70th Anniversary SEE PAGE 10 GCBA PWB Council SEE PAGES 6-7 you'rE invited! SEE PAGE 9
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Michael Nunziata 13th Floor Homes 1ST VP Michelle Mockenhaupt D.R. Horton Homes 2nd Assoc. VP Anthony Macaluso Integrity Development Group VP FINANCE Beth Rappaport, CAM, CMCA Campbell Property Management IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Frank R. Coppola III Coppola Brothers LLC Board of Directors Builder REPRESENTATIVES Scott Hughes, CSCI LLC Matt Ellish, Ellish Builders Stefanie Mogull, 13th Floor Homes Anna Meyers, Lennar Homes ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Lauryn Calvert, LocaliQ, USA Today Network Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof Rick Baxter, LocaliQ, USA Today Network
Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Advocacy: A Message from Michael Nunziata, President of the Gold Coast Builders Association As my term as President of the Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) comes to a close, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together over the past year. Serving as your President has been an incredible honor, and I am thankful for the unwavering support and dedication of our members whether Builders, Associates or Affiliates. Throughout 2024, we have faced numerous challenges and opportunities within the home construction industry in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Our association, now over 200 members strong, has continued to be a vital force in advocating for the interests of our industry at the local, state, and national levels. One of our primary goals this year was to enhance our advocacy efforts. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of our members are heard on critical issues affecting our industry. From zoning regulations to building codes, we have engaged with policymakers at a local level while partnering with the Florida Association of Home Builders, of which we are members, to promote policies that support sustainable growth and development. Our efforts have not only protected the interests of our members but have also contributed to the overall betterment of our communities. In addition to our advocacy work, we have focused on strengthening our association from within. We have launched several initiatives aimed at increasing member engagement and providing valuable resources to our members. Our educational programs, networking events, and industry forums have been well-received, offering members opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. These initiatives have not only enhanced the value of GCBA membership but have also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among our members. One of the highlights of this year has been the successful expansion of our membership base. We have welcomed many new members into the GCBA, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. This growth is a testament to the strength and appeal of our association, and it underscores the importance of our collective efforts. I challenge each of you to continue this momentum by reaching out to potential new members and sharing the benefits of GCBA membership. Our accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, Committee members, and volunteers. Your commitment to our association and our industry is truly inspiring. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sponsors and Partners, whose generous support has been instrumental in enabling us to achieve our goals through special events, Hard Hat Happy Hours, and our acclaimed PRISM Awards. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to build on the progress we have made. The challenges facing our industry are ever-evolving, and it is crucial that we remain proactive and adaptable. I encourage all members to stay engaged, participate in our events (even bring a prospective member), and contribute to our advocacy efforts via our Government Affairs and Political Action Committee. Together, we can continue to drive positive change and ensure the long-term success of our industry. In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your support during my term as President. It has been a privilege to serve this incredible association, and I am confident that the GCBA will continue to thrive under the leadership of President-Elect Michele Mockenhaupt. Let us all commit to working together for the overall good of the Gold Coast Builders Association, the communities we serve, and the home owner dreams of citizens. If we all can make this commitment, I know my time as your President has been worthwhile.
Michael Nunziata GCBA 2024 President
Thanks,
MISSION STATEMENT
GCBA 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
The Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) Mission is to promote the home building, development and remodeling industry in Palm Beach and northern Broward Counties. To accomplish its Mission, GCBA provides exceptional service to our members through strategic planning, governmental affairs, education, sales and marketing, while fostering business relationships wherein our members work together to benefit one another and contribute to the success of our industry. Our members share their energy and passion to support our collective goal - providing our friends and families the best possible place to call home.
GCBA 2024 Leadership List
GCBA President’s MessagE NOVEMBER 2024
If you are interested in serving on the Board and/or Becoming an Officer please contact GCBA at: 561-228-6137 or info@GCBAFlorida.com
Installation of 2025 Officers Thursday, January 9, 2025 FREE COFFEE & CONVERSATION Coffee & Conversation is changing to a Quarterly Event Please visit the GCBA website for more information.
Best Practices for Managing Construction Delays
NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATES Aterra Designs, Flor Flores flor.flores@aterradesigns.com 480.494.7689 Hunt Mortgage, Rachel Cracchiola rachel.cracchiola@huntmortgage.com 716-848-9097 National Stucco Works LLC, Edgard Mena emena@ntlstuccoworks.com 754-799-0334 BUILDER >5 MILLION GROSS REVENUE BB Living, Brittany Bennett brittany@bbliving.com 443-386-1719 BUILDER <5 MILLION GROSS REVENUE Belmont Construction, LLC, Frank Belgiovine fb@belmontconstruction.com (786) 566-4853
Andy Wyman, Esq. founded Wyman Legal Solutions in Boca Raton, Florida, and holds a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “AV-Preeminent.” Learn more about Andy at Wyman Legal Solutions. For expert legal guidance and support in your construction projects, don't hesitate to call us at (561) 361-8700 to schedule a consultation and discover how Wyman Legal Solutions can help safeguard your business and ensure your project's success. Your peace of mind is just a phone call away!
GCBA 2024 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
LEGAL ROUNDUP
Construction delays are a common challenge that can significantly impact project timelines and budgets. Here are some best practices for managing and mitigating delays: Develop a Realistic Schedule A realistic project schedule considers potential delays and sets achievable milestones. Involve all stakeholders in the planning process to ensure a comprehensive and realistic timeline. Communicate Regularly Maintain open and regular communication with your team and clients. Keep everyone informed about project progress, potential delays, and any changes to the schedule. Transparent communication helps manage expectations and reduces the impact of delays. Have Contingency Plans Prepare for potential delays by developing contingency plans. Identify critical paths and potential bottlenecks and have strategies in place to address them. Contingency planning helps keep the project on track even when unforeseen issues arise. By developing realistic schedules, maintaining open communication, and preparing contingency plans, you can effectively manage construction delays.
RENEWING MEMBErs Associates Friedman, Feldmesser & Karpeles, CPAs, Ken Friedman Jade Communications inc, Serge Leblanc Lupes Professional Cleaning, Raul A Gonzales Marc Julien Homes, Marc Julien Superstein PA, Drew Superstein The Buetel Wealth Management Group, Brian Buetel Wyman Legal Solutions, Andrew Wyman Builders <5 Million Gross Revenue Coppola Brothers LLC, Frank Coppola III Marc Julien Homes, Marc Julien AFFILIATE Coppola Brothers LLC, Miranda Coppola
By Linda Garvey, Coppola Brothers LLC
What is Professional Women in Building (PWB)? PWB is one of the fastest growing councils through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); it is “The Voice of Women in the Building Industry”.They are here to support and celebrate women as an important component of the construction and home building industry. The organization primarily supports women; however, about 15% of PWB councils across the country have men as members. When was PWB started? The group was originally chartered in 1955 under the name of NAHB Women’s Auxiliary.The original mission was to be an avenue for wives of homebuilders to socialize.Over the years, the group’s focus and name changed.In 1989, the name changed to Women’s Council, and in 2009, to Professional Women in Building. Next year, 2025, the council will celebrate 70 years in existence. My name is Linda Garvey, I have represented Coppola Brothers LLC with Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of NJ (Metro) for more than four years; PWB Council Chair for past three years, member for four years; now a member of GCBA and PWB. I can attest that Metro’s PWB Council has been a “college education” for me! During my time there, I have met so many successful and engaging women (men too) and learned a great deal about the building industry, something I was unfamiliar with when I started working at Coppola Brothers LLC more than five years ago. I am here to share why this council can be of value to you, as it has been for me, since we are a small majority in male dominated industry. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research says women made more progress for construction managers than for construction trade workers. Women’s share of construction managers is 10.6 percent, more than double their share of workers in the trades (4.3 percent) or of first-line supervisors (5.1 percent). In the last five years, the number of women construction managers grew by 55 percent, the number of women construction trade workers by half as much at 28.3 percent. When looking at the overall number of all women working in this industry, the percentage working in the industry is 10.9%. Benefits to PWB members are: Networking Opportunities - Expand your network, gain access to diverse group of professionals. Professional Development – Access to educational resources, workshops and events designed to build your knowledge and skills in the industry; enhancing leadership skills. Mentorship – There is guidance/support encouraging mentorship; helping women feel empowered. Advocacy/Influence - PWB advocates for women in our industry, breaking down barriers while promoting gender equality. Visibility/Recognition - PWB members often gain recognition for their achievements, contributions, leadership within the industry; raise awareness of your own company. Industry Resources/Insights - Receive the latest news and trends in the industry; helping members stay ahead. Community Engagement – Many local PWB councils give back to their local communities, through a program they sponsor or initiatives they create like scholarship programs for young women and much more. You’ll be hearing more about what the PWB Council will be doing in 2025! PWB Councils can help members expand career opportunities, build professional relationships and influence the movement of women in the industry. We are not alone! LADIES, LET'S GET TO WORK! By Lauryn Calvert, LocalIQ First, my sincerest thanks to Linda Garvey, one of our newest Members of the Gold Coast Builders Association for her awesome introduction to Professional Women in Building. Linda speaks with a quiet but powerful authority as she holds a national honor for her PWB work and her leadership in New Jersey. Linda and I have been communicating and working together for many months to make the wishes of many of our Members come true with an active and growing local GCBA PWB Council in 2025. We’ll be making announcements and posting our activities, invitations, and much more here in the GCBA News to Build On, a special section on the GCBA website, and on our Facebook page GCBA PWB Council. We are proud to announce GCBA PWB Council will be featured on the Gold Coast Builders Association Builders Spotlight Podcast on an ongoing basis in the upcoming year. While we are still in the process of finalizing our 2025 activities, here’s a general look at what lies ahead. The exact dates will be announced in the near future as long as we can get involvement and participation from the women in our GCBA, but here’s a Quarterly forecast: Q1 – Hosting Social Platforms and how to use them to your advantage – a photographer will be present to shoot head shots of PWB Committee members and key individuals. We will address Building Your Brand and share marketing tips. Q2 – Safety in the Workplace – always an important topic. Q3 – Career Paths – discussion and expert(s) discussing women in the workplace and best practices for developing and maintaining a professional career path for PWB Members. Location pending. Q4 – Right now, this one is a bit of a secret! Throughout 2025, GCBA PWB is bringing back a favorite from our local PWB founding several years ago. Golf Pro and Play with PWB Today! A regular PWB Member and guests get together at a local golf club with a Golf Pro giving a lesson followed by course play and social/happy hour afterwards. Lots of plans and lots of exciting things that are possible for the GCBA PWB Council. What will it take to make the plans become reality? It’s really simple. Join the PWB today. For more information contact office@gcbaflorida.com.
What is NAHB’s PWB Council About? Why you should be a member!
Fun. Networking. Food. Adult Beverages. Building Relationships! Come Join Us.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
HAMMERING HOME SUPPORT
Our Gold Coast Builders Association Hammer Sponsors were the cornerstone Sponsors of our recent PRISM Awards just as they have been foundational Sponsors of all of our GCBA events throughout the year. Hammer Sponsors show their underlying support for our association with a single baseline marketing contribution in exchange for an entire year of awareness to each and every one of our Members. As your business plans the 2025 budget, now is your opportunity to consider becoming an annual Hammer Sponsor. Sole source marketing support for the GCBA is offered at several Hammer levels designed to meet your increased awareness return on investment as you support the overall Mission of the GCBA. Contact the GCBA office today to signal your unwavering commitment to supporting our home building industry while underscoring our Members Doing Business with Members philosophy. Contact: email: office@gcbaflorida.com, or call: (561) 228-6137
Thank You Hammer Sponsors!
Michele Mockenhaupt President-Elect, DR Horton Homes, Gold Coast Builders Association
"This is your personal invitation to join me for the 2025 Gold Coast Builders Association Installation of Officers on January 9, 2025, where I will be honored to be installed as your 2025 GCBA President. Our entire Board of Directors will be sworn in, and we will announce the Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year Awards." – Michele
I'M INVITING YOU TO ATTEND!
GCBA 70 YEARS AND COUNTING!
Top to Bottom: President Steve Welch Jr. - Charter President Leon Cloutier - Feb 1973, Richard Dick Stevens, Bruce Malasky 1999, Jon Rapaport, Chuck Powell - Robert Bobyack - Jerry Dorsch, Stephanie Glasier 1999
Shown below, Can you name some of the early Founders of Gold Coast Builders Assciation?
ANSWER KEY
2024 marked a significant milestone for the Gold Coast Builders Association – 70 years and counting towards a Diamond Jubilee. The GCBA was established in 1954 as the Home Builders Association of Palm Beach. In 1992 the name changed to Gold Coast Builders Association but the overall direction and impact of the association remained focused on serving the needs of builders and those associated with the homebuilding industry while preserving the dream of home ownership for everyone. Today, more than 70 years later, the GCBA is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic Builders Associations in South Florida. Five years from now, in October 2029, we will mark our 75th birthday with a GCBA Diamond Jubilee! Yes…we will be looking for volunteers and sponsors for the big event. Right now, let’s test your knowledge of our 1954 birth year with a little Trivia.
Multiple Choice Trivia Quiz: The Year 1954 - The “Birth Year” of our Gold Coast Builders Association. Which popular toy, known for its spinning motion, was introduced in 1954? a) Yo-yo b) Hula Hoop c) Frisbee d) Slinky What major medical breakthrough did Dr. Jonas Salk announce in 1954? a) Penicillin b) Polio vaccine c) Insulin d) Heart transplant What film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1954? a) "Ben-Hur" b) "On the Waterfront" c) "From Here to Eternity" d) "The Bridge on the River Kwai" Who was the U.S. President in 1954? a) Franklin D. Roosevelt b) Harry S. Truman c) Dwight D. Eisenhower d) John F. Kennedy Which U.S. Supreme Court case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional in 1954? a) Plessy v. Ferguson b) Marbury v. Madison c) Brown v. Board of Education d) Roe v. Wade Which famous actor starred in the 1954 film "Rear Window"? a) Cary Grant b) Marlon Brando c) James Stewart d) Humphrey Bogart In 1954, which country became the first to declare itself a nuclear power? a) United States b) United Kingdom c) Soviet Union d) France Which American musician released the hit song "Rock Around the Clock" in 1954? a) Elvis Presley b) Chuck Berry c) Little Richard d) Bill Haley & His Comets Which iconic Japanese film featuring a giant monster was released in 1954? a) "Mothra" b) "Gamera" c) "Godzilla" d) "Rodan" Which major sports event did Roger Bannister achieve in 1954? a) First person to run a mile in under four minutes b) First person to break the two-hour marathon c) Won Wimbledon Men's Singles d) Won the Tour de France Which country experienced a major civil war that began in 1954 and lasted until 1975? a) Korea b) Vietnam c) Cuba d) Algeria What invention did Texas Instruments introduce in 1954 that changed the electronics industry? a) Integrated circuit b) Transistor radio c) Microprocessor d) Silicon chip Which British author published "Lord of the Flies" in 1954? a) George Orwell b) J.R.R. Tolkien c) William Golding d) C.S. Lewis What was the first television program to broadcast in color in 1954? a) The Ed Sullivan Show b) The Tonight Show c) The Tournament of Roses Parade d) I Love Lucy
b) Hula Hoop b) Polio vaccine b) "On the Waterfront" c) Dwight D. Eisenhower c) Brown v. Board of Education c) James Stewart c) Soviet Union d) Bill Haley & His Comets c) "Godzilla" a) First person to run a mile in under four minutes b) Vietnam b) Transistor radio c) William Golding c) The Tournament of Roses Parade
Frank R. Coppola, III Coppola Brothers LLC
DECEMBER 7TH
As I am writing this article, today is Don Corleone’s birthday. It is also the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. December 7th. There wasn’t much mention of either in the news or social media today. The former is not surprising but the latter is a bit, especially since December 7 this a day that was supposed to “live in infamy”. Quiet infamy, I guess. My point is this; time might erase the famousness of a date, but to those familiar, that date will not be forgotten. Sonny Corleone sure knew that it was “terrible of the Japanese to attack on (his) Pop's birthday." I certainly remember the day I met my first, only, and favorite wife, Miranda. I also remember many key events that have happened over the past decade of involvement with the NAHB-FHBA-GCBA. My most memorable events used to be about opportunities that happened to me. My first big event was a mentor challenging me not to do free estimates, but to charge money for my time to figure out scope and price of a construction project during pre-construction. Subsequently, I haven’t done a free estimate in 10 years. Next big one was getting tapped on the shoulder to serve the Florida Home Builders Association as Political Action Committee (PAC) Vice-Chair. That was four years ago. That led to many more fun, celebratory events along the way, all driven by involvement with the PAC. To digress for one moment, and to not bury the lead of my article, let me call attention to this. Being involved with the Political Action Committee will expose you to winners. Leaders of business, champions of personal growth, and of course political leaders who impact our industry. If you’re in business, you’re in politics, and the PAC can surround you with a new personal circle of influence. As my own circle is changing now, my most memorable events aren’t “mine” but those happening to people around me. There are friends of mine who are climbing the leadership ladder; getting installed as Presidents, Vice Presidents, Board members, etc. With admiration and pride, I think “I knew them when!”. Miranda and I had the fortune to get invited to Florida State Representative Mike Caruso’s election night party. It was such an exciting evening being with all the supporters on a historic night. Representative Caruso won by 21 points, and we learned that his wife Tracy will be running for his seat in 2025. A few other high-profile candidates won that night as well. We’ll never forget where we were and who we were with that night. And that is my whole point. Making memories. Making contacts. Making milestones happen is not without a lot of effort - but can be done. If you would like to put yourself in a position to literally get in rooms you never imagined being in, with new influential people, and witness as a bystander or perhaps even influence key events and people, then join a PAC. You never know, you might be part of something that you will remember. Hopefully not in infamy, but famously.
Soiree noun
soi•ree, swä-ˈrā or soirée
: a party or reception held in the evening; great fun; networking with GCBA Members and guests; hosted by ProSource Wholesale, Products and Pros for Home and Commercial Products.
HHHH HOLIDAY SOIREE
While the definition of soiree may sum up the evening of December 5th, mere words are not enough to capture the worth of the evening at ProSource Wholesale as the mixing and mingling between GCBA Members, guests, and ProSource vendors kicked off a festive holiday season. Daniel Gallegos, General Manager, ProSource had the honors of announcing the winner of an offshore fishing charter while everyone had the honor of contributing raffle dollars to benefit the Tree of Life Resource Center in Palm Beach County. Big Mouth BBQ supplied the food that kept our GCBA Members happy, happy, happy, to borrow a phrase from a famous chef. If you missed this very special Hard Hat Happy Hour, your next opportunity to join the party is on January 9th for the Annual Installation of Officers, Board of Directors, Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year Awards. Don’t forget to showcase your business by wearing your company name badge and get ready to mingle! Register to attend Annual Installation right now.
Busy Builders Spotlight for 2025
With a New Year on the horizon, the 2025 GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is off to a running start. Our first guest of 2025 will be GCBA President-Elect, Michele Mockenhaupt, DR Horton Homes. We'll send an e-blast out to everyone when streaming date is confirmed. This is going to be one of those WOW podcasts because it will feature insight and forecasts from Michele on what she envisions 2025 to be for the Gold Coast Builders Association. Michele will be joined by several members of her Executive Board. Don't be surprised if one of the main topics of discussion will be what this first-ever in the nation all female leadership team gives insight into 2025. We don't want to spoil the surprise of what that All Female Team of Leaders will mean for the Gold Coast Builders Association, but it will be AWESOME! Sign up. Tell your Friends! Join us! Michele is just the kickoff for what is promising to be a bumper season for the Builders Spotlight Podcast. Here are some of the upcoming highlights and guests. Eric Scheuermann, Archetype Homes LLC, has a very interesting story to tell about a very different way of building homes (including off the grid) that promises to catch the attention of other Builder Members, Associates, and those wishing to achieve the goal of home ownership. Eric will also explain how his building system could have some answers to the affordable housing/workforce housing problems now facing America. If you have heard the catchy jingle on television about Good Greek Moving and Storage, we have a little secret to share. Can you guess who an upcoming guest on the Builders Spotlight Podcast will be? Looking for some painting solutions? An upcoming episode of the Builders Spotlight connects with Director of Customer Relations, Bonnie Rae, of First Choice Professional Painting to guide us to learn more about First Choice and what this new Associate Member brings to the table for all of our Members. Whew! We have a lot going on. Just by Member here are a few other upcoming podcasts. 13th Floor Homes GCBA PWB Council National Stucco Works HUNT Mortgage Bluestone Contractors Southeast Elevator Dade Truss Company A-1 Industries KWD Landscape Architecture Every new GCBA Member has the opportunity to claim a guest seat on our Builders Spotlight Podcast. Stay tuned.
The GCBA Ambassadors – Do You Have What It Takes?
You’ve likely been hearing the whispers about something brand new for the Gold Coast Builders Association for 2025. The rumors are true. The GCBA Ambassadors are coming! The Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) is proud to unveil an exciting new initiative —The GCBA Ambassadors program. This innovative program is designed to create a GCBA network of highly engaged Members dedicated to the growth and betterment of the homebuilding industry and our Association in particular. By becoming GCBA Ambassadors, members will have the unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the association's ongoing efforts to enhance membership recruitment, increase overall awareness, and provide exemplary service to all GCBA members through networking and skill sharing of their own abilities. The Vision Behind GCBA Ambassadors The idea is to create a select group of no more than 12 passionate individuals who are eager to contribute their time, energy, and expertise to the association's Mission. These Ambassadors may serve as the face of the GCBA to member prospects, represent the organization at various internal and external events, welcome new members, and actively participate in initiatives that support the association's goals. Many Ambassadors will serve on Committees. Some will desire to become future members of our Board of Directors. A Unique Opportunity for GCBA Members Being chosen as a GCBA Ambassador is a prestigious honor that comes with a host of benefits. Ambassadors will have the chance to develop their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and gain valuable experience in membership recruitment and community engagement. All the while, getting to know in depth details about the GCBA. This role is perfect for those who are passionate about the homebuilding industry and are looking for ways to make a meaningful impact. Key Responsibilities and Benefits GCBA Ambassadors will take on a variety of responsibilities, including: Membership Recruitment:Ambassadors will play a crucial role in attracting new members to the association by promoting the benefits of GCBA membership and fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers. Ambassadors will serve as a point of contact for prospective members, offering support, answering questions, and helping to direct those who become Members to Committees where they too may become more involved in the future of the GCBA. Event Participation: Ambassadors will participate in certain GCBA events in a high visibility position, assist in networking functions, and community outreach activities, ensuring that the association maintains a strong and visible presence. In return for their dedication and hard work, GCBA Ambassadors will enjoy several exclusive benefits, such as: Recognition and Visibility: Ambassadors will be recognized for their contributions through various channels, including the GCBA website, newsletters, and social media platforms. Professional Development: Ambassadors will have access to special training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities designed to enhance their leadership and communication skills. Networking Opportunities: Ambassadors will have the chance to connect with industry leaders, fellow members, and potential clients, expanding their professional network and opening up new opportunities for collaboration while wearing the GCBA Ambassador badge of honor. How to Become a GCBA Ambassador The selection process for The GCBA Ambassadors is competitive, and candidates will be chosen based on their enthusiasm, commitment, and potential to contribute to the association's mission. We call it Desire and Fire. Ambassadors must have the Desire to become involved and the Fire to take their participation in the GCBA to the next level. In many ways, The GCBA Ambassador program is a leadership incubator. Many interested Members have already stepped forward. If you think you have the Desire and Fire to be a GCBA Ambassador, contact the GCBA office today office@GCBAFlorida.com or Executive Sam Yates s.yates@GCBAFlorida.com
Attracting new talent to the trades continues to challenge the residential construction industry. To help boost the amount of U.S. secondary schools with a skilled trades curriculum, HBI is once again offering its Schools-to-Skills Grant. The grant provides schools with the resources to implement HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum — which removes financial barriers to making high-quality trades education accessible to more students across the country — at no cost for two years. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 20, 2024.
NAHB released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter, posting a reading of 63, down two points compared to the previous quarter. The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to rate five components of the remodeling market as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” Each question is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where an index number above 50 indicates that a higher share view conditions as good than poor. An RMI of 63 is consistent with NAHB’s forecast for steady 2% growth in remodeling spending over the next two years.
Apply for HBI Grant for Schools
New Home Sales Rise in September as Mortgage Rates Ease
For those wishing to expand their exposure, the GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is a professionally produced podcast featuring news and topics of interest to all Builders and Associates. The GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is streamed on all available podcasting platforms to everyone in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many more. Each episode is embedded in the GCBA website, e-blasted to every Member, distributed on social media, and featured via link in the News to Build On newsletter. Every Builders Spotlight Podcast is simul-streamed on The Florida Business News Forum Podcast, the Number One Rated Business Forum Podcast in Florida at no additional cost. The Florida Business News Forum Podcast is heard statewide and in 33 Countries and Territories.
ADVERTISE WITH GCBA – LOCK IN RATES NOW
Home buyers moved off the sidelines in September following the Federal Reserve’s recent move to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in September increased 4.1% to a 738,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised August number, according to recent data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in September was up 6.3% compared to a year earlier. A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the September reading of 738,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months. New single-family home inventory in September remained elevated at a level of 470,000, up 8.0% compared to a year earlier. This represents a 7.6 months’ supply at the current building pace. Completed for-sale new homes rose to 108,000, the highest level since 2009. The median new home sale price in September was $426,300, essentially unchanged from a year ago. The Census data reveals a gain for new home sales priced below $300,000, which made up 17% of new home sales in September, compared to 14% a year ago. Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 19.2% in the Midwest, 1.1% in the South and 3.4% in the West. They are down 1.1% in the Northeast.
RMI Drops Two Points in Q3
For the first time ever, the Gold Coast Builders Association is now accepting advertising in our monthly News To Build on Newsletter and in our highly acclaimed Builders Spotlight Podcast. Budget Planning? We Have Opportunities Ad size and pricing information is listed below. Member Advertisers who are interested reduced rates can lock in a 20% discount with a minimum six-month commitment contract. No discounts are available for non-members. All ads are subject to approval by the GCBA. Advertisers who need graphic design assistance may also take advantage of GCBA’s in-house capabilities. Marketing opportunities for the GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast are also available and are quoted on an individual advertiser basis. Members of the Gold Coast Builders Association have preferential rates for newsletter and podcast advertising. Non-members pay a higher rate. Isn’t it time you became a Member today?