2012 the Year in Pictures

Message from the President

 President’s Farewell

I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to serve as President of the Fort Bend Chapter this year.  My journey began as the Membership Chair for Lane Pearson when she was our Vice President of Membership back in 2009.  Serving as an officer for the Women’s Council of Realtors provides opportunities to travel to local, state and national meetings.  During these meetings I have been able to meet wonderful Realtors from all over the nation.  We have heard amazing nationally renowned speakers and attended classes that have helped me become a more effective leader and business woman.  In addition, I have gained many lifelong friends.  Sharing a room with two or three other women is a recipe for fun.

Planning agendas for board meetings, monthly Business Resource Meetings, overseeing fundraisers and keeping up with the Annual Business Plan requires the assistance of many people.  We are fortunate in Fort Bend to have a very devoted group of Precious Past Presidents and members, both Realtor and Affiliates, who value this organization and are willing to step in and help when help is needed.  I will refrain from listing all of your names because I am sure to overlook someone.  Please know that I am aware that without your support and advice, I could not have gotten through this year.  I look forward to taking on a similar role of support for our new board members and future boards.  See you all in January!

WCR Fort Bend December Business Luncheon

December Installation Luncheon

I think the December meeting is always so special.  We say goodbye to our current board members, and celebrate the installation of the new officers.  The ballroom at Sweetwater is dressed for Christmas and paired with the installation decorations it is quite festive.  This year we were fortunate to have Vaughan Pederson, James Greene and James Greene Jr. entertain us with their jazz trio.  Cathy Simeone and her crew did an amazing job with the decorations.  Incoming President Kim Shaw chose an animal print theme and it was stunning with the black chair covers and zebra print accents.  Gene Miller, the general manager of Sweetwater provided complimentary Poinsettia drinks.  We all got of kick out of having green tongues from the sugared rims on the champagne flutes.

Vaughan Pederson served as Kim’s Master of Ceremonies, and Jo Ann Stevens installed our new board.  Following installation, Dr. Shel spoke to us about Women’s Health, and the meeting culminated with our raffle drawing and life auction.  Vaughan did double duty as auctioneer and helped raise over $7000 for our organization.  We are grateful to Jo Ann for taking the lead again on the raffle and live auction.  Many members donated or collected items to make this a huge success.  This fundraiser helped us finish the year with a healthy financial status.

Thanks to sponsor Perry Homes and Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa.

 Barbara is enjoying her last meeting as President.

Barbara Marlin, Nikki Owen and Val Howell

 Vaughan Pederson , James Greene Jr. and
James Greene

Vita Goodell of the Fort Bend Women's Center

WCR Fort Bend contributed $1000.00 to the Women's Center!

 We do enjoy our meetings

 Officer Installation

Barbara Marlin Entrepreneur of the Year, Vaughan Pederson Affilliate of the Year

 Installation, raffle and auction

 JoAnn and Kim

 Jazz Christmas Trio

 JoAnn presides over the installation

 Kim's mom, Kim and James

 Lane Pearson, Kimberly Shaw, Barbara DiBlasi Marlin

 Leadership Ladies

WCR Fort Bend November Business Luncheon

November  Meeting

November is always hectic because our officers attend the National WCR/NAR Meeting and we have to shift our business resource meeting to a different week.   This is also the time of year that we honor our Member of the Year, Affiliate of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year recipients.  A special thanks to last year’s honorees, Becky Hall, Mary Titel and Andi St. Jean.  These ladies were responsible for gathering nominations, and handling the selection of this year’s recipients.

Congratulations to Ruth Olson, Member of the Year, Barbara Marlin, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Vaughan Peterson, Affiliate of the Year.  Vaughan was enjoying a cruise and was honored at our December meeting.

Our November sponsor was Perry Homes.

 Barbara Marlin Entrepreneur of the Year!

 Door Prize winner!

 Ruth Olsen Realtor of the Year!

 Ruth Olsen

Orlando Trip November 7th

On November 7th, JoAnn, Barbara, Kim and Theresa headed to Orlando Florida for the NAR/WCR Annual Conference.  While there, they attended a myriad of classes such as: “Generational Selling”, “Business Planning”, “The Benefits of Being Positive”, and “The Paperless Agent” in addition to break out learning labs jam packed with useful information.  However, as the old adage goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.... So we managed plenty of time for fun!

Friday night found us at a private party at Universal Studios where we conquered rides that would make the boldest of 14 year olds dizzy!  Saturday evening we traded our tennis shoes for evening wear for the Inaugural Banquet of the 2013 National President, Anita Davis.  On Sunday, our group attended the Governing Board Meeting before packing our bags for the long ride home with memories of yet another great WCR trip!

October 5 O'clock Somewhere

We met at the Aliana Club House for our event which included wine, food, music and fun!

Luba Shukers was gracious in providing food and drinks along with Theresa Fehr, Ruth Olson, and many others.  Vaughan Pederson brought the wine.  Vaughan, his wife Alisa and Harry Burks entertained with a variety of popluar, jazz and country tunes.