7
T
he venue, overlooking Cape Cod – home of our incoming
President, was most fitting to recognize, honor and
award members for their incredible contributions to the
industry. We also installed our new executive team, led by our
new President, Elizabeth Kovach.
We were honored to have special guest, Joseph Wagner of
Chicopee with us for the event. He was the recipient of the
“Legislative Award”. Rob Anderson, Chief of Inspections of our
DPS Building Division was also in attendance. He shared a few
words on Harry Smith’s service;
“Harry is a tenacious champion of home builder values and concerns,
but always presented his position as a gentleman. Harry truly believes
in the need for comprehensive, clear code requirements to ensure
public safety in the commonwealth’s buildings, but recognized that
all things come at a cost. As mandated by BBRS enabling legislation,
Harry ensured that Board members considered cost implications to the
industry as they debated revisions to code requirements.”
Adding an excerpt from Commissioner Gatzunis’ letter:
“It has been my great pleasure to have served with you on
the board and to have worked with you as the Department’s
commissioner. You have always kept the best interest of the public
in mind when contemplating regulatory requirements. Your
dedication and leadership will be missed.”
Harry Smith was the recipient of the “Distinctive Service Award”.
Anna Satterfield, New England Area NAHB Representative,
presented a citation from the National Association of Home
Builders on behalf of President Gerry Howard and Chairman
of the Board.
There were three recipients recognized as “change makers;”
Stephen Dixon, Kevin Giblin and Tom Piekarski (success
bios on page 21). Each recipient was nominated by their local
association as the recipient of the “Legend of the Industry
Award.” This most special recognition is presented annually to
members of the HBRAMA who exemplify excellence in home
building; who have made significant contributions through
high standards of professionalism; and have demonstrated
generous community service over the course of their careers,
which must consist of a minimum of 25 years in the industry.
Congratulations to John Smolak, Brad Campbell, and Mark Leff
as recipients of this year’s President Award.
John Smolak, HBRAMA Government Affairs Chair, personally
thanked both Ben Fierro and Patricia Lynch of Lynch &
Fierro for their tireless advocacy and tremendous efforts on
behalf of our association. John also recognized Mark Leff,
Utilities Subcommittee; Gary Campbell; Building and Energy
Codes Subcommittee; Peter Freeman, Chapter 40B and
Zoning Subcommittee; and Jeff Brem, Wetlands and Water
Resources Subcommittee for volunteering their time to serve
as subcommittee chairs. Each received a special Public Policy
Recognition Award.
Thank you to all that were in attendance and for the incredible
financial support of our sponsors to make this year’s event such
a success. We welcome your attendance and support at next
years’ event calendared for Tuesday, June 21, 2016!
On Tuesday, June 16
th
, more than 160 guests gathered at the Plimoth
Plantation, Plymouth, MA for the 56
th
Annual Awards Meeting of the
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts.
HBRAMA Award Ceremony
and Installation of Officers Event
