10/26/07

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter

karan@nasguard.com

Just the thought of signing on the dotted line to commence building your new home is euphoric, and something that most people look forward to. But finding the right contractor, the right fixtures, the models, and the right insurance can all be overwhelming.

But instead of trudging from business to business, Special Events Bahamas Ltd. (SEBL), the creators of The Bahamas Home and Builders Show, has made that task easier for you, by having every major company imaginable under one room for two days only — and all willing to help you make your decisions.

For the seventh year in a row, SEBL, is once again hosting an amazing two-day exhibition for potential homeowners, and those who just want to do a little renovating, 11 a.m. - 6p.m. at the Wyndham Crystal Palace Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday Oct. 28.

"This year the show will be bigger than ever," said SEBL president Nikita Curtis. "And we have a lot more

participants and a few new additions."

For this year's show, they have created an innovative on-line builders directory, which will cater mainly to persons in the building industry, and will debut at the event.

"If a person is thinking about building or remodeling or adding a pool, they can log on and get the information they need on contractors or materials. So it's a great tool that anyone can use," said Curtis.

The first Bahamas Home & Builders show made its debut in 2000, and has since served as a "market maker" in the Bahamian home building and remodeling sector. Surprisingly, it is the only venue in The Bahamas and the Caribbean that brings together all the major players in the home and building Industry to network and exhibit their products and services to each other and the public — all at one time, and under one roof.

New to this year's show will be in the introduction of a Builders Hall of Fame into which people who have made an invaluable contribution to the industry's growth and development will be inducted.

At this year's inaugural event, Carl Treco of CGT Contractors and Developers Limited will be first to receive the honor. He will be given a Lifetime Award for his significant contribution to the industry.

In 1963, Treco first established his own construction company, Carl G. Treco Contractors and Developers Ltd. where he has been at the helm ever since," said the company via press release.

"He has always been a hands-on person with all of his contracts and business ventures. And when two of his sons later joined him in the construction business, together they built the company up to a multi-million dollar business, making CGT Contractors and Developers Limited one of the leading builders of private luxury homes, commercial buildings and civil works throughout Nassau and the Family Islands."

Treco is credited with having made contributions to the Bahamian building environment for at least 50 years.

More than 80 companies, from banks, to insurance companies, sub-contractors, engineers, building supply companies, interior decorators, security companies and others will occupy booths at the show. And those attending the show will get the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and innovations, and win more than $50,000 in prizes while helping a noteworthy charity.

Every year, the organizers lend their support to a local charity,, and this year, the net proceeds from the door will benefit The Bahamas National Trust — a non-governmental, self-funded, non-profit organization, mandated with the development and management of the National Park System of The Bahamas.

Also exhibitors will award prizes to lucky winners periodically throughout both show days starting from 12 noon, and door prizes will also be up for grabs. Patrons can look forward to wining spectacular items such as refrigerators, stoves, DVD players, tools among other things. Some vendors will also offering special show-discounts.

Free seminars will be held throughout the two days featuring timely topics and subjects such as real property tax, insurance, condominiums, mortgages, and financing.

Noting the valuable resources of a show of this magnitude, Colina Imperial Insurance, Arawak Homes and Colina Imperial Insurance stepped up to the plate as platinum sponsors.

For more information log on to the company's website, at www.bahcon.com. or call (242) 393-0302 and ask for Mr. Curtis.