Press Release
CBIA Leaders Honored by Florida Home Builders Association
Naples, Fla. (August 10, 2020) – The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) today announced that Past President Ryan Benson, Board Member Robyn Bonaquist and Former State Legislator and CBIA member Mike Davis were recognized by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) during the Southeast Building Conference, held virtually July 29-31, 2020.
Ryan Benson, CBIA Past President and A Vernon Allen Builder Principal/Owner, was named FHBA’s 2020 Young Building Professional of the Year.
“Ryan Benson is that one in a million leader…a change agent…who is full of innovative ideas and has the uncanny ability to engage the most effective experts among our members to build upon these ideas and work together to effectively implement them,” said CBIA Executive Officer Amelia Vasquez
Established in 2019, the FHBA Young Building Professional Award recognizes young building industry professionals who propel their careers; advance in local, state and national associations; advocate for the building industry, engage with peers; and embed themselves as exceptional members of their communities. Winners are selected based on career growth and progression, industry involvement, innovation, leadership development, community outreach and volunteerism, continuing education, and personal principles.
“Our successful advocacy efforts locally and with our state legislative delegation, effective succession plan for staffing, current fiscal stability and focus on innovation are exceptional examples of Ryan’s competency, intelligence and true understanding of what it takes to insure the future stability of our industry,” according to John Williams, CBIA president and principal at RWA Inc. “He is powerfully advancing the building industry both locally and beyond, and is setting new standards for its future support and growth.”
Robyn Bonaquist, CBIA Board Member and B-Squared Advertising Founding Partner and President, received the 2020 Associate of the Year Award.
“Robyn is an exemplary role model for women throughout our industry, modeling the most ethical leadership characteristics both in her profession and on behalf of CBIA,” said CBIA Executive Officer Vasquez.
The Associate of the Year Award encourages expertise in the industry and outstanding leadership qualities. Associates of the Year are selected annually by the FHBA Past Second Vice Presidents’ Council, announced during the Summer Conference/SEBC, and presented during the Fall Leadership Conference
“Robyn has served as chair of our Sales and Marketing Council, served on several CBIA task force initiatives and currently serves on our CBIA and SMC boards,” said Vasquez. “She has also been a long-time champion and liaison for the Florida Home Builders Association here in southwest Florida, serving for several years as a delegate to FHBA as a member of the FHBA Sales and Marketing Council Board of Directors, and as chair of SEBC.”
Former State Legislator and CBIA member Mike Davis was inducted posthumously into the FHBA Hall of Fame.
According to former CBIA and FHBA president, Al Zichella, Vice President of Development at London Bay who nominated him, shared that Davis was a champion for affordable housing and essential service personnel housing. “As a visionary and consensus builder, his work resulted in effective legislative policies which have enhanced opportunities for the working class to obtain homeownership,” said Zichella of Davis, who died of cancer in 2008.
The primary mission of the Florida Housing Hall of Fame is to honor men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to housing in Florida, the building industry, and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). A secondary purpose is to promote a positive image of Florida’s building industry to the general public through increased awareness and education.
“I cannot think of any one person more worthy of the posthumously being inducted in the FHBA Hall of Fame,” said Zichella.
About CBIA
Founded in 1985, CBIA is an association of more than 450 builders, remodelers, interior designers and other housing industry professionals. It is one of 800 state and local associations and operates under the auspices of the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.
To learn more about CBIA programs, services, events and initiatives, visit www.cbia.net, call 239-436-6100, or follow CBIA on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter. CBIA offices are located at 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 110, Naples, Florida.
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