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SAMCAR Welcomes 2017 Leadership, Honors Volunteers at Installation
SAMCAR installed our 2017 President Diane Debono Viviani and Board of Directors on Thursday, December 8 at the San Mateo Marriott at our 2017 Installation luncheon and ceremony.
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Diane Debono Viviani is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Redwood City, and has been an Association member since 1989. Her vision for her 2017 SAMCAR presidency is "Reaching for the Stars."
As a Director representing SAMCAR on the state and national level, Viviani has also served on numerous committees locally including Strategic Planning, Finance, Policies & Procedures, Professional Standards, Grievance, and Government Affairs, as well as on the Board of Directors.
Said Viviani:
"Our theme for the year is 'Reaching for the Stars.' We have stars all around us—stars in the sky, movie stars, star athletes, and sitting right next to you today. Our membership is made up of approximately 2,800 stars—REALTORS® and Affiliates who help keep the American Dream alive. We are the champions of homeownership and protectors of property rights. In your personal lives, and your professional lives we must always keep reaching for the stars."
In her inaugural address, Viviani also spoke about SAMCAR's victory in the November election defeating Measure Q in San Mateo and Measure R in Burlingame, which involved tireless efforts of volunteers, staff, donors, and participation from neighboring REALTOR® associations and resulted in defeating these measures by large margins. She continued by expounding on the significant role that REALTORS® play in state government as well, reminding SAMCAR members in the room how the words "Red Alert" from the real estate community urge our elected representatives to pay attention.
Viviani and the 2017 SAMCAR Board of Directors were installed to their posts by special guest installation officer, California State Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo). Senator Hill also presented official California State Senate certificates of appreciation to outgoing SAMCAR Director Diane Wilson and 2016 C.A.R. Region 25 Director Michael Verdone, at the Installation ceremony.
REALTOR® of the Year Award
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Karon Franzella, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in San Bruno was named SAMCAR's 2016 REALTOR® of the Year for her many years of service to the Association and the real estate industry. Karon has been a member of the Association of REALTORS® since 1988 and has served several terms on the SAMCAR Board of Directors since SAMCAR was formed in 1995. She has also served on C.A.R. Committees, and the SAMCAR Government Affairs, Grievance, Professional Standards, and Bylaws Committees.
Community Service Award
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Bobbi Decker, REALTOR® with Today Sotheby's International Realty was honored with SAMCAR's 2016 Community Service Award for her longtime advocacy for consumers, dedication to local charitable causes, and amplifying the REALTOR® voice in our community. With each escrow, Bobbi gives a portion to nonprofits of her clients choosing. She regularly offers insightful and helpful information for consumers through her radio and podcast programs—a platform she has also uses to help explain real estate industry issues to her audience. Decker was also recognized in November this year by the National Association of REALTORS® with the SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist) Outstanding Service Award for her ongoing advocacy for the right way to assist seniors with their housing needs and general life issues.
Affiliate of the Year Award
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Michael Haigh of Supreme Lending was named the 2016 Affiliate Member of the Year for his many years of support for SAMCAR and record of dedicated service to clients in the real estate industry. Michael has been a SAMCAR Member since 2002 in which time he has served on the Special Events Committee, Affiliate Council, and has been a Platinum level sponsor of SAMCAR every year. Haigh gives generously to numerous local charities, and has been one of the greatest supporters of the SAMCAR Foundation since its inception.
Homeowner Hero Award
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San Mateo Council Member Maureen Freschet was presented with the annual Homeowner Hero Award in recognition of her leadership in defending property rights in the City of San Mateo. Freschet demonstrated exceptional leadership in opposing Measure Q in San Mateo, which, she explained, presented enormous risk to the City.
Lifetime Achievement Award
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Also at the Installation, Geoffrey Craighead, REALTOR® with Craighead Associates was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary distinction, exceptional contribution and outstanding service to the real estate industry. Craighead has been an Association member since 1981, has served as Board of Directors President in 2007, as well as on the Finance Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Local Candidate Recommendations Committee, and as a C.A.R. Director.
The 2017 SAMCAR Board of Directors are:
- Diane Debono Viviani, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Redwood City
- Eric W. Berggren, President-Elect, Coldwell Banker San Mateo
- Jesse Gutierrez, Treasurer, Today Sotheby's International Realty
- Ricardo Archila, Access Real Estate
- Robert Brisbane, Today Sotheby's International Realty
- Suzan Getchell-Wallace, Coldwell Banker Fahey Properties
- Elmer Martinez, Signature Realty & Mortgage
- Marquise Murphy, Marshall Realty
- John Prouty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices San Bruno
- Judy Taylor, Alain Pinel REALTORS® Half Moon Bay
- Dennis Thomas, San Mateo Real Estate, Inc.
- Marianne Zanone Rush, Coldwell Banker San Carlos
- David Zigal, David G. Zigal, REALTOR®
- Christina Galletti, Affiliate Director, Chicago Title Company
Click here to meet the SAMCAR Board of Directors
