TBA’s Remodelers Council meets Wednesday at 11:30 am at the TBA office with the program and lunch sponsored by Associated Services Cleaning and Restoration. The program covers a wide range of AS services including janitorial, carpet cleaning, tile floor maintenance, marble polishing, mold remediation, and emergency water extraction. For more on Associated Services, visit www.associatedsvs.com. Council chair Bill Kimberl, CIP, of Kimberl Construction has announced that the March 27, 2013 Remodelers Council meeting will feature a program on Universal Design presented by TBA member Carole Butler, CAPS, of Carole Butler Interiors www.carolebutlerinteriors.com.

Calling all TBA fishermen and women… the form is now available for you to participate in TBA’s 25^th Annual Saltwater Fishing Tournament set for June 8, 2013 at the Carrabelle Boat Club. Click here to access the form. Chair Garth Easton of Pro-Build has announced that his company is one of the first major announced sponsors of the event along with James Hardie Building Products. Sponsorships are available in Platinum, Anchor, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. This year’s boat fee remains the same as 2012 – $200 – and the fee to enter the Grand Slams (in-shore and off-shore) are $100 each. The Captain’s Party will be held on June 6 with the Anglers’ Social set for June 7, the night before the main event. 
 

TBA President Shane Lambert, CIP, of Shane Y. Lambert Construction will be the association’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. “For our association, this represents recognition of the home building/construction industry as a key player in our community and a driver of economic activity and growth,” said Lambert. “For me personally, I look forward to serving as TBA’s appointed Board member and to offering what I hope will be an important perspective to the Chamber’s governance and goals.” Longtime TBA member Mike Roberts of Roberts Sand Company serves on the Chamber Board and was instrumental in securing a seat for TBA.
 

Sixty TBA members attended last week’s general membership meeting that featured a new venue – Killearn Country Club – and challenging messages from Florida Home Builders Association President Suzanne Graham and Governmental Affairs Director Doug Buck. Graham had a special message for TBA new members:  “You reap what you sow… work hard for your HBA and it will work hard for you… it may not happen today, or tomorrow, but stay the course and your dues investment will pay off handsomely. She also challenged all members to “Do Business with Members,” adding “This is a philosophy that, when embraced, builds the strength of our association. Together, helping each other succeed, we can meet every challenge we face as individuals and an industry.” Buck outlined FHBA’s legislative goals for the 2013 session of the Florida Legislature (which begins March 5), including higher penalties for unlicensed contracting, and invited TBA members to attend FHBA’s Spring Legislative Conference April 16-17 in Tallahassee to lobby their state legislators. TBA welcomed local building officials Ed Jarriel (Leon County) and Glenn Dodson (City of Tallahassee) to last week’s meeting where they outlined their respective streamlined permitting methods and answered questions from builders. Click here for photos from last week’s meeting. 
  

When Tallahassee BA Past President and Hall of Fame member Ed Dion of Dion Builders travels to Haines City this weekend to serve as a counselor at the Future Builders of America (FBA) Summer Leadership Camp, he’ll mark his 10th anniversary of his service to his industry and the next generation of home builders. This year’s camp will welcome 60 students, eight alumnus, and 27 professionals/counselors for a weekend full of meaningful educational programs for future builders. FBA is sponsored in about 60 high schools around the state.
 

For more than ten years, Leon County has granted a $25,000 local option homestead exemption for low-income senior citizens. On February 12, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners passed an additional exemption for low-income seniors. The additional exemption means $36,000 of tax relief to seniors in need throughout the community. In November 2012, Florida voters passed Amendment 11, allowing local government to provide an exemption to seniors over sixty-five years of age who have lived more than twenty-five years at the same property valued under $250,000. For more information, call (850) 606-5300 or (850) 606-5100. 
 

• Amy Bullock, W.E.C. Heating & Air, Inc. 850-878-5398, (Sponsor: Bill Kimberl, CIP)

• David Dowdy, Tallahassee Homes, 850-251-1150,   (Sponsor:  ES Green & Company, LLC)

• Gordon H. Hansen, AICP, Land Use Consultant,  850-321-1113, (Sponsor: Alan Weekley)

• Ross Little, Glass Pro Shop, 850-575-7403, (Sponsor: Shane Lambert, CIP)

• Frank Robinson, Blue Star Homes, Inc., 850-575-0102, (Sponsor: Seminole Trusses, Inc.)
   
   

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tallahasseebuildersasociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

With strong attendance from consumers ready to make purchasing decisions, the North Florida Home Show represented a marketing bonanza for the 32 members of the Tallahassee Builders Association who exhibited at the February 8-10, 2013 event at the Civic Center. “Great show,” said Bryant Skipper of Big Bend Builders. “It feels like people are more confident in the economy and ready to move ahead to buy a new home or make a major home improvement.” Florida’s 2012 Remodeler of the Year, Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, of Capital City Builders, coordinated TBA’s role as a co-sponsor of the show and presented one of the largest booths for his remodeling business. Strickland worked with TBA’s Member Consumer and Education Committee (MCEC), chaired by Stan Derzypolski, CIP, of 3 Rivers, Inc., to encourage members to exhibit and present a TBA information booth to answer consumers’ questions. Click here for a photo gallery of a few of the TBA home show exhibitors. Many thanks to these TBA members who did such a professional job of presenting their home and remodeling capabilities or their company’s quality products and services:

3 Rivers, Inc.

ADT Security

A Carpenters Construction

Bobby Dollar Appliance Consultants

B&T Fencing

Big Bend Builders

Capital City Builders

Carpet Studio

City of Tallahassee Natural Gas

Earl Bacon Agency

Ertl Custom Homes

Flooring America

Florida Pest Control

Hartsfield Construction

Hi Tech Systems

Keith McNeil Plumbing

Mark Worley Construction

Mathers Electric

Maximum Building Systems

Parker Brothers Roofing

Roberts Sand Company

Rock Solid Design and Construction

Sellars Tile

Smith Roofing

Florida Home Builders Association President Suzanne Graham is the featured speaker at Thursday’s TBA general membership meeting  (starting at 11:30 am) at the Killearn Country Club. Graham will  present an overview of the 2013 Florida Legislative Session and the many issues that will impact the building industry. Graham will be joined by FHBA’s Director of Governmental Affairs Doug Buck. In addition, TBA’s Governmental Affairs Committee chaired by Past President Jerry McFarland, has arranged for local building officials Ed Jarriel (county) and Glenn Dodson (city) to be on hand to answer any questions TBA members may have. Important: If you are planning to attend the meeting, you are required to RSVP by Monday, February 18 at 5 pm through an e-mail to . The cost is $15 per person and can be paid at the door via cash, check, or credit card. 
 

Twenty builders and two home-health professionals attended the Tallahassee Builders Association-sponsored CAPS I course presented last Friday at the Betty Easley Conference Center. The course if one of three that leads to the Certified-Aging-in-Place (CAPS) designation. CAPS I is Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging & Accessibility and was be taught by TBA member Terry Ward, Ph.D. Participants also earned six CEUS toward their contractor license renewal. “I feel like everyone learned a lot and we’re definitely going to have a great advantage in knowing how to communicate with and meet the needs of older adults,” said Stan Derzypolski, CIP. CAPS II – Design/Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility and the third required course Business Management for Building Professionals will be presented in the coming months.
 

Green building professionals walked away from last week’s TBA Green Building Council meeting with new insights into paints and paint technology thanks to an informative presentation by Matthew Heald, CSI, LEED AP of Sherwin-Williams. Heald covered the history of paints, federal regulations that improved paint safety, and green building certifications that award points based on paints that offer low-VOC properties and sustainability. He also introduced online  tools to match consumer  preferences through paints and find the most environmentally friendly paints. “Very informative,” said TBA Past President Jerry McFarland, CIP. “Sherwin-Williams has great products and great people.” The company’s local store manager is Brandon Dawson () and its builder specialist is Guy Tigerina (). . Upcoming Green Council programs will be presented by John Stehmeyer of Pro Players Realty (March 14), Dawn Davis of ABC Supply (April 11) and John Griffin of Tru-Seal LLC (May 9). 
  

New members, existing members, and prospective members are welcome to attend a Tallahassee BA Orientation on Tuesday at 11:30 am at the TBA office (201 East Park Avenue). A complimentary lunch is sponsored by Capelouto Termite & Pest Control represented by TBA’s 2012 Associate Member of the Year Alan Robison. The orientation is guided by 2012 Builder of the Year and Membership Committee Chairman Alan Weekley of Alan Weekley Homes and includes feedback from new members and presentations from individuals who have benefitted from TBA’s services, events, and networking opportunities.
 

Associated Services Cleaning and Restoration will sponsor and present an educational program to the TBA Remodelers Council on Wednesday, February 27 at 11:30 am at the TBA office (201 East Park Avenue). Lunch is compliments of Associated Services and TBA member Joe Walsh. The program covers a wide range of AS services including janarorial, carpet cleaining, tile floor maintenance, marble polishing, mold remediation, and emergency water extraction. For more on Associated Services, visit www.associatedsvs.com. The Council is chaired by TBA’s 2012 President’s Award winner Bill Kimberl, CIP, of Kimberl Construction. Also on the agenda is a presentation on the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards. 
 
 

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tallahasseebuildersasociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

Important: If you are planning to attend TBA’s Thursday, February 21, 2013 General Membership Meeting (see details below), you are required to RSVP by Monday, February 18 at 5 pm through an e-mail to The cost is $15 per person and can be paid at the door via cash, check, or credit card. 

Led by Florida’s 2012 Big Spike Mark Worley, the Tallahassee Builders Association was the fastest-growing home builders association in the state last year. TBA grew by 45 net new members – a 31.9 percent pace – with Worley recruiting a state-best 37 new members. The effort earned TBA a check for $3,375 in the National Association of Home Builders’ “Beat 2011” membership competition – a tribute to Chairman Alan Weekley and a hard-working TBA Membership Committee and Drexal Harris of Baker-Harris Insurance, TBA’s all-time Big Spike and leader of the winning “Seminole Spirit” membership team in 2012.  Passionate and persistent, Worley is a Past President of TBA and a veteran builder who entered TBA’s Hall of Fame in 2012 for his career contributions to the association, industry and community. “I believe strongly in the value of membership,” says Worley. “I like telling people our (TBA) story and seeing new members join our cause, for their benefit and the benefit of our association and industry.”

Here are TBA’s Top Ten Recruiters for 2012:

1.    Mark Worley, GMB, CIP (37)

2.    Bill Kimberl, IV, CIP (10)

3.    Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP (8)

4.    Alan Weekley (7)

5.    Stan Derzypolski, CIP (6)

       Karen Koelemij (6)

7.    Drexal Harris (5)

8.    Mark Trudeau, CIP (4)

       Jerry McFarland, CIP (4)

10.  Tom Vieth, CIP (3)

       Bobby Dollar (3)
 

TBA has a dynamic speaker lined up for its Thursday, February 21 general membership meetings (starting at 11:30 am) at the Killearn Country Club. The President of the Florida Home Builders Association, Suzanne Graham, will present an overview of the 2013 Florida Legislative Session and the many issues that will impact the building industry. Graham will be joined by FHBA’s Director of Governmental Affairs Doug Buck. In addition, TBA’s Governmental Affairs Committee chaired by Past President Jerry McFarland, has arranged for local building officials Ed Jarriel (county) and Glenn Dodson (city) to be on hand to answer any questions TBA members may have. Important: If you are planning to attend the meeting, you are required to RSVP by Monday, February 18 at 5 pm through an e-mail to The cost is $15 per person and can be paid at the door via cash, check, or credit card. 
 

Green building professionals won’t want to miss Thursday’s meeting of the TBA Green Building Council. Program chair Dawn Davis of ABC Supply has lined up paint expert Matthew Heald, CSI, of Sherwin-Williams to present a specialized program on sustainable paint options, paint technology, VOC regulations, and high-performance coatings. The meeting begins at 11:30 am at the Myers Park Community Room and includes a free lunch sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. No RSVP is required and TBA’s new members are welcome to attend.
 

TBA’s 2013 Parade of Homes is off to a fast start with 15 builders and 20 entries coming in under the early-bird deadline. TBA 2013 Parade of Homes™ is led by Co-Chairs Mark Worley, CIP, GMB of Worley Construction and Thomas Asbury, Jr. of Premier Fine Homes and an active Parade Committee. It’s not too late for builders to enter.  Click here for a Parade contract and specifications. The Parade will be held May 11-12 and May 18-19 with judging set for May 3 and the Parade of Homes™ Awards event scheduled for mid-May. There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available, which can be accessed by clicking here. 

Here are the Parade entries to date:

1. Premier Construction   (4)
2. Hartsfield Construction, Inc.
3. Tricon Builders, Inc.
4. Powerhouse Construction of Tallahassee, Inc.
5. Foundation Homes
6. Hannon Construction Company
7. Vintage Homes, LLC.
8. Barton Construction, Inc.
9. Adams Quality Homes, Inc.
10. Blue Star Homes     (2)
11. Rock Solid Design & Construction   (2)
12. Big Bend Builders
13. Alexander Dinkelman, Inc.
14. Creative Construction
15. Persica Homes  
     

If you are interested in obtaining the Certified-Aging-in-Place (CAPS) designation, be reminded that TBA is offering its members all three qualifying classes this year, beginning with CAPS I scheduled for Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Betty Easley Conference Center on Capital Circle (near Southwood). CAPS I is entitled Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging & Accessibility and will be taught by TBA member Terry Ward, Ph.D. The cost of CAPS I to TBA members is $135 and includes lunch and course materials. The course provides Florida contractors with six hours of continuing education credits (including one hour of Business Practices) through the Florida Home Builders Association (CILB Provider N. 000916). Ward has worked with seniors and persons with disabilities for more than 20 years, providing professional design and project management services to individuals who wish to live in their homes safely and as independently as possible. CAPS II – Design/Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility – will be presented in the second quarter of the year. The third required course is Business Management for Building Professionals and will be offered in the third quarter of 2013. For a registration form and details, click here.

In a correction to last week’s item on Tallahassee BA members who hold the designation of CAPS, indicating they are Certified-Aging-in-Place Specialists, the number is five, including William “Kip” Carpenter, CAPS of Carpenter’s Construction, Doug Barton, CAPS of Barton Construction; Carole Butler, CAPS, Carole Butler Interiors; Lee “Skip” Sheffield, CAPS, Sheffield Construction, Inc.; and Terry Ward, CAPS, Terry Ward Consulting, LLC.
 

One of the most tangible benefits TBA members enjoy is access to , which is a list-serve service that provides vital information on people, products, and services within the local construction community. All members are invited to become a part of this sharing of information. When you add the address to your contacts, you will be able to contact all members of the group.  Comments should be short and businesslike.   And it is VERY important to remember that if you reply, your comments will go out to ALL members of the group, not just the one who began the conversation.  If further clarification/information is needed, please use the sender’s personal e-mail so that the rest of the group is not involved.  Lately spam filters have blocked a lot of invitations to members, so we are asking that if you want to participate, please send an e-mail to TBA member Stan Derzypolski to .   Since all members have to be approved, please also copy Stan at  with your request so he can approve your access. 

Next Week: A complete report on the North Florida Home Show co-sponsored by TBA. 
 
 

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tallahasseebuildersasociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

Fishermen and fisherwomen, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8, 2013 for TBA’s popular Saltwater Fishing Tournament at the Carrabelle Boat Club. Tournament Chairman Garth Easton of Pro-Build and his hard-working Committee are planning another exciting adventure that includes the Captain’s Party on Thursday evening, June 6, the Anglers’ Social on Friday evening June 7, and the main event on Saturday, June 8. The Committee is currently working on sponsorships including Anchor and Grand Slam sponsors and Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors. Email Garth at if you are interested in sponsoring. Fishing Tournament Committee members include Mike Roberts of Roberts Sand Co., John Griffin of Tru-Seal, Chuck Mahoney of PPG Porter Paints, Tom Glaze of Lowe’s/Northeast Tallahassee, Alan Robison of Capelouto Termite & Pest Control, and Bill Kimberl, IV, CIP, of Kimberl Construction. Easton reports that the boat entry fee would be $200 and the Grand Slam entry fee $100. 
 

Members of the Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA) will have a strong presence at the North Florida Home Show set for February 8-10 at the Civic Center.  Presented by East Coast Shows, Inc. and co-sponsored by TBA, the show hours are Noon to 7 pm on Friday (February 8), 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday (February 9), and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday (February 10). The City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utilities display will have some valuable information for consumers, including a new home fueling station, tips on how to earn energy rebates for installing more-efficient equipment like tankless water heaters, and the chance to win a gas grille donated by Bobby Dollar of Appliance Consultants. In addition to TBA builders and remodelers who are exhibiting at the show, associate member-exhibitors include companies like Smith Roofing, Tru-Seal, and Carpet One… illustrating the wide range of resources that our members have to offer. TBA will have an information booth at the show to answer questions from consumers and provide information on how TBA serves its members and the community. 
 

Jerry Linder, president of Vintage Homes and a TBA member, has entered the Tallahassee market and selected Mike Ferrie and Dixie Russell of Prime South Properties to sell its new homes in the Persimmon Hill community, including an entry in TBA’s 2013 Parade of Homes™.  Vintage Homes will also custom build on individual lots in the Tallahassee market.  Linder, who serves as a Senior Officer of the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), has been building and developing since 1989.  He is a past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.  He is slated to be FHBA president in 2014-2015. PrimeSouth is one of Tallahassee’s leading real estate firms. The PrimeSouth team includes 22 sales people with a vast experience in new construction, residential sales, property management, development and commercial sales.  Linder’s homes in Persimmon Hill are priced starting in the $400,000’s. They come with custom finishes including extensive moldings, granite counter tops, hardwood floors and other features you would expect to find in a luxury home. Persimmon Hill was developed by the Parrish Group, one of Tallahassee’s leading residential and commercial developers. The community offers 17 single family home sites surrounded by various green areas enclosed in a private gated community. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping.  For more on Vintage Homes, go to www.vitagehomesfl.com or www.primesouthrealtors.com.
 

Four Tallahassee BA members hold the designation of CAPS, indicating they are Certified-Aging-in-Place Specialists. The four and their contact info are: Doug Barton, CAPS

Barton Construction; Carole Butler, CAPS, Carole Butler Interiors; Lee “Skip” Sheffield, CAPS, Sheffield Construction, Inc.; and Terry Ward, CAPS, Terry Ward Consulting, LLC. If you are interested in obtaining the CAPS designation, be reminded that TBA is offering its members all three qualifying classes this year, beginning with CAPS I scheduled for Friday, February 15, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Betty Easley Conference Center on Capital Circle (near Southwood). CAPS I is entitled Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging & Accessibility and will be taught by TBA member Terry Ward, Ph.D. The cost of CAPS I to TBA members is $135 ($225 for non-members) and includes lunch and course materials. The course provides Florida contractors with six hours of continuing education credits (including one hour of Business Practices) through the Florida Home Builders Association (CILB Provider N. 000916). Ward has worked with seniors and persons with disabilities for more than 20 years, providing professional design and project management services to individuals who wish to live in their homes safely and as independently as possible. CAPS II – Design/Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility – will be presented in the second quarter of the year. The third required course is Business Management for Building Professionals and will be offered in the third quarter of 2013. For a registration form and details, click here.  
 

TBA 2013 Parade of Homes™ Co-Chairs Mark Worley, CIP, GMB of Worley Construction and Thomas Asbury, Jr. of Premier Fine Homes will convene a meeting of the Parade of Homes Committee this Tuesday (February 5) at 11:30 am at the TBA office. Lunch will be provided. Click here for a Parade contract and specifications. The Parade will be held May 11-12 and May 18-19 with judging set for May 3 and the Parade of Homes™ Awards event scheduled for mid-May. There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available, which can be accessed by clicking here.  
 

One of the most tangible benefits TBA members enjoy is access to , which is a list-serve service that provides vital information on people, products, and services within the local construction community. All members are invited to become a part of this sharing of information. When you add the address to your contacts, you will be able to contact all members of the group.  Comments should be short and businesslike.   And it is VERY important to remember that if you reply, your comments will go out to ALL members of the group, not just the one who began the conversation.  If further clarification/information is needed, please use the sender’s personal e-mail so that the rest of the group is not involved.  Lately spam filters have blocked a lot of invitations to members, so we are asking that if you want to participate, please send an e-mail to TBA member Stan Derzypolski to .   Since all members have to be approved, please also copy Stan at  with your request so he can approve your access. 
 
 

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tallahasseebuildersasociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer