As we look toward the future of the Gulf Coast Builder’s Exchange, it reminds me of everything we’ve learned from our past. And while reminiscing, one story always comes to mind. In 1973, a discussion about a construction moratorium sparked an interesting experiment. Back then, in the days before ATM cards and direct deposit, the construction industry collectively decided to pay its employees in only silver dollars. After a very short time, there were a lot of silver dollars suddenly in circulation in Southwest Florida.

So many in fact that signs went up all over the county—grocery stores, etc.—that said, ‘No more silver dollars, please.’ Stores stopped accepting them because of the impact they were having on their cash registers. The industry had achieved its desired impact, however, illustrating just how many people the construction industry employed and the effect it had on the local economy. History is important.

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange has been representing Southwest Florida’s commercial contracting industry since 1952, when 20 Sarasota contractors got together to try to help steer the community in the right direction. This year, as we celebrate the organization’s 65^th anniversary, we have more than 400 business members focused on that same goal.

Over the years, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange has overseen a number of significant projects and restorations, including a partnership with the City of Sarasota in 1950 to build the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota’s original 1920 pump station, Paul Rudolph’s famous Umbrella House on Lido Key and the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion. Fast forward a few years and we were an early supporter of the new Atlanta Braves Spring Training facility currently under construction in North Port and Nathan Benderson Park, which recently hosted the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

We are unique because of our direct ties to the community. Our members do business with members and are vested in this region—that’s a part of who we are.

On Thursday, Feb. 1, we will hold our 66^th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner to recognize leaders, celebrate our accomplishments and hear from keynote speaker Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer of Florida, at the Hyatt Regency. Our best-attended event of the year, we will acknowledge our outgoing chair, Kevin Hicks of Gator Grading and Paving, and welcome our new chair, Brian Leaver of Tandem Construction.

Besides honoring our past, we are investing in the future, too. In addition to our recent work with the county on the 10-year comprehensive plan and current work on land development regulations and the unified development code, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange recently hosted a Construction Rodeo to introduce high school juniors and seniors to careers in trade. Students who are not college bound should realize they can stay here and have a good career. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in the construction industry.

As I look at the pictures on our office wall daily of GCBX past leaders, it is humbling to realize they’re not just leaders in their industry. They’re also leaders in philanthropy and supporting this community. We are proud of where we’ve been and look forward to where we are going.

Mary Dougherty is executive director of Gulf Coast Builders Exchange.