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ORLANDO-Green construction concepts for multifamily and residential development are among the highlights at the 63rd annual International Builders Show which opened today at the Orange County Convention Center.

The show runs through Saturday and has attracted 100,000 housing industry professionals, according to David L. Pressly Jr., a Statesville, NC builder who is also president of the National Association of Home Builders. Washington, DC-based NAHB is hosting the event which Pressly says is the largest to date. A record 1,800 exhibitors representing 300 housing categories are displaying and explaining the newest technologies in housing construction.

Among the newest trends in home building is the green construction program, a concept that NAHB officials and builder members will present during the show. Matt Belcher, president, Belcher Homes, Wildwood, MO, Don Ferrier of Ferrier Custom Homes in Fort Worth, and Don Neff and Dan Reeve are among panel moderators who will participate with other builders in explaining the cost-effectiveness of green-building initiatives. Neff is president of La Jolla Pacific Ltd., Irvine, CA. Reeve is vice president of the firm.