Thank you to all who attended the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2015! The meeting was a huge success, with over 200 REALTOR® and Affiliate members in attendance.

An election was held during the meeting to fill three open REALTOR® seats on the Board of Directors for the 2016 cycle. Congratulations to Kari Newman of the Charles Reinhart Company, Ed Ridha of the Charles Reinhart Company and Don Wurtzel of Howard Hanna, who were elected to the Board of Directors. Amanda Lawrence of John Adams Mortgage was elected to the fill the open Affiliate seat on the Board of Directors.

Nancy Merdzinski, Executive Officer of the Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS®, announced the winner of the 2015 Affiliate of the Year: Constance Pearson-Ramirez of Cislo Title. Constance Pearson-Ramirez has been in the industry for 38 years and has remained a positive force throughout her career. Her success in her field is a true reflection of her professionalism and work ethic. Constance enjoys working with different people in the real estate industry and has always strived to accommodate those working with her. She started her career in the banking industry as a teller and worked her way up to management. She now works in the title industry, where she has enjoyed working for the past 13 years Constance is involved in her community, and has been active with the Banking Association, Ann Arbor Kiwanis, Special Olympics, Easter Seals, Chelsea Methodist Home, the City of Ann Arbor Homebuyers, and the NAACP—just to name a few. Constance is currently serving as Vice President of the Women’s Council of Washtenaw, is involved with the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee, and is an active participant in numerous Board events, including serving on educational panel discussions for the benefit of Board members.

P1010242a

Constance Pearson-Ramirez of Cislo Title (left) receives the 2015 Affiliate of the Year Award from Board Executive Officer Nancy Merdzinski (right).

2014 REALTOR® of the Year Linda Lombardini of Trillium Real Estate introduced this year's winner of the REALTOR® of the Year Award: Kay Merx of Real Estate One. Kay has been in the real estate business for 37 years, and has showed her passion for the industry through her continuous service to the Board and her activity in the community. Kay has earned her Associate Broker license after just 4 years in the industry. She has also obtained her CRS, ABR, and CDPE designations, and numerous other accreditations. She has always held as her personal guideline that she "must add at least one new skill, achievement, or task each year as a REALTOR®," so that she would always be growing and advancing in the industry. Kay has participated in countless activities to better the community. She spent 13 years on the York Township Tax Review Board, and has served as Vice President and President for the Building Trade Program for the Saline, Milan, Dexter, Chelsea, and Lincoln Schools Vocational Consortium. She directed weekly volunteers for Ann Arbor Motor Meals for 5 years and organized charitable fundraising for Special Olympics and Social Services holiday giving.

Kay Merx Realtor of the Year

Kay Merx of Real Estate One (middle) receives the 2015 REALTOR® of the Year award form 2014 REALTOR® of the Year Linda Lombardini of Trillium Real Estate (left) and Board Executive Officer Nancy Merdzinski (right).