Editorial
Front Page - Friday, December 18, 2009
Women’s Council of Realtors holds annual installation luncheon
Stephanie Coward
The Chattanooga Women’s Council of Realtors held its annual installation luncheon last week. The event was held in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel’s Roosevelt Room.
Joyce Smith, State Women’s Council treasurer called the meeting to order and introduced the head table. At the head table were: Liz Johnson; C’Na Raines, 2009 secretary; Kaye Ivey, 2009 vice president of membership; Cheree Dumas, 2009 president elect; Karen Flores, super sponsor; Tab Tollett, super sponsor and Linda Vaughn, state Women’s Council 2010 president.
Johnson led the group in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. “Merry Christmas … I’d like to thank Bettye Harrison for asking me to do this devotion today,” Johnson said as she greeted the crowd. “She’s so resourceful, she did this a year ago; so I’ve had a year to think about this and what I want to say.” She then read a heartfelt poem, “Empty Stockings,” before commencing the invocation.
Carla Wyatt was next at the podium. “I didn’t have a year to plan for this like Liz,” Wyatt joked before delving into a beautiful rendition of a Christmas classic – Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure’s “O Holy Night,” written in 1847.
Ivey introduced the council’s super sponsor of the month, Tollett of Tab Tollett appraisals. She then introduced and thanked sponsor Flores of Cornerstone Community Bank.
Both sponsors were presented with plaques in appreciation of their continued support.
When Smith returned to the podium, she took a moment to explain the absence of 2009 President Jennifer Grayson. She couldn’t attend because she was at TAR leadership training. “She does send her regrets,” Smith said.
Jean Smith, 2005 council president and 2008 member of the year had the honor of introducing those awarded Affiliate of the Year and Realtor of the Year. The council had to delay announcing the Affiliate of the Year as the recipient wasn’t at the luncheon due to a family illness. “We think it’s so much fun to surprise
people,” Smith said.
“The Realtor of the year for 2009 is here today and will be named. But first I want to show you something,” Smith said. She kept the audience in suspense for a little longer and discussed the Women’s Council and its impact on its
members.
Beginning by showing the room her business card, Smith explained that on the back there was important information. “Under my name, the first thing you see is Women’s Council of Realtors. My reason for that is, that is one of the things I am most proud of in my real estate career, being a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors.”
“Years ago, when Bonnie Hamilton encouraged me to come to the meetings, I knew almost nothing about the organization. Bonnie told me it’s a good place to learn. A training or teaching organization. A networking group. Well, what I learned is it is all that but it’s more,” Smith continued. “We can use these skills we learned here everywhere. I am so proud to belong to an organization like that. I am proud to know people who want our organization to be honest in our dealings to have strength of character and to have integrity.”
“In the committee’s opinion, our Realtor of 2009 exemplifies these goals. She has proven over the years she has a willingness to learn, a desire to train and to lead with honesty and integrity,” Smith said. “She tries to make any group in which she’s involved better because of her involvement. I believe our organization is very lucky to have her as a member.”
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to announce to you Liz Johnson is our 2009 Realtor member of the year,” Smith said.
Johnson took to the podium with shock on her face. “Thank you so much,” she said.
Tennessee State Chapter 2010 President Vaughn has worked in real estate for 33 years according to Smith. She has received numerous awards and recognitions and has been an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors for over 10 years, Smith explained during her introduction of the council’s installing officer. She has been an active member of the State Women’s Council and received many awards while in that capacity. “It seems like only yesterday when Linda and I were in Sandestin at the Women’s Council of Realtors state meeting, where she was talking about her desire to become state president, and now Linda it’s your time to be state president,” Smith said.
“The Women’s Council of Realtors is the premier organization for leadership training in the United States,” Vaughn said. “A title does not empower a woman, it is her ability to inspire others to follow her vision that empowers her.”
Retiring officers who were called up to be recognized for their service in 2009 included: Dumas, Ivey, Raines and 2009 Treasurer Jan Thompson. “All of you have given the Chattanooga Chapter your time and talent this year for which we’ve all benefited and we want each of you to know your efforts are sincerely appreciated.”
“Today we pay tribute to our retiring officers and salute our new leaders. These members are elevated for a brief time as officers to plan, to work and to serve. They then step back and follow while others lead.” Vaughn said before asking the crowd to applaud the ladies.
Vaughn then declared the offices vacant and summoned the officers elect forward. Treasurer Jan Thompson, Incoming 2010 Secretary Nina Boss, Vice President of Membership Tonjia Landreth and President Elect Ivey all took their places at the front of the room.
“All of you have definite jobs to perform, but most importantly you can create a strong support system for your president,” Vaughn said.
Incoming 2010 Chattanooga Chapter President Dumas was called up next. “Great trust has been reposed in you by your election to the highest office the Chattanooga Chapter can bestow,” Vaughn said she then listed the duties each officer is expected to fulfill. “A leader who others want to follow. A good leader is someone worth following.”
“As newly elected officers, you are entering upon a new phase of service, cooperation and leadership,” Vaughn said. “I declare each of you to be dually and officially installed in your respective offices. I extend to you my sincerest congratulations and good wishes.”
Smith took a moment to present a few tokens of appreciation for people who helped Grayson this year. Ann Hale who chaired the bylaws committee; Jane Smith, awards; Brenda Pargeon super sponsor; Johnson, ways and means committee; Harrison, prayer and pledge; Sara Steiners, e-vites; and Frankie Bass,
publicity.
Smith also recognized the line officers: Raines; Thompson; Ivey and Dumas.
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