An Information Resource
The Builders Exchange is an information resource available to all members as part of their benefits. The Exchange is always prepared to assist members research statutes, rules and local ordinances. With its many research capabilities, the GCBE's professional staff can help its members obtain important data, rules and regulations quickly.

Should a member have 'any' questions regarding the organization or the industry, they can contact the Executive Director or other staff. If the Exchange does not have an immediate answer to your question they will work to obtain an answer for you.

Blueprint Notes Monthly Newsletter
Blueprint Notes, the monthly newsletter of the GCBE, includes valuable, timely information on local and statewide happenings in the construction industry. It includes information about the organization and the industry as well as Internet Plan Room (IPIN) information. It also contains the GCBE events calendar, registration information for dinners and golf tournaments. Members may also send press releases about your company, employees and new jobs as well as classified advertisements. Members can obtain advertising space for minimal rates. Your company's advertisement will appear in Blueprint Notes each month as a constant reminder to the industry.
Contact the GCBE office for current advertising rate information.

Business Contacts
If your company is not growing as fast as it should, chances are that you are not making the proper business contacts. People in the building industry prefer to contract with those they personally know, or at least can be assured are reputable. Membership in the Exchange can help your company in these areas.

Business Education
The Exchange makes efforts to keep members informed about the latest developments in the industry and the business world. The Education Committee is always working to schedule a variety of seminars and learning sessions. The topics are relevant and informative and can offer you valuable assistance in conducting your business. Most seminars are designed to provide continuing education class hours towards meeting the requirements of Florida Statute 489.115(4)(b). The law requires registered county contractors to complete 14 hours of continuing education by August 31, 1995 and every two years thereafter. State Certified contractors must complete 14 hours by August 31, 1996 and every two years thereafter.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance
GCBE Members may purchase Employment Practices Liability Insurance at a discounted rate that can save up to 20% off of standard market pricing. In today's marketplace, businesses need protection against lawsuits stemming from allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and other workplace torts. Employment Practices Liability provides protection against such claims. The policy provides coverages for damages awarded as well as defense expenses.

Gulf Coast Business Review Annual Subscription Discount
GCBE members receive a $10 savings off the regular $44 annual subscription rate to The Gulf Coast Business Review, the most comprehensive business newspaper covering the Sarasota/Manatee area. This weekly newspaper provides information on the local economy, construction companies and other business and development issues. Contact Larry Burke at Gulf Coast Business Review at 362-4848 or lburke@review.net.

Industry Involvement
One of the most important things the Exchange does is to address important issues regarding the industry. The increasing taxation and regulation of the industry must be confronted in a professional and productive manner. The Board of Governors, special committees and management of the Exchange act as the organization's voice in affairs impacting the mutual concerns of membership. Meetings of governmental and regulatory agencies are constantly monitored, allowing the organization to respond in a timely fashion.

Internet Planroom Information Network (IPIN)
The Internet Planroom Information Network (IPIN) covers a 20+ area of southwest and central Florida and is available through the GCBE website to members by subscription. Subscribers with a user ID and password may obtain plan information, construction specifications and addenda all online from your home or office 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

KB Pension Services 401(k)/Profit Sharing Program
GCBE Member firm, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., offers a 401(k) and profit sharing program at discounted rates to GCBE members through KB Pension Services, Inc., a full-service employee benefit consulting firm and part of the KB Group. The program offers a full array of investment choices allowing each member to have their employee retirement program tailored to their individual needs. Members may choose from profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans or 401(k) plans with profit sharing. For more information contact Barbara Gardner, President of KB Pension Services, at (941) 953-7452 or visit their website at www.kbgrp.com

Membership Directory and Products & Services Guide
The Builders Exchange publishes an annual membership directory in conjunction in the early fall. The directory features a full listing of the organization's membership by occupational categories as well as alphabetically and by contact names. Membership benefits information and contact information for local and state government officials is also included.

Advertising opportunities are available for the Products and Services Guide contained within the Membership Directory. Ads aimed at your target market are available ranging from 1/6 page up to 4-color full page display advertisements at very reasonable rates. Should another member require your services, he can quickly and easily locate this information in the directory.

Membership Meetings
In order to offer members an opportunity to network with their peers while having a great time, the Exchange conducts monthly membership meetings. These meetings usually include a social hour, dinner, business meeting and guest speaker. Speakers are often government officials or others that address a topic that is relevant to the local building industry. Location of the meetings varies to provide opportunities to see different buildings and locations and make it more convenient for all members to have the opportunity to attend. See the events section of our website for current event information.

Moore Employer Solutions Discounts
Professional employer services company, and GCBE Member, Moore Employer Solutions (MES), offers GCBE members a 5% discount on the total cost burden rate, for workers’ compensation and payroll administration, for business placed with Freedom HR, a Professional Employer Organization which is owned and operated by Moore Employer Services. MES will also try to provide a discount on the total burden rate for business that is placed with a vendor other than Freedom HR. MES will also provide a waiver of set-up fees, excluding mandatory costs incurred by other vendors. MES Services include: PEO Services, Payroll Administration, Benefit Design, and Insurance Solutions. For more information, please contact Chris Wagner, Agent/Broker or Ryan Moore, President at (941) 761-2882, Fax: (941) 761-0881 or Toll Free: (866) 761-2882.

Networking Socials and Dinner Meetings
The Exchange holds networking socials and dinner meetings quarterly including:

• Annual Membership Meeting & Election of Board of Directors (January)
• Annual Joint Dinner Meeting with Four Trade Associations (February)
• Winter Networking Social (March)
• Joint Meetings with Home Builders Associations of Manatee and Sarasota Counties (May)
• Summer Networking Social (June)
• Fall Networking Social Aboard Lebarge Sunset Cruise (November/December)

Special Note: Exchange functions are not intended to be “purely” social gatherings. Their objective is to assist members in making business contacts to promote “members working with members.” They offer an excellent opportunity for members to promote their business provided the member is willing to participate. Members who take advantage of this membership benefit receive the maximum benefit from their membership investment.

R.S. Means Books
R.S. Means annual construction cost estimating guides and reference books are available for purchase at a 25% discount to members. Fall is the best times to advance order the latest R.S. Means construction cost information products through the Builders Exchange, but may be purchased year round by just calling or stopping by the Builders Exchange office.

Sarasota Ford Fleet Vehicle Program
Sarasota Ford's endorsed fleet vehicle program allows GCBE members to purchase any Ford truck or van for only $100 over invoice. Contact Moe Gingerich, Sales & Leasing Consultant at (941) 366-3673, ext. 109 or Cy Eveland at ext. 108 for details. By appointment only.

Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Corporate Membership
The GCBE has a corporate membership with the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club which meets periodically from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Michael's On East Ballroom in Sarasota to discuss current political issues. Your GCBE membership entitles you and your employees to attend the luncheons at the Tiger member price when making your reservations with GCBE. Call 330-8668 to make your Tiger Bay luncheon reservations.

Other Functions
The Exchange offers other ways for members to network their business including:

• Our Annual “The Big Exchange” trade show featuring GCBE members and future members to promote their businesses (September)
• Tampa Bay Bucs BBQ and Bus Trip (November)