GREEN BUILDING TO BECOME A $140 BILLION MARKET IN FIVE YEARS

Going green will turn into Gold. With the Federal Government and the State of Florida on the Green bandwagon, the incentatives alone will make financial sense to "Go Green" - READ ON.


‘Going green’ not an easy concept to explain


WASHINGTON – May 5, 2009 – “Green” building has in recent years become a staple for commercial and residential property practitioners and, by one projection, is well on its way to becoming a $140 billion market within five years. At the same time, many realty agents and brokers, engineers, interior designers, appraisers and other industry insiders are still trying to get a full understanding of the ins and outs of sustainable building and its value to themselves as well as end-users. The disconnect on green building that often exists between tenants and landlords or between brokers and clients leaves the field wide open for educators to step in – and also to cash in. Brokers well-versed in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and “who can teach the economic and analytic tools [to their clients] are going to be in demand because 99 out of 100 brokers still don’t know what LEED really means and the value that it adds,” says David Klein, of NAI BT Commercial in San Francisco. While some state realtors agencies now offer continuing education classes that cover energy and water use, site selection, and other areas of sustainability, the focus to date has been on residential property. A shift could be underway, however, as commercial brokers become more interested in education that caters to their specific market. In response, EcoBroker International and the National Association of Realtors are developing commercial curricula; and the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program has created the Sustainable Building Advisors course as a standardized program. Similar CE opportunities are popping up at the state level, on the Web and even at individual firms like Jones Lang LaSalle, which has established its own Sustainability University where employees and clients can learn about the movement.

Source: Sustainable Industries (04/09) Redell, Charles
at http://www.sustainableindustries.com/greenbuilding/43648142.html

NEW BASTION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY HAS EYES ON NORTHWEST FLORIDA

The Panama City International Airport is just a year away and the plans for this area to explode is on the eyes of the nation.


New Bastion Development, Inc. Retains Case Golf Company to Explore Golf Opportunities in Northwest Florida
Tuesday, April 28, 2009; Posted: 09:47 AM


New Bastion Development, Inc. ("New Bastion") (OTC Pink Sheets: NWBA), a real estate company that was formed for the purpose of exploiting local real estate opportunities in the Panama City Beach/Marianna, Florida area, announced today that it had retained the services of Roy Case of Case Golf Company, a leading golf course architecture firm, to explore various potential sites in Northwest Florida for the construction of a world class, eco-friendly golf course.

"We are very excited to be working with Roy Case," stated Elliot Bellen, CEO of New Bastion. "I have played several of Roy's courses, and he is absolutely brilliant at creating a unique golfing experience while preserving the innate qualities of the underlying land. With the imminent opening of the new Panama City international airport in May 2010, we anticipate that there will be a tremendous demand for a world class golf course."

About New Bastion Development, Inc.
New Bastion (www.newbastiondevelopment.com) is a development stage company that is exploiting local real estate opportunities in the Panama City Beach/Marianna, Florida area where a new international airport is being built on 4,000 acres of land donated by the St. Joe Company. Construction of the new airport is currently three months ahead of schedule www.newpcairport.com) and is expected to be operational by May 2010. It is anticipated that the new airport will create a significant number of jobs and economic opportunity in the region. New Bastion currently maintains an inventory of real estate in the region that consists of raw acreage, commercial property, and platted lots in existing communities. It intends to acquire additional properties in the region with the intent to market and develop such properties as demand increases as a result of the growth in the region.

About Case Golf Company
Case Golf Company (www.casegolf.com) is a full service golf course design firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Since 1988 we have been designing a wide-ranging portfolio including municipal courses, private clubs, prestigious real estate developments, and internationally rated resorts. The success of our company has been founded upon very simple precepts: understanding the land, listening to our clients, designing for the end users, and sticking religiously to course budgets. Our design philosophy is centered around the idea that golf is a game, and games are meant to be enjoyed. It is our responsibility to provide visual and playing experiences with such intrinsic challenge, beauty, variety, playability, and excitement that a broad spectrum of golfers, of wide ranging abilities, will wish to return to play our courses and continue to enjoy the grand old game. Our course portfolio includes among many others: Panther Trail Golf Course at The Woodlands, New Jersey National in Basking Ridge New Jersey, Memphis National which was designed for Arnold Palmer Golf Management, and the ever popular Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida which has played over 1,000,000 rounds since opening in 1995.
Forward-Looking Statements:
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries. All such forward-looking statements are, by necessity, only estimates of future results and actual results achieved by the Company may differ materially from these statements due to any number of factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Statements made in this document that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements as to beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. The Company assumes no obligations to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such statements. Potential investors should independently investigate and fully understand all risks before making investment decisions.
SOURCE New Bastion Development, Inc.

7TH SPECIAL FORCES GET A VISIT FROM TEAM EGLIN

As you will see, the preparation for the arrival of the 7th Special Forces is alive and well. The leadership from Eglin had an opportunity to let the family's know, they will be welcomed with open arms. The below is the highlights of this visit. Let get ready folks.

Team Eglin visits Fort Bragg
Apr 24th, 2009
by admin.
By Master Sgt. Andrew LeonhardTeam Eglin Public Affairs

4/22/2009 - FORT BRAGG, N. C. — More than 30 base representatives travelled to Fort Bragg, N.C., April 16-18 to present information about the base and Northwest Florida to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) members and spouses.
During the two days more than 1,000 people were briefed about the benefits of moving to Eglin by a team of subject matter experts from the base and the surrounding communities.
“All of the Army personnel, from general officer to junior enlisted, stated that Team Eglin established a new standard for how to welcome the organization to the base,” said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. “The cooperative effort between Eglin’s base agencies and the community was very dynamic and positive.”
Along for the trip were representatives from services, housing, education, medical, outdoor recreation, the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Also representatives from the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and JobsPlus were in attendance to answer the Soldiers’ questions.
Because the cadre wanted to make sure spouses and Soldiers of all ranks were comfortable asking questions, an Army spouse of a Soldier assigned to the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, went along to answer any questions.
“As the briefings took place I could see the transformation in their posture and how attentive they became,” said Lori Burgess. “I feel Team Eglin delivered a lot of information that was important to the individual member of the 7th Special Force Group.
“I was excited to be a part of an unprecedented event,” she said. “In the Army, we just don’t get information like this. We are told the unit is moving and we move.”
Many questions were addressed at each of the session. Concerns about housing, jobs for spouses and area schools were the foremost issues of interest. The team of experts were able to answer these questions and facilitate one-on-one conversations with attendees about each unique circumstance.
“I think they have done an excellent job of trying to accommodate the families of the Special Forces Group,” said Maritta Grissom, whose husband is assigned to the group. “I think we are going to be very happy over there.”
The 2005 Base Closure and Realignment law directed that the 2,200-soldier group to relocate to the base in the Florida Panhandle no later than Sept. 15, 2011. The 7th SFG has been at Fort Bragg since its activation in 1960 and is overflowing the buildings they currently occupy.
While on the trip, Colonel McClintock was able to see first hand the Group’s facilities and said he was convinced the 7th SFG will have the premium facility in all of Special Forces when they complete their move to Eglin in 2011.
The group’s new home will sit on a 350-acre area on the northern portion of Eglin. The cantonment area will consist of 32 buildings, including a medical clinic, dining facility, 25-meter range, three barracks, a physical fitness center and a gas station. It will also include a 12,000-square-foot AAFES Shoppette containing restaurants, Military Clothing Sales, a laundromat and barber.
But having the best facilities is only a small portion of the move.
“We understand some of the families have lived in the Fayetteville area for quite some time and have established some deep roots within the surrounding community,” said the colonel. “So we know there may be some reservations about the move. We went there with the thought that if we were the newest members of Team Eglin, what information would we need or want.
“The Soldiers of the 7 Special Force Group are on the front line of the war–during their last deployment, they lost 17 of their own. We’re going to do all we can to make their move as smooth as possible so they can focus on their mission–to fight and win the war.”
Retreived on 24 Apr 09 from http://www.eglin.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123145594&page=6

STATE OF FLORIDA PASSES BILL TO PROTECT MILITARY

The State of Florida loves the military and has expressed this in a recent legislation. They know how important this is to the State and the national security of our nation.

The Florida Legislature voted today in support of legislation that will make protection of the state’s military bases and missions a major state priority, state Sen. Don Gaetz said today.
“With the Obama Administration indicating that the military budget is under a thorough review, we may be facing what amounts to a mini-BRAC,” Gaetz, R-Niceville, a sponsor of the bill, said. “Florida needs to speak with one strong voice on behalf of our 21 bases and that’s what this bill does.”This legislation, co-sponsored by Sens. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, and Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, will create the Florida Council on Military Base and Mission Support. The bill also authorizes the group to work with federal elected officials, the Pentagon and base-hosting communities to preserve and, if possible, expand the military presence in the state.The council will consist of nine unpaid members, three each appointed by the governor, president of the Senate and speaker of the House. The council will be staffed by the Governor’s Office of Trade, Tourism and Economic Development.“This bill helps maintain the economic value of the military in our area and its strength and security for the United States,” Peaden said.This legislation will also create several working groups comprised of business, military and community leaders throughout the state to focus on intrastate activities, competitive strategies, and public awareness, the Gaetz news release said. “Our military bases and their directly related industries bring $60 billion to Florida’s economy. ” said Gaetz, who is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Florida’s Economy.Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola, is House sponsor of the companion legislation, which now goes to Gov. Charlie Crist for approval.“I thank Senator Gaetz for securing the passage of House Bill 7123 in the Florida Senate,” Murzin said. “Northwest Florida values its partnership with the military and we look forward to protecting its resources here and around the state.” Northwest Florida is home to Eglin Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, NAS Pensacola, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Whiting Field, the Naval Support Activity in Panama City, and soon will host the Army’s 7th Special Forces.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE GROWTH OF THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA AREA

To my Blog Following:

As the Vice President of the Northwest Florida Military Officer's Association, a local native, a retired Coast Guard Officer, and a former Military Housing Director, I get the opportunity to be part of some interesting conversations. These conversations are with local military commanders, local politicians, civic leaders, and local government leaders, and the news is great. Also, if you haven't spoken to Larry Sassano, President of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Counsel, you should, visit http://www.florida-edc.org/edc-info.html for his contact information. This area is exploding with government contracts being awarded and construction beginning for the Army Special Forces Base, the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and just normal improvements to the area's military bases. Another big project having an effect on us is the privatization of military housing, which will place more military families in the public sector for their housing choices. You also have the expansion of the Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Florida, where a number of Defense Contractors and Non-Defense Contractors reside, with more coming all the time. There is so much more happening now and in the future and our community must rise to the occasion. I just recently left a meeting with Larry Sassano and he and his staff are pounding the drums. Folks, especially the banks, we need to act NOW!!! We have a gem of a location, let's shine it up now. Oh! by the way, this does not count the Obama Stimulus Money coming our way also.

HOME AFFORDABILITY UP - BUYERS STARTING TO RETURN

This is even better news for our area. With our own area stimulis package underway because of BRAC Growth, the reduction in military housing at Eglin AFB, and folks finding out this is a great place to retire; we are in a position to see a great housing rebound much sooner than later. Oh by the way, the President has some more money coming our way, as well.

WASHINGTON – April 8, 2009 – Thanks to record low mortgage rates and declining home prices, 55 million families – half of all U.S. households – can afford today’s $200,000 median-priced new home, according to figures released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).“That’s an increase of 17 million households from conditions just two years ago, and the best housing affordability number we have seen in years,” says NAHB Chairman Joe Robson. “We are now seeing the first signs that buyers are returning to the marketplace.”Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau comparing home prices, mortgage rates and minimum income needed to purchase a median-priced home in February 2007 and February 2009, a typical family today can purchase a house with $20,000 less in household income as they save nearly $500 per month on principal, interest, taxes and insurance. The number of households that can afford to purchase a home today is 55.4 million, compared with 38.4 million two years ago, according to figures compiled by NAHB.Single-family permits rose 11 percent in February; new and existing home sales also posted gains; and the huge inventory backlog is being slowly whittled down. In a survey for Century 21 Real Estate last month, a majority of prospective first-time home buyers – 78 percent – said that now is a good time to buy a home. Of those responding to the online poll, 68 percent said that now is a better time to buy than six months ago.Another sign that consumers are considering jumping back into the housing market is the growing interest in the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit included in the recently enacted economic stimulus package. During February and March, 1.5 million visitors logged on to NAHB’s consumer Web site, www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, to learn more about the tax credit. Further, a new survey commissioned by Move Inc. found that nearly 20 percent of those who plan to purchase a home this year are doing so to take advantage of the tax credit, which expires at the end of November.

CRESTVIEW TO BENEFIT FROM SR 85-123 FLYOVER PROJECT (READ ON)

As noted a month or so ago, this Overpass at the SR-85 - 123 connection will make living in Crestview that more attractive for those working in the south part of the county. But I have been saying this for quite some time. The folks, who were on the fence about moving to Crestview from the South part of the County, just might have their reason to make the leap. Already, we hear everyday, folks from the South part of the wanting to the North part of the county when they sale their house. I bet they will tried harder NOW, as the prices go back up.

$46 million SR 85-123 flyover project largest job slated for region

By DUSTY RICKETTS Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4448 dustyr@nwfdailynews.com

P r e s i d e n t B a r a c k Obama’s economic recovery stimulus is about to bring millions of dollars and thousands of new jobs to Northwest Florida. State Sen. Don Gaetz announced Friday afternoon that Northwest Florida will receive $88 million for transportation and infrastructure projects as part of the federal stimulus program. Although the funding still must be approved by the state legislative Budget Committee on April 16, Gaetz said that action basically is a formality. “I would have voted against the stimulus package as presented by the Obama administration if I had been a U.S. senator and not a state senator, and I have a number of reasons why,” Gaetz said. “But since the dollars are appropriated and going to be coming to Florida, I wanted to make sure Northwest Florida was not forgotten. I was pleased we were able to get our key priorities funded. But obviously, there are other projects further down the priority list we still hope we’ll have a chance at.” Okaloosa County is receiving the bulk of the stimulus dollars. The top priority for the region, which will be fully funded through the stimulus program, is the $46 million flyover ramp at the south intersection of State Road 85 and State Road 123 and the reconfiguring of the entrance to Northwest Florida Regional Airport. One of the stipulations for states to receive stimulus dollars was that projects had to be “shovel ready” and be able to put people to work immediately. Gaetz said at least half of the funds for the overpass must be allocated in the next 120 days and that the project is expected to employ nearly 1,300 people. “I want jobs created and people going to work as soon as possible,” Gaetz said. As chairman of the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization, Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Bill Garvie pushed hard for the flyover project to receive funding. “I was hoping for this, but to hear about it is exciting,” Garvie. “It had all kinds of things involved in it. You had national security there. You had development of the economy in this area. Those were two major areas here.” Gaetz also said the flyover will be a huge benefit to Eglin Air Force Base, especially with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) arriving in the near future. “My hope is that this decision by the state of Florida will help send a positive message to the military that we support them, that we put the needs of military missions high on our priority list,” said Gaetz, R-Niceville. “We want to make sure they hear us loud and clear that we want to keep our military mission and we want to keep our military bases.” Other projects being funded by federal stimulus dollars in Okaloosa are the resurfacing of Memorial Parkway, Bay Drive, Country Club Avenue, Yacht Club Drive and Wright Parkway in Fort Walton Beach; reconstruction and landscaping work on Scenic Highway 98 in Destin; and sidewalk work on State Road 285 in Niceville and on Brookmeade Drive in Crestview. Santa Rosa County is expected to receive $11.4 million, most of which will be used to widen Avalon Boulevard. Walton County will get $1.8 million, which will be used to build a pedestrian bridge, sidewalks and for a resurfacing project. Escambia and Bay counties will get a total of about $24 million. If a state cannot move quickly enough on stimulus projects, it could lose its federal funding and the money could be reallocated. If that happens in other states, Gaetz said he will try to secure more funding for Northwest Florida.