The Puerto Rico Builders Association held its 50th Annual Convention on October 10-11, 2023 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. The 2023 convention themed “Building a BrighterFuture” brought together key industry leaders and allies who took advantage of a well-designed program in terms of education, advocacy, and celebration. “OurAssociation presented a solid, relevant, and robust program, intended for our members, and the general public to obtain the necessary tools in way to give continuity to the Puerto Rico’s development agenda”, said Vanessa De Mari-Monserrate, Chairwoman of the PRBA.
The two-day event kicked off with our Annual Members's Meeting where members of the PRBA elected the new board of directors who will begin their duties in January 2024. Those selected to carry out the functions of the Executive Committee were Agustín Rojo, as President; Pinsy Rivera, Vice President; Waleska Rivera, Treasurer; Armando Vilas, Esq., Secretary; and Architect Antonio Garate as Deputy Secretary.
Moreover, this year's agenda confirmed that Puerto Rico’s Builders Association Annual Convention is the most important event in the construction industry in the Island. The annual convention included panels and events such as:
In addition, the event hadHUD’s Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman as keynote speaker on the convention’s second day. Todman shared with the attendees information on the status of the efforts made towards the disbursement of federal funds for development and construction in Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico like many other countries still faces a great challenge in terms of economic development and affordable housing access for our citizens. When it comes to our industry, the impact of inflation and scarce development due to the increase on construction costs makes it imperative for us to focus our efforts on the development of strategies and contributions to ease the ways of doing business at the time we contribute to the betterment of our Island. Among other things, we are experiencing a housing crisis that will only end if the government and the private sector come together to implement cutting-edge measures to address it. Making this possible is precisely what we are pursuing with our convention program”, de Mari- Monserrate stated.
Other important figures within the banking, finance, hotel, and tourism industries shared with the attendees on key issues such as the impact of interest rates on businesses, and the future of luxury hotels among others.
One of the highlight of the convention was the Awards Luncheon celebration, where the most outstanding construction companies and projects were recognized, along with this year’s most outstanding professionals. This year's awardees were:
1. BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD: McCormack Baron Salazar
2. BANKER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Marcial A. Díaz Vélez, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
3. AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY AWARD: Vista Verde, Naguabo, Pavarini Land Development, Inc.
4. RESIDENTIAL MARKET RATE COMMUNITY AWARD: River Terrace Ciudad Jardín de Gurabo, VRM Companies
5. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL COMMUNITY AWARD: San Blas Apartments, Coamo, Star Management Corp.
6. LUXURY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY AWARD: West Point Residences at The Ritz- Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach, PRISA Group
7. TOURISM IMPACT AWARD: Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences, In Realta Grupo Inmobiliario
8. COMMERCIAL IMPACT AWARD: Liberty Square at San Patricio, Empresas Caparra
9. SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD: VA Domiciliary Program & Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Outpatient Center, San Juan, Las Brisas Property Management
10. PRESIDENCIAL AWARDS: José R. Vizcarrondo, Desarrollos Metropolitanos; María de los Angeles Rivera, CPA, Kevane Grant Thornton; Agustín Mújica, PE
During this year's convention, the PRBA was honored to serve as center to stage to recognize the life legacies of our member companies that for two, three and even four generations have contributed to the economic development of Puerto Rico, and that have transcended the construction industry. There is no doubt that these companies, built on solid foundations, leave a great legacy to our country.
Associate and Professional members were recognized during the Members' Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon event, respectively, while our Builder members were recognized at our 50th Convention Celebration held at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino.
