The Tampa Bay BCN Gators would like to invite you and your team of Anglers to the 1st Annual Tampa Bay BCN Gator Fishing Tournament. The tournament will be held on Friday, November 7th, 2008 out of the Little Harbor Resort and Marina in Ruskin, FL. This Inshore Fishing Tournament will include an Anglers Kick-off party the night before on Thursday November 6th at the Little Harbor. Please RSVP to Chris Lucas (clucas@diazfritz.com)
All proceeds from the tournament will be sent to the University of Florida, Rinker School of Building Construction to contribute to the Endowed Professorship Program which is the focus of our club.

Employee Free Choice - Exposed

This YouTube video exposes the underhanded tactics union organizers use to pressure, intimidate and "psychologically batter" employees into signing union cards. These tactics will explode under the Employee Free Choice Act.

ABC Awards State Representatives

ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter's Board of Directors awarded five of our state representives for their continued support of the commercial and industrial construction industry. Those honored at our last board meeting were:

Kevin Ambler (pictured)
Faye Culp -District 57
James Frishe -District 54
Edward Homan- District 60
Richard Glorioso- District 62

Click here to view the photos.

Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota Honored

Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota Inc., was honored as the winner of 2008 Hall of Fame – Manufacturing Company of the year, sponsored by the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota. "This is simply to acknowledge that the Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota, Inc. team could not have accomplished this without the support of its loyal customers who have empowered us to do our best in support of their business initiatives, our suppliers who provided us the quality service and materials to do our job effectively and our friends and families with their unconditional support." said Hidayet L. Kutat, (President/CEO). Gulf Coast Signs proved their dedication for ultimate customer satisfaction through their value principles regarding People – Quality – Safety & Environmental responsibility. ABC salutes Gulf Coast Signs for their recent achievement.

ABC Member Spotlight: The Marble Works

ABC would like to welcome The Marble Works to our membership!

The Marble Works is a leading manufacturer of Cultured Marble Tubs, Vanity tops, Window Sills, Shower Panels, and many accessory items. They also provide EOS 3cm solid surface for kitchen and bathroom applications. Go to www.themarbleworks.com.

Project Blue Roof - Hurricane Support

The Project Blue Roof program provides a free temporary roof for residential structures, schools, day care centers, and all publicly owned facilities. These temporary roofs provide short-term relief until the owner can make permanent repairs. eTeam Staffing (ABC Member) & FEMA is looking for candidates from in or around the disaster area to aid in stimulating the local economy, FEMA will provide housing, a per diem for meals as well as reimbursement for mileage for those who qualify. Click here to see candidate requirements.

Creative Builds Green at USF

Creative Contractors Inc. has been selected by the University of South Florida to build the new Science and Technology/General Academic Facility on the St. Petersburg campus. The 34,000 sq. ft., $9,000,000 structure will be the first building in the University of South Florida system designed and constructed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Education) green building certification. It will be 20% more energy efficient and 30% more water efficient than a standard building. Creative will make extensive use of recycled and regional materials during construction. An aggressive recycling program will be put in place with a goal of recycling 75% of construction waste. This is Creative's sixth LEED building. The two story building which includes classrooms and laboratories for multiple disciplines was designed by RS&H, Tampa. For more information, go to www.creativecontractors.com.

USF Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions

Charles Perry Construction Inc. was recently awarded the design build contract for the University of South Florida Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions. This new facility will bring together faculty, staff and students across USF’s campuses and from around the world to facilitate the development of new research and applied technologies. The natural, social, and economic environments are the primary focus areas of the center’s research. The new $12.4 million dollar 73,500 SF facility will be located on the main USF Tampa campus south of the Sun Dome on USF Alumni Drive. Schematic drawings are complete with a construction start date scheduled for the second quarter of 2009. The Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center will be the first LEED Certified Building at USF with the goal of achieving Gold status. Charles Perry Construction Inc. with Offices in Gainesville and Orlando has provided general contracting services in Florida for over forty years. Charles Perry Construction Inc. project portfolio includes Education, Healthcare, Office, Manufacturing, and Technology/Life Sciences. Please Visit the Charles Perry Construction website at www.perryconstruction.com or email John Maze at maze@perryconstruction.com for information.

Manhattan Construction Acquires Kraft Construction

Naples-based Kraft Construction Co. has been acquired by another privately held company, Manhattan Construction Group, the companies announced Monday. They are joining to form one of the largest privately held general construction companies serving Florida, with combined annual revenues of approximately $1.5 billion and almost 2,000 employees. No layoffs are expected because of the acquisition.The heads of both companies said it's a good match because their corporate cultures are similar. more

FLIC Class of 2008

August Membership Meeting

ABC Will Be Cheering On Colwill at Olympics

Chris Colwill has spent the past three years competing in international events in preparation for this moment. He won seven international medals in 2007 and is looking to top that in 2008 with one – an Olympic medal. Chris Colwill is the son of Chuck Colwill of Cowill Engineering. Cowill Engineering is a member of ABC. Everyone here at ABC will be cheering on Chris as he competes in Beijing. Good luck, Chris!

Scott Machnik Joins Marlowe McNabb & Stayton

Scott W. Machnik joined Marlowe McNabb & Stayton as an associate on May 27, 2008. He received his B. A. from the University of Florida in 2001 and graduated With Honors from Stetson University College of Law in 2007. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Construction Law Section and Young Lawyers’ Division of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Scott’s practice will focus on Construction Law and Litigation. more

ABC of Florida State Convention - Ameila Island

ABC Poker Tournament Photos

ABC Endorses John McCain for President

ABC has endorsed Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for President of the United States. McCain was the unanimous choice of ABC’s national board of directors in a vote taken during the association’s 2008 National Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Read More.

ABC Offshore Fishing Tournament

ABC's Offshore Fishing Tournament was held

on June 29th. Over 22 teams, ventured into the Gulf of Mexico for a great day of fishing. Tri-City Electrical Contractors took home the first place prize. Click here for photos.

2008 Business of the Year & Safety Star Award Winners

Associated Builders & Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter's 2008 Construction Industry Business of the Year and Safety Star Awards recognized and honored those members who have made outstanding contributions to the industry, safety, community and ABC. This year's biannual ceremony was held April 18 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Tampa. Click here to see a list of winners.

Wharton Real Estate Summit

THURSDAY MAY 1ST

5:30 pm - Networking

6:30 - 8:00 pm - Program and Q& A

Moderated by: Craig Sher Executive Chairman The Sembler Company

Panelists:
Gregory W. Bryant President & CEO, Bay Cities Bank
Larry Comegys Managing Director, The AlgonGroup
Toni Everett Founder, The Toni Everett Company
Mark House Managing Director, Beck
Donald Phillips Managing Director, Phillips Development & Realty, LLC

On-Line Registration is now open: Wharton Real Estate Summit Registration $25 (plus service fee) or $35 at the door (space available). Wharton Alumni - Renew your membership on-line and this event is free. Registration includes two drinks/beverages and appetizers.

Paint The Town Green

ECO.lution is a series of community-focused interactive events designed to educate and engage the public in making Tampa a sustainable city. ECO.lution begins April 17, 2008 and concludes Earth Day April 22, 2008. Click here for more information.