Realtor Association holds annual banquet
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Jeff Foster (left) received the Realtor of the Year award at the annual Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors banquet Saturday night. The award was presented by 2018 president Barry Lawson (right).
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Kandi Bersanti (left) was recognized as the Realtor Community Service award winner at the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors banquet Saturday night. The award was presented by 2017 president Jeff Foster.
MOSES LAKE — Jeff Foster was named 2017 Realtor of the Year at the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors banquet Saturday night.
Longtime realtor Kent Jones received a “realtor emeritus” award from the National Association of Realtors. The organization announced a number of awards and installed 2018 officers, starting with president Barry Lawson.
The Realtor of the Year award is given to a member of the realtor’s association who provides “outstanding” service to the organization, Lawson said. Foster also received an award from the Washington Realtors Association, presented by Jerry Martin, 2018 state president.
Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr received the organization’s Citizen of the Year award. The Realtor Achievement award was given to Carol Calder; it’s for association members who have outstanding success in the profession during the year.
The Realtor Community Service award went to Kandi Bersanti. It recognizes association members for involvement in community activities. The Affiliate of the Year was awarded to Sarah Bullinger of Evergreen Home Loans. Affiliate businesses aren’t members of the realtors association, but they work closely with realtors.
Martin installed the 2018 officers, board members and representatives to the state association. Officers include Doug Robins, president-elect and Julie Peterson, secretary. Diane Escure is the association’s treasurer and Foster thanked her for her longtime service to the organization.
Bersanti, Alison May and Chris Miller were sworn in as board members. Calder and Joyce Adams are part of the state board. Lynn Garza will serve as alternate director, and Vicki Heimark is the 2018 representative for affiliate organizations.
The Moses Lake-Othello chapter is one of the oldest in Washington, founded in 1952, Foster said. To join the organization, members commit to set of standards, both ethical standards and for continuing education.
Foster highlighted some of the organization’s achievements in 2017, including its ongoing support of scholarships, two for high school and one for college students. Association members raised money for the scholarships by working at a charitable food booth at the Grant County Fair. Realtors helped the local Salvation Army chapter by volunteering as bell ringers during the Christmas season.
The association sponsored continuing education opportunities for its members, and sponsors a monthly meeting with guest speakers.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.