ECAR names Realtor of the Year, installs new officers

Debbie Lewis was named Realtor of the Year and Mary Anne Windes officially took the helm as president at the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors’ annual installation banquet, held Jan. 8 at the Hilton Sandestin.

“The Installation Banquet is an annual event held by ECAR to award the Realtor of the Year and Chapter Realtors of the Year, install new officers and directors, recognize chairpersons, and honor those who are outgoing,” said ECAR’s newly indoctrinated president for 2010, Mary Anne Windes.

Chapter Realtor of the Year honors went to Lewis of American Realty Of Northwest Florida, Niceville for Niceville; Sam Kinkaid, RE/MAX Paradise Properties, Destin; and Kelly Klein, broker-owner of Lifeguard Real Estate Inc., South Walton.

In addition to Windes, other newly installed officers included President-elect Jean Floyd, Secretary-treasurer Sam Kinkaid, and Assistant Treasurer Penny Erickson.

The banquet’s theme was a nod to the burgeoning local real estate market.

“The market is on a comeback right now so our theme was, ‘The future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades,’” explained Windes.

Before passing the baton to Windes, outgoing ECAR President Anita Williams handed out President’s Awards to ECAR CEO Barry Stafford, Past Presidents Cliff Chaplin (2008) and Jan Huyser (1988), husband Todd Williams and member Sally Merrifield.

“The President’s Award honors those individuals who have offered support throughout the year,” Williams said, explaining the handpicked choices.

The night wasn’t all work, however. As Windes pointed out good food and good times were also on the agenda.

“We wore sunglasses and skipped the formal attire,” she said. “It was so much fun.”

To view all of ECAR’s officers and board of directors, visit EmeraldCoastRealtors.com.