JACKSONVILLE – The Northeast Florida Builders Association recently installed its Executive Officers and Board Members, including Chris Wood of Riverside Homes, who will serve as the 79th president.
Wood was presented with the gavel, representing NEFBA’s highest office of leadership, by his father and longtime NEFBA member, Rick Wood.
“The legacy of NEFBA is built on 79 years of industry leadership. This association has provided support and a collective voice for the home building industry in Northeast Florida,” Wood said. “I am humbly honored to serve as President for the coming year and look forward to working with our Board and members to extend NEFBA’s contribution to the community.”
Officers and boards of directors were sworn in for the Remodelers Council, Professional Women in Building, Sales and Marketing Council and Young Professional Group. NEFBA’s regional builders councils from Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties held separate installations during the holiday season. Todd Knowles of Premier Specialty Service, was selected to serve as Clay County’s Chairman.
“Every president must devote a tremendous amount of time and energy to the duties of the position, and it seems that with every passing year these responsibilities grow,” said NEFBA Executive Officer Jessie Spradley. “Our outgoing president Josh Garrison had an amazing year, growing our association’s membership to 6th in the Nation. I am confident that Chris will continue forward with great leadership, and I am excited to work together to ensure the housing needs of Northeast Florida are met.”
The following members were honored with awards during the evening: Builder of the Year Award, Keith Ward, Thomas May Construction; Fred King Associate Member of the Year Award, Sherry Davidson, Davidson Realty; Leadership Award, Seth Kelley, MasterCraft Builder Group; Arnold Tritt Achievement Award, Larry Wittmer, Woodsman Kitchens & Floors; Bill Soforenko Affordable Housing Award, Bob Porter, D.R. Horton; Ken Keuster and Bill Wilson Foundation Award, Bill Cellar, Providence Homes; and the Good Government Award, Nate Day, H. Smith, Inc.

The Loop’s Wells Road location to close after 33 years on Feb. 15
ORANGE PARK – Jacksonville-based restaurant The Loop plans to open a new Northeast Florida location in the World Golf Village. The Loop is also interested in additional Florida locations in Sawgrass, Oakleaf and the North Jacksonville area, as well as additional locations in North Carolina.
To allow the company to focus on developing these locations, The Loop chose not to renew its Wells Road location lease. The location will close on Feb. 15 after 33 years of operation.
“We’ve served our Orange Park neighbors since 1990, and we look forward to serving you soon at one of our 10 Northeast Florida locations,” said Marla Quattrone, The Loop’s chief marketing officer.
According to Quattrone, the company plans to relocate Wells Road employees to existing locations and welcome customers at its three nearby locations.
To encourage customer loyalty, The Loop will offer 10% off coupons to Wells Road customers that are valid at its Fleming Island restaurant.
While Quattrone said it’s still too early to disclose the new locations’ details, she said Jacksonville-based franchise owner Maurilio Gonzalez signed a lease at the World Golf Village location, which will open in 2023. His current locations include Fleming Island, Nocatee, Julington Creek and Amelia Island.