Local Realtors honored by NVBR

Vermont Business MagazineThe Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS(NVBR) awarded its 2017 REALTORSof Distinction Awards at Echo, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.Over 200 industry representatives and guests were present at the annual event.

2017 NVBR REALTOR® of the Year

Robbi Handy Holmes, C21 Jack Associates

South Burlington, VT

Robbi Handy Holmes, a resident of Colchester, was named the 2017 Realtor® of the Year. She has been a Realtor® with C21 Jack Associates since 2006. During this time, she has been actively involved in NVBR. She first served on the Education Committee where she was instrumental in creating the popular monthly lunch and learns for members.

She joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and has held several positions, including being this year’s President. As President, she has brought her new ideas to the Board which includes the formation of an Affiliates Council, and most recently establishment of the Northwestern Vermont Realtors® Charitable Foundation which will provide a structured vehicle for Realtors® to be more visible in the community with charitable and educational opportunities.

2017 Distinguished Service Award

David Gray, Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman Realty

Burlington, VT

David Gray, a resident of Essex Junction, was honored with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award by NVBR. David joined the Realtor® Association in 1996 after a long career in retail sales and management. From the beginning, David had the strong sense that it was important to give back to the profession and community in which he makes a living.

Through participating in membership meetings, state conventions, regional and national meetings, he set the bar for professionalism and aspired to bring that level of professionalism to other Realtors®. He served in many leadership positions, including President of NVBR and President of Vermont Realtors®. He served as a Director for the National Association of Realtors® representing Vermont, and was instrumental in the Vermont CRS Chapter.

David has given countless hours to local non-profits without expectation of public recognition. He does so because it is the right thing to do. Some of those organizations benefiting from his service include Rebuilding Together Burlington and Habitat for Humanity

David’s vision and focus on what is best for the real estate industry and the Realtor® profession is in indication of the success he has attained in his career.

2017 Rookie of the Year

Julie Danaher, KW Vermont

South Burlington, VT

Julie Danaher, a resident of Milton, was named 2017 Rookie of the Year. She became licensed in November 2016, and has risen as a star among the agents at KW Vermont.

As Principal Broker Brian Armstrong describes her, “I have never had such an enthusiastic and confident new licensee who holds herself to such a high standard of professionalism”. To Julie, it’s all about helping people feel confident in the home buying process. Her dedication to finding creative solutions to help untangle difficult situations brings rave reviews from her clients. She is driven by customer service and passion for helping others.

Her commitment to education is key. She participates in many continuing education classes at KW, and in fact has begun to teach buyer consultations to new agents in her office. She attends NVBR social events and lunch and learns offered at NVBR. She has hosted a home buyer seminar and promotes the benefits of using a Realtor®.

Julie participates in the KW Red Day at Camp Ta Kum Ta, and has done fundraising for Hunger Free Vermont, and is active in the Milton community.

2017 Good Neighbor Award

Jessica Peck, RE/MAX North Professionals

Colchester, VT

REALTORS® are notable for their work in the community. Jessica Peck, a resident of South Burlington, was presented with the 2017 Good Neighbor Award by NVBR. A resident of South Burlington, she was known this past winter as Burlington’s “scarf lady”. Without fanfare or wanting any public recognition, Jess began her random act of knitting by placing hand knit scarves in Burlington’s City Hall Park for those in need. Her kindness made the news, and her secret was out. Many of the recipients were thrilled for the gift and the warmth of her generosity.

But knitting scarves isn’t her only community service activity. She is a volunteer with the Kids-A-Part program which allows children to visit their incarcerated mothers. As part of this program she takes children to correctional facilities and oversees the child’s visit with the parent.

She has participated in the Children’s Miracle Network and was a volunteer at the UVM Medical Center helping children and their families through the challenges of a hospital stay.

2017 NVBR Affiliate Member of the Year

Lisa Gale, Gale & McAllister, Colchester

Lisa Gale, a resident of Colchester, was named the 2017 NVBR Affiliate Member of the Year. Affiliate Members play an important role in NVBR’s membership. They are active participants on committees, support monthly membership meetings and educational programs provide valuable assistance to REALTORS® in transactions with their buyers and sellers.

Lisa has been practicing law for more than 25 years, and has been a member of NVBR for 18 years. As a member, she has been a sponsor in many key NVBR events, has generously participated in the Association’s charitable giving program and has been an instructor for the NVBR lunch and learns on several occasions. She is called upon by many NVBR members for guidance and isable to provide a wide range of advice and solutions to meet their client needs.

Lisa’s law firm, Gale & McAllister is located in Colchester, VT.

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The Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS® (NVBR) is the "Voice for Real Estate" for nearly 650 members in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. REALTORS® adhere to strict professional standards and a Code of Ethics that demonstrate high integrity, competency and fairness to their clients and fellow REALTORS®.

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