TBA Members Highlight
Home Show February 7-8-9

The Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA) and its Member and Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) will play a major role in this year’s North Florida Home Show set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 7-8-9 at the Civic Center.  Over 100 companies – many of them members of TBA – will be exhibiting in the event presented by East Coast Shows, Inc. and co-sponsored by TBA. This year, TBA has added a new element to the show  – a full-color, 36-page Tallahassee Better Living Guide. In addition to our TBA information booth, where show visitors can pose questions to builders, suppliers, and trades professionals, the guide will serve as a source of valuable contacts and information long after the show itself is over.

Among the TBA exhibitors are:

• Hartsfield Construction, winner of last year’s Platinum Best in Show in the TBA Parade of Homes™.
• Capital City Builders and Florida’s 2012 Remodeler of the Year Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS.
• City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utility promoting the benefits of natural gas, including significant rebates.
• Hi Tech System Associates presenting the latest in home technology.
• Tallahassee Builders Association for information on do-it-yourself residential wind mitigation techniques.
• Tallahassee Nurseries on how professionals can help consumers achieve their  landscaping goals.
• 3 Rivers Inc. and A Carpenter’s Construction for “Aging in Place” remodeling.
• Wynn and Associates for the latest trends in residential design. 
   

TBA Exhibitors … at the North Florida Home Show

TBA Family Extends Condolences
In the Loss of Marilyn Thompson

Marilyn Thompson, the wife of Tallahassee Builders Association Executive Officer Paul Thompson, died January 20, 2014 after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Marilyn and Paul have lived in Tallahassee since 1976, enjoying homes built by TBA members Orange State Construction (Town ‘n Country), Mad Dog Design & Construction (Lafayette Oaks), and Bruce Wood Builder (Buckhead). They were married for 41 years and their family includes son Matthew Thompson (a pastor in Fort Walton Beach) and three grandchildren.  Marilyn graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University in 1980 with a degree in nursing. As a registered nurse, she worked at hospitals in Tallahassee and Thomasville (GA) and for several Tallahassee-area physicians.  She was active in her church and loved to cook, take morning walks with Paul, and help family and friends. She was buried in Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach. 
 

Remodelers Learn Strategies
For Successful Marketing

The TBA Remodelers Council kicked off 2014 with a bang last week, hosting a highly informative and interactive session on effective ways to market a remodeling business. “When we all share our experiences and insights, the impact is very powerful,” said Jerry McFarland, CIP, a TBA Past President who chairs the Remodelers Council this year, with Carole Butler, CAPS, of Carole Butler Interiors serving as Vice Chair. A few of the strategies that emerged were:

• Enter projects in awards competitions – like TBA’s Remodelers Showcase Awards where the winners receive a ton of free publicity.

• Promote your Green Building capabilities that resonate with potential clients.

• Participate in home shows but be pro-active and explore all possible ways to connect with show visitors.

• Create an e-newsletter and build its circulation constantly through networking. One tip: add “gossipy” information to improve readership. Always track who is opening your newsletters.

• Network. Network. And Network.

• Consider advertising on Angie’s List, especially if you offer a specialized service.

• Establish your reputation in the Realtor® community as a source of referrals.

McFarland promises more outstanding programs for the Council, which meets for lunch the fourth Wednesday of each month. 
 

Save the Dates for Trap Shoot
And Digital Marketing Seminar

Dates have now been set for two TBA events this spring. The Sporting Clay Shoot, sponsored by Centennial Bank, will be held Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Coon Bottom. The new registration for the Clay Shoot is posted at tallyba.com under News. Also, the TBA Member & Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) has announced that on Thursday, April 17, 2014, starting with a lunch at 11:30 am, the Tallahassee Democrat will host TBA’s general membership meeting and present a seminar on The Internet and Digital Media 101. There will be no cost to attend.  
 

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

Learn Marketing for Remodelers
At This Wednesday’s Luncheon

What type of advertising works best? How do you generate referrals? Does home show participation pay off? These are a few of the questions that will be answered when a panel of top remodelers in Tallahassee present “How to Market Your Remodeling Business” on Wednesday at 11:30 am at the TBA office. The luncheon is free to 2014 Remodelers Council members. Guests may attend one RC meeting free in 2014 after which the cost will be $20 per meeting (includes lunch). TBA Past President Jerry McFarland, CIP, is chair of the Remodelers Council for 2014 and promises an excellent lineup of educational programs. The Council meets at lunch the fourth Wednesday of each month. 
 

Natural Gas Utility Among
TBA Home Show Exhibitors

Over the years, visitors to the North Florida Home Show have found the exhibit of the City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utility to be one of the most interesting and informative. And this year will be no exception as the utility will play a prominent role in the event set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 7, 8 and 9, at the Civic Center. One hundred companies – many of them members of the Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA) – will be exhibiting. East Coast Shows, Inc. is the sponsor of the event and TBA is a proud co-sponsor. Natural Gas Utility representatives will be advising show visitors to demand gas in their new home or, if they have an existing home, that it’s a well-documented fact that gas-fueled homes sell faster and for more than electric homes. According to a study prepared for the Energy Solutions Center by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), homes powered by gas fuel sold for a 6 percent higher price – regardless of the size of the home – than electric homes.  TBA’s involvement in the event is being coordinated by its Member & Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) chaired by longtime Tallahassee builder-remodeler and Home Show exhibitor Stan Derzypolski, CIP, CAPS, of 3 Rivers, Inc. “We’ve added a new element to the show this year – a full-color, 36-page guide to the exhibitors – with special emphasis on the TBA members who are exhibiting,” said Derzypolski. 
  

NAHB Presents New Plan
To Lobby Congress in 2014

TBA Members Get Insights
Into County ‘Project Docs’

Leon County chief building official Ed Jarriel hosted a “Lunch & Learn” program for TBA members last week. The purpose of the meeting was to update builders and housing-related professionals on the use of Project Docs for electronic building permitting. Electronic permitting went into effect January 2, 2014. If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation on the program, click on News on the home page at tallyba.com. 
 

Experts Alert TBA Members
To Health Care Law Issues

No one could say it was good news… but TBA members heard the latest news on the Affordable Care Act at last week’s general membership meeting thanks to TBA member/moderator Drexal Harris of Baker-Harris Insurance and two excellent speakers: Scott Fjelstad and Luke Wolkers of the Rogers Benefit Group in Jacksonville. The handouts from the meeting can be found under News on the TBA web site home page (tallyba.com).  TBA members… note that the February 20 meeting presents the Tallahassee-Area Housing and Economic Outlook for 2014 with speaker Greg Lane of Timberlane Appraisal, 11:30 am, Killearn Country Club; and the March 20 meeting is the Bobby Dollar Appliances Open House hosted by Bobby Dollar at his Thomasville (GA) showroom, 7 pm to 9 pm, and includes limo transportation from Tallahassee, gourmet food, and one-stop shopping for a wide range of appliances.  
 

Parade of Homes™ Committee
Continues Planning on Tuesday

Under the leadership of Chairman Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction, the TBA Parade of Homes™ Committee meets again this Tuesday at 11:30 am at the TBA office. The Parade of Homes is off and running toward the show dates of May 10-11 and May 17-18, 2014. Last week, a number of builders entered their homes in the Parade to take advantage of the early-bird discount. Entries will be publicized starting next week. Homes & Land will publish the official Parade of Homes magazine and members will be contacted about advertising by Jackie Johnson () or a Homes & Land representative. David Perkins, CIP, CAPS, () of Perkins Electric is chairing the Parade Sponsorship Committee and has announced $11,500 in commitments so far. The Parade judging is May 2 and the awards banquet is May 15.  
 

Save the Dates for Trap Shoot
And Digital Marketing Seminar

Dates have now been set for two TBA events this spring. The Sporting Clay Shoot, sponsored by Centennial Bank, will be held Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Coon Bottom. Watch for more details. Also, the TBA Member & Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) has announced that on Thursday, April 17, 2014, starting with a lunch at 11:30 am, the Tallahassee Democrat will host TBA’s general membership meeting and present a seminar on The Internet and Digital Media 101. There will be no cost to attend.  
 

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

County Building Department
Hosts Lunch & Learn Today

Leon County chief building official Ed Jarriel will host a “Lunch & Learn” program for TBA members today (January 13, 2014) from noon to 2:30 pm at the building department offices at 535 N. Macomb Street. The purpose of the meeting is to update builders and housing-related professionals on the use of Project Docs for electronic building permitting. Lunch will be complimentary. Electronic permitting went into effect January 2, 2014. 
  

Thursday’s Luncheon Meeting
Focuses on Health Care Law

TBA kicks off a year of excellent general membership meeting topics and speakers this Thursday when Scott Fjelstad and Luke Wolkers of the Rogers Benefit Group in Jacksonville will be the featured speakers on the Affordable Care Act. The program, presented during an 11:30 am luncheon at Killearn Country Club, will be moderated by Drexal Harris of Baker-Harris Insurance, Tallahassee. The event also marks the official kickoff for the 2014 Parade of Homes™. Fjelstad joined Rogers Benefit Group in 1985. Wolkers is the Group Health Benefits Specialist for the Florida Panhandle. Since 1947, the company has operated in 43 states and helped independent insurance agents and their customers intelligently and efficiently buy healthcare. The cost of the lunch is $15. TBA members… note that the February 20 meeting presents the Tallahassee-Area Housing and Economic Outlook for 2014 with speaker Greg Lane of Timberlane Appraisal, 11:30 am, Killearn Country Club; and the March 20 meeting is the Bobby Dollar Appliances Open House hosted by Bobby Dollar at his Thomasville (GA) showroom, 7 pm to 9 pm, and includes limo transportation from Tallahassee, gourmet food, and one-stop shopping for a wide range of appliances. 
  

Jacqueline Hill Joins TBA
As Member Services Director

TBA Members Gearing Up
For North Florida Home Show

Over 100 companies – many of them members of the Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA) – will be exhibiting at the North Florida Home Show set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 7-8-9, at the Civic Center. East Coast Shows, Inc. is the sponsor of the event and TBA is a proud co-sponsor. The show is a great opportunity for people in the Tallahassee area to learn about new homes and communities, exciting remodeling possibilities, and all the latest products and services that can enrich the livability or functionality of a home. TBA’s involvement in the event is being coordinated by its Member & Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) chaired by longtime Tallahassee builder-remodeler and Home Show exhibitor Stan Derzypolski, CIP, CAPS, of 3 Rivers, Inc. “We’ve added a new element to the show this year – a full-color, 36-page guide to the exhibitors – with special emphasis on the TBA members who are exhibiting,” said Derzypolski. “In addition to our TBA information booth, where people can come pose questions to builders, suppliers, and trades professionals, the guide will serve as a source of valuable information long after the show itself is over.” 
 
 

Kirkland Stresses Social Media
During Green Building Seminar

Members of TBA’s Green Building Council heard an excellent presentation at their meeting last week as Realtor® Debbie Kirkland of Armour Realty outlined practical strategies for promoting your business through social media. The event was sponsored by City of Tallahassee Gas and hosted by Larisa Kuleshova, Conservation Specialist for City Gas, at the Myers Park Community Room. At the meeting, Kuleshova was elected Vice Chair of the Council for 2014, serving with Chair Jane Conn of ES Green & Company. Kuleshova urged builders to look for the City Gas ad campaign in Homes & Land magazine and presented information that builders can use to advertise rebates to customers. For more, email Kuleshova at . Kirkland gave a compelling message on the awesome power of social media, stressing the value of a strong logo and web site that brand and tell the story of your business. She said online reviews of you and your business resonate with consumers, 78 percent of whom say that trust such reviews compared to just 14 percent who trust advertising. She said businesses should constantly expand their digital presence by connecting to consumers, engaging them, sharing relevant information with them, monitoring their sentiments (through tools like Google), and managing their reputation. For a copy of Kirkland’s PowerPoint presentation and a video on the digital explosion, go to News at tallyba.com.  
 

Save the Dates for Trap Shoot
And Digital Marketing Seminar

Dates have now been set for two TBA events this spring. The Sporting Clay Shoot, sponsored by Centennial Bank, is scheduled to be held Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Coon Bottom. Watch for more details. Also, the TBA Member & Consumer Education Committee (MCEC) has announced that on Thursday, April 17, 2014, starting with a lunch at 11:30 am, the Tallahassee Democrat will host TBA’s general membership meeting and present a seminar on The Internet and Digital Media 101. There will be no cost to attend.  
 

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

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 members on Monday, January 13, 2014 from noon to 2:30 pm at the building department offices at 535 N. Macomb Street. The purpose of the meeting is to update builders and housing-related professionals on the use of Project Docs for electronic building permitting. Lunch will be complimentary. Electronic permitting went into effect January 2, 2014. 
  

Ad Space Deadline Extended
For TBA Home Show Guide

TBA members – especially those 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 has been extended to Wednesday, January 8, 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. A limited number of booths remain for the show. To reserve a booth, call Bob Snyder at 772-631-7920. 
  

Kirkland Will Speak on Marketing
At Thursday Green Council Lunch

Builders See Centerville Conservation
As Source of New Home Sales Power

Three of Tallahassee’s most respected home builders believe that Centerville Conservation – with its natural amenities and equestrian emphasis – will be a hot spot for new, higher-end homes in our area over the next several years. Located off Centerville Road near the historic Pisgah Church, Centerville Conservation has won the favor of Masoud Karimipour, CIP, CAPS, of Persica Homes, Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS, of Barton Construction, and Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS of Capital City Builders. “As a custom builder, we follow our buyers into the communities that they find most attractive,” said Karimipour, who is serving this year as President of the Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA). “And right now, Centerville Conservation is a popular choice for our buyers. I think people like the look and feel of the community because of its rural setting with lakes, rolling hills, and horse pastures. It’s like you have your own lot and privacy but you feel you live in the country.” Barton, an award-winning builder who will chair TBA’s Parade of Homes™ this year, believes Centerville Conservation has hit the market’s sweet spot: the lower end of the upscale market. “We look closely at price points and in Centerville, if we can bring homes in around $400,000 to $450,000, we think we’ll see strong demand.” Strickland is banking on that demand – and Centerville’s appeal – to be his primary source for new homes (and remodeling leads) for the next three years. “I felt Centerville was the place to build my model home for the Parade of Homes™,” said Strickland. “The Parade attracts not just people looking for new homes but remodeling ideas as well. I hope to capitalize in both areas.” For more builder comments on the community, go to News at tallyba.com. 
 

Wolkers, Fjelstad Set to Speak
At January 16 General Meeting

TBA members should mark their calendars now for the Thursday, January 16 general membership meeting where Scott Fjelstad and Luke Wolkers of the Rogers Benefit Group in Jacksonville will be the featured speakers on the Affordable Care Act. The program, presented during an 11:30 am luncheon at Killearn Country Club, will be moderated by Drexal Harris of Baker-Harris Insurance, Tallahassee. The event also marks the official kickoff for the 2014 Parade of Homes™ (see new item below). Fjelstad joined Rogers Benefit Group in 1985. Wolkers is the Group Health Benefits Specialist for the Florida Panhandle. Since 1947, the company has operated in 43 states and helped independent insurance agents and their customers intelligently and efficiently buy healthcare. The cost of the lunch is $15. TBA members… note that the February 20 meeting presents the Tallahassee-Area Housing and Economic Outlook for 2014 with speaker Greg Lane of Timberlane Appraisal, 11:30 am, Killearn Country Club, and the March 20 meeting is the Bobby Dollar Appliances Open House hosted by Bobby Dollar at his Thomasville (GA) showroom, 7 pm to 9 pm, and includes limo transportation from Tallahassee, gourmet food, one-stop shopping for a wide range of products.  
 

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.  
 
 

 

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. 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