Top SMC Stands Out with Superior Programs and Events
The SMC of the Collier Building Industry Association of Florida was applauded for their efforts with a Gold Award for Best SMC of 250-500 members at the 2005 The Nationals — the National Sales and Marketing Awards.

The Collier SMC has long been an example of an outstanding SMC in the busy Florida marketplace. Each year they work to improve upon their programs, looking for new ways to recruit members and build non-dues revenue. Over the years they have become an integral part of the BIA. Through detailed planning, the Collier SMC stages well-attended events, meets budget, and recruits new members, while making a significant financial contribution to the BIA.

The SMC holds a strategic retreat each year to plan their budget and set leadership for their nine committees. This sets a precedent for the year and begins the SMC’s year with a thoughtful approach to planning and leadership. 

Next the committees organize and plan their events, and this is where the Collier SMC shines! They hold a range of fun, profitable, and educational events through the year — providing ample networking and learning opportunities for their members. Highlights of their programming include:

• A Builder/REALTOR® Expo — By offering free REALTOR® admission and securing more than 400 builders and developers to showcase their products, this event provided networking opportunities and chances to build broker-builder relationships.
• Industry Issues Panel — A panel of developers and city planners discussed changes affecting the construction industry, and was followed by a Q&A.
• Community Casino Night — A silent auction, raffle prizes, and a fun event drew a large crowd and raised $25,000 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. 
• Sand Dollar Awards — The annual awards program — this year themed Hot Havana Nights — had a record number of companies enter and over earned $80,000 in revenue for the SMC!

Additionally, the SMC recruited 160 new members through an ongoing member recruitment effort. The membership committee held a phone-a-thon to recruit BIA members who did not belong to the SMC. To retain current members, “ambassadors” contacted five current members a week, to determine if the member was satisfied, and to remind them of the next SMC event. The Collier SMC membership plan is one example of their well-executed planning, which builds their membership, their revenue, and their visibility in the community.

“Each year we grow stronger and strive to impact more of the community,” said Kerry Weber, Chair of the SMC. “Our SMC is a team effort that seamlessly works together with the local building industry to enhance not only the construction community but the residents as well.” This sentiment is pervasive from the top of their SMC, through the committees and volunteers, to the members, and is a driving force in their success. Congratulations to the Collier SMC for their hard work and deserved success. [ return to top ]