The building industry plays an important role in Southwest Florida's
economy. Construction-related industries are responsible for thousands of
jobs in our community today, and that number is finally rising again.
We can see this recovery through the work of Builders Care, the non-profit
arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Since 2005, local builders and
service providers have donated their time, money, materials and labor to
renovate homes for residents in need in Southwest Florida.
At the start of 2012, local builder/developer Stock Development signed on to
be a Certified Building Partner with Builders Care. Not only did Stock
Development pledge a donation of $100 per each home sale throughout the year
in their PASEO community, but when they heard the compelling needs of a
local family, Stock Development stepped up to the plate.
They see the light at the end of the tunnel for the industry, and for the
Garcia family. In its first three quarters of the year, Stock Development
has seen sales rise and that means more donations to local homeowners in
need, with the best quarter expected to be the fourth quarter. Stock
Development is a community oriented builder with a big heart. They are an
integral part of this community and give back in a meaningful way to those
that need it most.
The Garcia family knows this first hand. Last month, Stock Development
surprised homeowners Bob and Mary Garcia during their church service with
news that their prayers were coming true. Not only was the family of 14
going to get a new roof on their home of 35 years, but since the roof had
been leaking for months and mold was growing, Stock Development announced
they would build them a brand new home in just 17 days, and in time for
Thanksgiving. To make it happen, Stock Development and Builders Care
mobilized more than 75 local companies to join them in getting the job done.
As a result, the family will not only have a new home, but it will be fully
furnished, including appliances.
This project will be No. 130 and helps Builders Care surpass a milestone of
providing more than $2 million in construction services to complete
much-needed home renovations to improve their safety and living conditions.
Please join me in giving thanks to Stock Development and the many companies
and organizations that have joined together to help our neighbors. They are
the heroes of this community. The Garcia family, all 14 of them, would
still be living in deplorable housing conditions if not for their true
commitment to our community. Way to go, Stock Development and all our
Builders Care partners - you are truly making a difference in Southwest
Florida.
- Michael Reitmann is the president of the Lee Building Industry Association.
