Suwannee Valley Builders

Suwannee County and the S.V.B.A. is helping to get the Crapps Estate open for public use. And now is one step closer.

Saturday, Feb. 25th, with donated materials, a new roof was built over the outside patio. Mr. Greg Scott of the Parks and Recreation Department says he hopes to have the historical estate open soon for weddings and parties. Many thanks to those volunteers: Sam Carter of Sam Carter Draft and Design, Matt Marable of Marable Construction, Jimmy Norris, Nikki Raines and Dale Raines of Southern Heritage Builders, Bo Davis with Davis Construction, Ronnie Poole of Poole Realty, Roy Guerico (owner of Dairy Queen), and Paul Schmidtz. Those guys always show up when they are needed. Also Wayne Guide of Howlands Building Supply. Greg Scott of Parks and Recreation, Jeff Lee with Suwannee Hamilton VoTec Center, and more importantly my beautiful wife Janet Carpenter with Pennyworth Plumbing and Gas.

Jimmy Norris President of Southern Heritage Builders, Inc. started with a simple but important philosophy; Always strive for excellence and never settle for anything less. Jimmy’s strong commitment and dedication to his work was instilled in him from a young age by his father, who built his own successful company, Norris Cabinets.

Jimmy started working for his family’s business during High School. He graduated from High School in Hamilton County and then went on to attend Valdosta State University, all the while working and learning.  His reputation as a person with an uncanny eye for detail and a relentless drive for craftsmanship led him to become a partner in the company. During the time he spent working with his father he visited many job sites and learned many valuable lessons. He came to understand that straight talk between the Home Owner and the Builder form strong bonds of trust. He learned that nothing is as valuable as your word. In 2001 he took the lessons he learned and started his own company, Southern Heritage Builders, Inc.

Bobby Johnson, the chief building official for Lafayette County, was our speaker. Mr. Johnson has always been a longtime friend of the Builders Association and has been a promoter of the licensed contractor. He was very informative on the new 2010 code changes. This is another reason to be a member of the Suwannee Valley Builders Association.

The Playhouse was a success this year because of the members of the S.V.B.A.. We will have a little boost to our kids scholarship funds. Thank you to all our members, especially to those that showed up to help sell tickets to Christmas on the Square. The Monies go to a good cause.

The Christmas party this year was held at Suwannee Hamilton Vo-tec. The kids in the Culinary Arts put on a great meal. If you were not there you missed a great meal. Thanks Vo-tec.

The new board takes over in January. That board will be Matt Marable President, David Tyre President -elect, Janet Carpenter Secretary, Sam Carter Treasurer, Wayne Gude, Carlton Gaskins, Bruce Tillman, Jimmy Norris, Ronnie Poole, John Gray and John Carpenter Past- President. Good Luck 2012.