JUNE 11, 2009 ISSUE
Avery-Watauga Association of REALTORS Changes Name
Now Known as High Country Association of REALTORS
The “Silver Stars,” those who have been a member of the association for 25 years or more, were recognized at the recent High Country Association of REALTORS meeting. They include (front row, from left) Robbie Sharrett, Lyons Construction and Realty; Wade Wilmoth, Wade Wilmoth Realty; Sue Glenn, Blowing Rock Realty; Tim Gentry, Kohler Enterprises Real Estate, LLC; (middle row) Jay Vincent, Vincent Properties; Jimmy Hodges, Weichert Realtors–Weber-Hodges Group; Jeanne Robinson, Carriage Square Realty; Jim Brooks, Beechwood Realty, Inc.; Charlie Burleson, Beech Mountain Realty & Rental; and (back row) John Davis, Banner Elk Realty; Charlie Taylor, Blue Ridge Realty and Investments 105; Kemp Steen, Jenkins Realtors; John Wakeman, Wakeman Realty; and John Rice, Blue Ridge Realty and Investments Yonahlossee.About 200 local real estate professionals gathered at the Broyhill Inn in Boone on Tuesday, June 9, for a general membership meeting of the group formerly known as the Avery-Watauga Association of REALTORS. After a year of going through formal approval procedures, the association’s new name, High Country Association of REALTORS, is official and was celebrated at the meeting.
“The service area of our membership is better represented by the term ‘High Country,’ rather than the specific Avery and Watauga county names,” said Carole Cox, president of the association.
During the business meeting, Cox recognized two of four 2009 scholarship recipients. They included Watauga winners Caitlin Townsend of Sugar Grove, daughter of Paula May and Randy Townsend, and Puja Gosai of Vilas, son of Latta and Gunvantpuri Gosai. Both Caitlin and Puja plan to attend Appalachian State University. Each will receive a $1,000 college scholarship based on the essay topic “The difference between a house and a home.”
Cox said, “As good neighbors to the communities we serve, we as an association of REALTORS give back through scholarships. We are pleased to support our graduating seniors in this tangible way,” she continued.
Janeene Ross, 2005 Rising Star award recipient and local director, recognized the 2009 “Rising Stars” award nominees. This group is composed of Realtors with less than five years of experience who have given time and effort to their local, state and national associations. They include Cheryl Fox, Cedar Falls Realty; Kimberley Isler, American Legacy Real Estate Blue Ridge; Carol Isquith, Advanced Realty; Elaine Santovenia, Advanced Realty; and Marc White, Cedar Falls Realty.
Ross announced that Marc White is the Rising Star award recipient. The North Carolina Association of Realtors will acknowledge White as a Rising Star in their statewide publication, along with recipients from other associations.
The “Silver Stars,” those who have been a member of the association for 25 years or more, were also recognized. They include Jim Brooks, Beechwood Realty, Inc.; Charlie Burleson, Beech Mountain Realty & Rental; John Davis, Banner Elk Realty; Ron Fannon, Boone Realty, LLC; Tim Gentry, Kohler Enterprises Real Estate, LLC; Sue Glenn, Blowing Rock Realty; Jimmy Hodges, Weichert Realtors – Weber-Hodges Group; Vern Holland, Holland Realty & Construction; Tim Holland, Holland Realty & Construction; Wilson King, Beech Mountain Realty, Inc.; Hanse Kohler, Kohler Enterprises Real Estate, LLC; Bob Lee, Lee & Thomas Real Estate; Lois Norris, Four Seasons Real Estate; Dan Plyler, Beech Mountain Realty, Inc.; John Rice, Blue Ridge Realty and Investments Yonahlossee; Jeanne Robinson, Carriage Square Realty; Robbie Sharrett, Lyons Construction and Realty; Kemp Steen, Jenkins Realtors; Charlie Taylor, Blue Ridge Realty and Investments 105; Pattie Tennille, Tennille & Associates; Jay Vincent, Vincent Properties; John Wakeman, Wakeman Realty; Keith Weber, Weichert Realtors – Weber-Hodges Group; Wade Wilmoth, Wade Wilmoth Realty; and Faith Wright, Coldwell Bankers Blair.
Special recognition was given to Keith Weber, who will be moving from the area. “Keith has been a positive influence and will be missed,” said Cox.
The local organization of Realtors is composed of more than 600 members in Watauga and Avery counties and the surrounding area who maintain a marketplace where buyers and sellers can safely transfer property under the guidance of a professional held to standards of excellence. More information is available at www.HighCountryRealtors.org.
Other officers of the group include Hope Harvey, president elect; Cheryl Fox, treasurer; Robert Flanigan, treasurer - 2010; Dara Barnes, secretary; Marc White, MLS chairperson; and Chris Coley, past president. Local directors include Fred Blair, Jason Eldreth, Jessica Hicks, Jamey Hodges, Janeene Ross and Jerry Starnes. State directors include Patrick Morgan and John Volpe. Laurie A. Phillips serves as executive officer.
Not everyone who has a real estate license is a REALTOR. The term is a registered trademark reserved for members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR).
NAR is composed of REALTORS who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.
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