Awards matter. An organization is often defined by how it treats its members, and conversely, its members’ regard of it. An organization such as NABOR’s (Navarre Area Board of Realtors®) evolution is dependent on the recruitment of sufficient individuals committed to its success; to lead others collectively to greater heights.
At their recent 2016 Awards Banquet, NABOR honored those members who have contributed to the success of the organization during the past year.
As is traditional, outgoing president, Amity Nowling, recognized two individuals (both newly elected to serve on the 2016 Board) for contributions that helped her personal year at the helm.
Lynda Walker, broker/co-owner of Ramsey & Walker Companies, served as the chairperson of the Annual Home Show, an event that showcases the services and wares of industry professionals. In its 8th year, the event was another huge success with upward of 500 members of the public attending. Lynda also chaired one of NABOR’s most labor intensive committees: the Weekly Tour. Her calm demeanor and professionalism ensured that event attendance grew exponentially as the year progressed.
Lorie Coogle, sales associate with ERA American Real Estate was recognized for her commitment to the success of NABOR’s events. Whether by raising sponsorship funds or for encouraging her sphere of influence to attend and support the Board’s efforts, Lorie served as a fearless cheerleader for all things NABOR.
The team from Affiliate member University Lending Group was heralded with an award that recognized their long-standing commitment to NABOR’s success. “Always in attendance, always ready to step up to the plate financially and always ready to volunteer” were cited as their outstanding contributions.
South Santa Rosa News Publisher Romi White accepts the Affiliate of the Year Award on behalf of the newspaper. (Submitted Photo)
NABOR’s Community Service Award is presented to a Realtor® member who impacts a variety of community organizations with his/her involvement; someone who does more than just attend meetings and actually contributes volunteer time and energy in Navarre, and Santa Rosa County. The 2016 recipient is Eric Musch of Equity & Trust Realty Inc. Always a physical supporter of NABOR’s program of work, this year Eric also stepped up financially in a big way: Supporting NABOR’s adopted charity, Healing Paws For Warriors with a $1,500 donation; NABOR Relay for Life team with a $1,000 donation and, when the call came for donors to help make the first ever Special Tactics Memorial on Hurlburt Field a reality, he matched NABOR’s donation by supporting it to the tune of an additional $2,000. Time volunteered is always valuable, but sometimes, it’s the big checks that make all the difference between a project’s success and its failure…and for Eric’s willingness to contribute, he was applauded.
NABOR is lucky to have the support of numerous businesses in the Navarre community. The winner of the coveted 2016 Affiliate of the Year award, South Santa Rosa News, was chosen because of the positive effect its publication had on every single members’ business during 2016. Disseminating positive news about the real estate market and the Navarre area in general; readily reporting NABOR’s (“and that of our members’”) benevolent and advocacy efforts, sent a powerful message to the community: Navarre is a great place to own property, raise a family, and Realtors® are always at the tip of the spear. That recognition ultimately filters down into business, and that benefits everyone more than any advertisement can ever.
Broker Eric Musch of Equity & Trust Realty was awarded NABOR’s 2016 Community Service Award. (Photo by Romi White | SSRN)
The Realtor of the Year was awarded to Rhonda Musch at the annual NABOR awards celebration. She is pictured with Amity Nowling. (Photo by Romi White | SSRN)
Realtor® of the Year is awarded to the Realtor® member who has a positive impact on the Realtor® profession and beyond. The year’s top honor goes to Rhonda Musch of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. Another newly elected directed, Rhonda served on every event committee in 2016, chaired NABOR’s award winning Relay for Life team, mentored new agents, attended every weekly tour, participated at every networking and promotional event and helped publicize every NABOR communication using social media! Rhonda’s commitment to NABOR’s success, earned her the title: 2016 Realtor® of the Year.
The awards ceremony culminated with the presentation of Realtor® Emeritus status to Phil Babiak, broker/co-owner of Century 21 Island View Realty. The status is bestowed by the National Association of Realtors® to those members who have served for 40 plus years. On entering the profession in 1974, Phil joined the then, Fort Walton Beach Board of Realtors® in 1974; he was a founding member when the Navarre Board was formed in 1979, served as its president (1985) and was awarded NABOR’s highest honor, the Rebecca Ann Evans award in 2014. The National Association of Realtors® is extending the criteria for Emeritus status in 2018, and Phil Babiak will likely be Navarre’s first ever, and only recipient.
In addition to the Awards presentation, Santa Rosa County District 4 Commissioner Rob Williamson, installed the 2017 Board of Directors who will take office on January 1st.
