy Berry, Past President and Parade of Homes Co-Chairman Don Santos of Santos Construction.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (April XX,
2008) - Area home builders recently honored 35 Treasure Coast tradesmen for
their outstanding contributions to the
model homes they helped construct that
were showcased in the 20th Annual Treasure Coast Builders Association (TCBA)
Parade of Homes.
Designed to promote local builders
and their products, until 2007 the Parade
of Homes primary focus was on the home
builder. Since most home builders rely on
area subcontractors to provide integral
construction services and products, the
Craftsman's Excellence Awards was
added to recognize tradesmen who help
make a house a home.
"For the second year in a row, we
celebrate the mastery subcontractors bring
to the construction of a home. I prefer to
call them craftsmen. They are masters of
their trade, and tonight we salute them and
their contributions," announced Parade of
Homes co-chair Don Santos.
Categories for the awards included
flooring, cabinetry, roofing, drywall,
plumbing, framing, electrical, landscaping, swimming pools, and more. For each
model entered in the Parade of Homes, the
builder nominated one subcontractor they
felt deserved special recognition for the
contribution they made to the finished
home. A complete list of winners may be
viewed at www.treasurecoastba.com.
The 2008 Parade of Homes was
sponsored by National City Mortgage,
Labor Finders of the Treasure Coast, It's a
Buyer's Market Campaign, The Palm
Beach Post, Scripps Treasure Coast
Newspapers, Hanover Homes, FPL
BuildSmart, Wayne Dalton-Storm Protection Products, Wachovia and Whirlpool.
The Craftsman's Excellence Awards celebration was sponsored Labor Finders of
the Treasure Coast and Michigan Construction Industry Mutual (MCIM).
Continued on pages 9 & 10
Sales & Marketing Council Networking Mixer
Harborage Yacht Club & Marina was the
venue for the recent networking mixer of the
TCBA Sales & Marketing Council. General
Manager Gary Guertin gave SMC board
members a tour of the new club house and
amenities including Misti Guertin of Reagan
Communications meeting sponsor and Life
Director Susan Fines of S.M. Fines Insurance
and Chairman Laurie Schwab of Ecclestone
Signature Homes.
Treasure Coast Builders Association
6560 S.Federal Highway
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
THURSDAY, June 19th
Indian River Chapter Breakfast
WHERE: Marsh Landing, Fellsmere
TIME: 7:45 A.M.
SPEAKER: St. Rep. Ralph Poppell
COST: $12
Meeting Sponsor: Available
THURSDAY, June 19th
Green Building Council
One Year Anniversary Celebration
& Table Top Exhibits
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Port St. Lucie Community Center
Complimentary Refreshments
TUESDAY, June 24th
Sales & Marketing Council
Dinner Meeting
Finz Waterfront Grille
6:00 Cocktails
7:00 Dinner
Speaker: Jane Sonnet
Topic: Tactical Marketing in Tough Times
WEDNESDAY, June 25th
Trades Council Meeting
8:00 a.m. at TCBA Office
THURSDAY, June 26th
Martin County Chapter Breakfast
WHERE: Miles Grant Country Club
TIME: 7:45 A.M.
SPEAKER: St. Representative
COST: $12
Meeting Sponsor: Available
FRIDAY, July 4th
Independence Day
TCBA Office Closed
Call the TCBA Office
for more information:
464-8222, 287-7795, 336-8222
or 562-8222
New Okeechobee number
863-467-2007
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
FT. PIERCE, FL
PERMIT #537
Page 2
Builder News
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Your Best Choice in Light/Medium Duty
Commercial Trucks, Parts and Service.
By—Randy Berry of Randy Berry Services
Homeowners And Home Builders
Play Critical Role In America's
Political Process
In this political season, the
Treasure Coast Builders Association
encourages you to take an active part in
the political process. It's your right as
well as your responsibility to make sure
your views are represented. Support the
candidate who best reflects your personal beliefs whether it is working on a
campaign or casting your vote.
You hear a lot about “special interest groups” in politics. While some
people say that phrase with a sneer,
there are many mainstream organizations that take their members' messages
to governmental bodies such as state
legislatures and federal regulatory
agencies and make sure those groups
hear from the people they serve. Think
about the organizations you belong to;
there is a good chance that they maintain communication with the government. There are even organizations
that work for you even though you do
not hold a membership. For example,
builders work very hard to keep housing as a priority at all levels - national,
state and local - not only to improve the
business climate they work in, but also
to keep housing as a viable part of the
May 2008
CUSTOM BODIES
American dream.
The
National
Randy Berry
Association
of
Home Builders and the Florida Home
Builders Association has worked diligently to elevate housing on the national and state agendas. And here on the
treasure coast the TCBA is very active.
Be sure to attend all of the local
chapter meetings in all of our four
county area in the upcoming months as
political candidates will be invited as
speakers and it is your opportunity to
get questions anwered on a one on one
basis with those who want to be your
next leaders.
No matter which party controls the
White House or the Congress, your
Associations will continue to work
closely with elected leaders to ensure
that the industry's interests are protected and its goals met.
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MISSION STATEMENT: We are a
Professional Construction Industry Association
dedicated to Building a Better Tomorrow by
serving our members and the community
through leadership, advocacy and education.
Pinnacle Builder…
the highest point of
development or achievement
for a TCBA member.
The election is close upon us. Vote
your conscience or vote your pocketbook - just be sure you vote.
Treasure Coast Builders Association
OFFICERS: 2007-2008
6560 S. Federal Hwy., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
www.treasurecoastba.com
OFFICERS
President ................................................................Randy Berry, 429-0725
1st Vice President..............................................Chris Sorenson, 546-6161
2nd Vice President............................................Monique Bruhn, 465-2700
Secretary .............................................................Cathy Barham, 334-2121
Treasurer.................................................................Greg Schlitt, 569-4999
Immediate Past President...................................Jeff Dougherty, 288-0665
Immediate Past 2nd V.P. ...........................................Jeff Schlitt, 567-1188
MARTIN COUNTY
Chapter Chairman
Earnie Carrere - 545-2112
RonnieKirchman - 283-4256
Patrick McLaughlin - 561-239-2462
Bob Thomas - 221-1108
Roy Kraemer - 288-1715
PAST PRESIDENTS
Jack Hodapp (1970-71)
STAFF
Karl Herrlin (1971-72)
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Jack Mintzer (1972-73)
Gail Kavanagh
Edward Harvey (1973-74)
COMPTROLLER
Nancy Dalton
ST. LUICE COUNTY
Chapter Chairman
Christina Kelleher - 223-1191
Jeff Braun - 879-2440
Don Warburton - 336-4700
Paul Lugara - 215-5559
Jane Rowley - 340-3500
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Barbara Padula
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR
Nancy Offutt
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR
& EDITOR
INDIAN RIVER
Chapter Chairman
Mark Caldarone - 794-1414
Joe Staniewicz - 473-3138
Robert Paugh - 567-0045
David Milton - 299-4600
David Ederer - 234-3118
Maddie Williams
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Chapter Chairman
Cindy Hall - 370-4713
Elbert Batton - 863-763-3100
TCBA LIFE DIRECTORS
Wil Brown, 546-6161
Susan Fines, 335-8804
Steve Day, 546-5767
Tim Zorc, 567-1953
Don Santos, 336-3388
Jim McKenzie, 692-5683
Ron Ferschke, 561-627-1270
Nancy Bright, 621-3800
MARTIN • ST. LUCIE • INDIAN RIVER • OKEECHOBEE
James Leone (1974-75)
Anthony Signore (1975-76)
Dale Johnson (1976-77)
Arlene Signore (1977-79)
George Enot (1979-80)
Wilford B. Brown (1980-81)
William Edge (1981-82)
Jeff Price (1982-83)
Mark Baker (1983-84)
Peter Robinson (1984-85)
John Baker (1985-86)
Lawrence MacAllister (1986-87)
Woody Lucas (1987-88)
Jeffrey Thorson (1988-89)
Ralph Hippard (1989-90)
Dan Hogan (1990-91)
Pete Grinsted (1991-92)
Harold McDuffie (1992-93)
Ken Ringe (1993-94)
Tim Zorc (1994-95)
Jeff Bowers (1995-96)
Ken Featherstone (1997-98)
Bob McCreary (1998-99)
Don Santos (1999-00)
Ron Ferschke (2000-01)
Robert Kemper (2001-02)
David Thompson (2002-03)
Vern Toulson (2003-04)
Dennis Buford (2004-05)
Rick Hope (2005-06)
Jeff Dougherty (2006-07)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
Allen Green
Greg Schlitt
David Van Cise
Don Santos
Jeffery Bowers
Dennis Buford
Rick Hope
Jeff Dougherty
Ken Ringe
Jeffery Braun
George Cooper - Assoc.
Joe Staniewicz - Alt. Assoc.
Stephen Shields - Alt. Assoc.
Vern Toulson
Roy Kraemer
Jane Rowley
Randy Berry
Robbie Brackett
Chris Sorenson
Bill McQuillan
Robert March
Ron Ferschke
Bill Bryant
LIFE DIRECTORS: Wil Brown & Tim Zorc
FLORIDA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Area IV, Assoc. Vice President - George Cooper
BUILDER
DIRECTORS
Rick Hope
Jeff Dougherty
Jeffery Braun
Vern Toulson
Allen Green
Greg Schlitt
Don Santos
ALTERNATE BUILDER
DIRECTORS
Jeffery Bowers
Roy Kraemer
Robbie Brackett
Randy Berry
David Van Cise
Ken Ringe
Chris Sorenson
ASSOCIATE
ALTERNATE
DIRECTORS
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Susan Fines
Paul Lugara
George Cooper
Monique Bruhn
Jeff Schlitt
Rob Lucas
Stephen Shields
Bill Unger
LIFE DIRECTORS
Tim Zorc, Bob Bluestone,
Alan Hill, Wil Brown
464-8222 287-7795 336-8222 562-8222 863-467-2007 FAX: 461-4054
President Jeff Dougherty presents the Awards to 2007 Pinnacle Builders include,
Buford Construction, Schlitt Builders, Certified Building Contractors, Santos
Construction, Eric Johnson Construction, Royal Professional Builders, Homes by
Calton, Masterpiece Builders and Florida’s Finest Construction. (not shown,
The Hope Company and Aburton Homes)
Pinnacle; pronunciation: 'pi-ni-k&l; noun: 1: an
upright architectural member generally ending in a
small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress; 2:
a structure or
formation suggesting a pinnacle; specifically: a
lofty peak; 3: the highest point of development or
achievement
Established to recognize TCBA members who achieve the following:
• 75% of subcontractors used are TCBA members.
• A member in good standing.
• Attends at least 1 meeting per quarter.
• Actively pursues new members and continues to recruit
at least
two new members per year.
The rewards:
• Recognition before fellow members and guests at
General
6560 South Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Phone 772-464-8222, 772-336-8222, or 772-562-8222, Fax: 772-464-4054
[email protected] • www.treasurecoastba.com
May 2008
Builder News
Page 3
TCBA Goes to Washington D.C.
SHIP’S REGISTRY BAHAMAS
www.royalcaribbean.com
2008
Three–Night Membership Cruise
September 26-29, 2008
From Port of Miami
Royal Caribbean
Majesty of the Seas
Members of the Treasure Coast Builders Association went to Washington D.C. to
discuss builders issues with members of Congress. Shown here in front row: Vickie
Ringe of Bayview Construction, Gail Kavanagh, Executive Vice President of TCBA,
Beverly Berry of SunTrust Bank and President Randy Berry of Randy Berry Services.
Back Row: 1st Vice President Chris Sorenson of W.B. Brown Inc., Congressman Tim
Mahoney and Past President Ken Ringe of Bayview Construction.
COCOCAY—NASSAU
Treasure Coast Builders Well
Represented in Tallahassee
Interior Staterooms from $299*
Ocean view Staterooms from $339*
Balcony Suites from $629*
*Price is per person double occupancy and
includes Port Charges, Taxes/Fees.
Itinerary:
Fri Sep 26
Sat Sep 27
Sun Sep 28
Mon Sep 29
CBA members traveled to Tallahassee to represent our interests to the state legislature.
Shown from left to right: Past President Don Santos of Santos Construction, Past
President Ken Ringe of Bayview Construction, Pat McLaughlin of McLaughlin Consultants,
Past President Jeff Dougherty of Treasure Coast Homes, State Representative Gayle
Harrell, FHBA Area IV Vice President George Cooper of Cooper Constulting Engineers,
Gail Kavanagh, EVP of TCBA, State Representative William Snyder, TCBA Government
Affairs Director Nancy Offutt, 1st Vice President Chris Sorenson of W.B. Brown, Inc. and
President Randy Berry of Randy Berry Services
Arrive
Depart
5 pm
5 pm
5 pm
Miami, FL
Coco Cay 8 am
Nassau
8 am
Miami
7 am
HURRY SPACE IS LIMITED !!!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
TREASURE COAST BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
772-336-8222, 287-7795, 562-8222, 863-467-2007
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Page 4
CHAPTER NEWS
Builder News
May 2008
By—Nancy Offutt
Govenment Affairs Specialist
Even while construction is down, government activity
goes on! We have been jousting with local governments on permit
fees, impact fees, land development regulations, concurrency, capital improvements, environmental restrictions, affordable housing,
mining moratorium and no-growth attitudes. With fewer building
permits and construction activity, inspectors are investigating Open
Permits, some going back to 2004 hurricane damage.
While defending builder positions, we work to build and
maintain positive relationships with policy makers and staff. As a
result, TCBA is the “Go To” for housing and construction issues
and input. We would like to identify TCBA members who have
interests in specific areas and issues. Your expertise would be
extremely helpful in reviewing draft ordinances and providing
input on technical issues and filling vacancies on advisory boards
and committees.
The current election cycle is critical to our industry! Remember,
all politics is local and in addition to federal and state elections,
this year every county chooses 3 commissioners, 2 school board
members, the sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor
of elections, clerk of court, public defender, state attorney and
judges. (Martin County also elects a School Superintendent.) The
Treasure Coast Builders PAC, chaired by Jeff Bowers, has been
very active in evaluating candidates. PAC members compare candidates' qualifications, knowledge of issues and support for our
industry based on incumbent voting records, personal interviews,
and appearances at chapter breakfasts. So far, the PAC has already
given support to the following candidates:
State Representatives Ralph Poppel, Debbie Mayfield,
Bill Snyder, Mike DiTerlizzi
Martin County Commissioners: Doug Smith, Lee Weberman
St. Lucie District 1: Brad Culverhouse, Toby Philpart, Paul Hiott,
Jeremiah Johnson
Indian River Commissioners: Sandra Bowden, Wesley Davis,
Gary Parris.
The deadline to register to vote or switch political parties
is July 28. The primary is August 26 and the general election is
November 4. To have a voice in these elections you must be registered and you must vote!
Nancy Offutt
INDIAN RIVER - CHAIRMAN MARK CALDARONE
IRC wants to extend its mining moratorium for
another six months to allow more time to amend
LDRs that regulate mining operations. Traffic and
nuisance issues associated with mining will be discussed at a P&Z workshop May 22 from 9-12pm. Go
to: http://www.irccdd.com/Mining/
Alan Green was appointed to serve on IRC
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. We appreciate the County for soliciting a TCBA recommendation.
Sebastian Concerned Citizens leaders who
orchestrated zoning changes to prevent Ocean Concrete from use of its property have been deposed by
Ocean Concrete in its legal “taking” challenge. IRC
faces a $20 million liability in the case!
Vero Beach is focusing renewed attention to its
Vision Plan by adding Historical Districts and Architectural Review and changing parking in the beachside commercial districts. TCBA opposes pseudohistorical districts that restrict private property by
prohibiting alteration and demolition of structures if
60% of the neighbors decide the property or land-
scaping is “significant.” The city is conducting
workshops to discuss parking along Ocean and Cardinal Drives. Stay informed; the city website is
www.covb.org
IRC approved an incentive package to keep
Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach; the ball is now with
Piper.
After a five-hour hearing where TCBA, Realtors, and Chamber members objected to the 72%
impact fee increase proposed by Duncan and Associates, Commissioners Sandra Bowden, Wesley Davis
and Joe Flesher voted against accepting the Duncan
Study, despite political pressure from the IRNA
which supports the increase. The fight is not over.
Barrel of Laughs? IRNA candidate Honey
Minuse proposed (and with a straight face) that with
a downturn in homebuilding, construction workers
could start a new local industry by making rain barrels! She also suggests converting Dodgertown to a
lacrosse facility. Hey, why not barrel racing?
Candidates for Indian River County School Board at a recent
meeting included Mathew McCain, Gerald Lamothe, Claudia
Jimenez, Guy Barber, Ann Reuter and Kenneth “Chip” Landers
with Chapter Chairman Mark Calderone of Homes by Calton
Ron Lynch of Lawson Industries with Andy Bowler
of IR Habitat for Humanity
School Board Candidate Kenneth “Chip” Landers
with Chapter Chairman Mark Calderone of Homes by Calton
Board member David Milton and Brian Hayes
of Milton-Hayes Construction
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - CHAIRMAN CHRISTINA KELLEHER
Hometown Democracy failed to qualify for the
2008 ballot but it is extremely likely that the amendment will appear on the 2010 ballot. The SLC Chamber is hosting a strategy meeting May 19 from 5:306:30pm at 1850 SW Fountainview Blvd. Suite 201.
SLC Commission and Fort Pierce City Council
held a joint meeting on budget issues. St. Lucie
County's $33 million budget deficit is a hot topic
among candidates.
After public hearings with PZC as well as Fort
Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County and the
School Board, school concurrency went to the County Commission May 6. TCBA meetings with Marty
Sanders were positive and assuring; SLC does not
appear to have school issues that would hinder future
development.
Port St. Lucie proposes to increase permit fees
effective June 1. According to Building Official Joel
Dramis, fees do not cover the actual cost of plan
reviews and inspections, and are lower than other
local jurisdictions. TCBA asked the City to consider
the state of our industry before increasing fees. The
proposed fee increase is on the TCBA website.
New Project: 54,817sf Publix with adjacent
retail space on Port St. Lucie Blvd, between Darwin
and Tunis Avenue.
TCBA met with SLC Planning Director Peter
Jones to discuss affordable housing. Jim McKenzie,
Don Santos and Nancy Offutt maintained that affordable housing is/was a community problem that
requires community-wide commitment; the construction industry cannot subsidize affordable housing!
SLC established an 11-member Affordable Housing
Advisory Committee; anyone interested? And, congrats to David Povoi who will serve on the Port St.
Lucie Housing Committee.
Indrio Land Group removed its request to the
Planning and Zoning Commission for preliminary
approval of the Capron Lakes DRI designed for 3,100
dwelling units, 200,000sf retail, and 200,000sf of
office space.
SLC is petitioning the Planning & Zoning to
adopt impact fees for roads, parks and public buildings as provided through Ordinance 05-027.
Chapter Chairman Christina Kelleher of BidABuilder.com with guest
speaker Patrick McLaughlin of MCLaughlin Management Assoc.
Ron Lynch of Lawson Industries with Ed Preman
of Freedom Waste
Sandy Croghan and Cheryl Regan of Riverside National Bank
Brian Mercuri of Allied Building Materials
with Greg McCampbell of R.V. Johnson Insurance
MARTIN COUNTY - CHAIRMAN EARNIE CARRERE
A consensus conference sponsored
by Martin County Futures Group
www.mcfuturegroup.org involved representatives from the Chambers of Commerce, Business Development Board,
Economic Council, TCBA, Marine
Industries, Realtor Association, Taxpayers Association, non-profits, etc.
Martin
County
Commission
approved a Transportation Concurrency
Exception Area comp plan amendment
for the 800-acre Port Salerno CRA that
waives certain concurrency requirements so it can develop with more
urbanized mixed uses.
Chapter Chairman Earnie Carrere of Carrere General Contractors with guest speaker Kevin Powers of Martin Futures Group
We continue to follow onerous
environmental regulations proposed by
the City of Stuart.
Candidate Forums by Palm City
Chamber/Economic Council have been
informative and very well done. A forum
for State Candidates will be June 12
(Pipers Landing @ 11:45am); County
Commission candidates June 16 (Sandhill Cove @ 11am.)
Atty. John Yudin and Jeff Braun of Certified
Building Contractors
Randy DeStefano and Jonathan Dayton
of Mingace Custom Sounds
Scott Bastanzi and Chris Fitzsimmons of Sunbelt Rentals
Lisa Pelchat, Traci Johnson and Dave Fassigner of 84 Lumber
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY - CHAIRMAN CINDY HALL
Okeechobee County Commissioners
once again discussed options for a bypass
road. There has been an increased demand
for an alternative route that would alleviate
traffic congestion moving through the center
of town. Impact fees would have paid for
part of the cost but have fallen short of projections. The board has asked for further
studies on the alternative routes.
The board also passed a resolution urging the state legislature to fund the Rural and
Family Lands Protection Act. If funded, it
would provide a mechanism to keep rural
lands under private stewardship while helping to prevent subdivision of the land and
protecting the environment.
Congressman Tim Mahoney announced
that the county has been awarded a grant in
the amount of $821,750 from the U.S.
Department of Transportation. The grant
money will be applied toward rehabilitating
and extending the Okeechobee Airport runway.
Okeechobee Main Street has expressed
an interest in restoring the historic train
depot. The building has not been used for
passenger service for many years and a person waiting for Amtrak has to use a bus stop
type shelter. Okeechobee Main Street is an
organization that is working to improve all
aspects of the downtown area. They are
working to recruit new businesses, rehabilitate buildings and expand parking.
Guest speaker Vernon Grey, Airport Manager with Chapter
Chairman Cindy Hall of Cap Stone Industries
Maria Lima and Diane Zila of National City Mortgage
Dave Melton of Land Design South with Marcia Brantley
of Real Stone & Granite & Peggy Brady of Pritchards
& Son Insurance
Chad Jacobson and Todd Kinsler of Royal Concrete Concepts
May 2008
Builder News
Page 5
NATIONAL UPDATE
The American Housing Rescue and
Foreclosure Prevention Act, passed by the
House of Representatives with NAHB
support on May 8, would help struggling
borrowers and boost the ailing housing
market and faltering economy.
The bill would create a first-time home
buyer tax credit of up to $7,500 for the
purchase of any home for those who earn
less than $70,000 annually, after which it
phases out at $140,000 for married couples.
This credit would become available when the
bill is enacted into law and expire in April
2009, and home buyers would be required to
repay it to the government, without interest,
over 15 years. The bill would also modernize
the FHA and provide comprehensive reform
for the housing-related GSEs. In addition, the
legislation
would
make
significant
enhancements to the Low Income Housing
Tax Credit and tax-exempt housing bond
programs, and would provide for a temporary
increase in state mortgage revenue bond
authority to help strapped borrowers seeking
to refinance their home loans. Plus, it would
allow the FHA to insure up to $300 billion
worth of refinanced loans if lenders first
reduce the outstanding principal to make
them more affordable for borrowers.
At this point, the legislation must be
reconciled with a narrower housing stimulus
package that passed in the Senate last
month, and it is unlikely that a final bill will
include every provision that's within the
House's latest version. NAHB is urging
Congress to swiftly reconcile the differences
in the proposed legislation and craft a final
bill that the President can sign into law as
soon as possible. Read NAHB's press
release here. Contact: Scott Meyer (x8144)
and Greg Brown (x8421).
NAHB Member Benefit: Last week, as
part of NAHB's Spring Legislative
Conference, more than 1,200 home builders
personally delivered an urgent message to
members of Congress that they must enact
legislation to jump-start housing, save jobs
and restore confidence as soon as possible.
Lawmakers clearly heard and understood
our concerns, and we look forward to
continuing to be involved in the final
negotiation phase for this bill to ensure the
most beneficial results.
A
well-timed
NAHB
Legislative
Conference on April 30 brought 1,200
builders to Washington to hold 300 meetings
with members of Congress at the same time
that thousands more builders lit up the
switchboards on Capitol Hill with phone calls
to their elected officials. Our members
delivered an urgent message: Move quickly
to avert an economic crisis and enact
legislation to jump-start housing, save jobs
and restore confidence. Washington
policymakers also received the message via
ads that ran in the National Journal, Roll
Call, Politico, CQ Today and CongressDaily.
During the Legislative Conference, NAHB
conducted a simultaneous Satellite Media
Tour. This facilitated several builders
appearing in Washington with their
congressional representatives for interviews
with the media from their home markets
regarding local housing conditions and the
need for Congress to move swiftly on a
housing stimulus package. (Jerry Howard
was also interviewed to provide the national
perspective.) The interviews will air
nationally and in 10 local media markets,
including Reno, NV; Sacramento, CA; Waco,
TX; Albuquerque, NM; Rochester, NY;
Lexington, KY; Chattanooga, TN; Des
Moines, IA; Orlando, FL; and northern
Pennsylvania. In addition, CNBC interviewed
Jerry and North Carolina builder Rick Judson
on Capitol Hill. The focus was on NAHB's
Legislative Conference and congressional
housing priorities, and that segment aired on
CNBC's Power Lunch. Contact Molly Murray
(x8282) for information on the Legislative
Conference and Paul Lopez (x8409) for
media-related inquiries.
NAHB Member Benefit: Highlighting the
success of our legislative conference, a May
3 article in the Wall Street Journal noted that
the thousands of personal visits and phone
calls from our members helped to move
forward a sweeping housing stimulus
package (story above). “At the height of the
deluge,
House
Financial
Services
Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA)
told the group (NAHB) that the package
slated to reach the floor next week would
contain most everything they wanted,
including a $7,500 first-time home buyer tax
credit, effective this year,” the article said.
NAHB CEO Jerry Howard was also quoted
in the story. “We made our point," he said.
"Legislation languishing for four or five years
is finally getting some attention."
Resolutions approved at the Spring Board
meeting for adoption as official association
policy are now available for viewing by those
logged in as members on NAHB's Web site.
They include:
Resolution 1 - Energy in Existing Homes
Resolution 2 - Stair Geometry Standards
Resolution 3 - Union Secret Ballot Elections
Resolution 5 - Lead-Based Paint and Lead
Hazard Reduction*
Resolution 6 - Stormwater Regulation
Resolution 8 - Roadless Area Conservation
Rule
Resolution 10 - Improving Mission Efforts by
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Resolution 11 - Support of FHLBank SetAside Programs for Refinancing Subprime
and Non-Traditional Mortgages
*This resolution will soon be available
online - contact Penny Fleming (x8404) for
a copy. For more information on the
Resolutions process, please contact Jay
Shackford, x8406.
The outlook for housing and the economy
should gradually brighten within a few
months, but before there can be any
assurance that the worst of the downturn is
over, there needs to be a pickup in home
sales, according to panelists at NAHB's
Spring Construction Forecast Conference on
April 24 in Washington, DC. NAHB Chief
Economist David Seiders said that he
continues to believe that new single-family
home sales will stabilize during the middle of
this year, paving the way for an upturn in late
2008 and in 2009 and leading to
improvements in housing starts next year.
However, “the sales side has to be off the
deck before starts stabilize and move up,” he said.
And so far, he reported, there are few
signs that new single-family sales are close
to bottoming out, with the Commerce
Department just announcing an 8.5%
decline in March, to a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of 575,000 units, a 17-year low,
and increasing the unsold inventory to an 11month supply at the March sales pace.
Through March, Seiders said, NAHB
surveys of 30 large builders accounting for
25% of sales nationwide showed “no signs of
stabilization, although the rate of the decline
may be slowing.” Likewise, the NAHB/Wells
Fargo Housing Market Index, which polls
builders to gauge their opinion of current
sales conditions and demand six months
down the road, remains close to its record
low recorded in December and shows no
recovery yet, implying further deterioration of
sales. “We need demand to revive to turn
around the market,” Seiders said, and he
suggested that a temporary tax credit for
home buyers, an approach being considered
in housing and economic stimulus legislation
on Capitol Hill, could help provide the
impetus to boost sales and end the
downward spiral in home prices that is the
biggest concern for the health of the nation's
economy. Read our complete coverage of
the Construction Forecast Conference in
NBN Online.
NAHB Member Benefit: NAHB's twice-ayear Construction Forecast Conference
brings the expert analysis of the country's
foremost economists within reach of our
builder members, the media and financial
analysts, who attend the one-day seminar to
get the most accurate and up-to-date
information on housing and economic trends
available. As such, the conference solidifies
NAHB's reputation as a primary source of
information and aims to help participants
make sound business decisions that will
positively impact their bottom line.
NAHB applauded Fannie Mae's new Keys
to Recovery Initiatives as well as its
commitment to raise additional capital in
support of those and other measures for
responding to ongoing mortgage market
challenges this week. A series of new
programs designed to increase liquidity and
stability in the mortgage and housing
markets, the Keys to Recovery are a
welcome development from the country's
largest purchaser of home mortgages. In
particular, Fannie Mae's decision to utilize
the temporary increase in conforming loan
limits to purchase jumbo-conforming
mortgages under the same pricing structure
accorded to portfolio purchases of regular
conforming loans should help home buyers
in high-priced markets. "The jumbo
mortgage market is dysfunctional and in
great need of active GSE involvement,"
noted NAHB EVP/CEO Jerry Howard in
response to Fannie's announcement on May
8. "Fannie Mae's portfolio purchases will help
narrow spreads from the recent record highs,
making home purchases more affordable in
high-priced metro markets." Read more
about the other positive elements of Fannie
Mae's Housing Recovery Initiative here.
Contact: Dave Ledford, x8265.
FLORIDA UPDATE
May marks National Membership
month and now is the time to remind
construction industry professionals about
the importance of participating in their
local and state home building
associations. Remind them that it was due
to our strong membership that allowed the
Florida Home Builders Association the
ability to serve victoriously as the political
voice of the construction industry at the
state Capitol during the recent 2008
Legislative Session. Additionally, it should
be noted that membership rewards are
provided daily, including: networking with
fellow FHBA member-professionals, daily
access to the latest news and data
affecting our industry, and a full-time staff
dedicated to the advancement of both you
and your business. Remember, it may be
National Membership month but the quest
for membership is an ongoing journey.
Now is the time for FHBA members to
band together in the fight for our industry's
future, I encourage you to take action. For
more information on how you can do your
part, read the Top Story located on
www.fhba.com.
SEBC: Attract Today's Buyers
Online - Among the 50 timely seminars
being offered at the Southeast Building
Conference/FGBC GreenTrends event on
July 30-August 2 in Orlando is Attracting
Today's Buyers Online: Building Success
with Connected Customers. With the
majority of homebuyers now using online
resources to search for a home, the
Internet has become the most powerful
informational, marketing and sales tool for
the housing industry. Learn how to use
the Internet to meet the expectations of
your buyers and how to effectively build
your brand through integrated online and
offline marketing during this seminar set
for Saturday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 11
a.m. at the Orange County Convention
Center. Speakers
include
Stacy
Rummage, CSP; Jim Schaefer, Regional
Sales Manager, Move.com; and Eric
Cofield, National Accounts Manager,
BuildTopia. For details on the SEBC and
to
register
online,
visit
www.sebcshow.com.
FHBI Introduces New Coverage
Options - In a continuing effort to
respond to the insurance needs of all
members of the Florida Home Builders
Association (FHBA), the Florida Home
Builders Insurance (FHBI) has recently
added a new carrier to its company
portfolio - HBW Insurance Services. The
alliance allows FHBI to provide four
insurance products targeting a variety of
residential operations, including: General
Liability with Home Warranty for
residential
general
contractors
subcontracting up to 100 percent of their
work; Project-specific policies for
residential general contractors who desire
a project-specific insurance policy; Project
Wraps for residential general contractors
in need of a coordinated, general liabilityonly, insurance program (project wrap)
that uses a master policy to cover all
enrolled participants (subcontractors) for
a specific project; and Builders Risk for
residential general contractors and/or
specialty trade contractors who build new
single family structures, 1 to 8 multifamily
units, or small commercial structures.
Coverage highlights include customized
coverage and AM Best rating of "A" or
higher. To learn more about any of these
new products, call your local HBA office
for a list of FHBI-appointed agents.
González Offers Success with
Hispanics - When thinking about the
future successes of your company, and
the construction industry as a whole, the
ability to recruit, hire and retain the right
employees is critical. The Latino
community is richly diverse and has the
potential to provide motivated and reliable
workers who have the desire to succeed.
How do you recruit members of the
Hispanic population? Easy, by following
three simple steps provided by Ricardo
González the Founder and Executive
Director of Bilingual America. For more
information on how to bridge the cultural
gap, read How to Recruit, Hire and Retain
the Latino Workforce.
Don't be Fooled by Hometown
Hype - The recent First District Court of
Appeals ruling in favor of Hometown
Democracy in a case dealing with
revoking
invalid
signatures
from
constitutional amendment qualification
process is scheduled to appear before the
Florida Supreme Court. As a member of
Floridians for Smarter Growth, the
statewide campaign to defeat the
proposed
Hometown
Democracy
amendment, the Florida Home Builders
Association would like to highlight the
many reasons why the fight to keep this
"vote on everything" amendment off the
2010 ballot is far from over. To lean more
about Hometown Democracy and its
shortcomings,
read
Here's
Why
Hometown Democracy Fails written by
Michael R. Caputo, founding director of
Floridians for Smarter Growth.
HBI Celebrates Job Corps
Groundbreaking - To further promote the
education and training of economically
disadvantaged youth ages 16-24, the
Department of Labor recently held the
groundbreaking event for the new Job
Corps training center in Pinellas County.
Representing the Home Builders Institute
(HBI), Immediate Past Chairman Bill Paul
welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine
Chao and Job Corps National Director
Esther Johnson to partake in the
momentous event. The nine-building site
will serve as a training facility in health
care, construction, automotive and
machine
repair,
and
information
technology.
HBI,
the
workforce
development arm of NAHB, trains more
than 2,000 students each year at 68 Job
Corps centers, including locations in
Miami, Jacksonville and Homestead.
NAHB
Promotes
CAPS
Designation - Throughout the month of
May - National Home Remodeling Month
- the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB) Remodelers would like
to promote the benefits of earning the
professional Certified Aging-In-Place
Specialist (CAPS) designation. Due to the
steadily growing 50+ population preferring
to remain in their homes as they age,
qualified remodelers are needed more
than ever to help meet the renovation
requirements of these homeowners'
changing lifestyles. "Even minor aging-inplace remodels make a huge difference in
the lives of seniors and people with
disabilities," said NAHB Remodelers
Chairman Lonny Rutherford, CGR,
CAPS, CGP. "Certified Aging in Place
Specialist (CAPS) remodelers are trained
and certified to assist homeowners with
making the adjustments needed so that
they can live in their homes comfortably."
Some of the most popular CAPS
solutions in improving quality of life
include: installing grab bars in bathtubs
and showers, adding seated work areas
in the kitchen, improving lighting, and
replacing door and faucet handles with
easy-to-grasp levers. "CAPS courses
teach great design skills, and all
homeowners can benefit from thoughtful
and innovative design options, making
their home friendly for people of all ages,"
said Rutherford. For more information
about
remodeling,
visit
www.nahb.org/remodel.
Page 6
Builder News
TCBA Green Building Council News
By Cindy Hall with Cap Stone Industries
One of the aspects of green building
when it pertains to Florida is the use of
the Fortified....for safer living program.
According
to
their
website,
www.ibhs.org, “the program specifies
construction, design and landscaping
guidelines to increase a new home's
resistance to natural disaster from the
ground up” and in our area that includes
Cindy Hall
hurricanes, fires and floods.
“The
Fortified program is superior because it adds protection to windows
and doors, provides improved connections between the roof, walls
and foundation, and the roof is thicker, stronger and designed to
stay drier. The Fortified program heralds a new way to build homes
in disaster-prone areas, as safety-conscious consumers drive the
market for hazard-resistant residences.” As it pertains to
hurricanes, a Fortified home requires that it be built to withstand
wind speeds at 20 MPH over the minimum wind requirement. For
most of our areas with the exception of Okeechobee that range is
140 MPH - 160 MPH. Attention also needs to be paid to what flood
zone the home is located in as the home needs to be at least three
feet above the base flood plain. As for fire requirements, a 100 foot
radius needs to be established around the home for fire hazards. For
more information on this program and to find a certifying agent,
please visit the IBHS website at www.ibhs.org. Thanks again to
Banks Clark from Environment, Safety and Health for providing us
with the information on this program.
We have set the date for Green Advantage Certification which is
a nationally recognized environmental certification for building
related practitioners - primarily contractors, subcontractors and
trades people. The date for the 8 hour class is Tuesday, June 3rd
with the test taking place one week later on June 10th. If you would
like to participate, please register at the TCBA office as soon as
possible. The class will only be available to the first 50 paid
participants. For more information on this certification, please visit
the Green Advantage website at www.greenadvantage.org.
In celebration our first anniversary, the Green Building Council
is planning a Table Top Extravaganza on June 19th from 5:30 PM 8:30 PM for all of the TCBA Members. If you are a registered
member of the TCBA Green Building Council, your company will
be able to rent a table at our event that will allow you to showcase
your company to the rest of the TCBA Membership. The cost for a
table is only $75.00 and includes a table, chairs and table skirting.
Space is limited so reserve your space now. Builders and
associates, this is a great opportunity for one-on-one time with
many of the suppliers and members of the Green Building Council.
Come on out to this FREE event and enjoy beverages, food and
door prizes.
I am also pleased to announce the winner of the first ever TCBA
Green Building Council Award for the Parade of Homes.
Honorable Mentions went to Altino Construction for the Romanca
Model and H3Homes for the Barcelona Model. The Green
Building Council award went to Abney & Abney Construction of
Okeechobee for the Ivey Model. Congratulations to this year's
winners and we hope to see more entries for next year's Parade of
Homes.
That's it for now but I'll have more news for you next month!
Until then, if you would like
more information, please feel
free to contact me at 772-3704713 or via email at
[email protected].
May 2008
May 2008
Builder News
Page 7
SEBC 'Rally' Presents 45 Key Sales Strategies
If you or the professionals responsible for selling your new homes
need a summer boost of ideas and
enthusiasm, there's no better place
than the “Super Sales Rally” at the
2008 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) in Orlando.
Set for Friday, August 1, 2008 from
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange
County Convention Center, this
year's rally features four dynamic
speakers - Melinda Brody, John
Palumbo, Meredith Oliver and Paul
Montelongo - presenting 45 strategies for sales success.
To register, visit
www.sebcshow.com. The per person fee is just $99.
The rally, which is designed for
builders, sales professionals, Realtors, marketing managers, and associates, is presented along four major
topic areas:
• Entrepreneurial Selling: increasing
traffic with a personal marketing
plan and powerful prospecting.
• Becoming a Better Closer: growing your personal wealth with closing skills.
• The Art of Follow Up: getting a
second look and keeping prospects
coming back for more.
The 45
strategies
include:
marketing
to Realtors - how
to contact
and where
to find
them;
how to
stand out
Meredith Oliver
in a
crowd; marketing to current homeowners - when to ask for referrals;
the new “feel, felt, found” selling
technique; why sales confidence is
competence; and how to close when
the iron is hot.
The Super Sales Rally is just one of
the many educational offerings for
sales and marketing professionals at
the SEBC. There are also a wide
range of intensive courses - including those leading to the professional
designations of MIRM, CSP, and
MCSP - as well as seminars on subjects such as selling green, creating
urgency through design, creating
loyal clients, and packaging sales
presentations for maximum impact.
Themed “Knowledge Is Power,”
this year's entire SEBC educational
program is geared to real-world
solutions for these challenging
times.
• Staying In the Game: how to
thrive under pressure no matter how
tough the market.
Our MORTGAGES
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ATTENTION ALL
SALES AND MARKETING PROFESSIONALS
The Sales & Marketing Council of the
Treasure Coast Builders Association
Invites you to attend a
Dinner Meeting at
Finz Waterfront Grill
4290 SE Salerno Rd.
Stuart, FL
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
6:00 p.m. Cocktails
7:00 p.m. Dinner
$28 per SMC members
$33 for non SMC members
Topic: “Tactical Marketing in Tough Times”
Guest Speaker: Jane Sonnet, President of Marketing Etc.,
a Florida based consulting firm that specializes in creating strategies
and solutions for sales and marketing related
challenges in the homebuilding industry
For more information about SMC Membership contact the TCBA Office
(772) 464-8222 336-8222 287-7795 562-8222 (863) 467-2007
(Fax) 772-461-4054
FHBI
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S
INSURANCE PARTNER
Florida Home Builders Insurance builds strategic partnerships with
companies and agents to customize insurance programs to meet the
needs of the building industry.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Florida Home Builder’s
Association, FHBI is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of FHBA’s
more than 21,000 corporate members through products that include:
• General Liability
• Umbrella Coverage
• Builder’s Risk
• Surplus Lines
• Workers’ Compensation
• Risk Management/Safety
For the best combination of cost, coverage and service, contact
your insurance agent today and ask about products and services
offered by Florida Home Builders Insurance.
www.fhbi.com
2600 Centennial Place
Tallahassee, FL 32308
888.513.1222
Get your client's loan
approved in minutes.
Apply by phone or online
anytime at SCCU.com.
FOR SALE BY BUILDER
(800) 447-7228
Mon-Fri 8-6:30, Sat 9-3
36 PLATTED LOTS
IN LAKEWOOD PARK (NORTH ST.
LUCIE COUNTY)
6 MILES SOUTH OF VERO BEACH
Dave Marotto
Mortgage Loan Officer
ext. 9731
Serving everyone living or working in
Indian River, Brevard, Osceola, Volusia
and Flagler Counties.
$17,000 PER LOT
BUY 1 OR ALL
561 357-8884
life improved.
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Page 8
Builder News
May 2008
Sales and Marketing
Jim MacNamee and SMC Chairman Laurie Schwab of Ecclestone
Signature Homes with David Sines of General Electric
Bob Hennis of Villa & Sons with Steve Carden
of Treasure Coast Propane
Paula Hart and Linda Rocknill of D&D Interior Design
Dan Williams of Labor Finders with Tiffany Bridges,
Brian Gardner and Eric Dieguez of MicroTech Systems
Laureen Mayer of Glass Block Warehouse with Chet Richmond of
Stuart Fence and Julie Coker of Solutions Outside the Box
Jill Kennedy of Bayview Construction with Ellen Snow and
Karen Alley of Kolter Properties
Peggy & Lonnie Culberson of Jensen Beach Plumbing
Barbara and Andy Werner and Alison Willmeng
of Old Castle Coastal
Sue Hedgepeth of Home & Design Magazine
with Susan Morgan of Susan Morgan Interiors
Tiffany Greer of Manning Building Supply
with Donna Cardinale of Keller Williams Realty
Past President Ron Ferschke of Bayview Construction with
Kate Follweiler of Ecclestone Signature Homes
Misti Guertin (left) and Laurie Schwab (right) thank Life Director
Susan Fines of S.M. Fines Insurance and FHBA for their continued
sponsorship and support of the Sales & Marketing Council
May 2008
Builder News
Page 9
Craftsman Awards
Past President Jeff Dougherty from Treasure Coast Homes nominates and accepts the Craftsman's Excellence Award for Paul
Filipe from Florida Exotic Enterprises. Presenting the award is
Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders of the Treasure Coast.
Masterpiece Builders nominates Certified Building Contractors
for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “The Cypress”.
From left to right Certified Building Contractors Steve Torres
and Jeff Braun, Sponsor Jim McKenzie of Labor Finders and
Mikel Spraker of Certified Building Contractors
Urban Solutions Group nominates Haldane Electric for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “DaVinci”. From
left to right Sponsor Jim McKenzie of Labor Finders,
Sharolyn and Tom Haldane from Haldane Electric
Avtec Homes nominates Brian Wertzbaugher Drywall Contractor for the Craftsman Excellence Award for mmodel “Citation
3”. From left to right Brian Wertzbaugher, Cris Mauro from
Avtec Homes and Jim McKenzie of Labor Finders
Steve Fields Companies nominates Fields Construction and Maintenance for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Canary
Isle”. From left to right Justin Fields from Fields Construction and
Maintenance, Pat Cunningham and Steve Fields from Steve Fields
Companies and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Lennar nominates Ridgeway Plumbing for the Craftsman
Excellence Award for model “The Sorrento”. From left to
right Eddie Brownstein and Mike Fage from Ridgeway
Plumbing and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Ameritrend Homes nominates Manatee Floors for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Stockbridge IV”.
Dean Kerns from Manatee Floors and Jim McKenzie
from Labor Finders
Abney & Abney Construction nominates Environment, Safety
and Health for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model
“Ivey”. Banks and Anne Clark from Environment, Safety
and Health and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Associated Homes nominates Harbor Bay Pools for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Sierra. Jerry Stanfield from Habor Bay Pools, Craig Meyers and Jeremy
Turscak from Associated Homes, Derek Proffitt from Harbor Bay Pools and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Lennar nominates Lindstrom Air Conditioning for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “The Seaview”. Dan
Pavlik and Jeff Haines from Lindstrom AC and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Urban Solutions Group nominates Aqua Dimensions Plumbing
for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Franklin”.
From left to right Bob Ludlam and Tracy Howard from Aqua
Dimension and Jim McKenzie of Labor Finders
Princeton Homes nominates John's Tile & Marble for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Alexandra”.
Tatiana, Maria and John Albuquerque from John's Tile &
Marble and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Page 10
Builder News
Craftsman Awards
May 2008
HomeCrete Homes nominates Manning Building Supplies for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model
“Serenity”. Greg Hughes from Manning Building Supplies, Robert Cenk from HomeCrete Homes and Jim
McKenzie from Labor Finders
Home Dynamics Corporation nominates Buckeye
Plumbing for the Craftsman Excellence Award for
model “Model B”. Alan Adler, Abdel Zraovli and Ron
Quintal from Buckeye Plumbing and Jim McKenzie
from Labor Finders
Altino Construction nominates Galeforce Hurricane Shutters for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Romanca. Robert Altino and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Dave Stabbert Master Builders nominates Dream Kitchens
II for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Beau
Rivage”. Francisco Peneranda and Ryan Vallner from
Dream Kitchens and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Arthur Rutenberg Homes nominates Carney Electric for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Capri”. Tim Lane and
George Sanchez from Carney Electric, Paul Ritzau from Arthur
Rutenberg Homes and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Arthur Rutenberg Homes nominates Coastline Landscape for the
Craftsman Excellence Award for model “Tuscany II”. Laura Myers
from Coastline Landscape, Paul Ritzau from Arthur Rutenberg
Homes and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Gable & Munir Homes nominates JP Contracting for the
Craftsman Excellence Award. Jeff Paqliaroli from JP Contracting, Mike Gable from Gable & Munir and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Crown Contractors nominates Town Island Builders for the
Craftsman Excellence Award. New TCBA member Charlie
Jones from Town Island Builders and Jim McKenzie from
Labor Finders
Lennar nominates SelectBuild for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model “The Waterway”. Richard Lancastes,
Bill Daly and Bill Bradlee from SelectBuild and Jim
McKenzie from Labor Finders
Mark McIntosh Construction nominates Ceramix Matrix of
Vero Beach for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model
“Villa Firenze”. Jennifer Budde from Ceramix Matrix and
Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Arthur Rutenberg Homes nominates The Plumbing Company for the Craftsman Excellence Award for model
“Tradewinds III”. Darryl Baker and David Dixon from The
Plumbing Company, Paul Ritzau from Arthur Rutenberg
Homes and Jim McKenzie from Labor Finders
Thank you to our Craftsman Award Sponsor and
awesome volunteers - Labor Finders of the Treasure Coast. Dave Cruce, Maria and Jim McKenzie,
Linda DeMastry, Dave Shaffer, bottom row Alanna
Collins, Sara Christy and Dan Williams
May 2008
Builder News
DEVELOPER CLOSEOUT
19 PAD READY HOMESITES
GATED SUBDIVISION NORTH OF VERO BEACH
Page 11
Construction Industry
Code Change Workshop
All Utilities, Roads, and Other Improvements Completed
Presented By:
LAKES OF SANDRIDGE
Indian River County Building Division
June 18, 2008 Administration Building B
Conference Room B-1-501 at 2:00 p.m.
Located One Block south of SR 510 on Kings Highway
(58th Ave.)
$25,000 PER LOT
Must buy all 19 lots in a single takedown
Purpose: To provide an introduction to changes in the
2007 Florida Residential Code from the 2004 Florida
CALL: C. Douglas Engle
321-536-3279
Residential code for Architects, Builders and Construction
Superintendents
Base Code International Residential Code 2006
Project Response looking for
Volunteers and Donations.
Florida Residential Code 2007
Definitions
Chapter 3 - Building Planning
Chapters 4 - 10 - Floor, Wall, & Roof Construction
Project Response serves over 1,400 people living
with HIV/AIDS. Each year funds are raised to send
children to Camp Heartland. To help make their
dream possible.
Chapter 11 - Energy Code
Chapters 12-23 - Mechanical
Chapters 25-32 - Plumbing
Chapter 41 - Swimming Pools
Visit the website at www.projectresponse.org
or call Jackie Gomez at:
(772) 464-0420.
Florida Building Code 2007
Chapter 20 - Aluminum
Page 12
Builder News
M EMBERSHIP NEWS
Many of us, if not all, are now experiencing
the housing downswing. Our thoughts are how
can we stretch the dollar? Should we renew
our TCBA membership? Yes, you should and
we will tell you why in the next few issues…..
Now is the time that we should turn your
thoughts to why you joined TCBA and review
the Benefits of your Membership. Perhaps you
will learn something new that will help you in
your business decisions.
It has become very clear that information
regarding Insurance Advantage programs were
lost on many of our members. Because of this,
we felt that it was necessary to begin our series
by discussing Insurance Advantage programs
available ONLY to members of FHBA. As a
member of TCBA, you are automatically
enrolled as members of FHBA (Florida Home
Builders Association) and NAHB (National
Association of Home Builders. Three memberships in one!
FHBI: The Insurance Advantage
Provided by: FHBI
Have you heard about Florida Home Builders
Insurance (FHBI)? Have you seen a flier from
the FHBA talking about insurance as a member
benefit? Would you like to learn more about
FHBI and what we do?
FHBI was founded in 1997 as a direct response
to member requests for insurance services.
Since then, FHBI has been growing to where
we are today, a competitive, thriving managing
general underwriter and wholesale brokerage
company providing insurance, risk management services and surety bonds.
At FHBI, we are more than just underwriters;
we are construction specialists, uniquely positioned to understand the insurance needs of
residential and commercial builders. Our
clients span the whole industry from residential
By—Florence Howe
of TLC Carpet
general contractors to
trade and artisan contractors to heavy
commercial contractors.
Insuring with FHBI
will provide you with
the assurance of
knowing that you
have placed yourself
in the hands of insurFlorence Howe
ance professionals
who know how your business operates?
What are some of the benefits of working with
FHBI? Think quality coverage, competitive
rates and prompt service.
• Underwriters with expertise in construction
insurance
• Residential and commercial construction
classes
• Exclusive insurance programs for residential
general contractors, roofers and builder risk
(customized coverage with unique, competitive
rating structure)
• Insurance for unusual and hard to place
exposures
• 10 years proven track record of insuring
FHBA members
• Network of qualified, construction focused
independent agents
• Surety bonds for most all types of bonding
requirements
• Customized risk management programs for
safety and training
To learn more about our products and services,
please call a FHBI-Approved agent. For a list
of authorized agents, contact your local FHBA
office or Beth Duncan at 888-513-1222.
Treasure Coast Builders Association can be
reached at 772-464-8222, 336-8222, 287-7795
562-8222 or 863/467-2007, or by email [email protected] or [email protected].
May 2008
Welcome New Members!
Bob Rossi of SeaMaster Cruises
Darla Carter of Rynone Kitchen & Bath
Adrian Perez and Tommy Folk of Unlimited Windows & Doors
May 2008
Builder News
NEW MEMBERS
Thank You For Renewing!
A & D CONCRETE SAWING & DRILL
A.R.MARTIN/ARTHUR RUTENBERG HM
ADAMS HOMES OF NW FL
AM NICOLLI CONSTRUCTION INC
AWM CONSTRUCTION, INC.
BERGER INSURANCE SERVICES
BRANDON CAPITAL INVEST. OF FL, INC.
CARTON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
CAUSEWAY LUMBER COMPANY, INC.
CHAMBERS TRUSS INC
COMET ELECTRIC INC
COMO OIL & PROPANE OF FLORIDA
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
CONTRACTOR SAND & SUPPLY INC
COOK ELECTRIC INC
DANSAR CONSTRUCTION CO
DICKERSON FLORIDA INC
DOZACK CONSTRUCTION INC.
DS GENERAL CONTRACTORS INC
ENTEGRA ROOF TILE
GORDON LUNDEEN BLDG CONTRACTOR
HALDANE ELECTRIC INC
HOMES BY KENNEDY, LTD
KIRCHMAN CONSTRUCTION CO
KNEPPER CONSTRUCTION INC
LAPORTE BUILDERS INC
LAUREL HOMES INC.
LUMAR BUILDERS, INC.
MANATEE FLOORS INC
MANNING BLDG SUPPLIES INC
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MILTON CONSTRUCTION ASSOC INC
MJR GENERAL CONTRACTOR INC
NORTH SOUTH BUILDERS INC
OCEAN GATE GENERAL CONTR
PREFERRED GENERAL CONTRACTORS
RACHLIN COHEN & HOLTZ LLP
RICHARD A RAPPA GENRAL CONTR INC
RICHARD JACOBS BLDG CONTRACTOR
RJH CUSTOM BUILDERS, INC
SCHRAPPER'S FINE CABINETRY/DESIGN
SIMES CONSTRUCTION CO INC
STEPHEN P CONWAY LLC
STRAZZULLA REALTY LLC
SUN SENTINEL/FLA NEW HOME GUIDE
TROPICAL BRICK PAVERS INC
TURNER HOMES
ZUGELTER CONSTRUCTION CORP
SPIKE REPORT
STATESMAN (500-999 MEMBERS)
Fines, Susan...............................639
SUPER SPIKE (250-499 Members)
Besa, Lou ...................................459
Figura, Joe..................................440
Harris, Michael ...........................430
McCall, Cindy .............................389
Riedel, James P. .........................367
Wilson, Charlie ...........................300
Hill, Alan .....................................296
Page 13
Builder Member
John R Keelor, Jr. Inc.
John Keelor, Jr.
1050 47th Ave., SW,
Vero Beach, FL 32968
Phone: (772) 633-0946
Fax: (772) 567-2427
Spike Name:
Loggerhead Construction, LLC
Jon Bascetta
Address: 2024 SW Danforth Cr.,
Palm City, FL 34990
Phone: (772) 260-8704
Fax: (772) 287-6743
Spike Name: Cabot Lord
East Coast Homes, Inc.
Mike Zakarian
Address: 1765 E. Rosewood Ct.,
Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: (772) 528-6804
Fax:
Spike Name: Greg McKenzie
Seaboard Homes
Steve Korkin
Address: 1928 Commerce Lane, Ste 1,
Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: (561) 744-6400
Fax: (561) 744-6409
Spike Name: Dan Williams
Metal Bldg. Construction Svcs.
Marc Goff
Address: 6405 55th Sq,
Vero Beach, FL 32967
Phone: (772) 299-0029
Fax: (772) 299-0043
Spike Name: Cindy Jewett
Associate Member
Floor Specialists of Martin Co.
Jerry Pittman
Address: 2512 SE Willoughby Blvd.,
Stuart, FL34994
Phone: (772) 223-9441
Fax: (772) 223-0315
Spike Name:
Apache Systems
Kirk Madsen
Address: PO Box 332,
Winter Beach, FL 32971
Phone: (772) 581-0003
Fax: (772) 581-0003
Spike Name: Cindy Jewett
Stone Source of Stuart
Troy Pulley
Address: 320 SE Federal Hwy,
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 283-8826
Fax: (772) 283-8856
Spike Name: Ken Ringe
The Roof Authority, Inc.
Christopher Long
Address: 6771 North Old Dixie Hwy,
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
Phone: (772) 468-7870
Fax: (772) 468-2247
Spike Name:
Okeechobee Air Conditioning
Lori Blair
Address: 312 SW 2nd St.,
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone: (863) 763-8391
Fax: (863) 467-1607
Spike Name: Elbert Batton
Propane Discounters, LC
James Geisler
Address: 904 S. Market Ave.,
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Phone: (772) 468-0040
Fax: (772) 468-0020
Spike Name:
GWH Industries, Inc.
George Hackett
Address: 5075 Tallowood Way,
Naples, FL 34116
Phone: (239) 352-9234
Fax: (239) 352-6154
Spike Name:
SeaMaster Cruises
Robert Rossi
Address: 328 NW Shoreline Cr.,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: (772) 408-2210
Fax: (772) 343-1959
Spike Name: Christina Kelleher
GREEN SPIKE (50-99 Members)
Bright, Nancy................................99
Braun, Jeff ....................................99
McCreary, Bob..............................98
Johnson, Robert...........................90
McKenzie, Greg............................88
Warburton, Don ............................85
Buford, Dennis..............................85
Deakins, David .............................81
Ferschke, Ron ..............................81
Hope, Richard ..............................80
Matherne, Dennis .........................79
Buford, Ji ......................................79
Carroll, Lee ...................................71
Robinson, Debb............................68
Walker, Bob ..................................63
Shelton, Joe .................................60
Bruhn, Monique............................58
Carroll, Keith.................................53
Figura, Travis ................................37
Schlitt, Greg .................................36
Berry, Randy.................................36
Larschan, Robert..........................32
Landers, Chip ...............................32
Staniewicz, Jean...........................31
Kelleher, Christina.........................31
Santos, Katherine .........................31
Van Cise, David ............................31
Lugara, Paul .................................30
Reed, Sue.....................................29
Monroe, Jack, Jr...........................29
Schwab, Laurie.............................29
Kemper, Tom ................................28
Ruvolo, Tom..................................27
Green, Allen..................................26
Sorenson, Chris............................25
ROYAL SPIKE (150-249 Members)
Santos, Don................................232
Hill, Vicki.....................................219
Brown, Arlene .............................214
Ringe, Ken ..................................212
Schlitt, Robert ............................162
Day, Steve ..................................160
Zorc, Tim ....................................151 LIFE SPIKE (25-49 Members)
Cone, Mary...................................46
RED SPIKE (100-149 Members)
McKenzie, Jim ..............................46
Brown, Wil ..................................145 Coker, Julie...................................44
Staniewicz, Joe ..........................134 Peeler, Carolyn .............................43
Dumond, Ed ...............................134 Figura, Tracy.................................43
Schlitt, Jeff .................................133 Melton, Jack.................................42
Robinson, Peter..........................129 Cuozzo, Don.................................42
Bowers, Jeff ...............................112 Figura, Dagmar.............................41
Kemper, Bob...............................107 Thompson, David .........................40
Hill, Toby.....................................105 Cruce, Dave..................................40
Pulcini, Vince ..............................104 Cooper, George ............................38
BLUE SPIKE (6-24 Members)
Dougherty, Jeff .............................24
Hedgepeth, Sue ...........................21
Toulson, Vern ................................20
Regan, Cheryl...............................19
Kraemer, Roy................................17
Swords, Mike................................16
Bruhn, Scott .................................14
Yingling, Jenny .............................14
O'Neill, Eugene.............................13
Florence Howe .............................12
Teetor, Lisa ...................................11
Hall, Cindy ....................................11
Morgan, Susan ............................. 9
Company Name:Smart Connect
Contact Person:Mel Folbrecht
Join Date: 04/03/2008
Address: 434 North 7th St.,
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 460-7900
Fax: (772) 468-0204
Spike Name:
Port St. Lucie Heat & Air
Michael Bravo
Address: 1430 SE Huffman Rd.,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Phone: (772) 335-7075
Fax: (772) 335-7077
Spike Name:
Spike VIP
Ken Ringe
Bayview Construction
Cardinale, Donna.......................... 9
Jewett, Cindy .................................8
Batton, Elbert .................................7
CANDIDATE (1-5 MEMBERS)
Kennedy, Bill...................................5
Montepare, Joe ..............................4
Johnson, Eric..................................4
Briggs, Brian...................................3
Caldarone, Mark.............................3
Mullins, Mike ..................................3
Oldakowski, Lisa ............................2
Ciacci, Wendy.................................2
Spraker, Mikel.................................2
Butt, Sandy.....................................2
Beverly Berry ..................................2
Trabulsy, Dana ................................2
LeMaster, Jessica...........................2
Benary, Brenda...............................2
McCampbell, Greg .........................2
Perkins, Judy..................................2
Morhadt, Victoria ............................2
Pelchen, Richard ............................2
Carrere, Earnie................................1
Guertin, Misti ..................................1
Bridges, Tiffany ..............................1
Caprilla, Kathie ...............................1
Lewandowski, Teresa .....................1
Gifford, Susan.................................1
Levine, Beverly ...............................1
How Do I Become A Spike? Recruit six new members within a two year period. How Do I
Retain Spike Status? Recruit two new members each year until you reach 25 (Life Spike)
Page 14
Builder News
MEMBERS
ON THE
MOVE
SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION NAMES
JEAN STRICKLAND CHIEF CREDIT OFFICER
(FLORIDA) Seacoast Banking Corporation
of Florida (NASDAQ-NMS: SBCF), a bank holding
company whose principal subsidiary is Seacoast
National Bank, is pleased to announce that Jean
Strickland will add chief credit officer to her title for
both the bank and the holding company.
Strickland's appointment becomes effective
April 1 in anticipation of the retirement of 44-year
career veteran A. Douglas Gilbert slated for January
2009. Gilbert joined Seacoast in 1990 and has been
recognized for creating Seacoast's high quality credit culture.
A 27-year career veteran herself, Strickland
has an extensive background in commercial credit.
She has been with Seacoast for 17 years and has
served as president for Seacoast National Bank and
chief operating officer and senior vice president of
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida since
2005.
"There is no better qualified person to
assume the chief credit officer role for our company," stated Doug Gilbert, president of Seacoast
Banking Corporation and former chief credit officer.
"The depth of her knowledge and experience will
serve us well moving forward."
Strickland will continue Gilbert's legacy by
maintaining a strong credit culture while moving
forward to adapt and improve policies that will
enhance the depth and reliability of commercial
underwriting, strengthen controls and overall credit
quality, and improve responsiveness to its customers.
Jean Strickland
Strickland earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
She has a long history serving on the boards for various civic and charitable organizations including the
Jupiter, Tequesta Juno Beach Chamber of
Commerce, the American Red Cross of Palm Beach
County, past chair for the PGA Corridor Association
and is currently a board member for the Elliot
Museum and United Way of Martin County. She
was honored as the 2007 Business Woman of the
Year by the Soroptimist International of Stuart, and
named Business Person of the Year, 2006, by the
Martin County Chamber of Commerce.
The operating arm of Seacoast Banking
Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF) Seacoast
National Bank has 43 offices in Florida and approximately $2.3 billion in assets, and is one of the
largest independent banks headquartered in Florida.
Regan Communications Adds to
its Growing Client List
Stuart, FL, April, 2008. NisAir Air
Conditioning has been honored by The
Compassionate Friends as a recipient of the 2008
Compassionate Employer Recognition.
The Compassionate Friends is the world's
largest self-help bereavement organization, providing support and friendship to families that have
experienced the death of a child. This year, 96
employers across the country are receiving
Compassionate Employer Recognition for going
above and beyond the normal policies of most companies in helping an employee after the death of a
child.
"We were much honored to find out we were
nominated and won recognition for this wonderful
organization. Our name was sent in by one of our
employees who lost their 15 year old son while
working with us. We did what we felt natural to
assist her and her family though their loss," said
Christine Mulrooney, Vice President of NisAir Air
Conditioning.
"When a child dies, families begin a grief
journey that follows them through all parts of their
lives", said Patricia Loder, Executive Director of
The Compassionate Friends. "Today the need for
support in the workplace so often takes a back seat
to the demands of the marketplace. We are pleased
that NisAir Air Conditioning is among those 96
employers, large and small, public and private, that
are being recognized for providing the compassion
and understanding that is vitally needed in the
bereavement process."
This is the eighth year for the recognition of
employers by The Compassionate Friends.
The Compassionate Friends is an international support organization with 600 chapters in the
United States. There are TCF organizations in at
least 30 countries around the world. To contact The
Compassionate Friends/USA, which has chapters in
all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico
call toll-free 877-969-0010 or visit TCF's national
website at www.compassionatefriends.org.
NisAir Air Conditioning has been serving
the air conditioning needs of the Treasure Coast for
over 30 years.
Continuing Education Seminar
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008 - TCBA Office
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM - Lunch Provided
TCBA Members $100 - Non-Members $150
7 HOURS OF COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Focusing on Profit Improvement Strategies The Continuing Education Academy
(CILB, ECLB Provider 3208 & LALB, ARLB Provider 8193)
For General Contractors, CILB Contractors, Architects, Landscape Architects,
Electrical Contractors, Sub-contractors
& All Miami-Dade Construction Licenses (Provider D089)
Get all your REQUIRED hours in one easy sitting while learning
some important business strategies that can improve your profitability.
Course Name
Wind Mitigation Methodologies
FL Laws & Rules
Hazard Recognition
Advanced Building Code - It's the Law
Labor & Liability, the Challenges
of the Small Business Owner
CILB#
0010303
0010178
0008554
0009203
0008551
Please call 772-336-8222 for more information
May 2008
Bayview Construction Receives National
Award for Sailfish Point Marina Clubhouse
Bayview Construction recently received a Chairman's Award of
Excellence from the National
Commercial Builders Council for
Sailfish Point Marina's clubhouse.
The 2-story 7,000 square foot building was designed by architect
Robert Britt and built by Bayview
Construction. Accepting a duplicate
award on behalf of Sailfish Point is
Mark Tyson, Director of Operations
for Sailfish Point (center) and
Bayview
representatives
Jeff
McCauley, Jim Hill and Ken Ringe,
along with architect Robert Britt.
Bayview Construction
Local Employer Receives Award
for Compassion
Stuart, FL, April, 2008.
NisAir Air Conditioning has been
honored by The Compassionate
Friends as a recipient of the 2008
Compassionate
Employer
Recognition.
The Compassionate Friends is
the world's largest self-help
bereavement organization, providing support and friendship to families that have experienced the death
of a child. This year, 96 employers
across the country are receiving
Compassionate
Employer
Recognition for going above and
beyond the normal policies of most
companies in helping an employee
after the death of a child.
"We were much honored to
find out we were nominated and
won recognition for this wonderful
organization. Our name was sent in
by one of our employees who lost
their 15 year old son while working
with us. We did what we felt natural to assist her and her family
though their loss," said Christine
Mulrooney, Vice President of
NisAir Air Conditioning.
"When a child dies, families
begin a grief journey that follows
them through all parts of their
lives", said Patricia Loder,
Executive
Director
of The
Compassionate Friends.
"Today
the need for support in the workplace so often takes a back seat to
the demands of the marketplace.
We are pleased that NisAir Air
Conditioning is among those 96
employers, large and small, public
and private, that are being recognized for providing the compassion
and understanding that is vitally
needed in the bereavement
process."
This is the eighth year for the
recognition of employers by The
Compassionate Friends.
The Compassionate Friends is
an international support organization with 600 chapters in the United
States. There are TCF organizations in at least 30 countries around
the world.
To contact The
Compassionate
Friends/USA,
which has chapters in all 50 states
plus Washington D.C. and Puerto
Rico call toll-free 877-969-0010 or
visit TCF's national website at
www.compassionatefriends.org.
NisAir Air Conditioning has
been serving the air conditioning
needs of the Treasure Coast for
over 30 years.
Brian Hayes Named Partner in
Milton Construction Associates, Firm Will
Now Be Called Milton-Hayes Construction
May 2008
Builder News
Page 15
Trades Council Fun Night!
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Trades Council Fun Night - Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Rule Sheet Sponsor Chip Sponsors
Table Sponsors
Custom Craftsmen Services, Inc
St. Lucie West Travel
Buford Construction
Sun Coast Painting Service
Cap Stone Industries
NISAIR Air Conditioning Refreshment Sponsor
Buford Construction
& Heating
Sign-A-Rama
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Volunteers for the evening were Trades Council Chairman Tom Haldane of Haldane
Electric, Alana Collins of Labor Finders, Sherrie Fox, Cindy Hall of Cap Stone
Industries, Dez Serpas, Past President Dennis Buford of Buford Construction, Pit Boss
Tom Kemper of Kemper Building Company, Dana Trabulsy of Louden Bonded Pools,
Paul Lugara of Diligent Lawn and Pest Control, (front) Ji Buford of Buford
Construction and Dan Williams of Labor Finders.
Table Sponsor & Dealer Cindy Hall of Cap Stone Industries
with Paul Lugara
Marie Kemper and Mike Mullins
Volunteers Dave Schaffer of Labor Finders and Mary Schaffer
of Seacoast National Bank
Sponsor Ricky Dean of Sun Coast Painting Services presents his
door prize to Matt Black of Aqua Dimensions
Rule Sheet Sponsor and 1st place winner of the evening Vince
Carcaro of St. Lucie West Travel with volunteer Julie Coker
of Solutions Outside the Box
Bob Hennis with Max Calland
First time player Karen Brubaker with Dealer Sherrie Fox
Dez Serpas receives her door prize from sponsor Josh
Michael of Custom Craftsmen Services
Volunteers and winners included (front) Tom Morris and Tom
Kemper (back)Tom Haldane, Mark Montalto, Dez Serpas, Charlie,
Nick, Julie Coker, Michael Johnston and Vince Carcaro
Carol Frangipane with Paul Trabulsy
Thank you to Past President Dennis & Ji Buford of Buford
Construction for again being Refreshment Sponsor
for the this great event.
Page 16
Builder News
GAIL’S COLUMN
This is the half way point of the fiscal year
of your Association. Since this has been one of
the most challenging years in my memory I
thought I would do a STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION report.
Associate of the Month
By Gail Kavanagh
PARADE OF HOMES- Barbara Padula,
Membership Director, worked with Chairs
Arlene Brown and Don Santos and managed to
succeed in pulling off the best possible Parade. It
was also 20% below proposed budget but much
better than we expected. Barbara is very dedicated and deserves a lot of praise for her hard work.
MEMBERSHIP- Due to the economic
climate and the industry slowdown we preGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS- Nancy Offutt,
dicted that the membership would fall by
about 30%. We started out our year with 1131 Governmental Affairs Director has really been
earning respect around the assomembers (builder and associciation. She has had her hands
ates only, not affiliates) We
full with Impact fees in Indian
now have 1039 members.
River County, Impact fee issues
That is a net loss of under
in Martin County, School con10%. That is really amazing.
currency issues in St. Lucie and
Plus we have affiliate mema whole series of issues in all
bers for the first time this year.
four counties. On top of all that
The membership committee is
she manages to make everyone
doing a great job keeping the
laugh when she gives her
association as healthy as it can
reports at the meetings.
possibly be under the circumstances. Good job, committee
Gail Kavanagh
Exec. Vice President
The Association has really
under the leadership of
been busy trying to protect the
Florence Howe Chairman and
staff member Barbara Padula, Membership interests of the members. We understand what
hard times the industry is having today. We also
Director.
know this will not last. While you are all having
SPECIAL PROJECTS- The special projects a struggle we are right there with you and when
or fund raisers have really been a challenge so things turn around we hope all of you will be
far this year. We realized that sponsorships right here with us.
would be down and participation would be diffiYour Association with its great leadership
cult for a lot of members. But we have managed
to still accomplish a lot during these tough will survive this slow time with your help and
support. Please consider participating in future
months.
events. Together we will all survive.
Don't forget to have fun. The annual Fishing
MEDALLION AWARDS- As usual our
Special Projects Director Maddie Williams Tournament this Memorial Week-end is a great
under the direction of the Chairman Sue opportunity to do just that. So far we are doing
Hedgepath did a superb job on this event. It only just fine.
missed its proposed budget by 20%.
I think we are in great shape and the future
SPORTING CLAYS- Again our amazing looks even better.
Maddie Williams did her magic and made this
tournament as successful as possible. It also was
Remember to laugh every day it
about 20% below proposed budget.
really helps.
May 2008
GFA INTERNATIONAL
Mario Fuquene
Mario Fuquene
GFA International is a 20
year old full service engineering consulting organization
specializing in environmental,
geotechnical,
construction
materials testing, threshold and
special inspections, private
provider and code compliance
services. The company is both
a licensed engineering and
geology business with certifications from the CMEC, the
Florida
Department
of
Transportation, and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. GFA
is also recognized by the
Federal Government as meeting the Small Business Size
Standard for many of its service
lines.
With
six
fully
autonomous offices located in
Stuart, Delray Beach, Boca
Raton, Fort Myers, Orlando
and Jacksonville, and a staff of
over 130 teammates, the company is uniquely positioned to
service clients from
Florida to the Keys.
North
Mario
Fuquene,
P.E.,
Senior
Engineer
of
our
Treasure Coast office, has
been with GFA International for
four years now. He utilizes various analytical and probabilistic
models to develop sound recommendations and assessments for various designs such
as hi-rise buildings, retaining
walls, mall facilities, and roadways. He provides clients with
expert geotechnical consulting
during all phases of a project
including project planning,
design, construction, maintenance,
and
emergency
response. He holds a B.S. Civil
Engineering from City College
of New York and an M.S. Civil
Engineering from Stevens
Institute of Technology.
Thank You Chapter Sponsors
Brian Gardner, Tiffany Bridges, Dan Rouch, Eric Dieguez
and Art Sturdevant
Coulter Painting & Stucco - Anna Coulter
Coulter Painting & Stucco
Coulter Painting & Stucco along w/ EcoColour “Your Surfacing Solutions Store” offers ecofriendly products and solutions for builders, designers, architects, and homeowners.
Located in the heart of downtown Vero
Beach, Eco-Colour's one of a kind retail design studio makes color selections and textures options
easy and fun. More importantly, Eco-Colour is the
exclusive distributor of Mythic 100% non-toxic paint
and LEED Certified Kemiko concrete stains. No
longer wait in drab paint stores, come into our retail
studio for a fun, creative atmosphere and get all
your painting/staining needs including brushes and
rollers. With an elite installation division; Coulter
Painting & Stucco lends its expertise as:
Artisan plasteres, Floor coating experts
Professional Painters, Stucco and EIFS installers,
Drywall hangers/finishers
This joint venture now makes healthier finishes in your home and commercial space affordable, stylish, and entirely custom for each client.
Swing by M-F 9-5 and Sat. 9-2 at 1865 14th Ave.
Vero Beach, FL 32960; view current projects at
www.coulterpaintingandstucco.com or call for a one
on one design consultation 772-569-7099.
MicroTech Systems, Inc.
MicroTech Systems, Inc. is an information technology
provider that specializes in providing computer and network support services as well as custom web site design for the business
communities of the Treasure Coast. MicroTech Systems was
founded on the principal of providing quality products, timely onsite support and customer service that is second to none.
MicroTech understands how difficult it is for businesses to
keep up with today's ever changing technology. For this reason,
we specialize in providing a wide range of technology solutions
for today's businesses.
A sample of our services includes:
• Wired and Wireless Computer Networking
• Client Server & Peer-to-Peer Network Support
• On-Site Computer Repair
• Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
• Firewall and Remote Access Solutions
• Structured Data Cabling
• Voice and Data Solutions
• Web Site Design and Web Hosting
At MicroTech, we go out of our way to stay on top of the
latest products and technological advances that can help you
and your business run more efficiently. Whether it is the latest
advances in wireless networking technology or a more secure
way to connect you to your company's data, you can rest assured
that our technicians will make your business more productive.
It's for this reason that so many Treasure Coast businesses choose MicroTech Systems for their computer support needs.
Keith Heaven, John Roberts, Don Kent
and Jeff Pearsall
Causway Lumber Company
Since 1939, Causeway Lumber has proudly supported
local, state and national builder associations through not
only our membership, but participation as well. We were
pleased to continue our tradition of participation by sponsoring TCBA's member breakfast this past March. Those
attending will recall our presentation included an in-depth
look at Weyerhaeuser's Structurwood Edge Gold® panels.
This wood-resin combination stands up to harsh weather
and provides superior resistance to edge swell. In addition
to the 50-year limited warranty, a 90-day "no sand" guarantee is provided as well. Panels install flat, stay flat and look
good for customer walkthroughs. Causeway Lumber serves
the needs of Residential and Commercial Contractors and
Remodeler Professionals with doors, hardware, millwork,
windows, lumber, reinforcing steel, roof and floor trusses,
and many other building material products. Our purpose is
to provide quality building materials and supplies in a timely fashion to professional builders, sub contractors, remodelers and their customers. We are committed to ensuring
our customers receive the best service to be found in our
industry. We are proud of our heritage and strive daily to
renew and build upon a reputation of credibility established
over 65 years ago. Causeway serves all of South Florida &
the Caribbean from locations in Stuart, Fort Lauderdale and
Bonita
Springs.
Find
out
more
at
www.causewaylumber.com