By Carole Hawkins, [email protected]
Rick Morales, incoming president for the Northeast Florida Builders Association, said he felt humbled by those who had served before him and in awe of the membership he would now lead.
“Together we are stronger than we are alone,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an impact fee battle in Nassau County, a sign ordinance in St. Johns County, or working on the functions of the planning department in Jacksonville.
“Everyone’s working together to cut the red tape and make things more efficient for all of us,” he said.
Morales asked builders to contribute to the Industry Issue Fund ($100 donated from every closing) so that in good times or bad, the association will be prepared for the next fight.
He asked members to join at least one committee. He also outlined a goal of increasing membership from just over 1,000 to 1,150 in the coming year.
“We are one of the largest associations in this country and we want to be the largest,” Morales said.
Keynote speaker and 1985 NEFBA President Richard Browdy reminded members homebuilding is a noble profession.
“A house is to a family what soil is to plant, it’s a place to be rooted and to grow,” he said.
Housing permits in 2014 stood at over 5,500. But in 2007, the number was almost three times that.
Today’s trend, Browdy said, means a healthier and more balanced approach to housing production. One with moderate price increases, based upon an individual’s ability to pay for a home.
“That sounds really boring, but you know, boring really isn’t so bad,” he said.
As the association heads into its 71st year, Browdy asked that builders be sensitive to the market and not overproduce inventory.
“Be reminded that we are privileged to be builders,” he said. “People trust us ... We are the hands that assemble a family’s dream — and that’s awesome.”