Thank you to all HBA Members who attended the 2014 HBA Christmas Party. An excellent time was had by all (watch the video below).
‘Tis the season for sharing! That was the message to start off the celebration on December 9th. Not your normal take on sharing during this time of year, but something all HBA members need to put on their to-do list. Maybe even check it twice. Try to find a member that has NOT been naughty, but… NICE. 🙂 Hashtag #HBAHomePros
HBA Communications Director, Aaron Wahlquist, invited all members to share on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #HBAHomePros. In return, the HBA will share their posts. The HBA wants to share its HBA Home Pro members and this is one way members can help the HBA help its members.
Quotes form a few 2014 HBA Award Winners:
“The HBA has been instrumental in helping us in our business growth over the years, so it only makes sense to help the HBA out when we can. Because of what the HBA has done for us it came as a complete surprise to receive the 2014 HBA Associate Company of the Year Award! Thank you HBA!”
– Shelley Wehner, Cabinet Concepts by Design
“It truly is an honor to be recognized with the Presidential Award. I thank everyone at the HBA and promise to keep my commitment and involvement strong over the years with the HBA!”
– Corey Puett, Audio Input
As part of the Christmas Party the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield installed the 2015 HBA Board of Directors (click for details) and announced its most prestigious honors of the year at this year’s annual Christmas party and banquet at the Ramada Oasis in Springfield. The annual HBA awards announced during the evening’s festivities included HBA Builder Member of the Year, HBA Associate Company of the Year and HBA Associate Individual of the Year.
The HBA Builder Member of the Year went to Jason Bekebrede, owner of Monticello Homes & Development. First elected to the Board in 2011, Jason has served as Secretary/Vice President of Regulatory Advocacy, Vice President and Vice President of Legislative Advocacy. Jason represents the HBA on the Springfield Good Government committee and on the HBA of Missouri Board of Directors. He also co-chairs the Parade of Homes committee and sits on the Remodelers Council and the Regulatory Advocacy committee. Jason participates in the Home Show, Home Remodeling Show, regularly has a home on the Parade of Homes and serves as a Builder Advocacy Partner.
Cabinet Concepts by Design was honored as HBA Associate Company of the Year. Over the past year, they have sponsored and participated in the HBA Charitable Foundation Mini Golf Tournament, the HBA golf tournaments, the annual Home Show and volunteered to sell tickets at the Home Show. Cabinet Concepts employee Sarah Shelton sits on the HBA Charitable Foundation Scholarship committee and several employees attend the HBA Membership meetings. The company regularly attends educational events and hosted the unforgettable HBA Membership Event where they raised money for the HBA Charitable Foundation by selling opportunities to dunk our president, Matt Bailey!
Greg Adkins of Coldwell Banker Vanguard, Realtors was honored the HBA Associate Individual of the Year. Greg is an active member of the HBA Charitable Foundation, currently serving as secretary. In addition, he is the chair of the HBA Membership committee. Greg can always be found at the Home Show and Home Remodeling Show selling tickets and managing the ticket sales area, keeping everything running smoothly. Greg is also a regular attendee at the HBA educational events and the membership meetings.
Glenn Green, from Lowther Johnson Attoneys at Law received the HBA Board of Directors Award this year. Glenn has served as an adjunct professor in the Missouri State University Department of Communications and provided legal advice throughout the year with his more than twenty years of legal experience. This year he helped the HBA understand the Can Spam Act and reviewed the new membership requirements.
Two Presidents awards were awarded. HBA of Greater Springfield President Matt Bailey made special recognition of two key HBA members and partners who made extraordinary efforts for the betterment of the industry and/or the association. This year’s President’s Award Recipients included:
Corey Puett (Audio Input)
Audio Input joined the HBA in October 2012 and participated in the trade shows. Their level of involvement quickly increased when Corey was hired. Corey currently serves on the HBA Charitable Foundation Board and was instrumental in the planning of the Mini Golf tournament and the Belt Sander Races. Corey also is an active member of the Political/Legislative Advocacy committee. Through Corey’s suggestion, Audio Input became involved as an Advocacy sponsor in 2014.
Brett Godfrey (Built by Brett)
Brett Godfrey was appointed to the HBA Board of Directors in June 1996 and has served at every level of leadership. President Matt Bailey stated “Brett has been a valuable source of advice and information throughout my time on the board – he helped me become a stronger leader.” Brett is stepping off the board this year and his presence will be missed.
In addition to the awards handed out, the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees were honored at the HBA Christmas Party. Special plaques were given to Dave Martin and Metro Appliances & More to recognize their years of involvement, contributions and association commitment.
Dave Martin began his career at ACME Brick, here in Springfield, as a clerk in 1964. Dave’s career with Acme Brick included stops in Kansas City, Topeka, Little Rock and then back to Springfield in 1971. Dave was the regional manager when he retired from Acme Brick in 2008. Through Dave’s leadership, ACME Brick became a huge supporter of the HBA’s mission and vision. Dave encouraged all of his staff to become involved with the HBA and attend as many functions as possible. We thank Dave for all of his support over the years.
Metro Appliances & More joined the HBA in 1994 and became an active member immediately. Metro participates in both the HBA Home Show and HBA Home Remodeling Show, sponsors and participates in virtually every event the HBA offers and has advertised in all of the HBA publications. In addition to this high level of participation, many Metro employees have served on committees, including the board of directors (thanks Tom Nave!). In the recent past, Metro Appliances has stepped up to partner with the HBA, the HBA Charitable Foundation and Meek’s to donate smoke alarms to area fire departments.
Congratulations to both Hall of Fame Inductees! Your hard work and association dedication is deeply appreciated.