Valley realtors celebrate this year's 'Bountiful Valley'

Frontiersman reporter

The Valley Board of Realtors held its annual convention this weekend; its theme was "Our Bountiful Valley." New board president-elect Kibe Lucas, who beat Ron Zmuda 51-10 for the title, summed up the upcoming year's excitement.

"There is a lot of stuff coming down the pipe, these are exciting times," Lucas said.

The convention was held Aug. 8-10, beginning with a kick-off party the evening of the 8th and ending with a sit-down dinner at the Palmer Elks Lodge the evening of the 9th. Between the two celebrations, the board held its annual general membership meeting, where the new Board of Directors was elected, and a series of continuing education classes were offered.

The evening dinner included dancing, drinks and a silent auction, which benefited Habitat for Humanity. The board had hoped to raise at least $2,500 for a roof on the Williwaw home being built this year; it managed to raise more than $2,900 over the weekend.

The Valley Board of Realtors Political Action Committee, which funds lobbying activities at local, state and federal government levels, raised $7,800 for this year's lobbying. The goal was to raise $4,900.

The following individuals make up the Valley Board of Realtor's Board of Directors for 2004: Kay will step down as president on Jan. 1, 2004, and will be replaced by the 2004 president-elect Don Zimmerman. Both Zimmerman and Lucas will serve on the board this upcoming year, Zimmerman as president and Lucas as president-elect for 2005.

President-elect for 2004 - Don Zimmerman

President-elect for 2005 - Kibe Lucas

Vice President - Barb Hocker

Secretary - Diana Pinard

Treasurer - Uli Johnson

Director - Carol Jensen

Director - Janice Strong

Director - Ron Zmuda (elected last year)

Director - Jerry Moses (elected last year)

Along with the election of a new board of directors and the induction of new members, the Valley Board of Realtors also bestowed its annual awards upon individuals who have shined in Mat-Su real estate this year. Along with honoring the board's committee chairs with a certificate of appreciation and a hearty round of applause, the board also honored two individuals with unexpected awards. Paddy Koan, of Prudential Vista Real Estate, received this year's Realtor of the Year award. Annie Davenport, of Homestate Mortgage, received this year's Affiliate of the Year award. Both honors were awarded at the Elks Lodge dinner.