The 2004 "Best of the Best" Awards Program made for another gala evening for NAIOP Tampa Bay and the commercial real estate industry. Special thanks to the Awards Committee chaired by Hank Brenner of Taylor & Mathis for a third straight year. The Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel in downtown Tampa provided a holiday setting to showcase the NAIOP award winners.

Bill Martin of Hawkins Construction was introduced as the Chapter's 2005 President. He announced the theme for the new year will be "Creating Jobs through Smart Growth". Martin thanked Julio Maggi of Bella Vista Group for his leadership in 2004. He presented Maggi (at right) with the customary gavel plaque.

Stephen A. Meyers (see photo below) of Highwoods Properties was inducted into the NAIOP Hall of Fame. Longtime friend and associate, Joe Taggart introduced Steve and shared with us what makes Steve so dynamic and successful.

Julio Maggi (at right) presented a lifetime achievement award to Randy Simmons of R. R. Simmons Construction in recognition of Robert A. Simmons, Jr.'s contributions to commercial real estate and construction. Mr. Simmons was a pioneer in tilt wall construction and played a major part in making this building method an accepted standard.

Grady Pridgen, Inc. was recognized as 2004 Developer of the Year". The firm's portfolio amounts to more than two million square feet. Its investments have added 13,500 jobs and relocated 700 businesses to St. Petersburg. When accepting the award, Grady Pridgen (at center with gray suit) invited members of his firm to join him on stage.

In a departure from tradition, Julio Maggi gave the "President's Award" to Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg recognizing the city's recent development and re-development resurgence. The city also received an "Outstanding Rehab Project" award for Mercy Hospital.

President Maggi recognized the outstanding contributions of Bob Pope of Tarheel Roofing (center) during the Chapter's community service project at Metropolitan Ministries and Hank Brenner (right) of Taylor & Mathis for chairing the Awards Night event.

Additional "Best of the Best" Awards included:

Portal Crossing West at Lakewood Ranch
"Outstanding Office/Showroom/Service Center"

700 Carillon Parkway
"Outstanding Office Building"

HFS Tampa, Inc.
"Outstanding Industrial Building"

USF Intercollegiate Athletic Facility
"Outstanding Special Use Building"

Operation PAR
"Outstanding Special Use Building - Judges' Award"

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
"Outstanding Rehab Project"

Watermark at Westshore Office Park
Highwoods Preserve Corporate Building III
"Outstanding Broker Deals of the Year"