by Michele Newbern Gillis
Staff Writer
The Amelia Island/Nassau County Association of Realtors brought new meaning to the phrase “Out with the old and in with the new” at their 2008 Installation luncheon at Amelia Island Plantation’s convention center.
All but three of the past 28 presidents attended the luncheon to pass the gavel down the line and tell a tidbit of what their year was like before handing the gavel over to the new president, Tina Scrudato of Century 21 John T. Ferreira & Son.
After Scrudato was installed, her mother, Grace Lipman of Century 21 John T. Ferreira & Son who’s also a past president, surprised her by coming onto the stage to give her the president’s pin.
“I feel so fortunate that all these past presidents were here today because some of them I’ve never met and it really shows their dedication for our association,” said Scrudato. “I’m still a little shocked that my mom passed the president’s pin over to me!”
She said what she’s excited for the new year.
“We all know the challenges of 2007, but let’s forget about that and the negativity that we might be holding,” she said. “The first reason is that the National Association of Realtors is celebrating its centennial. It was established in 1908 in Chicago by 10 people because they wanted to establish standards that did not exist at that time for real estate. So, they made a Code of Ethics which has become a model of our Code of Ethics.
“The second reason is that we have exceptional leaders at the National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and here in this very room.
“The final reason why I’m so excited about 2008 is that this is an election year and we get to exercise the right to vote, which most people in this world do not have. So let’s remember that and be good citizens.”
Outgoing president Jackie Darby also had a few words.
“I am so pleased that our Education Committee brought us back to the basics with some great classes,” she said. “They brought a GRI class, a GRS class and 27 continuing education hours to our board. I applaud them for their efforts.”
Darby discussed the charity contributions the members of the board were involved in the past year including beach clean-up, Ramp It Up!, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and food bank contributions during past year even though times were tough.
“I have never been more proud to be part of an organization that has such caring and giving hearts,” she said. “During this very difficult year, Realtors and affiliates put others before themselves.”
Awards for 2007 were presented:
• Realtor of the Year: Dean Miller of Century 21 John T. Ferreira & Son.
• Top Producer of the Year: Marcy Mock of Summer Beach Realty.
• Rookie of the Year: Cynthia Janney of ERA Fernandina Beach Realty.
• Affiliate of the Year: Mary Pitcher of SunTrust Mortgage.
• Sherry Stein Realtor Volunteer of the Year: Rick Houdesheldt of Watson Realty.
• Committee Chairperson of the Year: Lila Keim of Century 21 John T. Ferreira & Son.