President's Message - April 2017 Terry Hymel, Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems It is an honor to be serving you as the first Associate Member President of the BIA of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. I find it hard to believe that we are already in the second quarter of the year. To say it has been busy at the BIA during the first quarter is a huge understatement. We have had an exceptionally good January and February for new members joining the organization. Thanks to all of you who for sharing the benefits of the BIA resulting in the addition of these new members. Our annual Economic Forecast breakfast was held in conjunction with ECAR in January and was extremely well attended. The annual Spring Home Show was a huge success at the end of February. We had to increase our vendor space for additional booths several times as the show dates drew closer. Ticket sales for attendance were also much higher than they have been in recent years. A big ‘thank you’ goes out to all vendors that participated; we hope to see you again in 2018! In January, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation along with The Walton County Sheriff ’s Office conducted a 3-day sting operation that led to the arrests of 6 individuals for contracting without a license. Thanks to all those involved.
This event attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of which are from out of the area...
The second quarter is shaping up to be no less active. April is going to be a busy month for Continuing Education and Member Benefits. Are you taking full advantage of these opportunities that the BIA offers? If not, you should be. We have two Blower Door Classes scheduled at this time. The first will be in Walton County on April 19th at 9:00 am at Southern Hybrid Homes Office. The second is in Okaloosa County on April 20th at the BIA office. On the same day, April 20th, there will be a Home Automation Class at the BIA office at 12:00 pm. On April 26th, the BIA will be hosting a New Member Orientation at the BIA Office at 8:00 am. This is not only for new members, but any members that want to find out what the BIA offers and what it can do for you as well as what you can do for the BIA. Have you ever thought about volunteering for an event committee? It is a perfect way to get involved and become part of something important that affects lives and livelihoods for years to come. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to network with other members which is always a good thing. In addition to the educational and member benefit opportunities, the BIA is presenting, the 6th Annual Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Crestview on Saturday May 6th at the Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center. The Tournament will also include a raffle for two separate gun giveaways. One of the guns is an LSI Pointer Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 28” shotgun donated by Cadenhead Services Pest Control. The second is a Savage AXIS .30-06 Rifle donated by Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center. A big ‘thank you’ to both-of-these businesses for their donations. Raffle tickets are available now and can be purchased anytime at the BIA office and from a number of members selling tickets. And best of all, you do not have to be present to win. There is still time for sponsorships and to register a team or individually for this fun event. And if you want to be involved but don’t shoot, we can use volunteers for the committee as well as help on the day of the event. The feel-good part of this event, is that a portion of the money raised goes to the great cause of funding our Mike Josey Scholarship Fund. Next up is the biggest event of the year – the 38th Annual Parade of Homes scheduled for June 10th through 18th. This is the time of year for not only Builders but Associate Trade Partners to show-off their work. But, the involvement doesn’t stop there. Manufacturers, suppliers, realtors and financial institutions all benefit from the sale of a new home. So, it is in everyone’s best interest to be as involved as possible. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of which are from out of the area and plan their vacation around this event, as evidenced by the phone inquiries received annually at the BIA. There is still time to become a Sponsor for this popular event. There is also still time to enter your home in the Parade. Deadline for entry is Thursday, April 27th. As you can see there are numerous opportunities for you to become involved. As is with most things in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Thank you for being a member and we hope to see you soon.
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The Voice | APRIL 2017