The members of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) set aside their December meeting to honor those who served the organization in 2014 and to look ahead to those who will lead the organization in the year to come. Meeting for lunch at Choo Choo Hotel on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the organization named its Affiliate and Realtor of the Year, and installed its leadership for 2015.
In looking back over the past year, the WCR chose to honor Barbara Tawater, president of Northgate Title Escrow, as its Affiliate of the Year. Karen Flores of Cornerstone Bank introduced the award.
“This person started work in the title and escrow industry as an escrow assistant at Lawyers Title, became a closing agent at Title Escrow, and is now president of Northgate Title Escrow,” she said in a feign attempt to keep the recipient’s identity a secret until she announced her name.
“I wonder who this is? I think I’ve already given it away,” she said, laughing.
“She is a past board member of the Chattanooga chapter of Executive Women International, a past sergeant at arms of EWI Chattanooga, twice president of the Hixson chapter of Business Networking International, a past member of the membership committee of the American Land Title Association, and a past member of the education committee of American Land Title.
“She’s paddled her kayak through class four water and survived, and although we hold her in the highest esteem as far as her business knowledge and expertise are concerned, she’s adored and loved dearly by her four grandchildren and her husband.
“We are happy to give the Affiliate of the Year Award to Barbara Tawater of Northgate Title.”
Next, Realtor Jennifer Grayson tried to keep the recipient of Realtor of the Year, Ann Martin of Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty, under wraps until the end of her introduction.
“This person is known to be trustworthy, lovable, and of the highest esteem. She is a mentor. She likes to see us do well. When you call her on the phone, she’s always available, and she has a knack for always having the right answer,” she said.
“This person became licensed in 1989, and has her GRI, CRS, and APR,” Grayson said, admitting that the recipient was probably aware she was being honored, but that no one else in the room knew who she was yet.
“She loves art, and she likes to travel and do things with her family. She also has a talent for making lasagna, strawberry preserves, and blueberry jam. But I’m wondering if that’s going to end because this year, she was blessed with a grandson, Scooter, and Scooter is taking over her life. Please join me in honoring Ann Martin as our Realtor of the Year.”
Realtor Joyce Smith then installed the organization’s leaders for 2015, but not before thanking the 2014 president, Elaine Boyd Osby, for her service. “You have earned the respect, appreciation, and gratitude of our membership,” she said. “We are mindful of the work you’ve done, and we honor you for your achievements. You take with you the experience and the training we provided, and which our council looks to you to use in your new role as past president.”
Smith then called the officers elect for 2015 forward to face the podium and be sworn in, including Treasurer Barbara Pargeon, Secretary Laurena Morehead, Vice President of Membership Deborah Radford, Vice President Elect Susan Barnette, and President Kim Bass.
To Bass, Smith said, “Great trust has been reposed in you by your election to the highest office of the Chattanooga Women’s Council of Realtors. To you, we look for leadership that will bring us success, harmony, and achievements in the coming year.”
For more photos, pick up a copy of the Hamilton County Herald.