The prestigious annual awards honor home builders, remodelers, home builders’ associations and other organizations for advancing green building through innovative design and construction techniques, excellent educational programs and successful advocacy efforts.

Ciel was selected as a finalist in the Green Project of the Year, Single Family Luxury category for the community’s first home located at 573 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway.

The home, built by Cottonwood Development Company, is chockfull of artisan touches, high-end finishes and green features. The builder and developer consulted with Joe Crocker, an Appalachian State University professor and LEED-accredited expert in green building, to ensure the home obtains certification in the NC HealthyBuilt Homes program. It has almost 7,000 square feet under roof, with more than 2,000 square feet in outdoor living space. The home is priced at $3,499,999. For more information about the home, visit www.ciel-property.com.

The awards are part of the NAHB National Green Building Program, NAHBGreen, which includes education, advocacy, marketing and certification services for green homes. Since NAHBGreen debuted in February 2008, almost 150 homes have been certified across the country. Project entries must be scored to the NAHBGreen rating system to facilitate judging.

“Between 2006 and 2008, the number of award applications quadrupled. The tremendous growth of this program reflects the growth of green-building practices all over the country,” said NAHB Green Building Subcommittee Chair Eric Borsting, a California home builder.

“I wanted to create a setting for those who share similar passions. This community gives equal emphasis to environmental responsibility, the beauty of the land and finely crafted homes,” said David Zimmerman of AIBL Invest, LLC, developer of Ciel.

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The awards will be presented at a gala dinner during the NAHB National Green Building Conference. The 11th annual conference is set for May 8-10 in Dallas. Alternative energy advocate T. Boone Pickens will be the keynote speaker. He’ll address the award nominees and local and national association leaders about environmental initiatives that can help conserve energy, water and other natural resources and the important role that the home building industry continues to play in mainstreaming new technologies.

Presented by the National Association of Home Builders, the conference is the largest event of its kind focusing on the residential green building market. For more information, visit www.nahbgreen.com.

About Ciel
Ciel is a community of 25 estate-sized homesites, ranging is size from 2 to 14 acres. Homesites start at $599,000; homes start at $2 million. Dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Asheville serve as the backdrop for this community committed to environmentally conscious development. All aspects of the mountain homes are carefully planned by a team of experts to create a healthier home without sacrificing luxury. The community is nestled on Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, just minutes from downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information, visit www.ciel-property.com.

The Index provides a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living
cost differences among urban and metropolitan areas.  Items on which the
Index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different
categories of consumer expenditures.

Not only is Cookeville an affordable community, but is also a regional
center for employment, retail, education, health care and recreational
and cultural activities.  The community is steeped in rich history and
culture that enjoys the beauty of the four seasons with a mild
year-round climate.   In the fall the mountains are ablaze with
spectacular foliage.  Winters are typically mild with an average
snowfall of eight inches.  Daffodils, red buds, and dogwoods burst into
bloom during the renewing of   spring.  The long, lazy days of summer
come to life with outdoor concerts in the park, family fun days on the
lake, sporting events, festivals, and more.

The region*s flagship institution  * Tennessee Technological
University in Cookeville * leads the state as its only comprehensive
technological university.  The university offers a full range of
undergraduate and master*s degrees, plus three Ph.D. level programs.
The university boasts sixteen NCAA sports including football,
basketball, baseball, etc.

Outdoor activities are abundant including Burgess Falls State Park,
Cane Creek Lake & Park and City Lake and other local parks. Several of
these include walking and biking trails.  Nearby Center Hill Lake - a US
Corp lake offers undisturbed natural beauty with its clear water, rock
bluffs and three breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls.  Center Hill is
also an excellent lake for fishing, boating, camping, swimming and water
skiing.

The event is Feb. 18 or Feb. 19. Country Club Attire. RSVP to Deidre Davis at 877-254-3371 or ddavis@cliffscommunities.com.

The event is Jan. 28 or Jan. 29 and is in the Euphoria Room. Country Club Attire. RSVP to Deidre Davis at 800-884-2958 or ddavis@cliffscommunities.com.

GlenLakes— Nature Meets Elegance in the City of Mermaids
Weeki Wachee, Florida is more than a place whose name is lots of fun to pronounce. Known as the City of Mermaids, it’s also home to the beautiful gated community of GlenLakes Golf and Country Club, just minutes from the Weeki Wachee River on Florida’s spectacular west coast. Easily accessible from both Orlando and Tampa, GlenLakes is nonetheless surrounded by nature preserves, rivers, lakes and pristine Gulf Coast beaches. From maintenance-free homes to single-family custom estate homes, GlenLakes has a wide range of architectural styles and options to suit every lifestyle—and budget. Residents can choose from homesites overlooking state-owned nature preserves, sparkling lakes or the community’s top-notch golf course.  Take time out from teeing off at GlenLakes’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse, where you can swim, play tennis, enjoy fine dining or just spend quality time with friends.
Reunion Resort and Club—Orlando’s Ultimate Resort Community
Three signature golf courses, from Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, and ANNIKA Sorenstam Academy of Golf and Fitness to make sure that you’re, well, up to par. A multilevel waterpark, spa complete with concierge, fitness center, pools, Jacuzzis, biking, hiking and riding trails, horse stables, and a multiplicity of amazing restaurants and bars. Reunion Square, where you can shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content.  All this just minutes from Orlando’s Walt Disney World and the other phenomenal attractions that the city has to offer. You must be on vacation, right? Think again. While many certainly choose to spend their time off at Reunion Resort and Club, you can call this unparalleled community home year-round. With single family homes, homesites, condominiums and townhomes available, you can choose the option that suits you best.
SeaSide Village—A Gem on Florida’s ‘Forgotten Coast’
Life at this affordable, environmentally sensitive, and ideally situated community seems too good to be true. Nestled in Carrabelle, Florida, just 45 minutes from Tallahassee, SeaSide Village enjoys close proximity to state parks, beaches, championship golf courses, a marina, and national forests. The homes here feature hurricane and wind-resistant construction, EnergyStar appliances, and cottage architecture in the tradition of Old Florida. There’s a community center complete with a separate section for adults 55+ and an eco-friendly children’s playground, a pool with cabana, walking trails, sidewalks, concierge services, and more…all starting at just $159,000. Enjoy small-town living and a first-class lifestyle at SeaSide Village.  Here on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, the sunsets are just a bit more vivid, the water just a shade bluer, and each day just a little sweeter.

Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club—Luxury, Serenity, Proximity
At Heritage Bay, you can leave home maintenance up to someone else and just enjoy what life’s got to offer—and in the vacation destination of Naples, Florida, that’s pretty easy to do. Naples has long been known for its beauty, nightlife, fine dining, cultural attractions and entertainment. When you live at Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club—the newest stellar community to call the city home—the excitement that defines this thriving area is just a few minutes away. You’ll find that hard to believe, though, once you drive through the gates of Heritage Bay. Come home to an elegant, serene community where 27 holes of golf membership are part of the package of home ownership, a two-story country club welcomes you, and a sauna, spa and resort-style swimming pool with Tiki bar beckon after a busy day out on the town.  Choose from Single Family Executive Homes, Coach Homes, Terrace Condominiums or Verandas…at Heritage Bay, it’s all up to you.

Mason will give an hour-long lecture, free and open to the public, in the Lakeview Room at Hampton Lake, located on Bluffton Parkway off U.S. 278. Following the lecture, Mason will sign her book, “Susan Mason Silver Service – Elegant Savannah Cuisine,” at the award-winning community’s Tackle Box, a general store and one-stop shop for fishing supplies and everyday conveniences. Backwater Bill’s, the community’s casual lakefront restaurant, will be open for lunch (credit card only).

Mason is a native of Dothan, Ala. and has been in the catering business for 22 years. She caters everything from intimate cocktail parties to large weddings and has catered to a number of movie stars. Her food has been featured in several magazines including “Traditional Homes,” “Veranda,” “Southern Accents,” “Elle Décor,” and “Esquire” and has been selected by “Savannah Magazine” as “Best Caterer in Savannah” five years in a row.

“It’s always exciting to host a local celebrity and we’re honored to have Ms. Mason at Hampton Lake sharing about her successful business,” said Wade Bales, general manager of Hampton Lake. “I think this is a unique opportunity that I hope many take advantage of.”

For more information about the lecture or book-signing, visit www.hamptonlake.com or call Catherine Guscio at 843.836-7463.

Hampton Lake – Hampton Lake is a private lake community in Bluffton, S.C., comprising more than 900 acres. The community is a Reed Development project with 165-acres of freshwater lake and 340-acres of natural wetlands. Built around the concept of connecting family and nature in a fun way, Hampton Lake offers open spaces, nature preserves, activity centers, pools, beaches, dining, and parks, all uniquely intertwined and interconnected. Also, the National Homebuilders Association honored Hampton Lake by selecting its Lakeside Village as the “Best Community Facility” in the country! For more information, call 843.836.LAKE or visit www.hamptonlake.com.

“Visitors will experience the opportunity to catch a variety of freshwater fish, including Tiger Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass,” said Wade Bales, the private community’s Club Director.  ”They will also enjoy canoeing and our expansive pool pavilion and beach.”

“Hampton Lake is the only place in the greater Hilton Head area where you can enjoy a freshwater lake experience,” said Mr. Bales – “plus you are just 15 minutes from the ocean and just as close or closer to all of the top golf courses, restaurants and shopping attractions that our area is known for.”

An added advantage of the Hampton Lake getaway according to Bales is its location just 16 miles from historic Savannah, GA and approximately the same distance from the picturesque port town of Beaufort, S.C.

Accommodations for the package are the fully furnished two-bedroom Villas at Hampton Lake.  At the heart of the community is Lakeside Village – honored in 2008 by the National Association of Homebuilders as “Best Community Facility” in the Nation.

The Village includes the Lowcountry casual restaurant, Backwater Bill’s, plus the full service Spa and Fitness Central which will be available to “Sneak-a-Peek” guests.  The cost of the package which includes three days/two nights accommodations in a Lowcountry guest suite, dinner at Backwater Bill’s, relaxing treatments at our Spa or a round of golf at a neighboring course, picnic boat cruise or a historic Savannah Trolley Tour, is just $295 per couple.

For more information or to make your “Sneak a Peek” reservation, call 866-875-LAKE (5253) or visit www.HamptonLake.com.

Hampton Lake — Hampton Lake is a private lake community in Bluffton, S.C., comprising more than 900 acres. The community is a Reed Development project with 165-acres of freshwater lake and 340-acres of natural wetlands. Built around the concept of connecting family and nature in a fun way, Hampton Lake offers open spaces, nature preserves, activity centers, pools, beaches, dining, and parks, all uniquely intertwined and interconnected. Also, the National Homebuilders Association honored Hampton Lake by selecting its Lakeside Village as the “Best Community Facility” in the country! For more information, call 843.836.LAKE or visit www.hamptonlake.com.

In 1984, Callawassie Island was developed.  The only way to actually get on the Island was by ferry.  It wasn’t until a couple of years later that the legendary causeway was built and the road to a wonderful life was created.  Members admit that when they drove across the causeway for the first time, they just knew that Callawassie would be their new home.  25 years later and members are still admitting to that exact feeling.

Representatives of Dataw Island Club today announced the addition of Jason Cochran as assistant golf professional. In this role, Cochran’s responsibilities include assisting in the management of golf shop operations, organizing teaching programs that promote golf groups and helping supervise and direct golf staff.

A native of San Diego, Calif., Cochran is a graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy with a degree in applied business and golf operations management, with an emphasis as a teaching professional. In addition, Cochran has also received certifications in advanced teaching, tournament administration, club fitting and marketing and golf rules. Prior to his continuing education, he spent 10 years as a member of the United States Army, where he was a certified instructor for the Army Space Program. He was honorably discharged in 2003.

“We’re proud to announce the addition of Jason to the golf staff at Dataw Island Club,” said Silvia Lalinde, director of membership and marketing of Dataw Island Club. “His educational experience, dedication to the game of golf and disciplined work ethic will surely be an asset to Dataw Island Club and our members and guests.”

About Dataw Island
Dataw Island is located just outside of the antebellum town of Beaufort, S.C. and encompasses a life of privacy and luxury. Recognized as one of the top coastal residential communities in the Southeast, this secluded 870-acre gated community offers residents the best in South Carolina Lowcountry living. Adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and lush marshes, the Dataw community provides its residents with two of the finest Lowcountry golf courses, elegant dining and an active lifestyle. For more information, contact Dataw Island at (866) 68-DATAW or visit www.dataw.com.

Brigadoon Residential Equestrian Community held a practice polo match on Sunday, December 7 at one of the three championship polo fields on the property.  Construction is underway at the 1,700-acre development, with the polo fields being prepared first so they are ready for play in Spring 2009.  “This was a good chance for us to test out the fields and we are very happy with the results, “ said Christine Cato.  Brigadoon is the brainchild of her father, Edgar Cato and Christine is a well-established player, running the Brigadoon Polo Team out of Loughrea Plantation for 8 years.  “We are lucky to have three top-notch fields and we look forward to hosting tournaments here in a few months,” she said.

Brian Limehouse of Charleston, SC takes a shot while Matt Sekera defends.

Players included:  Paul Shealy (Savannah, GA), Karen Reese, Brian Limehouse (Charleston, SC), Todd Martineau, Rose Cease (Mt. Pleasant, SC), Edward de Franc, Devon Dailey (Hawaii) and Matt Sekera.
Perfect weather and the opportunity to play on a brand new field made for a successful afternoon.  Barry Limehouse of Charleston, SC was the umpire and Tony Capps was the medic.

Tiger Kneece, Brigadoon’s polo professional, said “ the playing surface was good and the footing exceptional.”

The fields are planted with the latest turf – Celebration, a super-aggressive hybrid Bermuda that is extremely hardy under the tough conditions of polo. It boasts a great recovery rate, allowing twice as much play without deterioration. Celebration grows much more quickly than other hybrid Bermudas and has a beautiful, dark green, emerald hue.

Brigadoon provides the perfect place to call home for horse enthusiasts. Located off Highway 78, Phase 1 includes 43 home sites, with only 97 home sites total.  Lots range from 7.5 to 18 acres with the cost per acre starting at $17,500.   Over 500 acres of the community have been set aside as green space, never to be developed.

Besides three championship polo fields, Brigadoon will offer residents a 180’ x 310’ covered arena (large enough for indoor polo), dressage arena, outdoor ring, grass show jumping area, cross country course, one-mile exercise track and a spacious 24-stall barn and guest quarters for guests. There are also over eighteen miles of trails on the property that circumvent private property.

For more information or to schedule a private tour, please contact Mike Hosang at The Carolina Real Estate Company at 803-270-6358 or visit www.brigadoonsc.com.