Newsmakers of the Year

There wasn’t a lot of good news for builders in 2009. But several companies, individuals and governmental entities distinguished themselves for outstanding achievements, savvy business practices and smart policy making. Here are Florida Homebuyer Jacksonville" target="_blank">Jacksonville’s five Newsmakers of the Year.

The PARC Group
The PARC Group, developers of the master-planned community of Nocatee, didn’t retreat when the economy soured. Taking the long view, the company chose not to panic over a painful but temporary economic downturn and continued to stick to its plan, rolling out new neighborhoods, new commercial and retail projects and new amenities. It’s nice to see a developer who realizes that to be truly successful, you have to look beyond this quarter’s balance sheet.

The Northeast Florida Builders Association
Sure, NEFBA has taken its licks as the housing industry battled through the downturn. But the local builders association had lower member attrition than its counterparts elsewhere and remained the largest in the state despite serving a relatively small market compared to the likes of Tampa" target="_blank">Tampa, Orlando" target="_blank">Orlando and Miami. How? Committed and supportive volunteer leadership and a staff, led by Executive Director Daniel Davis, that managed to maintain a high level of service and to communicate to cash-strapped builders and suppliers that their membership is a solid investment in the future.

Daniel Davis
Speaking of NEFBA, Executive Director Daniel Davis won an AEA (Association Executive Achievement) Award from the National Association of Home Builders for “Best Public Relations Campaign.” The award recognized Davis for NEFBA’s First Coast New Home Buying Expo, which educated the public on all aspects of homebuying. Davis accepted other awards for “Best Communication to Members Newsletter/Newspaper” for Bildor News, the association’s monthly tabloid. Davis is proving himself to be a worthy successor to the legendary Arnold Tritt.

Tax Credits
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 boosted home sales by offering an $8,000 tax credit to first-time homebuyers. The program was so successful that it was extended and expanded. Now, in addition to the first-time homebuyer tax credit, many current homeowners may now take advantage of a $6,500 tax credit if they contract to buy a new principal residence on or before April 30. Builders had hoped for a $15,000 credit for all buyers, but the smaller credits have proven to be a desperately needed shot in the arm for builders and a terrific incentive for buyers.

The Jacksonville" target="_blank">Nassau County Commission
In the summer of 2008, Jacksonville" target="_blank">Nassau County became the first county in the state to suspend impact fees on new construction. Then, as the economy worsened, the Jacksonville" target="_blank">Nassau County Commission voted 4-1 to extend the moratorium by six months. The result hasn’t been a boom in new housing, but it clearly took at least one major financial burden off builders—and buyers, who ultimately pay the fees anyway—during the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. If only other local governments had been so flexible and proactive.