Editorial
Front Page - Friday, December 11, 2009
CAR holds annual Installation Luncheon, swears in its new officers
Stephanie Coward
The Chattanooga Association of Realtors held its annual Installation Luncheon at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club recently. The organization bid farewell to its 2009 officers and swore in the newly elected officers for the upcoming year.
Outgoing President Nickie Schwartzkopf greeted the members and called the meeting to order. Bobby Colvin gave the invocation and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the group was nearly finished with its lunch, Schwartzkopf introduced the head table: Colvin; Installing Officer Darlene Brown; 2009 President Elect Randy Durham; 2009 MLS President Kathy Tucker and CAR Executive Officer Francie Ryder – “Who we can’t do without,” Schwartzkopf added.
“I would also like to recognize all past presidents of the association that are here today,” Schwartzkopf continued.
Next Schwartzkopf recognized the 2009 CAR Board of Directors, asking them to come forward and receive a token of the organization’s appreciation for their dedicated work. Recipients included: Randy Durham; 2009 Secretary/ Treasurer Jennifer Grayson; 2009 Immediate Past President Pam Duffy; 2009 Northwest Georgia President Joanna Jackson; 2009 CIC President, Commercial Jeff Jennings; Becky Cope; Bobby Teems; Bryon Kelly; Chris Davis; Dan Griess; Janie Robinson; Joyce Smith; Tucker; Marie Levi, (previously Marie King); Mark Blazek; Mark Hite and Russ Elliot. “These people have given a tremendous amount of hours to help this association and to help you in your business … and we would really like to applaud you for your duties that you presented to us this year,” Schwartzkopf said.
The 2009 Committee Chairmen were the next to be recognized by Schwartzkopf. Chairmen recognized were: David Erwin, Professional Standards; Robyn Judd, Grievance; Travis Close, Professional Development; Elisa Etter, Governmental Affairs; LeeAnn Stitt, Member Services; Duffy, Nominating Committee; Kim Riddle, Public Relations and Nathan Waldorf, Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity. “Our committee chairmen of 2009 have pulled together their committees and worked very hard for everyone to get things done.”
The CAR staff was then asked to stand and be recognized. “At the board, they are taking care of all the book work, all the MLS, everything that comes in, gripes, complaints and you name it. Thank you ladies and gentlemen,” Schwartzkopf said.
Tucker was asked up to the podium to receive a gift of thanks from the association. Tucker then took a moment to thank all the MLS board. Included in her thanks were: 2009 President Elect Duffy; 2009 Secretary/Treasurer Hite; Immediate Past President Durham; Bill Hasting; Teems; Griess; Brown; Denise Lindsey; Grayson; Levi; Schwartzkopf and Y.L. Coker.
“You just can’t imagine how many hours are involved in service to these director meetings held every month, and sometimes they lasted for hours,” Schwartzkopf said.
Schwartzkopf took a few minutes to address the room about the past year as CAR president. “… I measure the past 12 months not of financial success but for more than what I’ve gained because of this position. People I knew casually have become friends; people who were friends have grown even closer as trusted confidants and sounding boards; people who were closest when this year started are now as close as family to me with a link held together by the shared experiences of facing the most difficult economic times together and celebrating our many business successes as closely as any colleagues who could have built a bond of friendship could,” Schwartzkopf said. “I’m tremendously satisfied that I’m leaving our association in the best and most capable hands possible. Randy Durham has time and again proven to be an unparalleled source of strength to the association, the board and to me and our professional staff … To all of you, I say thanks. And give my best wishes for 2010 – the year that will bring us the happiness and prosperity that we’ve hoped for.”
When Schwartzkopf was finished, Brown was called up to swear in the new officers. Durham was first to be sworn it.
“Being installed as president of the Chattanooga Association of Realtors is quite an honor, being asked to install a president is a close second. Thank you, Randy, for giving me that honor to install you today,” Brown said.
Once Durham was installed, the 2009 elect officers were called up to be sworn in. Those sworn in were: 2010 President Elect Grayson; 2009 Secretary/Treasurer Hite; Northwest Georgia President Myra Cochran; CIC President Ben Pitts; Directors Cope; Teems; Bonnie Hamilton; Griess; Julie Chamberlain; Blazek; Waldorf; Robert Yarbro; Elliot; Susan Barnett and Becky Trapp.
Brown then called up the 2010 members at large directors of MLS: Kelly; Duffy and Steve Champion. “You stand on the threshold of the 98th year for your association. You have been elected by your fellow members to help guide the organization to new levels of service. This vote of confidence in your ability and your dedication is also a vote of gratitude for your willingness to commit great amounts of your time and energy for the betterment of all the members,” Brown said. “Leadership is not an easy task, often the demands placed on you will take you away from your own business pursuits, in addition to your local work as an officer, you will be called upon to give your leadership abilities to the state and national levels of the Realtor Association.”
Next up to address the group was Durham. “Here I am standing here once again and very honored to be here. Actually looking forward to the challenge,” Durham said. “Now more than ever, you, the member, need the assurance that our association is the best possible supplier to meet your needs. Leadership must clearly understand how you, the member, determine value.”
Durham wasted no time getting down to work. “We will begin a leadership session tomorrow – two-day intensive leadership session, so it’s straight to work. We will explore and think and innovation will be our mission. Thank you, I look forward to 2010.”
Before stepping down, Durham took a moment to thank his mother. “She has molded and made me what I am.” He also thanked his son Jason for attending the luncheon. His daughter was unable to attend due to a prior scholastic obligation.
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