Past presidents (and current president) and life board members represent the association’s strong leadership over the decades.
Leigh Broward (1981) and Life Board Members Rita Williams and Naomi Lumley welcome NEFBA’s newest executive officer, Bill Garrison.
Past presidents and NEFBA’s current president compare notes: Glen Harrell (1986), Lee Arsenault (current) and Wendell Prevatt (1989).
The fundraising campaign for NEFBA’s new office building was officially kicked off at the association’s Past Presidents Luncheon. Celebrating the service and leadership of past presidents and lifetime board members was the natural launching point for the new building that will house NEFBA, Builders Care and the Apprenticeship Program and take the association into the future.
“We acknowledge the debt we owe to leaders before us, for their commitment and tenacity that have guided us for more than 70 years,” said current President Lee Arsenault. “We stand on the shoulders of these legends of the industry as we look into the future. It gives me a deep pride to be a member of NEFBA and to serve as its president.”
The Past Presidents Luncheon was Sept. 19 at the San Jose Country Club. The event was sponsored by Newton & Newton. The past presidents last gathered formally in 2015.
Several past presidents have been gathering in conjunction with the decision to build a new office space for the association. Once the decision was made, past presidents stepped in to ensure its successful completion.
In 2012, NEFBA leadership decided to put the building on Century 21 Drive on the market as the initial step in finding a more convenient location for members. When the building was sold, NEFBA agreed to lease space for five years. This allowed time to search and plan. An 11-member Building Committee, chaired by Past President Glenn Layton (2009) and composed primarily of other past presidents, made the decision to purchase a 3.9-acre site, a recommendation that was approved by NEFBA’s board of directors.
Erik Kasper, founder and president of Kasper Architecture and a NEFBA member, worked with the Building Subcommittee that includes NEFBA past presidents Rick Morales (2015) of Morales Construction Co., Barbara Moore (2012), division president of Lennar and Layton, founder and president of Glenn Layton Homes.
Another significant step was the selection of a construction firm, Thomas May Construction. A longtime NEFBA member, Thomas May Construction was established in 1985 and specializes in nonresidential construction.
“We are excited about the move,” Layton said. “We believe the convenience of the location will promote member participation in workshops, meetings and NEFBA events. It’s a sign of our growth and confidence in the association. Our goal is to make the association more accessible and a source of pride for members.”
Another past president, Andy Chambers (2010),a founder and a managing partner of MasterCraft Builder Group, heads up the All-In campaign. Information and details of contribution levels will be provided in the November issue of Builder News.
