POLK COUNTY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION2232 Heritage DriveLakeland, FL 33801

PRESORTSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT#348LAKELANDFLORIDA

BluePrints

First Quarter2012

T h e V o i c e o f

P o l k C o u n t y ’ s

C o n s t r u c t i o n

I n d u s t r y

This Issue

• 2012 Spring Showcase

Parade Home

see page 5

• 2011 Fall Parade of

Homes Winners

see page 6

• December Installation

Dinner see page 9

• 2012 Spring Parade of

Homes see page 10

PCBA.com

Polk County Builders Association

POLK COUNTYBUILDERS ASSOCIATION 2011

BUILDER OF THE YEARBrian Walsh of Highland Homes was named Builder of the Year at PCBA’s annual awards andinstallation dinner on Monday evening December 5th.

Brian is a fiercely competitive sports fanatic, an overachiever and he always strives for perfec-tion.

He has never been a sit on the sidelines kind of guy. Football, basketball, golf, water skiing,cycling or running a marathon, he has done it all. As an accomplished bare foot water skier,he has trained with the worlds’ best bare foot skiers. He still water ski’s every week.

Brian is a wonderful husband, father, mentor and friend, He likes to mentor young adults going into the construction field.

He is such a perfectionist, that when it came to having off spring, he couldn’t have them one at a time like most of the pop-ulation, not this guy! He streamlined the process, and he and his lovely wife Ellen are the proud parents of two beautiful setsof twins! Two girls and two boys.

This Ohio native graduated from Florida Southern College number 2 in his class. Upon graduation he went into banking. In1998 he joined Highland Homes and was promoted to vice president of operations in 2002.

Brian also serves on the PCBA Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Prior to that hechaired the Builder Liaison Committee for two years. He has represented PCBA at the County Commission regarding impactfees.

Brian is the fourth person from the Highland Homes organization to be named Builder of the Year by the Polk County BuildersAssociation. In addition to Brian, Bob Adams, Joel Adams and George Lindsey of Highland Homes have all been honoredas Builder of the Year.

POLK COUNTY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION2011 ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR

At the recent PCBA awards and installation banquet on Dec 5th,Stephanie Catlett of MidFlorida Credit Union was named Associate ofthe Year for the builders association.

Hard working, dependable, and a beautiful smile, are all ways todescribe this graduate of Lakeland High School.She is the original “Where Do I sign Up Girl!” Need Goodie Bag itemsfor the golfer bags? She’ll get them. Golf Tournament? She’s therechecking golfers in. Parade of Homes? She’s a driver for the judges.General Membership Meetings? She’s helping to check people in. FirstFriday? She’s there, representing her company. It doesn’t matter whatyou ask her to do, if there is any way she can possibly do it, her answerwill be yes. In addition, she actively solicits her company to financiallysupport PCBA events.

She is a doer. She earned her college degree while working a full timejob and raising two young sons. She is a graduate of Polk Community

College. She is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and has taken part in The Ledger’s Financial Experts Panel. She has been with MidFloridaCredit Union as a mortgage loan originator for 10 years. You can contact her at the Hollingsworth Branch on South Florida Avenue.

Outgoing PresidentRoger Atherton

andNew PresidentSean Harper

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P C B A . c o m 11

Calendar of EventsJANUARY 2012

January 24-25 FHBA Legislative Action Event Tallahassee

FEBRUARY 2012February 2 PWB Social TBD

8-11 IBS Orlando Membership Mixer Natalies

MARCH 2012March 12-16 Spring Break

Golf Tournament

APRIL 2012April 21&22, 28&29 Spring Parade of Homes

Membership Mixer sponsored by Foundation TBD

MAY 2012May 14 GMM - Blueprint & Model Comp Polk State College

JUNE 2012June FHBA EO Conference

GMM – Gift Basket Bonanze/PAC Fundraiser Auburndale

JULY 2012July 26-28 Southeast Builders Conf. Orlando

SEPTEMBER 2012September 16 Golf Tournament

PAC Meet & Greet Peterson Park

OCTOBER 2012October 13&14, 20&21 Parade of Homes

Annual Meeting – Election of Officers TBD

NOVEMBER 2012November 1-3 FHBA Fall Conference St. Petersburg

DECEMBER 2012December GMM - Installation Banquet

DID YOU KNOW?As a member of PCBA you can receive a copy of the county’s monthly building permit report by simply requesting it. Please contact Pat at PCBA at 665-0844 or emailpate@pcba.com. Give her the email address that you want the report to go to and she will forward a copy to you. You will receive the report each month via email.

The permit report is a list of all building permits issued for the county for the month. The permits are listed by subdivision name, address, builder, square footage,and declared value. The report includes residential and commercial permits.

P C B A . c o m 3

POLK COUNTYBUILDERS ASSOCIATIONEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NAHB DIRECTORS

FHBA DIRECTORS

FHBA LIFE DIRECTORS

PCBA STAFF

President

President Elect

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Immediate Past President

Sean HarperHarper Homes

Brian WalshHighland Homes

Barbie Taylor

Keith Combee

William WebbWebb Home Builders

Roger AthertonCounter Effects by Roger

Duane McQuillenDuane McQuillen Construction

Lucas MartinFloraLawn

Mark HulbertHulbert Homes

Rob NunezFlorida Home Designs

Richie JohnsonSouthern Homes

Carlton HodgesLeMans Properties

Brian WallerWaller Construction

Greg SanobaThe Sanoba Law Firm

Nan WebsterIntegrity First Title

Todd ShuffCarpenter Contractors of America

Tim Davis

Mike Hickman

Donnie Tyler / Life Director

Carlton Hodges, Life Director

Dave Carter

Robert Harper

Tim Davis

Carlton Hodges, Life Director

Roger Atherton

A.J. Maqueira

Dave Carter

Bill Branham

Brian Bierwagen

Dave Carter

Robert Harper

Donnie Tyler

Mike Hickman

Gary Clements

Don Paris

Marc Boney

Stephanie Hutton

Pat Edleman

Michelle Stefani

Executive Director

Membership & Special Events

Foundation Director

First I would liketo thank everyone who came out tothe Installation Dinner. It was a great evening and agreat venue.

As this year moves forward I want to focus on what makesthe PCBA an organization respected for standing up forhousing affordability. We want to continue to stress com-mon sense in today’s regulatory environment by educating

the public and government that more regulation and taxes does not leadto a better house or construction job. One of the major issues this yearis the expiration of the impact fee moratorium. It is an absolute fact thatimpact fees are a tax on new construction and a barrier for a new homeor a new commercial project. This organization has done an excellentjob educating about the negatives of impact fees and we need to contin-ue the effort as I believe we can win this issue. This is just one of manyissues this membership faces and I know that if we continue to worktogether to educate and bring common sense arguments we will be apart of the recovery of this great industry.

I would also like to focus on membership. I would like to thank eachmember of the PCBA for continuing your support for our association. Iknow that budgets are tight these days and it can be a difficult decisionto renew your membership. I can assure you that your dues play a vitalpart in the recovery of this industry on not just the local level but the stateand national as well. I believe that without organizations like builder’sassociations across the country, mostly comprised of small local con-tractors, subs and associates, there would a very limited number of largebuilding companies that would control the products and choices avail-able to the citizens of this great country. Your dues allow dedicated asso-ciations to have a major voice on a local, state and national level to fightfor you and your right to operate a successful business. This could notbe done without your support so I would like to thank you in advance forrenewing your membership.

There is positive news coming from around the state about Florida’shousing market and I believe we are on the path for a better year thanlast so keep your head held high and stay positive. I wish all our mem-bers a successful year and I appreciate the opportunity to lead this greatorganization.

Sean HarperHarper Homes

Phone: 863.665.0844 • Fax: 863.667.99562232 Heritage Drive

Lakeland, Florida 33801

Feel free to contact Sean at:President@PCBA.com

with any questions or concernsregarding the PCBA.

President's Message

1 0 P C B A . c o m

The crowds were wonderful, the weather wasperfect and a good time was had by everyone in attendance.

On November 4th, 25 of our members came out to downtown Lakeland to take part in First Friday.PCBA tables were set up in the middle of the street on Kentucky Ave. from Harry’s to the end of the block

near the railroad tracks.

Over 4,000 people came out for this event in downtown Lakeland every month. Our members got the opportunity to talkwith lots of potential customers while they showcased their business.

Danielle Fence grilled chicken on a Big Green Egg Grill that they sell at their showroom, so none of us went hungry.PCBA handed out material about how to deal with a hurricane and passed out PCBA membership info. Lennar Homeshad a contest for toilet bowl golf that was very popular. A player had to hit the golf ball into the toilet ball.

People stopped, talked to vendors and asked lots of good questions. The traffic was outstanding.

The streets of downtown Lakeland were closed off. In addition to PCBA , there was an antique car show, live entertain-ment, face painting and lots of other activities.

If you have never been to a First Friday, you need to make plans to attend. It’s Fun and it’s Free!Make plans for next November’s First Friday and reserve your table now. First Friday is like an outdoor Home Expo!

Don’t Miss It!

First Friday Was Amazing!!

DON'T LET THE PARADEPASS YOU BY!!!

The dates for the Spring Parade of Homes areSaturday April 21 and Sunday April 22 andSaturday April 28 & Sunday April 29.

Parade of Homes entry packageswill be mailed on February 15th. Entry applications are due March 7th.

You can enter in any of the following categories:

Traffic for the Fall 2011 Parade was outstanding! Don’t miss the Spring Parade 2012.

New Residential ConstructionNew Commercial ConstructionPool – New ConstructionSpa – New constructionLandscapeCommunity

Virtual Entry(Call for details – 665-0844 Ask for Pat )

Remodeler:Residential RemodelKitchen RemodelBathroom RemodelOutdoor Kitchen-Porch-Patio RemodelWhole House RemodelCommercial Remodel

PCBA Events

4 P C B A . c o m P C B A . c o m 9

I find myself writing this farewell message with less enthusiasm than I thought I would have at this point. Serving asPresident during 2011 was an honor. It was nice to be able to give back a little to the organization that has benefitedme in many ways since becoming a member in 2001. The contacts, information and ongoing support of the construc-tion community are just a few of the ways that being a member (and active participant) have enabled me to remain intouch with what is really going on within this industry. On a personal note, this knowledge has provided me with keyinformation regarding the types of products and services most needed by my clients and that knowledge has helpedensure the success of my own company. We are all living through trying economic times. The fact that we are still hereshould give us all a reason to celebrate (our survival if not our success). I believe that in 2012, we will begin to seeincreasing stability within the markets that affect each of us. We may never quite reach the levels that we once knew,but we will be able to breathe a little easier, appreciate things a bit more and begin to truly become successful onceagain.

There are so many wonderful people within this organization that have provided their support, leadership and hard work in an effortto continue the legacy of the PCBA. I can’t thank Stephanie, Pat and Michelle enough for their day to day management, skill andeffort. The “terrific trio” within the office provides the foundation for the success of every event that we tackle. I would also like to thankthe Board Members, Officers, Committee Chairs, Volunteers, Sponsors and the Members as a whole. You have stuck by us (eventhough it may have been a struggle). It is because of these efforts and support that we were able to complete 2011 with the ability tocontinue operating in the manner necessary to support the industry.

I challenge each and every one of you to get involved. Becoming a member (or renewing your membership) provides you with accessto all the tools and support, but being involved is where you can reach the potential of your membership. If you are already an activeand involved member, please continue! Please remember that this is YOUR organization. There are a few people that are doing thework of many and they can always use an extra hand. All it takes is a “yes” when Pat calls you up with a need or adopt the motto ofour Associate of the Year, Stephanie Catlett, whose consistent response is “where do I sign up?”

The gavel has been passed. I have the utmost respect for Sean Harper and his ability to lead this organization and take it to the nextlevel. Congratulations on your Presidency, Sean! We’re all here for you and look forward to working with you this year. Farewell,friends and may 2012 be kind to us all.

Until next time, Roger.

Roger AthertonCounter Effects

by Roger

Installation Dinner

Left to Right: New Members of the PCBA Board ofDirectors 2012. Dave Carter, David C. Carter ConsultingEngineers, William Webb, Webb Home Builders Group,Richie Johnson, Southern Homes, Todd Shuff, CarpenterContractors of America. They were all installed by Dave

Left to Right: Bob Adams, Highland Homes, Donna Casey,Hickman Homes & Jill Buchanan, MidFlorida Credit Union

Kathie McDaniel of Highland Homes and members ofFHBA’s Professional Women in Building.

Left to Right: Dennis Hollingsworth, Mulling Insurance, TimDavis, Value Pro Remodeling & JC Martin, BartowChevrolet

Left: Roger Atherton, Counter Effects by Roger, PCBA2011 President & Chuck Hunt of Chuck Hunt Construction,PCBA Foundation President for 2011.

Outgoing President’s Message

P C B A . c o m 5

SHOWCASE HOMEPROPOSAL FOR

SPRING 2012 PARADE

PCBA is now accepting proposals for the spring Parade of Homes ShowcaseHome. The 2012 Spring Showcase home will not be the property of PCBA.Instead, we are soliciting proposals from our builder members to build theSpring POH Showcase home. PCBA will be paid a minimum of $5,000 fromthe builder whose proposal is accepted. The fee should be paid in full by thetime construction is completed. Construction must be complete by (Ledgerphoto deadline)

If your proposal is accepted, you can offset your fee by soliciting donatedmaterials and services for the building of the PCBA Showcase Home. Thathas not changed. The only change is that PCBA will not finance or sell theShowcase home. The Showcase home will appear on the cover of the Paradeof Homes magazine, the cover of Homes and Land magazine, the cover ofCentral Florida Homes and More and on the front cover of the Ledgers POHinsert. The Showcase home will also be featured on the PCBA website. Thisadvertising package is worth over $3,500.

The builder with the winning bid will host the Parade Kick-Off Party at theirShowcase Home. Most builders do this by soliciting their vendors and substo donate to a party fund!

When you submit your proposal, be specific about how you plan to pay thefee. Installments, lump sum, or what ever plan you decide on.

All proposals must be submitted in writing by Tuesday January 17,2012. You can email, mail or bring your proposal to the PCBA office. Pleaseemail pate@pcba.com or call me at 863-665-0844. Pat Edleman

THE FLORIDA HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATIONHELD THEIR ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE

AT THE GRAND HYATT TAMPA BAYOCT. 20TH THROUGH OCT. 22ND 2011

Dave Carter of David C. Carter ConsultingEngineers, and a member of the Polk CountyBuilders Association was installed as President ofthe Florida Home Builders Association for 2012.Dave is a past president of PCBA, has served onthe board of directors and is very active with thegovernmental affairs committee.

Carlton Hodges, was awarded the prestigiousEagle Award by FHBA. Carlton is also a past pres-ident of PCBA, has served on the board of direc-tors and is very active with the political affairs com-mittee. He currently serves on the FHBA auditcommittee at the state level. The Eagle awardgoes to an individual how has made an outstand-ing contribution to FHBA.

Member News

8 P C B A . c o m

George Lindsey of Highland Homes with his Biker Babes from the 90’s.Left to right, Alice Hunt of Chuck Hunt Construction, George, Lori Waters ofBuilt by Waters. The picture was taken in the late 1990’s. Some things justdon’t change much.

Bottom photo was taken at the 2011 awards and installation dinner.Left to right, Alice, George and Lori.

The tentative date for the

Spring Golf Tournamentis Friday March 23rd.

We are still working on location.

Please call to reserve your watering hole or beercart early. We already have had request for both.We have lots of other sponsorships available.

Watch The PCBA website at pcba.com for moreinfo about this event. You will also receive infor-mation and registration forms in the mail.

Best Wishes

for a

Prosperous

New Year!!

Flashback!

PCBA Events

6 P C B A . c o m

Member News

ROOKIE OF THEYEAR

FOR PCBA 2011On Monday night December 5thRichie Johnson of Southern Homes

was named Rookie of the Year at PCBA’s annualawards and installation banquet at the PeggyBrown Building.

This years’ membership drive would not havebeen the success it was without this mans’ help.He was like a one man cheer leading squad!

The drive had builder members competing againsteach other by recruiting new members from thevendors they were using. He saw the conceptbehind the contest and was on board immediate-ly! His enthusiasm, competitive attitude and deter-mination were the driving force for the contest. Hechallenged other builder members to recruit. Helead his companies team to victory by recruiting orretaining 17 members. Congratulations RichieJohnson. Good Job!

On Monday December 5th, 2011, Robert Harper III installed his son, Sean Harper,President of Harper Homes, as the incoming 2012 president of The Polk CountyBuilders Association.

This was the second time in PCBA history that a second generation builder wasinstalled as president of PCBA by a past president who is his father. Joel Adams ofHighland Homes was installed as president by his father, past president Bob Adams ofHighland Homes in 2005.

The awards and installation dinner was held at the Peggy Brown Building in Lakeland.

Brian Walsh of Highland Homes was named Builder of the Year. He is vice president ofoperations for Highland. He is also the president elect of PCBA for 2012, and will bepresident of the association in 2013.

Stephanie Catlett, of MidFlorida Credit Union was named Associate of the Year. She isa mortgage loan originator with MidFlorida. She currently chairs the ARMS Committeeat the Polk County Builders Association.

Richie Johnson was named Rookie of The Year. Richie is with Southern Homes.

2011 Fall Parade of Homes Winners

Greenovative Homes andMadrid Engineering hosted thekickoff party at Magnolia Walk

Sean Harper of Harper Homes wasInstalled as PCBA President for 2012

The Edinburgh by Highland Homes at Belmont Park LakelandThe Saphire II by Florida Home Designs at Stoney Creek LakelandThe Liberty by Ernie White Construction at Sleepy Hill LakelandThe Corina by MI Homes at The Estates of Auburndale AuburndaleThe Albarella by Drummond Company at Grasslands Lakeland

5810 Crystal Beach Drive, Winter Haven, by Williams Construction4477 Fairway Oaks, Lakeland, by Green Construction Services

Highlands in the Woods by Harper Homes Lakeland Bridgewater by Landmar Lakeland

Stinson Home Design Center LakelandFloralawn Lakeland

P C B A . c o m 7

Hello! My name is Roni Rahner from Gator Waste & Recycling. I wasborn & raised in Lakeland and I have lived in Polk County most of mylife. I have worked in the waste industry for the past ten years and Iam a Waste Consultant for Gator Waste & Recycling. Tell me aboutyour waste needs and I am certain that Gator can get you a betterdeal. I am proud and excited to be part of Gator Waste and I firmlybelieve that Gator will be your first and only choice for waste and recy-cling services in Polk County.

Gator Waste & Recycling is Polk County's ONLY independent full-service, waste collection and recycling managementcompany. Gator is proud to be a member of the PCBA as well as a member of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.

Got Trash? One call and it’s gone! “Call us... we’ll gator done!” That's our motto. Stop throwing money into your waste stream! Gator willcompete with any price you are currently paying, plus we promise better service!

Gator provides waste and recycling services to individuals, business, industry and municipalities. Whether your needs involve regular wasteremoval, new construction, tear down, demolition or repairs, Gator offers a wide selection of open top and front load containers to fit any job.Need help with recycling? Let Gator help keep you in the green!

Located in Auburndale at 1048 1/2 US HWY 92 W., Gator Waste is proud to be your friendly, no hassle, Polk County-based waste serviceprovider. Our management and employees are from right here in Central Florida. That means weknow about and care for this region and our customers. We will prove our commitment to PolkCounty businesses through our great service. And, we promise no hidden fees or surcharges!

Stop by and say, "Hey!" Or, give Gator Waste a call at 863-875-7811 and we can discuss aspecial discount for PCBA members.

Life is about choices... and with Gator Waste you now have a great choice for your trash removaland recycling services.

Gator Waste & Recycling is also at www.gogatorwaste.com.

New Member Spotlight

Roni Rahner

Single Family Residential Permit Data for Unincorporated Polk County