By Maggie FitzRoy, Contributing Writer
A giant costumed technician named “Max” greeted visitors to McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning booth.
Next door at B & B Exterminating, the green lollipop give-aways were the hottest item going.
And at the Morgan Brothers Supply booth, showroom manager Tara Deemer showcased a Moxie shower head that doubles as a wireless speaker — demonstrating how the latest in bathroom technology can literally shower a bather with water and their favorite songs at the same time.
“This is our seventh or eighth year in a row here,” said B & B Exterminating manager Cliff Wheeler, who also was giving away pens and other goodies at the Northeast Florida Builders Association Construction Industry Trade Expo.
“We come every year to show our support for the organization and hoping to meet builders,” he said. “The more builders you have, the faster your business grows.”
This year marked NEFBA’s 49th annual expo, which Member Services Director Hans Krieg said featured 64 vendors showcasing products and services essential to the homebuilding industry.
“This is the trade show for the year,” said Krieg, as he was making the rounds. “It’s a way for associate members to showcase what they can provide the building industry. It’s very important for the association to bring members and associate members together.”
Last month’s show at the University of North Florida’s University Center was popular, Krieg said.
“We usually fill out every year, this year filled quickly,” he said. “We actually had to add booths and to turn a lot of folks away.”
The show featured companies representing a variety of industries, including mortgage, insurance, window, siding, kitchen, marble, alarm, moving and environmental.
Lynn Golden of America’s Home Place, a custom homebuilder, said this was her first time attending the show.
“I’m here to check out the different trades, to see if there is something new we have not utilized yet,” she said. “It’s been very informative.”