Broker Vicki Trapp fought back tears as her long-time friend and colleague, Elgin Smith, swore her in as the 2014 president of the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors (Association.) The tears won, but someone came to the rescue with a tissue. As Trapp wiped her eyes, Smith urged her to serve diligently in the year to come.
Once Trapp had gathered her bearing, she looked at Smith and said, “I’m glad you’re here. I wanted you to swear me in.”
The Association staff and membership was gathered at the association’s headquarters to induct its board of directors and officers for 2014. Earlier, 2013 President Mark Blazek had recapped the highlights of the past year as Realtors, brokers, staff, family, and friends enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Watermarks in 2013 included the launch of the residential property search website, offering around 200 hours of free CE classes to Realtors, and exceeding the local Realtors Police Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising goal by over 30 percent.
The organization also raised over $2,400 – a record amount – for Widow’s Harvest Ministries through its annual Fall Fun Fest.
In addition to swearing in the board of directors for the Multiple Listing Service of Chattanooga (including Byron Kelly as president, Wells Eady as president-elect, and Raymond Warren as treasurer) and the board of directors for The Association (including Trapp as president, Travis Close as president-elect, and Robert Fisher as treasurer), the association announced the winners of two awards: the George Kangles Community Citizenship Award and the Realtor of the Year Award.
Awarded for the first time in 2012 to broker Lois Killebrew, the George Kangles Community Citizenship Award is presented on the basis of the recipient’s community citizenship with respect to involvement in governmental and political affairs; political activism concerning issues that impact The Association members and the real estate industry; active participation, support, and investment in RPAC; a leading role on governmental affairs committees; and having a positive and discernible impact on the governmental affairs activities of the association.
As Killebrew announced the 2014 recipient, she said the award was not meant to be recognition for a job well done or lengthy service.
“When our board of directors created this award to remember the work of our friend, George, and the time and service he gave to our community and association, I remember thinking there was no better way to honor him, and at the same time, to show our esteem and recognition to one of our own members who embodied the same ideals.
“...If this plaque was to truly mean something, and to honor George, then it has to go to someone whose service has been so distinctive, extraordinary, and exemplary, our members’ response upon hearing the name would be: ‘Naturally!’”
The room erupted in applause when Killebrew announced Keller Williams Realtor Randy Durham as the recipient.
“This award is the highest honor I’ve received in my 20 years as a Realtor,” Durham said. “I will continue to represent Realtors as an advocate for property ownership in the community and governmental affairs.”
Those in attendance were just as pleased with the recipient of the Realtor of the Year award: Crye-Leike Janice Robertson. Broker Jason Farmer announced her name, saying, “While we’re strongest when we work together, every once in a while, there are individuals who stand out from the crowd and embody all it means to be a Realtor. On those individuals, our association bestows its highest honor.”
Farmer cited Robertson’s years of service to The Association, her exceptional example as a Realtor, and her selfless dedication to the association as among the reasons for her selection.
“I’m humbled that my peers feel I’m worthy of this honor,” Robertson said. “We have a responsibility to give back to our community and the things we hold dear in our lives. I’ve tried to share my knowledge and experience with my Realtor family and to uphold the Realtor Code of Ethics. I’ve always been proud to say I’m a Realtor, and I’m honored to have received this award.”
With board member induction and award announcements done, the association will now move forward with the business at hand. Trapp hopes to maintain the momentum Blazek spearheaded with RPAC, educate members on the pros and cons of listing syndication, and re-engage brokers.
Up next is the first Membership Meeting (formerly called GIG) of 2014: Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. at the association.