Robbinsville, NJ – March 26, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) announces that Robert H. “Bob” Karen has been named the 2009 Legend of Housing – the Association’s highest honor and most prestigious designation. Established to recognize exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the home building industry, the Legends of Housing designation pays tribute to those whose dedication has resulted in substantial, measurable and lasting impact on housing New Jersey families. Karen will be recognized at a dinner reception on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Caesars, Atlantic City during the 60th Annual Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC).
Open to individuals, groups, companies, organizations or even families, a Legend of Housing designation is made based on merit and demonstration of a significant and enduring impact on housing in New Jersey. Past recipients include home builders, business professionals and citizens, including housing advocate Ethel Lawrence – the individual behind the famous Mount Laurel Decision (a State Constitutional mandate requiring municipalities to provide realistic opportunities for the production of housing that is affordable to New Jersey’s low- and moderate-income households).
According to NJBA Past-President and Legends of Housing Committee Chair, Barry Solondz, “The principles of designation as a Legend of Housing set forth stringent criteria for such an esteemed recognition, and include such standards as ‘The honor should not be routinely bestowed, and should be conferred only if a candidate has fundamentally altered how housing is made available and affordable to those who need a place to live in New Jersey.’”
Solondz continued, “Only those whose contributions are so significant and whose credentials warrant recognition in such a compelling manner receive the Legends designation. For his considerable and measurable contributions to the home building industry in New Jersey, Bob Karen embodies those attributes which make him a true Legend of Housing.”
With more than forty years of experience in home building, Karen served two consecutive terms as NJBA President in 1991-1992, and 1992-1993. Under his leadership, the NJBA conducted the successful “Fix the Hammer” campaign – a legislative initiative through which seven major homebuilding industry bills were enacted, including the Permit Extension Act.
Beyond this notable legislative initiative, Karen’s motivation for the Fix the Hammer campaign was to enliven and strengthen the NJBA in a tough economic environment – not unlike that of today. The Fix the Hammer campaign became a rally cry for the Association and served to engage and unify its members in support of the industry, saving jobs and companies, alike. As a result, homes that might not have otherwise been built and projects that might not have otherwise been able to break-ground were able to proceed, providing homes, work and economic stimulus throughout the state when they were desperately needed.
A graduate of the American University in Washington, DC, Karen studied under Dr. Michael Sumicrest – the then Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Karen interned with Dr. Sumicrest at the NAHB as well as with the Urban Land Institute. Upon graduation, Karen managed projects in MD and NJ, qualifying both communities for FHA 235 subsidized mortgage financing which allowed many low- and moderate-income individuals or families the opportunity to become homeowners.
Karen is a nationally-recognized expert in the field of active adult community development. His communities have received national acclaim and numerous, prestigious industry awards. Working for K. Hovnanian, Inc. from 1993 until 2001, Karen lead the development of active adult communities and was responsible for the conceptualization and success of the company’s Four Seasons brand.
He has held a number of local, state and national offices within the home building arena, including being named a National Director of the NAHB, and has received numerous industry honors. Karen currently resides in Owings Mills, MD and New York, NY with his wife Barbara Jo. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Karen will be honored as a Legend of Housing at the NJBA Installation Dinner Reception on Thursday, April 23rd at Caesar’s Atlantic City beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the black-tie optional affair are $125 each. Additional information about the event can be found online at: http://www.abconvention.com/Installation.html.
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About the Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC)
Now in its 60th year, the ABC is the largest building industry trade show in the Northeast, drawing more than 12,000 participants from a six-state region, including residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers and subcontractors, plus a variety of consulting professionals. The three-day convention features 700 exhibits showcasing the latest products and services to a large and diverse audience of decision makers. Attendees gain up-to-date information about the latest market trends, best practices, government policies and technical developments at educational seminars featuring notable speakers. Additional information is available online, at www.abconvention.com.
About the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA)
The New Jersey Builders Association is a housing industry trade association of 2,000 member firms including builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, consultants and other professionals dedicated to meeting the housing needs of all New Jersey residents and facilitating their realization of the American Dream. NJBA serves as a resource for its members through continuing
