Montana builder Eugene Graf III has been appointed chairman of the NAHB National Commercial Builders Council and Florida builder Ken Ringe will serve as the council’s vice chairman.

Graf, president and CEO of Gallatin Center LP in Bozeman, Mont., is an NAHB board member and has served as the council’s communications committee chair. He is also a member of the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association in Bozeman.

A longtime NAHB volunteer leader, Graf has more than 30 years of building industry knowledge and brings extensive national, state and local experience to the table.

“I’m honored to be chosen to lead the National Commercial Builders Council this year,” Graf said.

“The light commercial construction industry is faced with significantly more stringent environmental and safety regulations even as we continue to be battered by this weak economy. In 2011, we need to raise awareness of the many networking and educational opportunities available to our members that allow us to ensure that our businesses remain viable — and even allow us to increase our bottom line.”

Among his priorities for the year, Graf cited educating light commercial builders on alternative sources of financing and making sure that NCBC is the go-to resource for information on new codes, standards and other key issues affecting the industry.

Ringe, president and owner of Bayview Construction Corp. in Stuart, Fla., is an NAHB Life Director. He has been an active NCBC participant for more than five years and is a past president of the Treasure Coast Builders Association in St. Lucie, Fla.

“I’m honored to be chosen to help lead the National Commercial Builders Council this year,” Ringe said. “My NCBC colleagues provide an invaluable brain trust offering sound advice, encouragement and information when you need it the most. I look forward to broadening our network and exchanging ideas with experienced colleagues from around the country.”

The National Commercial Builders Council addresses regulatory and legislative issues and provides educational and information services to NAHB members who are light commercial builders and remodelers.

For additional information about the council, e-mail Carmel Nayman, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8410.