The Northeast Florida Builders Association honored four members and a member of the staff for outstanding performance in 2005 at the association’s installation breakfast last month at the University Center, University of North Florida.
Outstanding Leadership Award: 2005 President Bryan Lendry. Lendry, president of Brylen Homes. He received recognition for leadership of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project that garnered national attention. Lendry was also responsible for boosting the association’s membership. NEFBA is the largest and one of the oldest local home builders associations in the state.
Builder Member of the Year: Greg Matovina, president of Matovina & Co. He was involved in several charitable efforts, most notable of which was the construction of the 14,000-square-foot Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center. Matovina began what was ultimately a $1.2 million contribution from NEFBA members to the center in cash, labor and materials, and in-kind contributions.
Fred King Associate Member of the Year: Penelope Geismar, publisher of Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine. Geismar organized and co-sponsored the first annual Good Neighbor Awards Luncheon in recognition of 20 builders who made significant contributions to the community. Geismar also served on the Arnold Tritt Scholarship Committee, which has awarded $26,000 to 12 University of North Florida Building Construction Management students over the past year.
Bill Soforenko Affordable Housing Award: E.J. “Butch” Toney. He was recognized for his long-term commitment to providing housing to all segments of the community and was awarded the. Toney’s involvement with the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and his willingness to help those in need were cited as contributing to Toney’s selection for the award.
Good Government Service Award: Daniel Davis, NEFBA associate director. Davis is a member of the Jacksonville City Council and has established a reputation for practicality and fairness that transcends party affiliations and has earned him the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.