CCCIA recognizes industry accomplishments
By GRAY ROHRER, grohrer@breezenewspapers.com
Clark Enterprises, a four-year member of the Cape Coral Construction Industry, came away from the organization’s annual awards ceremony with its largest prize, the Builder of the Year Award Friday.
“I’m just blown away, it’s beyond my expectations,” said Rick Clark, partner and co-owner of Clark Enterprises.
Clark added the award was the result of hard work not just by him, but also by his wife, Virginia, and son, Zachary, who also are partners.
He said the award means more because it is voted on by CCCIA members.
“Any time you get an award that’s promoted and instilled by your peers, it’s really valuable. It’s really touching,” he said.
Other award winners were Cape Coral Plumbing, the Subcontractor of the Year, and Innovative Printing and Signs, Affiliate of the Year.
Marjorie Powell, vice president of Powell Construction and a former board member of the CCCIA, was given the Deborah J. Schivinski Award honoring a woman in construction.
“She’s paved the way for women in construction in our industry,” said Patti Schnell, executive director of the CCCIA.
The CCCIA also announced the annual reshuffling of their board. Outgoing president Bob Koenig, president of Kraft Construction, made way for incoming president Becky Swift, building contractor with First Home Builders.
Koenig and Swift each noted the difficulties the construction industry has faced this year with the fallout from the housing crisis and that more challenges lie ahead in the year to follow.
“Unfortunately, with all the foreclosures and houses on the market you probably got another year” before the market stabilizes, Koenig said.
Swift said her main goal will be maintaining current CCCIA members and recruiting new members in what is expected to be another down year for the construction industry.
“We all know it’s been a difficult year. Most of us have seen budget cuts and staff reductions, forcing us to do more with less. Unfortunately 2009 is predicted to be another difficult and demanding year but we will meet these challenges,” Swift said.
Schnell said Swift is already working hard during the transition period.
“I have to acknowledge Becky’s hard work. She’s dealing with a difficult budget year,” Schnell said.