“The First Annual Good Neighbor Awards gave us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on builders and the wonderful – often unpublicized – work they do with local charities and other helping organizations,” said Penelope Geismar, publisher of Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine and co-sponsor of the awards. “From financial contributions to donations of time, labor, goods and services, NEFBA members are tireless workers on behalf of the less fortunate.”

The awards luncheon at Deerwood Country Club was co-hosted by Geismar and Daniel Davis of NEFBA. The keynote speaker was Hugh Jones, former president of Barnett Bank, known locally for his leadership in philanthropic initiatives.



The winners are featured in the current issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine.

“We recognize our members each month for outstanding service to the community or the industry,” said Arnold Tritt, NEFBA’s executive vice president. “We thought it was time to show our appreciation for all they do and to give them some much-deserved recognition.”

Geismar said so many NEFBA members are involved in charitable projects of all types.

“Builders and developers often underestimate the impact of their efforts,” she said. “And, they don’t want to draw attention to their charitable work. I believe what they do is important not only to the people they help but as an inspiration to others. It has a snowball effect.”

Good Neighbor Awards were presented to Admiral Homes, Beazer Homes, Brylen Homes, Classic American Homes, D.R. Horton, Engle Homes, ICI Homes, Jaguar Builders, KB Home, The LandMar Group, Matovina & Company, Mercedes Homes, North Florida Builders/A Woodside Company, Palencia, W.G. Pitts Company, Providence Homes by Bill Cellar, Richmond American Homes, H. Smith Inc. and Stokes & Company, Trident Realty Corp. and The Vintage Group Inc.

Each recipient was presented with a proclamation from the City of Jacksonville declaring Oct. 12 Jacksonville Homebuyer and NEFBA Good Neighbor Day.

Event sponsors included Apex Showrooms, First Coast Supply, Woodsman Kitchens and Floors, Countrywide Home Loans, Merchandising Plus by Rita Williams, Cain & Bultman Inc., Canac Kitchens of Jacksonville, Kinco Windows and Doors, Lumber Unlimited and Tarmac.

The honorees were recognized for their involvement with worthwhile community causes such as The Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Builders Care, Safe Harbor Boys Home, Seamark Ranch, the Salvation Army, the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, Quigley House, Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center, the Donna Hicken Foundation, Volunteers in Medicine and many others.

The Northeast Florida Builders Association provides education, research, legislative representation, media relations, promotions and programs for its 1,700-plus builder and associate members. The Association is celebrating 61 years of service to members and to the community through various charitable efforts.

For more information about member benefits, area builders or the association, call (904) 725-4355 or visit online at www.nefba.com.