CDBIA Member of the YearNew Paragraph

Don RIggs is named the 2025 E. Jay Carlson Award recipient

In 1984, when Charlotte County pulled away from 5 County Builders Association to start our local chapter Charlotte Builders and Contractors Association (CBCA), Don Riggs, Riggs Concrete led our building industry through that change. Don would be the first president of CBCA and would continue with a 2-year term. In 1985, building was changing. Many people were not happy with all the new homes and people coming to town and Don Riggs, a 3rd generation Punta Gorda resident led the charge of the building industry working toward building smart and trying to cut red tape to help with affordable housing.

In the 90s, when there was a concern about leadership, Don stepped up again to serve his 3rd time as president. Don is the only person to serve as a president of our association 3 times. And for forty years, Don has continued to stay engaged, stay involved and stay active.

Past Recipients of the E. Jay Carlson Recipient of the Year

Jay Carlson dedicated his life to the building industry. He was a leader who gave us a strong foundation. His legacy will continue on with future leaders in the industry. That is The Carlson Way. The E. Jay Carlson Award celebrates leaders who follow in the path Jay set, putting service above self and having an unwavering dedication to the building industry.

Past recipients:

2024     Sharon Neuhofer

2023     Suzanne Graham
2022     Tom Thornberry

2021     Zac Extejt

2020     Jim Sanders

2019     Odette Embury