Member News

	Stan Collins, CBR Assistant Executive Officer, received NAR's distinguished RCE (REALTOR® Certified Executive) designation. In order to receive the designation, candidates must begin with an extensive resume of experience and accomplishments. Then they are required to pass an exam generally requiring several months of focused study. The RCE is the most prestigious designation a staff person can receive through the National Association of REALTORS®.
	Gary Francis, American Dream Realty, has moved his offices to 3150 Riverside Drive, Upper Arlington, Ohio.
	Lisa Neff has been hired as the Branch Manager of First American Title's new office located on Columbus' west side serving the Columbus, Grove City and Hilliard, Ohio areas.
	Gregory Schenk, president of The Schenk Company, Inc., is a 2006 recipient of the INCREASE Community Development Corporation Micro Entrepreneur Award. The award is presented to individuals who have developed an exceptional business that has experienced growth and a steady profit increase. Additional distinguishable qualities include extraordinary leadership and vision, and community involvement.
	Tom Trigg has just joined Keller Williams The Realty Firm. Tom has an extensive background in real estate and will be recruiting and training agents to work with new home builders.
	Jeff Pruzan has joined Beazer Homes as a new homes sales representative. He can be reached at (614) 554-4488 or jpruzan@columbus.rr.com.
	Greg Hart was one of the 25 semi-finalist for the "Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge" for inventing his Candlewatch? a safety device that automatically puts out the flame of a candle. Over 4300 inventions were submitted and Greg's was the only finalist from Ohio and of course, the only REALTOR®.
	Kim McCutchen has been selected as the Southwest Columbus Regional Manager of Valmer Land Title's new Grove City office opening in July at 3383 Farmbank Way, Grove City, 43123; phone 875-7001; fax 875-7008.
	Rick Benjamin has transferred back to RE/MAX Premier Choice as of April 27, 2006.
	Cara Immel has joined Duke Realty as Leasing Representative as of June 29, 2006. Previously with Xceligient, Cara has been an integral part of the planning, execution and member training for COCIE.
	Fred Kierner, Coldwell Banker King Thompson (Hilliard), has earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which is the highest designation awarded to residential REALTORS® by the National Association of REALTORS®. Just four percent of all REALTORS® hold this prestigious CRS designation.

The South Area Realty Association has recently been formed for members in the area south of Livingston Ave. and as far south as Ashville (boundaries are still being finalized). Officers include: President --  Robin Watson, Carleton Realty; Vice President -- Tim Russell, Joe Walker & Associates; Secretary -- Marie Smith, Title First; Treasurer -- Phil Baker, Title First; and Tour Director -- Joe Liston, Title First. Beginning with 15 members, our newest association meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Road House Grill on South High Street. For more info, call Robin at 614-306-4602.

The WCR Columbus Chapter is the recipient of two prestigious awards. One of the awards recognized the Columbus Chapter as being third in the nation for retaining members for 2006. The other was the Silver Award for following the National WCR Business Plan for 2005. The awards were presented at the WCR Mid Year meetings held in Washington D.C. Pictured (L to R) Sandy Schupp, Fritz Ballard, Susan Doepping, Marge Fadley, Lari Shaw and Jan Jedlinsky.