by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
“Gulp.”
The first word uttered by newly installed Sales and Marketing Council Chairman Steve Williams was brief.
Williams and the other officers were installed at last month’s breakfast at the University of North Florida’s University Center.
“I guess it’s now my turn and there’s no chance I could steer this ship off course,” said Williams of his new responsibility leading the nearly 1,000-member council.
“SMC and NEFBA provide the economic linchpin to Jacksonville, a city with economic vitality. It is job No. 1 with us and we love it,” said Williams, adding the organization’s phase “Catch a wave and ride the prosperity.”
Williams, president of Edgewater Properties, has a goal to help Realtors and builders get back to the basics to understand how to deal with a down market.
“Don’t forget how you got where you are today,” he said. “It’s a broad goal, but it can be addressed with speakers, finding prospects and staying in touch with prospects and bringing them to a decision. We forget we’re the marketing arm for NEFBA. Our job is to promote NEFBA. Part of that is getting the product sold. Work smart.”
Bill Cellar, who was installed as the 62nd NEFBA president, previously echoed the same message. He added that his goal is to increase influence and promote professionalism within the industry to enhance the quality of life in Jacksonville.
He said he wants to build on the tradition of caring for neighbors and quoted the Biblical book of James, paraphrasing, “True religion is caring for widows and children.”
Selby Kaiser was given the SMC Chairman’s Award and NEFBA award winners were Mark Downing, Leadership; Malcolm Willis, Associate Member of the Year; and Don Wilford, Builder Member of the Year. Greg Matovina was named the first recipient of the Arnold Tritt Achievement Award.
Approximately 450 members and guests attended the event.
photos by Miranda G. McLeod