by David Chapman
Staff Writer
In an industry hit hard by the recession, the Northeast Florida Builders Association launched the new year Friday with the installation of its 2011 officers and a message of renewed optimism.
Michael Bourre, owner of Bourre Construction Group, was installed as president of the more than 950-member association of home and commercial builders and industry professionals. He spoke of a sense of family when discussing the year ahead.
“We compete, we laugh, we support, we encourage,” said Bourre of association members. “But most importantly, we stick together.”
Bourre discussed the need for association members to continue their support in the coming year of Builders Care, the association’s nonprofit arm geared toward improving substandard housing, and the association’s Remodelers Council.
“We have a responsibility to serve those around us,” said Bourre.
As part of the focus on the two, Bourre announced there would be a Builders Care mission trip to Ireland later this year (“It’s not a vacation,” he said) to help those in need.
Bourre assumed leadership from 2010 President Andy Chambers, president of MasterCraft Builder Group. Chambers, in his outgoing address, said he was proud of the work of NEFBA leadership, staff and membership for exceeding expectations in his call a year ago to excel in “getting back to basics.”
Reflecting on the year, Chambers noted several of the association’s accomplishments, including helping defeat Amendment 4, a comprehensive land use measure, on the November ballot.
The Sales and Marketing Council, NEFBA’s marketing arm, installed Amber Williams of Ryland Homes as chair, succeeding Mark Carlson of Carlson Capital Advisors.
While several leaders of the industry mentioned the down times of the last several years, others, including NEFBA Executive Director and State Rep. Daniel Davis, are confident 2011 will yield better results.
“I believe this will be the breakout year,” said Davis. “All of the signs are pointing up and I’m pretty excited to be a part of it.”
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