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A number of local Realtors have cause for good cheer this holiday season, thanks to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association’s awards ceremony.

he association held the annual luncheon Tuesday, honoring the accomplishments of members and community leaders. This year’s recipients are:

• Realtor of the Year: Betty Smith, with Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors. Smith was recognized as an outstanding member who has achieved significant accomplishments in the local association, state association and national association and/or civic activities.

• Committee Member of the Year: Nancy Radtke, with Allen Tate Realtors. This award goes to a member who has demonstrated “initiative, enthusiasm and originality” and must have put in extra hours of work in committee endeavors.

• Jack H. Brown Memorial Award: Mike Fowler, with Brown Investment Properties. Fowler demonstrated unselfish participation and efforts in non-industry activities. Winners are acknowledged for their work in charitable, civic, religious, educational or political affairs.

• Ronald J. Smith President’s Award: Rick Westover, with Allen Tate Realtors. Westover was recognized for his volunteer efforts within the association. The current GRRA president chooses the recipient for this award.

• GRRA Fellows Awards:

Marion Bunge, with Allen Tate Realtors.

Bill Warmath, with Keller Williams Realty.

Rick Westover, with Allen Tate Realtors.

The Fellows Award honors outstanding GRRA members who have contributed consistent and outstanding service to the association since becoming a member. These individuals have provided their time, talents and enthusiasm which have had an enduring effect upon the association.

• William D. Seawell Sr. and Jr. Award: Kathy Carpenter, with Allen Tate Realtors. The purpose of this award is to recognize an outstanding Realtor’s efforts in the area of Fair and Affordable Housing. A candidate must be a Realtor in good standing, an active participant in affirmative fair housing activities (which may include workshops, seminars, speeches and written articles), and a member of the Affordable Housing Committee.

• GRRA Hall of Fame: Sandra O’Connor, with Allen Tate Realtors. This award honors Realtors or lenders who have contributed consistent and outstanding service to the profession in the areas of development, environment or government, and/or leadership which have an enduring effect upon the real estate profession.

• Elaine H. Ernest Visionary Leadership Award: Don Cameron, with Guilford Technical Community College. This award honors a person from the association or community whose ideas, research, actions and leadership have created a positive impact in the Guilford County development community and the community at large.

• GRRA Public Service Award: State Sen. Phil Berger. This honor is reserved for a public servant who has contributed consistent and outstanding service to the real estate industry and the Guilford County community.

The award winners in attendance Tuesday were surprised not only by their awards, but also by the presence of family members organizers had invited to the event.

GRRA president Bill Guill was the emcee at his final association luncheon as president. Kathleen Sullivan will serve as president in 2011, and Lolita Malave will serve as GRRA president-elect.