Home Builders Association presents annual awards

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield recognized standouts among its membership during its Sept. 16 annual awards banquet.

Kevin Clingan of Kevin Clingan Home Design and Construction was named the 2008 Builder Member of the Year.

According to an HBA news release, this is the second time Clingan has received the award. In addition to his role as HBA president, Clingan has served as chairman of several committees and is a frequent participant in HBA events, such as its legislative day and fishing tournaments.

Tim Havens of Cottage Castle Homes was named Associate Individual Member of the Year. Havens serves on HBA's membership committee, and in particular, educates professionals in surrounding counties about the benefits of HBA membership.

Conco Cos. was named Associate Company of the Year. Conco has sponsored numerous HBA activities and events in 2008, including significant contributions to the St. Jude Dream Home. The company also is an active member of the Green Building Associates Committee.

Lon Goff and Terry Meek were chosen by past HBA presidents for induction in the Hall of Fame. Goff, a home builder, served as HBA president in 1994 and has served on numerous HBA committees throughout the year. Goff also has participated in HBA events, such as Parade of Homes, and was years ahead of the green-building curve by initiating Greene County's first conservation reserve program 10 years ago, the release said.

Meek, an associate member through Springfield-based hardware store Meek's, was instrumental in helping to establish the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow to help represent builders' interests in issues that affect home building. Meek and his employees have frequently served on HBA committees.

Rusty MacLachlan of J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes was chosen as HBA Ambassador of the Year for representing HBA outside of the home-building industry. MacLachlan is an active member of the HBA at the state and local levels, and he represents the group in public and in the media. He also serves as the builder expert on KOLR's "Building the Ozarks" program. He is completing his second term as president of the HBA of Missouri and has been nominated to take office in January as the president of the local chapter.

Other awards presented were: Chad Connell, Connell Insurance, Individual HBA Committee Member of the Year; Bailey Co., Company HBA Committee Member of the Year; Julie Sowards, Acme Brick, Administrative Support Person of the Year; Chris Dowdle, R.L.'s Swimming Pools, Foreman of the Year; Phillip Clopton, J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes, Manager of the Year; Andy Flint, HA Construction, Most Involved New Member, Individual; Fiberlite Technologies, Most Involved New Member, Company; Springfield Granite-Plus, Supplier of the Year; Jon Feldt, JAG Architectural Products, Salesperson of the Year; and HBA Green Building Associates Committee, Education Partner of the Year.