Sarasota, Manatee Builders Stage Economic Stimulus Reverse Trade Show

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange will host the Economic Stimulus Reverse Trade Show and Construction Industry Job Fair on Wednesday, March 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota County.Recognizing that the construction industry has been an economic driver in the region, and one that has been hit the hardest since the economic downtown, the Builders Exchange decided to host this event to offer local subcontractors an opportunity to win the bids of larger general contractors. Their motto is: “Members Working With Members” and the event provides an opportunity for local businesses to collaborate with one another, says Bill Jarvis, board chairman. “We created a Reverse Trade Show, similar to a job fair in an effort to create local economic stimulus,” Jarvis says. “This event will give all local subcontractors, suppliers and vendors the opportunity to spend an evening with the key decision makers and learn what work is available.Formed in 1952, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange is a not-for-profit trade organization comprised of about 20 Sarasota contractors. Its purpose is to serve the business needs of local building contractors in Sarasota and Manatee counties.Representatives from the region’s largest general contracting companies will be at the tradeshow, providing tips on acquiring bids and winning projects. Participating companies include: Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty, Suffolk Construction, W.G. Mills, Kraft Construction, Skyline Builders Group of Bradenton plus many more. Also on hand will be public school facilities directors and building officials from Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. For more information, e-mail Julie Ivings at jivings@gcbx.com or call her at 941-907-7745. Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Bill Jarvis, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange