ASHLAND – The Ashland Board of REALTORS held its annual Christmas Party Luncheon and Installation on Dec. 13, 2023, at Ashland University J.C. Meyers Convocation Center.
During the luncheon four members were honored for their dedication to their community, commitment to their REALTOR association, and professionalism amongst their peers.
The 2024 Officers and Directors were installed by Andrew Bush, Attorney for Ashland Board of REALTORS, and Justin Gerwig was installed as 2024 President of ABOR by his Broker, Nate Purdy.
In his inaugural speech, Gerwig encouraged Ashland “REALTORS to light the way for high schoolers in Ashland County by bringing financial literacy into our classrooms.”
Students will gain the knowledge, skills and tools they need to manage financial resources effectively, planting the seeds for a lifetime of financial well-being. ABOR is partnering with Junior Achievement to volunteer in local high schools.
The REALTOR Distinguished Service Award is a prestigious award that is given to a member in good standing of the Ashland Board of REALTORS for at least two calendar years and has faithfully abided by all Ashland Board of REALTORS Bylaws, Rules & Regulations.
Nominees must also have met 6 of the following requirements:
1) Exemplify professionalism as a REALTOR and display professionalism in day-to-day operations.
2) Willingness to improve their knowledge and skills through education and involvement and willingness to share said skills and knowledge.
3) Being actively involved by having served on two or more Ashland Board of REALTORS standing committees.
4) Attendance at Board Luncheons.
5) Involvement in other board sanctioned/supported activities.
6) Held an office or director position.
7) Endeavor to improve conditions for all REALTORS, clients, customers, Affiliates, and the community.
8) Participated in 6 closed transactions or 12 appraisals in the present year.
Shannon has been a member of ABOR for 29 years serving in many capacities, in fact too many to list.
“Although Shannon is a past recipient that is not why they were chosen,” said 2023 President Marcia Lahmers, vice-chair of the Nominating Committee.
“The nominating committee had several names to consider and all very deserving of this award but looking at Shannon’s most recent service to the REALTOR Association, it was a unanimous decision to honor her.”
Shannon has volunteered countless hours for the last several years on the Ohio REALTORS Forms Committee.
Anyone who has implemented the statewide purchase agreement and forms has benefited from all the blood, sweat, and probably a few tears Shannon and the other committee members put into this monumental task.
Shannon herself will tell you that there are parts she does not love, but she advocated hard for our local real estate practices, and we are very proud to have had her represent Ashland at the state level.
The Affiliate Distinguished Service Award is the Top Honor bestowed upon an Affiliate member annually who has given exemplary service to the Board.
To be considered for this award, Affiliates must show a willingness to serve the Board, volunteer on Committees, attend Board meetings and participate in Board activities.
The nominee should be knowledgeable about their profession and willing to use and share their knowledge and information on issues that affect the real estate industry with entire membership.
Recipient should be cooperative with the ABOR membership in day-to-day operations and Endeavor to improve conditions for all REALTORS, clients, customers and the community.
“Todd Geren is a dedicated volunteer who assists wherever needed, pitching in with sleeves rolled up or dressing in costume for a worthy cause,” said April Ochier, Chair of the Nominating Committee.
He’s known as a gentle giant, and his heart is just as big.
Giving his time not only to ABOR but to the community, from leading fundraising campaigns for United Way of Ashland County to chairman of the board at the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.
He works hard and plays hard too. Oh, and will probably never eat another hot dog in his life.
The Raising the Barr Award is to be awarded to a REALTOR member of the Ashland Board of REALTORS who has served the board through membership, committee work, leadership and participation in board activities and events.
This REALTOR should also be known as a kind and caring community leader who knows when to speak up but knows when it’s just time to listen.
This award was established in 2022 by Ochier, who following in her Father’s footsteps was President of ABOR in 2022.
“I wanted to establish this award as a way to honor my Father and continue his legacy at ABOR and the Ashland Community that he loved so much, and to encourage Ashland REALTORS to never forget his his quick wit, his ‘dad jokes’ (before they were a thing) and his love of community and most importantly family,” stated Stacy Patton, a member of the nominating committee.
“The Nominating Committee knew right away who they wanted to give this year’s award to.”
Stacy served on the committee as the 2022 recipient of the REALTOR DSA award.
Honorary Member Award which honors members both past and present as defined in the Bylaws of the Ashland Board of REALTORS.
“Nominees must be at least 70 years of age, a past president, director, or committee chairman of the board or at least 5 years of committee service,” said Gerwig, 2023 President Elect of ABOR and Nominating Committee member.
“Honorary members may not be actively engaged in listing/selling of real estate.”
The 2023 Honorary Member award is bestowed upon Dick Dilgard with 19 years of Service to ABOR.
During that time, he served two years on the Legislative Committee, three years on the PR Committee and one year on the MLS Committee.
Before becoming a REALTOR, they went to auctioneering school to follow in their father and brother’s footsteps, becoming an auctioneer as a teenager.
He served in the Army National Guard, ran a restaurant and sold snowmobiles (at the same time).
He’s a softball player, bowler and golfer, he also loves Cleveland sports teams, Ohio State Buckeyes and his alma mater, Ashland University where he obtained an associate degree in business.
The Public Relations Committee raised over $300 to benefit Associated Charities and outgoing President Marcia Lahmers challenged the nearly 100 attendees to contribute to a food drive also benefiting Associated Charities.
As part of the luncheon program, the Ashland High School Swing-n-Sing performed part of their Holiday Show with song and dance.