ABC '08 Builders Reception

This year’s Builder Reception at the Tropicana’s Cuba Libre was a success! The 2nd Annual Sponsor’s Choice Award went to Matzel & Mumford Organization, and was given in a ceremonial transfer of trophies from last year’s recipient, Peter Hovnanian of J.S. Hovnanian & Sons. This prestigious award is given to a firm who utilizes the most services and products offered by the NJBA Master Sponsors.

Congratulations to Gary Forshner, of Stark & Stark - Attorneys at Law, who was announced as the new Co-Chairman of the Master Sponsor program! Gary will be replacing Mike Kurpiel, of Pro-Build, after a one year term as co-chair.

Old Friends of ABC Become New Master Sponsor Companies:

The NJBA and its many associate members have weathered a difficult year. As we come to the close of 2007, the Master Sponsor Program couldn’t be more proud of the companies that have remained committed to participating year after year. Furthermore, we couldn’t be happier to welcome two new members of the program who have been supporting NJBA at the Atlantic Builder’s Convention for several years.

Central Jersey Landscaping and Cowan, Gunteski & Co., are the latest members to join in the industry effort to house NJ’s working families. Central Jersey Landscaping, a full service provider of commercial and residential landscapes, hardscapes, site furnishings, pavers and irrigation systems, is no stranger to the NJBA. As an exhibitor and co-sponsor of ABC’s Garden Area since 2006, they have become one of the largest contributors to the annual regional show. “We look forward to strengthening an already existing relationship with the NJBA and the Master Sponsor Program by embracing the benefits and privileges available through its membership,” says Ron Wolff of CJL’s Mercer County headquarters location. To request more information, contact CJL’s Ron Wolff, at 609-298-2450 x12 or ron_cjl@verizon.net.

Yet another active participant at the annual show, Cowan Gunteski & Co. has consistently provided useful and timely information for the series of Education Programs featured at the ABC, in addition to being an essential part of the ABC planning committee. With a focus on the construction industry, Cowan provides services on business consulting, profitability enhancement and wealth management.

“In this time of economic downturn in the construction industry our firm is even more dedicated to working with NJBA and its membership to overcome the challenges faced in the industry today,” states William C. McNamara, CPA, CCIFP®, and the Shareholder-in-Charge of the Firm’s Construction Services Group.  “We recognize the importance of supporting the construction industry now when you need a friend the most.

Our objective is to help the association, as well as its members, achieve their goals.” To request more information, contact Bill McNamara, at 732-349-6880 ext. 116, email: bmcnamara@cowangunteski.com or visit www.cowangunteski.com. As 2/3’s of the membership is made up of associates, the overall strength in volunteerism and sponsorships comes from their participation in order to fund the legislative battles that threaten the industry each and every day. The true value of the program is evident in the level of participation that each member chooses to embrace. For this we thank you, each of our Master Sponsors and wish you great success in the year to come.

Master Sponsor Spotlight:
MS Chairman Receives Lifetime Achievement Award Michael Kurpiel of Strober Building Supply has been honored as this year’s recipient of the Joseph S. VanOsten Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to either a Builder or Associate Member who has been a member of the League for at least ten years and demonstrated exceptional service to the building industry during that time. This Achiever also happens to be an integral part to the NJBA Master Sponsors as the Chairman and a member of the program. Strober Building Supply, a Master Sponsor member since 1993, has been brought to the limelight on a repeated basis due to the consistent participation level that Marketing Manager Mike Kurpiel has maintained. After 15 years of time and revenue invested toward industry defense, this associate company is an undeniable support vehicle to New Jersey’s housing initiatives. As the first Master Sponsor members to achieve the elite Cornerstone level, Strober Building Supply, A Pro Build Company, has donated far more than dollars alone.
As a trustee for the South Jersey Builders Political Action Committee and Associate Vice-Chair of NJBA’s BPAC, Kurpiel has helped raise thousands of dollars, both state and local, as the originator of fund generating functions like the BPAC Ad Journal and BLSJ Boxing Night. He has been a leading force for Associate Member involvement and industry education through ongoing seminars and New Member Orientations on behalf of multiple local associations. The award, named after Joseph S. VanOsten who served as BLSJ Executive Vice President from 1969 until he retired in December 1998, was presented to Kurpiel by the Builder’s League of South Jersey at their Annual Installation of Officers Banquet on Wednesday, December 12, 2007. For more information, visit www.njba.org/masterSpons/msponsorsInfo.asp.