The 1999-2000 officers and directors of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia were installed by Rick Porter, president of the Home Builders Association of Georgia, at the local association's September meeting at WhiteWater Country Club.

Porter told the local builders, “What we do as builders is not just build homes. Until we become involved in our community, we can't realize how important we can be to our community.”

He continued, “You are part of a broader community, and you are a driver in that community.”

Calling what builders do “the backbone of the community,” he encouraged local builders to stay involved.

“Your community can't grow and absorb growth without leadership, and you are part of that leadership,” he said.

Porter commended the local association for its active role in the community, specifically mentioning the “barnraising project” for the Joseph Sams School and the association's support of the Fayette school system's recent special sales tax proposal.

The new association officers, elected at the group's August meeting, include Jeff Betsill, president; John Hayes, builder vice president; Greg Harrell, associate vice president; Chad Floyd, secretary; and Eddie Lusher, treasurer. Dennis Floyd is past president.

The slate also includes Mac McKinney, Greg Pruitt and Mark Willie, builder directors; Curt Hirsch, Liz Taylor and Doug Walker, associate directors; Bob Barnard, Randy Hayes, Kenny Johnson, Richard Simms, Jerry Tedder and Jeff Betsill, state directors; and Bob Barnard, Randy Hayes, Kenny Johnson and Dennis Floyd, national directors. Gene Barber and Jerry Tedder are life national directors.

In assuming the presidency, Betsill expressed “gratitude for the opportunity to serve.”

Echoing the state president's sentiments, he reminded the association members of the need to continue serving the community: “As we take from the community, we need to give back.”

Chase Manhattan Mortgage, First Citizens Bank and Tucker Federal Mortgage, the current members of the association's Underwriters Club, were recognized at the gathering.

Members of the Underwriters Club assist with the cost of dinner meeting programs and receive recognition at all Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia functions for the entire year.

The meeting also was “Associate Member Appreciation Night” for the organization, and Betsill told the associate members that “without you, we can't do what we do, not only as builders but as an association.”

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves builders in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether Counties, currently has around 387 members. More information about the association can be obtained by calling 770-716-7109.