Bulletin Board Magazine 2021 V4

An EO Takeover of the President’s Message

EOTakeover of the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Gina McNamara - SBACNJ

Gina McNamara Executive Officer - SBACNJ

This unprecedented past two years requires the Association to acknowledge efforts made by Chris Amato during his presidency. Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey has been navigating a time like no other in our 76-year history, so I thought I would take this opportunity to say a few things in this issue of Bulletin Board’s President’s Message. First, and foremost Chris, we would like to thank you for your leadership during two of the most challenging years we have faced as an Association. You took on this challenge with resolve, flexibility, and a clear head to lead us through shifting from our normal ways of doing business to remote and virtual means. We extend our gratitude for all that you have done during the pandemic to keep our members informed and engaged. You inherited a foundation created by our Immediate Past President, Michael J. Kokes, who modernized our technology and enhanced our server, which ensured our future remote working environment. Your technology focus from the start of the Pandemic made a significant impact on the Association’s operations during your tenure. This combined with the utilization of platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams kept our leadership, committees, and events moving forward throughout the lockdowns, and subsequent re-openings. For many of our members

Bulletin Board | 1 | www.shorebuilders.org and its leadership never stop amazing me with all that we are able to accomplish, and continuing the programs was a lifeline that was very much needed during a time of isolation and uncertainty. You managed to do all this while maintaining your sense of humor and zest for living in the moment, which was greatly appreciated during such a stressful time. Without your flexibility, thoughtful judgement, and willingness to work through situations as they arose, I’m not sure where we would be now as an Association. Now, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few things about our sponsors, and our committee members. During normal times, our programs, events, and initiatives would not exist without our sponsors. Needless to say that during this period, our sponsors were a critical ingredient to our overall survival and without their commitment during the pandemic we would have had a much more difficult time keeping our Association moving forward. Thank you to all our Platinum, Master, and Product sponsors who stuck with us and made a huge difference for all of our members. And, to our committee chairs and members who continued to meet virtually to plan the events we were able to have, as well as the continued support of our philanthropic efforts, which were needed even more these past two years. Our Association, its members,

the unquestionable generosity in supporting the communities we serve, no matter what is happening around us. It is now time to welcome our new President, James Pittenger, and let him know that we are all looking forward to continuing our tradition of supporting the building industry and continuing our mission of providing housing for the residents of Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer Counties. We look forward to seeing you at our first in-person event of the year, the Economic Forecast which will be held on March 30th at the Jumping Brook Country Club, so save the date for that event. And, finally, keep your eye out for the FAME Call for Entries, which is coming to your inbox soon. The event will be held on May 19th at the South Gate Manor and entries will be due in February. Thank you all for your continued dedication to this Association, Christine and I wish you all a very Happy New Year!