By Michele Newbern Gillis
Staff Writer
The new Commercial Council at the Northeast Florida Builder’s Association gives members of the commercial real estate community a new place to network, hear an educational speaker and be offered opportunities for continuing education.
Approximately 40 commercial builders, real estate brokers and trade partners attended the first meeting as founding members to offer input to the council’s purpose and direction.
The second meeting was also well attended and focused on a panel discussion surrounding sustainable building practices last month at the NEFBA office.
Tim Adkinson, NEFBA third vice president and civil design department manager at King Engineering Associates, is the chair.
“The large turnout indicates there is interest in creating a Commercial Council at NEFBA,” said Adkinson. “We need to know how we can serve commercial builders and what their needs are. There are many issues in the commercial sector that need to be addressed.”
NEFBA already has a number of commercial builders that are active members.
“But, in order to cater to them, we felt this is something that needed to be done to tend to their needs,” said Merritt. “We will offer an opportunity for continuing education, licensing and obviously the networking aspect and governmental affairs side of things.”
The meetings are open to all NEFBA members.
The meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the NEFBA office. Dues for the new council were established at $75 a year in addition to NEFBA membership dues.
According to attorney Arnold Tritt Jr., a NEFBA member and partner with Tritt & Franson, the new council will not compete with other existing commercial associations.
“The associations will work together for a common good,” said Tritt Jr. In addition to the new Commercial Council, NEFBA’s councils include the Nassau Builders Council, Clay Builders Council, St. Johns Builders Council, Putnam Builders Council, Sales & Marketing Council, Remodelers Council and the Masonry Council.
“Both associate members and builder members gravitate to different councils,” said Glenn Layton, NEFBA first vice president. “There is a place for everyone who wants to make a difference.”
For more information contact Merritt at [email protected].