President’s Message

SBACNJ - Bulletin Board Magazine, November/December -

Dear Members,

As 2009 rapidly draws to an end, it is hard to believe that my two-year term as President of the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey is drawing to a close as well. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to our Association. The road has been less than smooth these past two years for all of us, but your continued support has kept us strong. We have had many successful and well attended events and programs. Implementing our Master Sponsor program was another great success that continues to help grow the Association in many ways. We even have our own membership video that was created by our Membership Committee and our invaluable staff! You can view this on our website at www.shorebuilders.org. I could continue to list on and on the individual events, programs and venues that are such a major part of this incredible Association and as you are all well aware, what we all take away from these well planned opportunities is immeasurable.

Bringing awareness and action to some of the issues facing our industry has been the forefront of our industry leaders' priorities, particularly the past year or two. I cannot stress how important it is to grow our membership in order to make us "numbers-strong" so that our voices are heard in Trenton and Washington, not unlike other major industries that lobby our political leaders every day. By continuing to send out the membership video to potential new members and through current membership drive efforts, we can bring our numbers up to a level that will elevate our industry to become the major force in the political arena that it should be. The homebuilding industry is an integral part of a healthy economic climate and until our political leaders take notice and provide action and relief for our industry, we will continue this uphill battle into the future. It is our duty as Association Members to act and support each other by contributing to our PAC efforts on a local, state and national level to ensure that our voices are heard. We have many people working very hard to make sure this happens, but more members are needed to join this campaign. To find out more about the BPAC efforts, please visit www.njba.org/legislative/legislative.asp. On a local level, one of the things that you can do is participate in the latest SBACNJ PAC fundraiser. It is not too late to join those that are already enjoying our winemaking and networking fundraiser. The cost to participate is $225.00 and thanks to our sponsors, BHB Insurance Services, FWH Associates, Ferguson Enterprises and A.O. Smith, $200.00 of the fee paid will be donated to PAC and will count toward your voluntary contribution. For your donation, you will be able to participate in a limited space winemaking experience at the local Bacchus Winery in Toms River. Each participant will receive a case of wine at the end of the event. There is still time to participate in one or more of the upcoming sessions. Sign up today by calling the SBACNJ office at 732-364-2828, or stop by their website for details www.shorebuilders.org. In addition to participating in PAC functions, as you receive updates and emails on the state and national level asking you to contact your legislators about various issues that affect our industry, such as the recent email that went out from NAHB about urging Congress to extend the Homebuyer Tax Credit, please be sure to act on these emails so that our voices are heard. I cannot stress the importance of participating, even in the smallest way, and how critical it is for our industry’s survival at this time.

As all of us are now probably aware through various media sources, all signs are pointing toward the end of the recession and the road has risen for an economic recovery. With the stock market climbing slowly but steadily and reports of existing home sales increasing, we face a time of great hope that we are indeed on our way to better days. According to the latest NAHB information from David Crowe, NAHB Chief Economist, "More than 80% of the economists [that responded] to the National Association for Business Economics forecast survey believe that the recession is now over, although they generally expect the recovery to be slower than usual." Crowe continues, "The economy does seem to be in the early phase of a recovery as government money from the stimulus package is just beginning to flow into the economy, sparking some spending." While we have a long road ahead of us, if we support each other and continue to work together as an Association, we can count on coming through this economy still doing what we do best – providing New Jersey families with affordable homes to live in! It’s so important, particularly now to do business with SBACNJ members and with this continued support, our Association will remain strong.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Officers, Dwight Pittenger, David Gunia, Corey Wescoe, Kevin Donovan and Jim Barlow for all their support. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, Committee members and volunteers for their participation and enthusiasm for the programs and promotion of the Association. And last but not least, to the awesome staff at SBACNJ, Gina Woolley, Christine Boyle and Jacki Rible thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to keeping our Association united and strong. I would like to wish Dwight the best of luck as he takes on the role of President for the coming year and wish the rest of the Officers the same as well. It has been a true privilege and honor to have had this incredible opportunity to work with all of you and serve in this role. I look forward to continuing to work with the members of our Association to carry on our tradition of providing New Jersey families with affordable homes of lasting value.

Linda Bernaski
Palatial Homes, Inc.
President, SBACNJ