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In The News
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Michael Brusky, account executive of Eastern
Contractor Services was named President of the Community Builders Association
01/01/09 |
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I start by addressing the proverbial “800- pound- gorilla” that everyone who makes
their living in the building profession faces on a daily basis. We are in the midst of the
worst housing market of any of our lifetimes. The collapse of the United States financial
markets, 45% down from highs just 2 years ago, brought on by the sub-prime mortgage
lending debacle, threatens to throw the world market into a lengthy depression. I
find it curious that as recently as the summer of 2008 some economists were saying we
may be heading into recession. Anyone in the building industry can tell you we have
been in recession for 2 years, because the building industry leads into recession and the
building industry leads out of recession. My friends, I am confident that our industry
will again bring the economy out of recession.
On the up side, at State, under the leadership of NJBA Executive Officer Tim Touhey,
our voices have been heard in Trenton. Many of you went to the halls of the state house
stood for our industry. The Permit Extension Bill was signed into law by the Governor.
Although times are tough for us, this is not the time for any of us to get small and
retreat. I call on all of you to stand up, advocate, lead, and contribute your time and
resources for the future of your livelihood. Another dozen potential “Building Killer”
bills will come before the legislature this year. You can count on me to stand shoulder
to shoulder with you and support the industry I love and expand on what is possible.
My platform for 2009 is Green Building. In the current weakened housing market
Green Building is the only segment of the industry that is actually growing. Building
professionals who have the proper training are in high demand. My goal is that our
builder and associate members be recognized by the home buying public as the “go to”
providers for their Green Housing needs. Educating through green programs, seminars,
certifications, and networking opportunities will position our members to take advantage
of the rising green tide.
We find ourselves at an exciting moment in time, a crossroad that has the potential
to lead us to greener pastures – pun and double entendre intended. We are at the brink
of the biggest cultural thinking shift since the Industrial Revolution. My commitment
is to bring to the forefront, in a practical sense, the opportunity that green building provides.
This is the chance for builders to change public perception. As we build more
energy efficient structures that are sustainable we will leave a smaller carbon foot print
on the earth, provide a friendly future environment for our children, and at the same
time yield a fair profit margin for our companies.
Now is the time for every member to step up and do our part to help the Community
Builders Association, the New Jersey Builders Association, and the National
Association of Home Builders turn this housing market around. Make phone calls to
your political representatives, send those Emails, and continue to fill the halls of the
State House in Trenton. Do business with like-minded people, such as your colleagues
in the Association. Educate yourself and your employees on Green Building. Demand
that your partner subcontractors and suppliers become Green Building Experts and put
together your Green Building Team.
Thank you,
Michael Alan Brusky
President, Community Builders Association
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