Cape Fear REALTORS® (CFR) gathered at Terraces on Sir Tyler on Wednesday, December 7, for a luncheon to celebrate the achievements of 2022. Each year, members of CFR are given an opportunity to nominate their peers for eight different award categories. CFR had a record number of submissions for 2022. The room was full of excitement as members waited in anticipation to hear the recipients of these prestigious awards.
The Cathy Clark Educational Award is an annual scholarship in the amount of $250 that may be used towards any CFR designation. The 2022 recipient of this award is Kelly Campbell, who constantly seeks out educational opportunities and avenues to become a better REALTOR®.
The Sally Noffsinger Scholarship Award is an annual scholarship that offers $250 towards Graduate, REALTOR® Institute Designation, or any North Carolina REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS sponsored course. The 2022 recipient of this award is Erin Waller. Waller impresses everyone with her positive attitude, integrity, and work ethic.
The Paul Sullins Community Service Award was created after the untimely death of REALTOR® Paul Sullins. It recognizes a REALTOR® who, like Sullins, serves our community well. The 2022 recipient of this award is Michelle Clark, who leads by example without drawing attention to their generous service.
During the award ceremony, Mark Connor, president of the NC Housing Foundation, presented a Wells Fargo Grant to the Wilmington REALTORS® Foundation (WRF). Jody Wainio, President of WRF, received the $25,000 grant on behalf of the Pierson Pointe Project. This project seeks to develop land that will provide workforce housing to members of the Cape Fear community.
The John W. Pierson Humanitarian Award gifts a scholarship to a non-profit on behalf of the recipient. The 2022 recipient of this award is Ellen Jo Kraemer, who chose the Good Shepherd Center as the award's benefactor. Kraemer is an incredible leader and role model for other REALTORS® by demonstrating the true meaning of housing for all.
The Affiliate Member of the Year Award highlights the impact of the partnership with non-REALTOR® members. The 2022 recipient of this award is Alyson Smist, with 2-10 Home Buyer's Warranty. Smist is characterized as professional, knowledgeable, and engaged. She also serves as a CFR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Network member.
The REALTOR® Hall of Fame Award was created in 2000 to honor lifetime contributions by individuals in the industry who have given consistent, outstanding service to our profession. This year, CFR inducted two members into the Hall of Fame. The first inductee is Mary Ann Euverard. She passed away on September 17, 2022, and her family received the award on her behalf. The room erupted in a standing ovation as her family stood on the stage to receive the award.
The second inductee into the REALTOR® Hall of Fame is Cynthia Strickland, who was listed as "Top Producer" year after year. In addition, Strickland was consistently ranked among the top 10 REALTORS® in North Carolina. She gave over 45 years to the REALTOR® industry.
The final and most distinguished award is the REALTOR® of the Year Award. This award honors those REALTORS® who have provided outstanding service to CFR, the Real Estate profession, and their community. The 2022 recipient of this award is Bob Bates. He has been a REALTOR® for 15 years, covering Commercial and Residential Real Estate. Bates works hard to make the REALTOR® brand strong and more meaningful to other agents and the public.
Cape Fear REALTORS® is grateful for the devoted members we serve. Ea Ruth, 2022 CFR President, states: "We continue to be impressed by the caliber of people representing our industry in the Cape Fear community. I am honored to be part of such a powerful community of leaders. Congratulations to all the award winners! You are what makes the REALTOR® brand impactful."