One of my goals as your president is to strengthen the association. We've enjoyed a long-time reputation for being among the top homebuilders associations in the state and the nation. As we look to the future, one of the ways we can become even stronger is to put into practice the philosophy that propelled our growth and sustained us even in hard times – members doing business with members.
The NEFBA Pinnacle Builder Award was created to acknowledge builders who are committed to doing just that. To achieve this distinction, the builder member must recruit two new members a year, and 90 percent of the company's subcontractors must be NEFBA members.
It's obviously a win-win situation. Builder members demonstrate their loyalty to the association and to the local industry by providing jobs and revenue stability for other members. The subcontractors reap those benefits and help NEFBA develop and maintain a strong membership base.
Some of the builder winners have surpassed the 90 percent minimum requirement. And we salute them. It's an indication that as a group we thrive on challenge: Tell me 90 percent is the minimum requirement, and I'll show you how much better I can do.
In addition to the pride of supporting our industry, Pinnacle Builder Award winners have a permanent place on the Pinnacle Builder wall in the NEFBA lobby and a certificate of recognition for their own offices. There are some other perks, too. Award winners receive a free foursome in the NEFBA Spring Fling, two free tickets to the installation banquet and the Parade of Homes banquet, free SMC breakfast for two, a Pinnacle weekend for two and recognition at the NEFBA General Board Meeting.
We're off to a great start with 12 new Pinnacle Builders already this year. I encourage all my fellow builder members to make doing business with other members a priority. I'd like to see 90 percent of our builder members receive this award while I'm president. And, think what it would mean to the association if all – 100 percent – our builders made that goal. Now that would be something to celebrate!