Facilities Committee

FACILITIES COMMITTEE IS AT RIGHT PLACE AT RIGHT TIME

The Facilities Committee of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, headed by John H, Southard, Senior Project Director at Balfour Beatty Construction, is poised to become a highly-visible force for progress. This committee is comprised of a group of members with specialized construction or financial expertise. Each member truly brings qualified knowledge and experiences to the table.

The group has been meeting informally since 2005. In reality, members began conceptualizing a new Chamber early this century. When conversations began, one of the options, no longer being considered, was to renovate our outmoded building. Work has progressed quietly but consistently. Past President Michael Sexton is spearheading the civil engineering design effort.

It is exciting to observe this committee because the "tie that binds" is a dedication and passion to help the Palms West Chamber and the community.

Another Committee Member, Wally Sanger, is working with his in-house architectural firm to provide architectural services. Interior design features call for office space dedicated to chamber operations and a large meeting room constructed primarily for public use. Each area will be separate from the other.

The Facilities Committee estimates the total cost of the facility, including infrastructure, build-out and furniture to be $550,000. It is reasonable to expect a groundbreaking during 2008, our 25th Anniversary year. Construction itself should take no longer than 18 months.

The Facilities Committee welcomes new members to its ranks. Especially desired are experienced bankers, contractors and government officials. For more information, please contact John Southard by email or by his direct telephone number, (561) 478-0381.

Southard is a Senior Project Manager with Balfour Beatty Construction, an international company with special expertise and experience in commercial construction. The London-based firm is rated as one of the "top ten" in the United Kingdom and is involved heavily as well in infrastructure building, rail construction and airport purchases.

Balfour Beatty Construction recently purchased the commercial division of CENTEX where John Southard was formerly employed in the same capacity. The cultures of the two firms have blended perfectly, so full autonomy on the part of the United States Brand is already underway.

John Southard is a longtime Wellington resident who is married with two daughters, a son and a grandchild. All three children are FSU graduates. John is an ideal chair for the Facilities Committee, which is moving along steadily and smartly. The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the residents of the western communities will be the clear beneficiaries of their hard work. A hearty thanks to the relatively unsung Facilities Committee for its yeoman efforts.