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| BANNJ President, Derek Weissman |
Dear BANNJ Members,
As we step into 2025, I am honored to continue serving as your President and excited to work together to make this year a transformative one for the Builders Association of Northern New Jersey (BANNJ). With fresh energy and a renewed vision, we are focused on growing our membership, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering deeper engagement across the organization.
This year is all about building
bridges and breaking boundaries – strengthening our connections within the
industry and beyond while setting new standards for what we can achieve
together.
1. Growing Our Membership
A strong and engaged membership is the
foundation of BANNJ. This year, we’ll be doubling down on our recruitment
efforts by amplifying the Ambassador Program and introducing new member
incentives. I challenge each of you to help bring in at least one new member.
Together, let’s set an ambitious goal of welcoming 25 new members from each
county – Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Sussex.
2. Expanding Education and Advocacy
Knowledge is power, and advocacy is action. In 2025, we will focus on providing cutting-edge educational opportunities through workshops, seminars, and industry-leading speakers. Additionally, we’ll strengthen our advocacy efforts by collaborating with local and state leaders to champion policies that support our industry. Let’s aim to have 25 local legislators participate in our events this year, ensuring BANNJ’s voice is heard where it matters most.
3. Amplifying Engagement
Engagement is what transforms an association into a community. This year, we’re introducing new ways to connect and collaborate, from dynamic events to more robust digital platforms. Our goal is to increase event participation by 25%, ensuring every member feels empowered to contribute and benefit from BANNJ’s vibrant network.
This is our year to rise together, to
build not just stronger homes and communities but also a stronger BANNJ. I
encourage each of you to seize the opportunities ahead and play an active role
in shaping the future of our association.
Thank you for your dedication and passion for BANNJ. Together, we will make 2025 a year to remember.
Regards,
Derek Weissman
President, BANNJ
81st Installation & Awards Dinner
Thank you to all members and guests who attended our Annual Installation & Awards Dinner on January 30th at The Terrace at Biagio’s in Paramus and to our generous sponsors and journal advertisers.
Special thanks to NAHB CEO Jim Tobin for installing our President, Derek Weissman of Procida, our Officers and Board of Directors (Thomas Petersen, Chairman; Alan Archuleta, VP/Secretary; Rich Robinson, VP Treasurer; Kristie Davida, Associate VP; Ashley Brito, 2nd Associate VP; Jared Lans, Esq, Legal Counsel; Board Members Arnold DeMasi; Richard Gaynor; Jackie Giraldo; John Kelly; Michael Kurpiel; Sal Orsillo.
Jim Tobin also presented our BANNJ Executive Officer Kathleen Kurpiel with a special award for 15 years of service to the Association.
Kudos to our Master of Ceremonies John Cioletti of Reno’s Appliance for an excellent job as our award presenter and for sharing his rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Congratulations to our award winners: Eva Hajek (Reno’s) Affiliate Member Special Recognition; Ashley Brito (9 Mile RE) Young Professional Associate Appreciation; Kristie Davida (Home Ateliers) Associate Member Outstanding Service; Kimberly Little, Associate Member Hall of Fame; Derek Weissman Builder Member President’s Award and Builder Member Legacy Award Honoree Thomas Petersen of SportProsUSA/TP Builders.
Very special thanks to The Perfect Shindig for the amazing disco ball décor, to Heritage WBE, Inc. printers and to the band, Whiskey Helps. See photos from the Installation Dinner and all events at https://www.bannj.org/image-gallery/.
Passing of Longtime BANNJ Member Donald E. Dobres
October 28, 1944 – January 12, 2025
Donald “Don” E. Dobres, 80, of Lakewood Township, NJ, formerly of Township of Washington and Westwood, NJ peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the hospital with his loving twin sister, Darlene by his side. Don was born in Jersey City, NJ, attended Henry Snyder High School, and continued receiving his Bachelor of Arts at Montclair State University in 1967.
Don went on to teach Industrial Arts in the New Milford Public School system as a middle school teacher for 18 years. In 1985, Don opened his own business, Fine Home Construction, and happily continued his pursuit as a builder until his retirement in 2018. Don lived in Bergen County throughout his career(s) and proudly put his personal touch into all of his homes with his fine craftsmanship.
Don was a member and held office in the Builders Association of Northern New Jersey for many years. He enjoyed driving his 1957 red Thunderbird and was a member of the New Jersey Open Road Thunderbird Club. He was also a member of Gothoid Lodge # 486, a Swedish cultural organization.
For leisure, Don enjoyed playing golf, gardening, fine woodworking, and spending time with his many friends and family members.
Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy
Stahl, and his older brother, Robert Dobres. He is survived by his twin sister,
Darlene Anderson, his sister-in-law Elaine Dobres, step sons; David Martini and
his wife Michele, Gary Martini and his wife Kim, and Kevin Martini.
Additionally, he leaves behind three granddaughters, Brittany Czapla and her
husband Brian Czapla, Bethany Martini-Hiddink and her husband Neil Hiddink,
Ashely Martini and many adoring nieces and nephews.
God Speed, Don
Thank you for being a part of the
BANNJ Family
Associates:
Mirnozi Construction LLC.
Aziz Asy
41 Luhrs Court
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-679-1039
ozz@mirnozi.com
King Modern Products
Kareen Chablani, President
49 Troy Meadow Road
Parsippany, NJ 07052
917-424-9111
info@kingmodernproducts.com
NAHB CEO to Speak at Housing Finance Seminar on February 11th
NAHB Issues Statement on President Trump Delaying Implementation of Tariffs
Trump and leaders of Canada and Mexico say tariffs will be delayed one month after talks
Home Construction Costs Up Significantly Since 2022
The U.S. just experienced its slowest annual sales of homes since 1995
Average rate on 30-year mortgage eases for second week in as row, but remains just below 7%
What the Fed’s rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers
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Thursday, February 13th-NAHB Economic & Housing Forecast. Lunch & Learn 12:00pm-1:00pm. Register for this virtual presentation with special company pricing and invite your team to gain invaluable information to plan for the year ahead. All registrants will be provided with a Zoom login prior to the event.
March 25-27-Atlantic Builders Convention, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City
Thursday, April 3rd-Networking Meeting with Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association at Reliance Surfaces, Kenilworth NJ. Excellent opportunity to make business connections with builders and associate trade professionals from around the state.
Monday, May 12th-Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards-**NEW VENUE** Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, NJ. Tee up new business at our annual event and join us on the course at this beautiful, private club. High visibility sponsorships available and cocktail and dinner only tickets available for non-golfers to attend for networking. 10:30AM Registration; Brunch; Lunch on course; 12:00PM Shotgun start; 5:00PM Cocktails and Dinner/Awards presentations.
Register for all events at
https://members.bannj.org/events
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