RAHB’s Annual Election Meeting on December 2 drew 229 members to the RBG for a year-end review, scholarship awards, bylaw amendments, OREA update, member motions and, of course, the election and swearing in of the 2011 Board of Directors.
2010 President Joe Ferrante offered a year-end review of his year at the helm – a year in which CREA and the Competition Bureau figured prominently. He also touched on upcoming revisions to RAHB’s Rules and Regulations, the on-going governance review, the Quality of Life initiative and RAHB community involvement, RAHB’s involvement with the Hamilton Business Leaders and the association’s two premier events – REALTORS® Connections Conference and Trade Show and the Charity Auction.
Jamie Edwards, Chair of the Karen Barker Memorial Scholarship selection task force, presented  scholarships of $1,000 each to children of RAHB members – Alexandra Fortune-Rusynyk (daughter of Erin Fortune of Stonemill Realty Inc.) and Kayla Kuyvenhoven (daughter of Shirley Kuyvenhoven of Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre). Alexandra was in attendance to receive her award, but Kayla was unable to attend the meeting.
“Housekeeping†bylaw amendments were presented by Rose Cipriani, chair of the Bylaw Committee and were passed by the membership.
OREA President Dorothy Mason updated RAHB members on issues and projects at OREA. She focused on government relations and communication from OREA to its members and to the public.
Results of the election were announced, with Bruce Moran, Brenda McKinley, Larry Szpirglas and Bill Lawson elected for two-year terms and Ron Leaist elected for a one-year term. Dorothy Mason immediately led the new and returning directors in their oaths of office.
Following the meeting, over 160 members stayed for the free, one-credit course offered by popular presenter, Merv Burgard.