Three Super TBA Meetings
Set for First Months of 2014

TBA members should mark their calendars now for three outstanding general membership meetings in the first quarter of 2014. Here’s what in store:

January 16 – Affordable Health Care Act: The Business Implications (and the Parade of Homes™ kickoff) with speakers Scott Fjelstad and Luke Wolkers of the Rogers Benefit Group, Jacksonville Office, 11:30 am luncheon, Killearn Country Club.

February 20 – The Tallahassee-Area Housing and Economic Outlook with speaker Greg Lane of Timberlane Appraisal, 11:30 am Killearn Country Club.

March 20 --  Bobby Dollar Appliances Open House hosted by Bobby Dollar at his Thomasville (GA) showroom, 7 pm to 9 pm, limo transportation from Tallahassee, gourmet food, one-stop shopping for a wide range of products.

Look for details of these events in future TBA Weekly Reports. 
  

Ad Space Deadline January 3
For TBA Home Show Guide

TBA members – especially those who exhibiting at the 2014 North Florida Home Show on February 7-9 at the Civic Center – can tell their story to over 5,000 show visitors through an ad in the Tallahassee Better Living Guide that TBA is producing in conjunction with the show. The deadline for ad space is January 3, 2014 and a flyer to reserve space is available under News at tallyba.com. The guide will be 36 pages in full color and each TBA member who exhibits gets a free one-third page ad or a $350 credit toward a larger ad. 
 
 
        
 

Green, Remodelers Councils
Issue Invoices for ’14 Members

• Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
• Insurance Credits for Green Products
• Efficient Lighting and Fans
• Water Star and Florida Friendly programs
• Insulating Bonus Rooms and Attics
• Design Trends
• Mini Products Expo

New Date Coming Soon
On Sporting Clay Event

It looks like late February, 2014 when Centennial Bank will sponsor the TBA Sporting Clay Target Shoot Tournament. The event was originally scheduled in November, 2013 but was postponed until 2014. A firm date should be set soon. The location will be the Coon Bottom Gun Club. Many thanks to Matt Brown, Will Davis and our friends at Centennial Bank for serving as the title sponsor for this event which also welcomes United Rentals, Messer Law Firm, and McNeil Plumbing as sponsors. 
 

Homes & Land Will Produce
Parade of Homes™ Magazine

The Tallahassee Builders Association is pleased to announce that Homes & Land of Tallahassee has been selected to produce the only officially-sanctioned magazine of its 2014 Parade of Homes™.  “TBA has every confidence that Homes & Land will play a key role in the success of the 2014 Parade, both through high-quality magazine and its other promotional and marketing vehicles,” said Parade of Homes Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS.  TBA members are invited to advertise in the magazine by contacting Jackie Johnson via email at  or by phone at (850) 570-0327. TBA encourages your support and asks that you be receptive when Jackie or a representative of Tallahassee Homes & Land calls on you.  
 

Building Official Ed Jarriel
To Host ‘Lunch & Learn’

Leon County chief building official Ed Jarriel has announced that he will host a “Lunch & Learn” program for TBA builder members on Monday, January 13, 2014 from noon to 2:30 pm at the building department offices. The purpose of the meeting is to update builders on the use of Project Docs for electronic building permitting. Lunch will be complimentary. Jarriel said electronic permitting goes into effect January 2, 2014.  
 

January 16 Is Deadline
For Parade Discount

It’s time for the Tallahassee area’s best builders to commit to TBA’s 2014 Parade of Homes™. The registration form is now available at tallyba.com under News. TBA’s signature event will be held over the weekends of May 10-11 and 17-18 in 2014 with the judging set for Friday, May 2, according to Parade Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction. The cost to enter a home is $1,550 for the first entry and $1,350 for all additional entries… reflecting an early-bird discount for payments received by January 16, 2014. After that date, each Parade entry is $1,750. The Parade Awards banquet is set for May 15, 2014. A Entrants will be eligible for major awards, the Platinum Award-Best of Show honor won last year by Hartsfield Construction, and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Building Awards. 
 

Parade of Homes Welcomes
Sponsors for 2014 Event

David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric has announced that sponsorships for the 2014 TBA Parade of Homes ™ are now available. Sponsors will reap a wealth of business-building exposure through the Parade’s comprehensive radio, television, newspaper and digital advertising campaign and the 56-page Parade of Homes magazine that will reach over 30,000 consumers through its print and digital editions, as well as through the TBA web site and at the  Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Sponsorship levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A form to secure your sponsorship is available at tallyba.com under News.  
 
 
 

Welcome These New Members,
Support Them with Your Business

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

New Date Coming Soon
On Sporting Clay Event

It looks like late February, 2014 when Centennial Bank will sponsor the TBA Sporting Clay Target Shoot Tournament. The event was originally scheduled in November, 2013 but was postponed until 2014. A firm date should be set soon. The location will be the Coon Bottom Gun Club. Many thanks to Matt Brown, Will Davis and our friends at Centennial Bank for serving as the title sponsor for this event which also welcomes United Rentals, Messer Law Firm, and McNeil Plumbing as sponsors. 
 
 

 

Homes & Land Will Produce
Parade of Homes™ Magazine

The Tallahassee Builders Association is pleased to announce that Homes & Land of Tallahassee has been selected to produce the only officially-sanctioned magazine of its 2014 Parade of Homes™.  “TBA has every confidence that Homes & Land will play a key role in the success of the 2014 Parade, both through high-quality magazine and its other promotional and marketing vehicles,” said Parade of Homes Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS.  TBA members are invited to advertise in the magazine by contacting Jackie Johnson via email at  or by phone at (850) 570-0327. TBA encourages your support and asks that you be receptive when Jackie or a representative of Tallahassee Homes & Land calls on you. 
 
 

 

Building Official Ed Jarriel
To Host ‘Lunch & Learn’

Leon County chief building official Ed Jarriel has announced that he will host a “Lunch & Learn” program for TBA builder members on Monday, January 13, 2014 from noon to 2:30 pm at the building department offices. The purpose of the meeting is to update builders on the use of Project Docs for electronic building permitting. Lunch will be complimentary. Jarriel said electronic permitting goes into effect January 2, 2014. 
 
 

Green, Remodelers Set
Exciting January Meetings

TBA’s Green Building Council and Remodelers Council will kick the year off with excellent educational programs for its members. The Green Council will present a builder panel on “How to Market Yourself as Green Builder” on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 11:30 am at the Myers Park Community Room. And the Remodelers Council will begin the year with “How to Market Your Remodeling Business” on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 11:30 am at the TBA office. Lunches at each event are free to Council members and $20 for non-members. First-time guests also attend free. Look for details in next week’s TBA Weekly Report. 
 

January 16 Is Deadline
For Parade Discount

It’s time for the Tallahassee area’s best builders to commit to TBA’s 2014 Parade of Homes™. The registration form is now available at tallyba.com under News. TBA’s signature event will be held over the weekends of May 10-11 and 17-18 in 2014 with the judging set for Friday, May 2, according to Parade Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction. The cost to enter a home is $1,550 for the first entry and $1,350 for all additional entries… reflecting an early-bird discount for payments received by January 16, 2014. After that date, each Parade entry is $1,750. The Parade Awards banquet is set for May 15, 2014. A Entrants will be eligible for major awards, the Platinum Award-Best of Show honor won last year by Hartsfield Construction, and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Building Awards.  
 

Parade of Homes Welcomes
Sponsors for 2014 Event

David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric has announced that sponsorships for the 2014 TBA Parade of Homes ™ are now available. Sponsors will reap a wealth of business-building exposure through the Parade’s comprehensive radio, television, newspaper and digital advertising campaign and the 56-page Parade of Homes magazine that will reach over 30,000 consumers through its print and digital editions, as well as through the TBA web site and at the  Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Sponsorship levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A form to secure your sponsorship is available at tallyba.com under News.  
 

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

  
For a copy of TBA’s 2013 Annual Report, go to News at tallyba.com.
 

Masoud Karimipour Takes Reins
As 2013-2014 President of TBA

For a copy of Masoud Karimipour’s acceptance speech, go to tallyba.com under News.
 
Veteran Tallahassee builder Masoud Karimipour, CIP, CAPS, of Persica Homes took over as President of the Tallahassee Builders Association last Thursday night during an Installation/Awards event at the Hotel Duval. Karimipour, who was installed by retired banker Joe Humphrey, followed Shane Lambert, CIP, CAPS of Shane Y. Lambert Construction, who was honored for a year of outstanding leadership. “I joined TBA over 20 years ago and I never thought of myself being involved at a leadership level,” said Karimipour. “But over the past difficult years in housing, I have watched many good people go out of business or struggle to stay in business. Families have been affected… the community has been affected. I felt a responsibility to get more involved to share my experiences and lean upon others that were also struggling, but were committed to come out of the housing crisis stronger and more determined to make Tallahassee a thriving community and our industry a key partner in that success.” The evening was sponsored by City Gas, FHB Insurance, and Awards4U. Entertainment was provided by Ken Kanline with his humorous songs: “My Best Friend,” “I’m Missin’ My Remodeler,” and “The Porta John.” 
 
 

 

Kimberl, Perkins, Roberts
Win Top Individual Honors

Bill Kimberl, CIP, CAPS, David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, and Mike Roberts won the three highest individual honors that TBA presents annually at last week’s Installation/Awards Banquet at the Hotel Duval. Kimberl, of Kimberl Construction, was named Builder of the Year for freely volunteering his time and talents to TBA. He worked hard on membership and the Fishing Tournament and chaired the Remodelers Council this year. He was also honored in 2013 by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) as one of the state’s most energy-efficient builders. Perkins, of Perkins Electric, was named Associate of the Year. He served TBA as Third Vice President this year and Area I Associate Vice President at FHBA. He was active on a number of committees and a generous sponsor of TBA events. Roberts, owner of Roberts Sand Company, won the President’s Award presented by Shane Lambert, for forging a strong partnership between TBA and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the TBA Board and was active as a committee member and sponsor. Suzanne Cook, CAE, IOM, was also honored as Chair of the TBA Green Building Council in 2013. She is Executive Director of FGBC, which sponsored the Green Awards in the TBA Parade of Homes™, and served on the TBA Board of Directors. 
 
 

 

Larry Wayne Strickland
Elected to Hall of Fame

Sponsored  by City Gas, the TBA Hall of Fame welcomed its newest inductee when Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS, of Capital City Builders joined the elite group at last Thursday night’s Installation/Awards Banquet at Hotel Duval. The announcement came from City Gas’s Larisa Kuleshova, who lauded Strickland for his professionalism, previous honors (including Florida Remodeler of the Year in 2012), and for leading some of TBA’s best projects, including the 2013 North Florida Home Show. Strickland was among the first TBA members to earn the Construction Industry Professional (CIP) and Certified-Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designations. He is also a consistent winner in the TBA Remodelers Showcase Awards.  
 

TBA Welcomes New
Officers and Directors

Joining President Masoud Karimipour on the TBA Board of Directors for 2014 will be Senior Officers First Vice President Alan Weekley, CIP, CAPS, Second Vice President David Perkins, CIP, CAPS (Perkins Electric), Treasurer Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS, Secretary Bill Kimberl, CIP, CAPS, and Third Vice President Vicki O’Neil (City Gas), along with Immediate Past President Shane Lambert, CIP, CAPS, Immediate Past Second Vice President Doug Barkley, P.E (Barkley Consulting Engineers), Builder Directors Mark Trudeau, CIP, CAPS; H.R. “Sonny” Phillips, CAPS; Jane Conn, Thomas Asbury, Jr., and Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, and Associate Directors Mike Roberts (Roberts Sand Company), Larisa Kuleshova (City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utility), Matt Gilbert, (James D A Holley & Company, CPAs), Deborah McClellan (Hancock Bank), and Bobby Dollar (Appliance Consultants). The officers and directors were installed by TBA Past President Karen Koelemij of Orange State Construction. 
 

City Extends Seven-Day
Building Permit Guarantee

With TBA’s 2013 President Shane Lambert expressing the association’s support, the City of Tallahassee recently announced an extension of its money-back guarantee of a seven-day turnaround on a new single-family residential permit. “This is great news for our builders,” said Lambert, who praised the leadership of Director of Growth Management Karen Jumonville and Commissioner Andrew Gillum, who initiated the concept and serves as the lead commissioner on the City's Financial Viability Target Issue Committee. Here’s how the program works: A licensed builder brings in a permit application for a single-family residential home (or a duplex on a single lot) and pays the standard permitting fees. The City promises to complete the review within seven business days. At, or before, the end of the seventh business day, someone from the City will call or email the applicant to let them know that the permit has been approved or, if it hasn’t been approved, comments explaining why it has not. If the applicant needs to alter or amend the application, upon resubmittal, the deadline will be shortened to only five business days. If the City fails to get back to the applicant as promised, related permitting fees will be refunded.  
 

State Offers Free Seminars
On Workers Comp, Safety

The Florida Department of Financial Services and the Division of Workers Compensation Compliance Bureau are offering free employer seminars and webinars around the state December 2013 through March of 2014. The education covers Florida’s Workers Compensation Laws and Workplace Safety and qualifies for Continuing Education credits for building contractors, electrical contractors, and accountants. Advanced registration is required. For a schedule and to register, go to www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/WC. Questions: Call 813-221-6518. The Tallahassee seminars are scheduled for December 19, 2013 and March 18, 2014.  
 

Building Official Ed Jarriel
Sets Two January Meetings

In his ongoing effort to alert builders to Project Docs (electronic permitting), Leon County building official Ed Jarriel will speak at TBA’s January 9, 2013 Governmental Affairs Committee meeting (11:30 am, TBA office) and host builders at the county permitting office on Monday, January 13, 2014. Electronic permitting goes into effect on January 2, 2014 according to Jarriel. Similar meetings will be held with City of Tallahassee building official Glen Dodson in January.  
 

Builders Can Sign Up Now
For 2014 Parade of Homes

It’s time for the Tallahassee area’s best builders to commit to TBA’s 2014 Parade of Homes™. The registration form is now available at tallyba.com under News. TBA’s signature event will be held over the weekends of May 10-11 and 17-18 in 2014 with the judging set for Friday, May 2, according to Parade Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction. The cost to enter a home is $1,550 for the first entry and $1,350 for all additional entries… reflecting an early-bird discount for payments received by January 16, 2014. After that date, each Parade entry is $1,750. The Parade Awards banquet is set for May 15, 2014. A Entrants will be eligible for major awards, the Platinum Award-Best of Show honor won last year by Hartsfield Construction, and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Building Awards. David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric is chairing the Parade Sponsorship Committee and will be communicating soon with potential sponsors. The Parade Committee meets again Tuesday (December 10) at 11:30 am at the TBA office.  
 

Perkins Announces Sponsor
Opportunities for ’14 Parade

Super-active TBA associate member David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric has announced that sponsorships for the 2014 TBA Parade of Homes ™ are now available. “TBA is ready to put the promotional power of the Parade of Homes™ to work for our members in 2014,” said Perkins. Sponsors will reap a wealth of business-building exposure through the Parade’s comprehensive radio, television, newspaper and digital advertising campaign and the 56-page Parade of Homes magazine that will reach over 30,000 consumers through its print and digital editions, as well as through the TBA web site and at the  Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Sponsorship levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A form to secure your sponsorship is available at tallyba.com under News.  
  
 
Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

Lambert Made a Difference
As TBA’s President in 2013

As Shane Lambert completes his year as President of the Tallahassee Builders Association at this Thursday night’s Installation/Awards Banquet, he can look back on 2013 as a year where TBA truly made a difference for its members and the community.

Lambert, a third-generation home builder and owner of Shane Y. Lambert Construction, Inc., made professionalism through education a priority for TBA. In addition to 16 TBA members who had already earned the Association’s “Construction Industry Professional” or CIP designation, more than 20 members took three full-day classes to obtain the Certified-Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Lambert proved a model of leadership by achieving both designations.

“CAPS carries great significance to me,” said Lambert, “because it means we have TBA members who are now well-equipped to help our older adults adapt their existing homes to keep them accessible and safe. Most of us have aging parents or grandparents and the CAPS training gives us the information and tools we need to help the people we love maintain a quality lifestyle in their homes.”

Lambert is also proud that TBA stepped up to support the Florida House of Representatives “House That the House Built,” a Habitat for Humanity home built by TBA member Jerry Linder of Vintage Homes. “Anytime you put a hard-working, single Mom in a new home, it’s a beautiful thing,” said Lambert. “I was proud that TBA could play a role in helping Jerry make that happen.”

Among TBA’s other community-service activities, Past Presidents Jerry McFarland and Mark Worley helped raise funds for WFSU Radio; builder member John Thomas of Chief Cornerstone Construction built a gazebo at the local Boys & Girls Club; members donated money for AMI Kids of Tallahassee to buy new furniture; and TBA’s Parade of Homes raised funds for the Second Harvest. 

Lambert is also proud of TBA’s strong working relationships with local elected and appointed government officials. “We maintain a liaison with our city and county commissioners with the focus on streamlining regulations and making housing more affordable,” said Lambert. “We also work closely with our local building officials, Ed Jarriel and Glen Dodson, with the same goal in mind.”

This year, TBA was part of two major events that provide consumer education: the annual North Florida Home Show (which this year had 34 TBA members as exhibitors) and the Parade of Homes™, which had 29 new homes showcasing the latest trends, products and services. “Whether someone is looking to build a new home, remodel their existing one, or simply wanting to upgrade to the latest products, our members can help,” said Lambert.

In his role as President, Lambert spread the TBA message far and wide, speaking to a variety of groups, including a major panel presentation on the housing market at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce strategic planning conference in Amelia Island. “We have a story to tell,” said Lambert, “about how significant housing is for our citizens and our local economy.”

Masoud Karimipour of Persica Homes will succeed Lambert as TBA President. 
 

Karimipour Prepared
To Lead TBA in 2014

Masoud Karimipour, CIP, CAPS, owner of Persica Homes and a leading custom home builder in Tallahassee, will be installed as TBA’s 2014 President this Thursday night at the Installation/Awards Banquet. He formed Persica in 1991 and quickly built a reputation for well-designed, quality-built homes equipped with Green and energy-efficient features, the latest in products and services, and special touches – like mud rooms – that enhance functionality and livability. His standard home is a 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranging from 2,200 to 3,000 square feet, but his design skills allow him to quickly adapt to the needs of clients with varying lifestyle needs. His involvement with TBA has grown over the years.  He climbed TBA’s traditional leadership ladder from Secretary, to Treasurer, to First Vice President, and now will follow in the footsteps of TBA’s current President Shane Lambert, CIP, CAPS, of Shane Y. Lambert Construction. 
 

Last Chance to Register
For Thursday’s Banquet

Space is limited so act now to reserve your spot at the Tallahassee Builders Association’s 2013 Installation/Awards banquet set for Thursday in the Level 8 Ballroom of the Hotel Duval (415 North Monroe Street). The event begins with a reception at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm and the Awards/Installation from 8 – 9:30 pm.  Tickets are $35 per person and includes two complimentary drink tickets. To register and get detailed information, go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2013-tba-awardsinstallation-banquet-tickets-9244381193.  The evening will be highlighted by the presentation of the Builder of the Year award, Associate of the Year award, the President’s Award, and the induction of an individual into the TBA Hall of Fame. The TBA Installation Awards Banquet is sponsored by the City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utility and FHB Insurance. TBA Past President Karen Koelemij of Orange State Construction will install the TBA Senior Officers.  
 

Builders Can Sign Up Now
For 2014 Parade of Homes

It’s time for the Tallahassee area’s best builders to commit to TBA’s 2014 Parade of Homes™. The registration form is now available at tallyba.com under News. TBA’s signature event will be held over the weekends of May 10-11 and 17-18 in 2014 with the judging set for Friday, May 2, according to Parade Committee Chair Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction. The cost to enter a home is $1,550 for the first entry and $1,350 for all additional entries… reflecting an early-bird discount for payments received by January 16, 2014. After that date, each Parade entry is $1,750. The Parade Awards banquet is set for May 15, 2014. A Entrants will be eligible for major awards, the Platinum Award-Best of Show honor won last year by Hartsfield Construction, and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Building Awards. David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric is chairing the Parade Sponsorship Committee and will be communicating soon with potential sponsors. The Parade Committee meets again Tuesday, December 10 at 11:30 am at the TBA office. 
 

Perkins Announces Sponsor
Opportunities for ’14 Parade

Super-active TBA associate member David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, of Perkins Electric has announced that sponsorships for the 2014 TBA Parade of Homes ™ are now available. “TBA is ready to put the promotional power of the Parade of Homes™ to work for our members in 2014,” said Perkins. Sponsors will reap a wealth of business-building exposure through the Parade’s comprehensive radio, television, newspaper and digital advertising campaign and the 56-page Parade of Homes magazine that will reach over 30,000 consumers through its print and digital editions, as well as through the TBA web site and at the  Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Sponsorship levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A form to secure your sponsorship is available at tallyba.com under News.  
 

Welcome These New Members
And Give Them Your Support

Capital City Design Center, Inc.
Ann DeVeer
850-216-2828
(Sponsor: Masoud Karimipour)
 
Keller Williams Realtor/Broker Trina Searcy
850-201-4663

Real estate services
(Sponsor: Mark Worley)
 
Maxine Fine Detailing
Maxine Glenn
850-528-6298
Post-Construction Cleaning
(Sponsor: Mark Worley)
 
Power-On, LLC
John Cuniff
850-422-2232

Generator Sales and Service
(Sponsor: Alan Weekley)  
  
 
Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

BUILDER OF YEAR

ALAN WEEKLEY Alan Weekley Homes

ASSOCIATE OF YEAR

ALAN ROBISON Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

BILL KIMBERL, IV, CIP Kimberl Construction, Inc.

HALL OF FAME

MARK WORLEY, CIP, GMB Worley Construction