The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors on December 8 announced the establishment of the George Kangles Community Citizenship Award. The award will be presented to a member of the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors that meets the specific and challenging criteria set forth by the association.
It honors the memory of the late George Kangles, a prominent and respected member of the Realtor association for many years, and who was involved in public and political affairs on behalf of the Realtor community. The announcement was made at the annual installation of new officers and directors of the association for the coming year. Present during the proclamation was Ismahen Kangles, widow of George Kangles, and members of Mr. Kangles’ family. Outgoing GCAR President Jennifer Grayson stated that the award will be presented to future recipients on the basis of recognized community citizenship with respect to active involvement in governmental and public affairs, along with knowledge and activism concerning those public issues that impact GCAR members and the real estate industry.
“We want to create the opportunity to recognize outstanding members who have demonstrated positive and discernible impact on the governmental affairs activities of the association,” said Grayson. “These are the characteristics that George personified in his long and distinguished career as a member of our association and the Greater Chattanooga community.”
Incoming President Mark Hite added, “Presentation of the award will not necessarily be on an annual basis, but presented only to signal a distinct recognition of the most worthy recipients who meet the ideals the award embodies. George Kangles was a unique and extraordinary person, and we want the award to be symbolic of the qualities he stood for over many years.” In addition to Hite, several other new officials were installed at the meeting for the coming year. They include Mark Blazek, President-Elect, and Vicki Trapp, Secretary-Treasurer of GCAR. Additionally, Russ Elliot was installed as President of the Chattanooga Area Multiple Listing Service, and Pam Duffy was named as President-Elect, and Byron Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer of that group. Installed as members of the GCAR Board of Directors were: Mark Hite; Nathan Walldorf; Byron Kelly; Jennie Brockman; John Healy; Julie Chamberlain; Melissa Harrison; Russ Elliot; Travis Close; Vicki Trapp; Brenda Pargeon; Andy Hodes; Mary Carlson; Fidel Fonseca; Gayle McMillen; and Arnold Farmer. Members of the MLS Board of Directors include Andy Hodes; Ben Pitts; Byron Kelly; Jennifer Grayson; Julie Chamberlain; Mark Blazek; Mark Hite; Nathan Walldorf; Travis Close; and Vicki Trapp.
Source: GCAR