7
the Gaylord Texan resort since the last time we
were there in 2010. There is incredible energy
surrounding the move back to the DFW
Metroplex. We are expecting record crowds,
as both exhibit booths and room nights are
selling quickly! You will definitely want to
take advantage of the extremely discounted
room rates offered for Sunbelt attendees.
The resort has added a 10-acre water park
and all 1,000 rooms have been remodeled
with a fresh, new look. And make no
mistake, you will still enjoy their Texas-sized
entertainment and recreation activities.
If you dare to venture off the resort’s property,
the city of Grapevine is only a few short miles
away. The area offers wine tastings, golf,
shopping and fine dining. The Gaylord Texan
offers regular trolley rides to downtown
Grapevine and the Grapevine Mills shopping
mall. Also, you can visit Six Flags over
Texas or catch a nighttime baseball game
as our Texas Rangers are hosting the New
York Yankees that week. This is the perfect
vacation spot for Sunbelt attendees and their
families this summer. We expect standing-
room only crowds at the Show, and world-
class entertainment in and around the resort!
The TAB staff has done an excellent
job at filling up the trade show floor!
This year will be unlike any other, as
over 40 percent of our vendors are brand
new! Unlike at national shows, you will
be able to take your time visiting with
Sunbelt exhibitors. Take advantage of
this opportunity to spend time exploring
their products and services so that you
can identify those that will be the most
valuable to you in growing your business.
The education sessions that will be held on
the trade show floor will help you bolster
your bottom line with classes that focus
on design, digital marketing, business
processes, and best practices.
Thank you to the Sunbelt Presenting
Sponsors, Builders Insurance Group
administered by Builder Agent Network,
Great American Insurance Group,
Morrison Supply Company and StrucSure
Home Warranty.
Keynote sessions will feature:
• Former Dallas Cowboy and air force
fighter pilot Chad Hennings
• Technology guru, Beth Ziesenis; and
• A Texas Economic and Political Outlook
with Dr. Jim Gaines, Texas A&M Real
Estate Center and Ross Ramsey with
the Texas Tribune.
Join us to view the best new homes, remodels
and marketing campaigns of TAB members
from around the state at the Star Awards
cocktail party and awards presentation. The
Star Awards feature the best of the best from
around the state of Texas – don’t miss this
chance to see these stunning projects from
every corner of the state. Additionally, TAB
will recognize the young, rising stars of our
industry with the YP Awards during the Star
Awards ceremony. And of course, you won’t
want to miss the FUNdango kick-off event,
for a Texas-sized night of food, fun, and
festivity under the stars…not to mention the
2
nd
Annual StatewideWashers Championship
sponsored by TrusJoist byWeyerhaeuser.
The Sunbelt Builders Show™ offers you an
opportunity to do business and have fun
with your family all under one roof. You’ll
see your old friends and develop new
relationships at the Sunbelt Builders Show™
July 29 – 30 in Grapevine, TX.
While you’re thinking about it go ahead and
make your hotel reservations and register
for the Show at
See you there, and safe travels to all!
Next Stop: Sunbelt
Builders Show™
By Steve Sorrells
2015 TAB Senior Officers
President
Steve Sorrells,
Sorrells and Company, LLC
Waco, Texas
First Vice President
Tim Jackson,
Tim Jackson Custom Homes, Inc.
Fairview, Texas
Vice President/Secretary
Rick McGuire,
McGuire Builders, Inc.
Lubbock, Texas
Treasurer
Sue Ann Pinger,
Tilson Home Corporation
Austin, Texas
Immediate Past President
Joe Carlyle,
Carlyle Homes, Inc.
Troup, Texas
W
e will soon be celebrating our
15
th
Sunbelt Builders Show™ at
the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.
As I write this I’m pondering on where the
first half of the year has escaped to. I’m
nearing the mid-point of leading this great
association, and can feel the acceleration as
we are heading towards the home stretch.
At the time of this writing, we are in the
final weeks of the 84
th
Legislative Session.
With less than a month to go, the TAB
government affairs team, and myriad
of lobbyists and volunteers have done a
fantastic job of representing our business
interests while keeping us abreast of our
House and Senate bills. I look forward to
recapping this successful session in the next
Texas Builder
.
Also, I personally can’t wait to update you
on the winners of the first Race of the “RPM
(Relationships Powered by Members)
Cup
Series Membership Challenge.” They will be
recognized for their hard work at our Board
of Directors meeting in July. Special thanks
to our ‘Crew Chief Title Sponsor’ McCoy’s
Building Supply and ‘Pit Crew Sponsor’
StrucSure Home Warranty.
Speaking of the Sunbelt Builders Show™, you
cannot believe all the fabulous renovations at
President’s Commentary
