2004 Instructors of the Year - Bill Clifford and James A. Zitesman

For the past two years, Bill Clifford and Jamie Zitesman have worked with the CBR Standard Forms Committee to revise the Residential Purchase contract. Once completed, Bill and Jamie held marathon training sessions on the new Purchase Contact, teaching 12 classes in two-week period.

For their committment to educating CBR members on the new purchase contract revisions and their stamina, the Education Committee selected them CBR's 2005 Instructors of the Year.

Jamie has been a sole practitioner in private practice since 1993, where a majority of his practice is devoted to representing consumers in residential real estate transactions and litigation in the Central Ohio area.

Jamie attributes his success in real estate to doing what he enjoys. Jamie feels that real estate is an exciting area of practice because every situation is different. Success comes from being involved both at the Columbus Bar Association and at the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

His most beneficial community involvement has been in serving as the CBA Real Property Law Committee representative to the CBR Standard Forms Committee during the major overhaul of the Residential Purchase Contract, which he feels has benefited the entire residential real estate community. He feels that it has been a privilege to have played a part in the process and, while challenging and time consuming, it is very gratifying to see the fruits of the labor in use everyday.

On receiving his award, Jamie thanks his wife for helping him become the person he is, and the CBA for the opportunity to represent the Real Property Law Committee. He also thanks CBR for allowing him the opportunity to be a part of the Standard Forms Committee and for being able to teach the Contract course to so many members over the past year.

Bill, on accepting the Instructor of the Year Award, thanks: Lucy Hadley and the Education Committee for the award. Jamie for the hours he spent working on the contract and teaching the classes. Kathy Elliott for her unending work, time in meetings and dedication.

He also recognizes the work of the 2003 and 2004 Standard Forms Committee who spent endless hours bringing to discussion needed changes, debating issues and final drafting to bring CBR members an excellent contract.