"Congratulations on your 50 years of excellence at Emmer Development." ~Anthony (Tony) Catanese, President, Florida Institute of Technology, former president, Florida Atlantic University and previously Dean, UF School of Architecture

"I have only been in this community a short time, [but] I have learned much about how you and Barbara have helped to build the general community with enthusiasm. Throughout this town, the Emmer name is synonymous with quality, dedication and commitment. I am well aware that none of this comes without hard work and long and dedicated service in the business, culture, religious and economic spheres of our community." ~David Kaiman, Rabbi, B’nai Israel Synagogue  

"You have a right to be proud and good reason to celebrate. It is not just that you’ve been successful and able to pass on your success, but also that you have been such a good steward of your enterprise by serving all of the populations in this country. It is laudable that you are using your good fortune to invest in the well-being of your community and its future populace. Your actions are a credit to your spirit." ~David Brugger, retired president, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, retired president, National Public Television, former director of UF’s Channel 5

"Bronia and I want to congratulate you on the golden anniversary of Emmer Development. Through hard work and intelligence, you have not only made a success for yourselves, but you have shared the fruits of that success with your community in so many different ways. We are proud to have you as friends."  ~Ralph Lowenstein, retired Dean, University of Florida College of Journalism

"You have much to be proud of. It is a wonderful history of your success and I’m so happy to be a small part of it." ~H. Vann Rhodes, retired Director, Dade County Housing Authority

"Congratulations on (the first) 50 years of Emmer Development. I am sure Lori will build on your legacy and keep the Emmer name on the forefront of construction and development. I wish you and Barbara the very best and appreciate the time, talents and funds you have provided to make our community a better place for all." ~J. K. "Buddy" Irby, Clerk of the Circuit Court, 8th Judicial District

"It doesn’t surprise me at all that you are celebrating 50 years in business in an industry that we all know to be one of the hardest to survive. How wonderful to pass the reins on to your daughter and watch her grow and prosper. Congratulations to both of you for a job well done and I know that you will continue making contributions, not only to our industry but also to making the world a better place to live." ~Mark Fitzgerald, Executive VP, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association 

"You have certainly made history in our state. Everybody should be proud of the success of Emmer Development. You have done a great deal for the community of Gainesville." ~Irving Cypen, retired Circuit Court Judge, Dade County & avid Gator for more than 60 years

"Congratulations! I am very proud and pleased to have worked with you and your organization over the last 28 years. I have wonderful memories and a keen sense of accomplishment and pride about this relationship." ~Billy Brame, Brame Architects, Gainesville

"If a person is remembered by the good things he has done in his lifetime, then you and Barbara will be remembered eternally. You two are truly ‘menches.’" ~Martin Perlman, Houston homebuilder, Past-President of National Association of Homebuilders

"Congratulations on your selection for the A.W. Fletcher Service Award. Thank you for continuing to speak out for the good of the community." ~Frances Lester, widow of Don Lester, founder of Lester Garage Doors

"Congratulations on receiving the A.W. Fletcher Award - I can’t think of anyone more deserving. I really enjoyed seeing that your daughter is carrying on the fine Emmer tradition. But most of all, I was deeply impressed with your business philosophy...reading it on paper only reinforced what I already knew." ~George Koehn, Chairman, President and CEO, SunTrust Bank