CHOICES
Chairperson - Bruce Okrepkie

• A new drop-out prevention program called CHOICES was launched by NCBE in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The venture was a great success as NCBE and Hispanic Chamber volunteers gave presentations on the importance of staying in high school to nearly 2,000 ninth-graders in five Santa Rosa public high schools.

Community Relations
Chairperson - Donna Beels

• Provided financial support for numerous events and non-profit programs throughout the area, including the Rose Parade, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Santa Rosa Downtown Market, Sonoma County Housing Coalition, KRCB Public Television, Human Race, Junior Achievement, Cloverdale Citrus Fair, and the 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks Show.
• Inaugurated a “Member of the Month” program to recognize contributions of time, talent, material and labor by NCBE members to community projects and organizations.

Finance and Budget
Chairperson - Robert Cantu

• Developed and monitored NCBE and BEAMS budgets, and prepared the budgets for the following year.
• Held quarterly meetings to review all financial statement to keep NCBE and BEAMS operating on a fiscally-sound basis.
• Created a sophisticated Five-Year Financial Plan for the organization to assist in the planning of future programs and budgets.

Governmental Affairs
Chairperson - Dan Galvin

• This Committee reviews governmental issues of construction industry concern and recommendations positions, policies, and actions to the full Board as appropriate. Subcommittees also meet on focused topics of industry concern: Aggregate Advisory Committee monitors gravel mining related issues and testifies before governmental agencies as appropriate; Codes Advisory Committees meet monthly with Building Officials throughout Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties to help promote uniform building code adoption and enforcement.

Green Building
Chairperson - Warren Brown

• This Committee provides seminars/workshops to contractors, builds relationships with local, state and national Green entities, maintains a member database of certified Green Builders, provides Green Building resources to contractors and the community.

Insurance Trust
Chairperson - David Elie

• Trustees continued developing and overseeing a program that has grown to over 700 participating firms with premiums that approach $10 million annually.

Member Services & Recruitment
Chairperson - Monica Soiland

• Reviewed existing and potential NCBE affinity programs to ensure maximum benefit and value for members.
• Provided oversight for a comprehensive series of seminars and workshops offered to NCBE members on a broad array of industry topics.
• Participated in the Spring and Fall Home Shows at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
• Helped plan, organize and review many of the Exchange's major events, including the Crab Feed and the annual Golf Tournament.

Nominating
Chairperson - Willie McDevitt

• Studied major state measures on the ballot and made position recommendations to the Board of Directors and the entire membership.

Political Action (PAC)
Chairperson - Greg Hurd

• This Committee interviews candidates for elected office (State, County, and City) and makes recommendations for endorsement and contribution to the full Board of Directors. This Committee also reviews State Propositions and Local Measures for topics that can impact the construction industry and makes recommendations regarding them to the full Board.

Scholarship
Chairperson - Richard Owens

• Expanded publicity for the NCBE Scholarship Program throughout Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties, resulting in over 100 applications from students.
• The committee reviewed all applications and awarded scholarships to nearly 60 applicants.
• Held a reception with NCBE's Board of Directors for scholarship recipients and their families, an event attended by 50 guests.

Workers' Comp
Chairperson - Tom LeDuc

• Over 400 members benefit from NCBE Workers' Comp Group Program with our partners at State Compensation Insurance Fund. The program provides members with discounted premiums and ongoing professional safety assistance.

Workforce Development
Chairperson - Tom LeDuc

• Worked with local school district officials to develop a construction curriculum for use in area high schools.
• Planned, organized and staged the first “Careers in Construction” EXPO with co-sponsoring construction industry organizations; the event, held at the Veterans Building in Santa Rosa, attracted hundreds of high school students and adults interested in building industry jobs.

For more information about any of these NCBE Committees, contact NCBE at (707) 542-9502.