As I stare over my final letter as your president, I feel the need to start with a disclaimer: The words below cannot begin to adequately express my deep gratitude to all of NEFBA’s members, including those who were part of committees and various geographic and special interest councils.
It’s been my great honor to meet and work with all of you and I plan to be beside you as a contributing member of this association for a long time.
On behalf of the membership and myself, I want to say thank you to NEFBA’s stellar staff.
I could devote a page to each one of them. I congratulate them as a team for their support of our events, outreach programs and the daily operation of the office.
Individually and in alphabetical order, thank you, Jamie Atkins, for keeping our accounting and business office running smoothly and efficiently.
Thank you, Michelle Glass, for directing traffic at the front desk, keeping us all straight and for jumping in with both feet to help the Apprenticeship Department.
Corey Hacker, thank you for juggling two important tasks — coordinating our events, which were nothing shy of incredible this year, and being the liaison for the Remodelers Council.
Thank you, Hans Krieg, for the excellent work you have done to enlarge our membership numbers over the past two years. We have become the poster child for membership growth across the state.
My hat is off to Palmer Kuder for her successful efforts to expand the Nassau Builders Council’s role in the association, while also serving as director of the Sales and Marketing Council.
Jessie Spradley has worked tirelessly to increase NEFBA’s influence in the area of government affairs, leading to many successful endorsements for local offices. He also is the liaison for the Young Professionals and the Clay Builders Council, in his spare time.
Thank you, Leona Brown, director of our St. Johns Builders Council, for your skillful leadership of this council that has consistently been a strong contributor to NEFBA’s growth and success.
Each week throughout the year I have grown in my respect and admiration for our Executive Committee. I served on that committee for three years before this year as your president.
It’s truly an awesome group representing every segment of our industry with experience, vision and a God-given talent to navigate financial, regulatory and business challenges.
Our incoming president, Lee Arsenault, has been our codes and standards expert, knowledgeable in the minute details; Chris Dostie brings the perspective of the young generation of builders; Harlan Bost continually challenges us to be perfect in the way we operate; Keith Ward’s expertise in training has been invaluable; and, Gene Rover personifies NEFBA’s heart for helping others.
As the immediate past president, Rick Morales has been extremely generous with his time, expertise and patience every time I call him.
Two of our entities — Builders Care and the Apprenticeship Program — have also earned gratitude from all of us and the community at large.
Justin Brown has surpassed all expectations as director of Builders Care in responding to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens with regard to housing.
In addition, our new Apprenticeship staff — Christina Thomas, training director, and coordinators Laura Harrington and Will Saunders — came onboard with a wealth of education and experience to continue the growth of our apprenticeship program, which has served the industry and the community for more than 40 years.
Guiding and leading this diverse, talented, creative and dedicated group is Executive Officer Corey Deal. He has created an environment that promotes excellence, teamwork and growth.
Corey deserves much credit for the enthusiasm of our members and the growth of our influence within the state and national associations. I am deeply grateful for the chance to work with Corey, learn from him and call him my friend.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and for your unwavering and tireless support of our great association, not only the best in the state, but in my mind, the best anywhere.
Chet Skinner
NEFBA president