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Housing Advocates Inducted Into Tennessee Hall of Fame
The Home Builders Association of Tennessee on Oct. 27 inducted Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.) and real estate broker Tonya Jones into its Building Industry of Tennessee Hall of Fame. The Democratic congressman is the second legislator honored this way by Tennessee builders.
In 2005, Republican congressman John Duncan became the first legislator to receive the honor.
“Congressmen Lincoln Davis and Jimmy Duncan are two individuals who recognize the significant impact our members and our industry have on our nation’s citizens and their ability to purchase a home of their choosing,” said Susan Ritter, executive vice president of the Tennessee HBA. “Their support and commitment to our industry is remarkable. We applaud their efforts, and this award is one small way we can show our appreciation.”
Rep. Davis recently voted in favor of two bills that address NAHB policy concerns — FHA reform and mortgage debt forgiveness — and he voted for H.R. 1427, legislation approved by the House in May that would strengthen and safeguard the financial health of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks while also preserving their vital housing mission.
Davis owns Diversified Construction Co., which builds homes, apartments and offices. As a general contractor, he understands many of the increasingly complex issues that many small business owners face, and he has helped industries receive access to business counseling and training.
Rep. Davis also supports the permanent repeal of the estate tax for small businesses and farmers.
Rep. Duncan this year voted to approve FHA reform bill H.R. 1852 and also backed an NAHB-supported amendment to GSE reform bill H.R. 1427 offered by Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) that would prevent the portfolios of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from being unnecessarily constrained.
2007 Hall of Fame recipient Tonya Jones, the owner of Mark IV Enterprise, Inc., has been involved in the construction industry since 1980. In 1985, she was elected Builder of the Year by the HBA of Tennessee, and the following year she was elected as the first female builder to serve on the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee Board of Directors.
Jones is a Life Director of NAHB and her more recent honors include being named as the 2006 Better Business Bureau Ambassador of the Year and the recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business Tennessee Champion of Small Business Award.
The Building Industry of Tennessee Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor those individuals who have made a lasting contribution to housing in the state. To date, 31 members have been inducted.
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