Builders' group brings back pride

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange has launched a new program, “Proud to Build, ” to highlight and promote the work of its members.

The campaign will feature stories about members of the nonprofit lobbying and trade group and why they are proud to be part of the area building community, according to a release. The program is a partnership with Sarasota-based public relations firm 360 Degrees PR. The stories will be distributed over social media, email marketing and the GCBX website.

“Our members are an integral part of the economic development of the southwest Florida community, and this campaign will bring their stories to light,” GCBX Executive Director Mary Dougherty-Slapp says in the release. “Regardless of their specific profession within the building community, our members contribute to this region in so many ways — from smart growth initiatives to philanthropic efforts.”

Adds Dougherty-Slapp: “Keep a lookout for the 'Proud to Build' phrase to start popping up all over the place — from bumper stickers to banners and shirts.”

The first two members profiled for the campaign were Jon Swift of Jon F. Swift Construction and Nathan Carr with Willis Smith Construction. “Our building community took Sarasota out of its infancy stage,” Swift says in the release. “Back when we were just a beach town everyone emptied out of downtown Sarasota right at 5 p.m. in a race to get home. Now we're a thriving, bustling center of employment with a growing economy. A vibrant community leads to tax dollars from new residents for roadways, infrastructure and more, and I'm proud to be one small part of that process.

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange was established in 1952. It has more than 300 members from Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Proud to Build stories will be shared through the campaign's Facebook and Twitter accounts.