In his new board position, Ostrem serves as co-chair of the general plan committee and is part of the association’s communications committee.

According to BIA President Mike Neal, Ostrem and other 2002 board members play a vital role in the leadership of the association and furthering its mission to proactively promote a positive business environment for the homebuilding and light commercial/industrial industry throughout San Diego County.

“Residential and commercial construction are cornerstones of the San Diego economy,” Neal said. “In 2000, the total value of local residential and commercial construction was estimated to be $3.1 billion.”

As the developer of EastLake – a 3,200-acre master-planned community in eastern Chula Vista that at completion in five years will feature 9,000 homes and 4 million square feet of commercial/industrial development – Ostrem brings to the local BIA vast experience in all areas of real estate development. Before joining The EastLake Co., Ostrem worked with Western National Properties in Orange County providing fee development for The Irvine Co. Earlier, he developed large apartment projects throughout Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The San Diego BIA is a non-profit trade association that represents the legislative and business interests of 1,328 member companies and their 100,000 employees. It also is affiliated with the California Building Industry Association and National Association of Home Builders.