On January 14, the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) started off the new year with its annual presidential inaugural event. The celebration was held online this year with giveaways from local businesses, engaging and lighthearted videos, recognition of committee members and award winners and a virtual swearing in of the incoming GLAR Board of Directors.
The event began with 2020 President Tracey Hernly announcing 2020 Award winners.
Roger Weymouth, broker of Century 21 Cedarwood, was named Chair of the Year for his work as Chair of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and Forms Committee, a demanding position that was especially critical this past year due to many changes brought about by COVID.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Weymouth. “The committee members, GLAR staff, and our MLS Co-Chair, Brian Huggler, really deserve the credit. Without their help and commitment throughout all of 2020’s challenges, this wouldn’t have happened. I’m grateful for being part of such a wonderful group of professionals and look forward to a prosperous 2021.”
Brad Ziemer with WindowStill was named Affiliate of the Year for volunteering his time and talents putting together video content for the association.
“Being named Affiliate of the Year is an incredible honor to everyone at WindowStill,” said Ziemer. “We’re over the moon about our hard work being recognized as we continue to grow and expand our reach. We look forward to broadening our scope as well as continuing to offer products our clients can feel confident about putting their name behind.”
Erica McAvoy with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood (CBHB) Realty was selected as the 2020 REALTOR® of the Year. McAvoy has more than 20 years’ experience as an agent and is consistently one of the Top 25 REALTORS® at CBHB. She is a member of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle and is assistant branch manager for the CBHB Okemos office.
Laurie Koelling, associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomie Raines REALTORS®, was named the 2020 REALTOR® Active in Politics. The annual award is given to stand out individuals at the state and local level who are actively involved in their associations and have advanced the legislative agenda of the Michigan REALTORS® through political involvement.
Denny Moore and Linda Ellsworth-Moore with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood were the 2020 Good Neighbor Award recipients. The Moores also received the award at the state level and were recognized at the Michigan REALTORS® Virtual Real Estate Convention in October. The National Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary impact on their community, or on the national or world stage, through volunteer work.
After the awards, the inaugural event continued with the swearing in of GLAR’s 2021 President Patrick Feldpausch, broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals. Feldpausch served on the leadership team for the past two years as vice president and president-elect.
Feldpausch then swore in the 2021 GLAR officers and directors. Newly elected officers include President-Elect Aaron Fox, associate broker with Century 21 Looking Glass; Vice President Jeff Bone with Century 21 Cedarwood; Treasurer Eric Crandall of Weichert REALTORS® Emerald Properties; and Secretary Deb Cooper with Coldwell Banker Frewen. Last year’s president, Tracey Hernly of Howard Hanna Real Estate Executives, will continue serving on the board as immediate past president.
Newly elected directors this year include Doug Petroff with Petroff Realty & Appraisals, Erica McAvoy of Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood, and Kim Lundberg of Keller Williams Realty. McAvoy and Lundberg previously served on the board and McAvoy served as president in 2019.
Other directors sworn in include Cindy Beckwith of RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals, Inc, Robert Dowding with Keller Williams Realty, Connie Ferguson with Century 21 Cedarwood, and Neal Sanford, broker with Preview Properties.
Joseph Vitale of Century 21 Looking Glass will serve his first term as chair of the MLS and Forms Committee, succeeding Roger Weymouth who stepped down at the end of his last term.
The event wrapped up with a few words from Feldpausch about what he sees for the association this year.
“For 2021, my theme is ‘adapting to the new normal,’” he said. “Our industry and profession have been forever changed, and we must be proactive, innovative, resilient, and caring in order to be successful. Over the last year, our association members proved they can adjust, change, and deliver, and I know we will continue to do so in the coming year.”
GLAR believes in promoting the American dream of homeownership through a free enterprise system by preserving the right to own, use, and sell real property. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home and would like to contact a local expert, visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTOR®’s website at www.lansing-realestate.com for a listing of experienced area REALTORS®.