While winter raged outdoors, those in attendance at the Builders Association of Northern Nevada’s (BANN) 46th Installation of Officers and Directors enjoyed the warmth and ambience at the Poolside Terrace within John Ascuaga’s Nugget in a ceremony that was steeped in industry history and tradition.
   In celebration of BANN’s 55th Anniversary, dozens of Past Presidents were invited to the January ceremony, allowing our members to recognize those who played such a prominent role in creating an organization that has stood the test of time.  Seventeen past presidents attended, receiving accolades for their leadership.  Joe Lopez of Tanamera Development, who was installed as 2010 President, said it best when he pointed out that “…the vision and foresight of these past leaders have enabled this organization and its members to continue to represent all that is good about the construction industry.  Their tradition of service will be carried on by those who will serve after us.”
   Bob Nielsen, 1st Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), installed BANN’s 2010 Officers and Directors, and recounted some recent efforts by NAHB to help resolve a number of issues related to the housing collapse nationwide. 
   The Association’s 2010 Officers include: Joe Lopez, Tanamera Development, President; Curtis Rowe, Pulte, Vice President; Pat Riley, Eagle Home Mortgage, Associate Vice President; Bill Thomas, Conrey Consulting, Secretary/Treasurer, and Pam Parenti, Pulte, Immediate Past President.  Builder Directors include Jack Byrom, TMWA; Mike Douglas, Q & D Construction; Travis Means, HomeCrafters; Robert Nielsen, Shelter Properties; Greg Peek, ERGS, Inc.; Ray Pezonella, Pezonella Associates; Cloyd Phillips, Community Services Agency; Steve Ryckebosch, The Ryckebosch Companies; John Schroeder, J & N Nevada, and Joe Serpa, Aspen Developers.  Associate Directors are John Brown, NVEnergy; Jeff Codega, Codega Concepts; Garrett Gordon, Lewis & Roca; Dave Hendriks, The Liberty Group; John Krmpotic, KLS Planning & Design, and Randy Walter, PLACES Consulting.

Special Awards
   The association took the opportunity afforded by the Installation to award the annual Builder and Associate Member Achievement Awards, as well as the Spike of the Year Award.
   Greg Peek, Vice President of ERGS, Inc., was the recipient of the Builder Member Achievement Award for his efforts on behalf of the association during 2009.  Greg led the Legislative Committee, which was instrumental in our successful efforts at the Legislative session, as well as playing a prominent role for our industry at both a state and national level. 
   Michael Ellis of Reno Truss was named the Spike of the Year, having brought 7 new members into the association, and for serving as a mentor for a number of existing members.  Additionally, Michael spearheaded the Fall Membership Drive, resulting in a net increase of 36 new members.
   Associate Member Achievement Award honors were given to Pat Riley of Eagle Home Mortgage.  Pat’s involvement on the Board of Directors for more than 15 years, as well as his insight and analysis on the Executive Committee, has provided a firm foundation for leadership within BANN.   
   Congratulations to the Builders Association’s new officers and directors—and special thanks to all of you for your continuing interest and involvement in our industry’s well-being.