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SAMCAR Welcomes 2018 Leadership, Honors Volunteers at Installation
SAMCAR installed 2018 President Eric W. Berggren and its Board of Directors on December 8 at the San Mateo Marriott at the 2018 Installation luncheon and ceremony.
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Eric Berggren is a REALTOR® and manager with Coldwell Banker in San Mateo, and has been an Association member since 2005; first as an Affiliate and then as a REALTOR® starting in 2008. His vision for his 2018 SAMCAR presidency is to "Learn, Grow and Take Action with SAMCAR."
As a Director representing SAMCAR on the state and national level, Berggren has also served on numerous committees locally including the Foundation Council, Finance, Strategic Planning, Member Services, Grievance, and the Affiliate Council, as well as on the Board of Directors.
Emphasizing the challenges facing the industry as opportunities, Berggren proclaimed "let's make 2018 the year that we learned something new, grow from our experiences, and take the actions needed to be successful and happy." Remarking on the many dedicated volunteers and staff at SAMCAR, Berggren detailed an energized vision for SAMCAR in 2018. Committee chairs, he said, are poised to identify new educational opportunities for members, inspire greater involvement with other associations of REALTORS® including CREAA, AREAA, FAREPA and NAHREP, and seek new ways to address housing issues, getting SAMCAR ahead of property rights and affordability debates in San Mateo County.
Berggren and the 2018 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 an official California State Senate certificate of appreciation to outgoing SAMCAR Director Marianne Zanone Rush, at the Installation ceremony. Transitioning between presenters and delighting the crowd with playful banter were masters of ceremonies Michael G. Verdone and Marquise Murphy.
REALTOR® of the Year Award
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Joe Rodden, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Redwood City was named SAMCAR's 2017 REALTOR® of the Year for his many years of dedicated participation with the Association, mentorship to fellow agents and service to the real estate industry. Joe has been a member of the Association of REALTORS® since 1975 and has been continuously involved as a broker, offering guidance to new agents, and participating in SAMCAR's mission of defending property rights at City Council meetings and campaign activities.
Community Service Award
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Jessica Eva, REALTOR® with Today Sotheby's International Realty in San Carlos was honored with SAMCAR's 2017 Community Service Award in recognition for her dedication to giving back through service, donation and involvement with local charities. As 2017 chair of SAMCAR's young professionals network (YPN) group, Jessica sought every avenue for engaging SAMCAR members with local charities including Samaritan House. In her acceptance speech, she recalled a time early in her career when two colleagues helped her with a hardship and encouraged her to always give back. She continues to carry that message through her career, giving back with a portion of each escrow, encouraging her colleagues and family to be involved in charitable causes, and using her positions in the Association to elevate the profile of many worthy charities in San Mateo County where real estate professionals can be of service.
Affiliate of the Year Award
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Val Hardwick of AMS Bekins moving company was named the 2017 Affiliate Member of the Year for her generous involvement in SAMCAR events and her ongoing dedication to delivering excellent service to her clients in the real estate industry. Val has been a SAMCAR member since 2007, in which time she has been a reliable volunteer on the Special Events Committee, Affiliate Council, and has been a Silver level sponsor of SAMCAR. As 2017 chair of the Special Events Committee, Val was dedicated to ensuring the success of every charitable fundraising event, showing up early to set-up and motivate guests to give back. Under Val's leadership, fundraisers in 2017 more than doubled the SAMCAR Foundation's impact over previous years, allowing more than $30,000 in grants to go to local housing-related charities. Val is also a deeply reliable service provider. As SAMCAR's only Affiliate member in the moving business, Val has assisted numerous SAMCAR members and their clients with moving houses and more.
Homeowner Hero Award
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Pacifica Mayor Mike O'Neill was presented with the annual Homeowner Hero Award in recognition for his leadership in defending property rights in the City of Pacifica. O'Neill demonstrated exceptional leadership while opposing Measure C in Pacifica. His voice on the matter helped strengthen SAMCAR's position in a very tough election.
Lifetime Achievement Award
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Also at the Installation, Larry Franzella, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in San Bruno was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary distinction, exceptional contribution and outstanding service to the real estate industry. Franzella has been an Association member since 1975, has served as Board of Directors President in 1998, as well as on the Finance Committee, Local Candidate Recommendations Committee, Grievance Committee, as an active SAMCAR broker and local elected official.
The 2017 SAMCAR Board of Directors
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Eric W. Berggren, President, Coldwell Banker San Mateo
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Jesse Gutierrez, President-Elect & Treasurer, Today Sotheby's International Realty
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Diane Viviani, C.A.R. Region 25 Director, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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Robert Brisbane, Today Sotheby's International Realty
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Suzan Getchell-Wallace, Coldwell Banker Fahey Properties
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Jeff LaMont, Coldwell Banker San Mateo
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Elmer Martinez, Signature Realty & Mortgage
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Marquise Murphy, Marshall Realty
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John Prouty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices San Bruno
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Judy Taylor, Alain Pinel REALTORS® Half Moon Bay
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Dennis Thomas, San Mateo Real Estate, Inc.
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Diane Wilson, Intero Real Estate Services San Carlos
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David Zigal, David G. Zigal, REALTOR®
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Christina Galletti, Affiliate Director, Chicago Title Company
