May 4th - 2011

OREA News: Volunteerism awards recognize outstanding contributions

The efforts of volunteers were recognized at the 2011 OREA Annual Conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

The efforts of volunteers were recognized at the 2011 OREA Annual Conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. The recipient of the Individual Volunteerism Award was Jenny Kotulak, formerly of the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB), who recently moved to the Huron Perth Association of REALTORS®. Not only did she serve as chair of the board’s leadership development committee, she was also president of OMDREB in 2007 and chaired or served on various committees at both the board and OREA. Her passion and concern for the success of the board, her motivation, energy and leadership qualities were all described as key factors in her nomination. “Jenny inspires others and is respected because of her actions, values and commitment,” the nomination states.

In addition, two real estate boards were recognized for their work training and recruiting volunteers. Among boards with a membership of less than 500, the Guelph & District Association of REALTORS® was the winner. It was recognized for the high proportion of volunteers among members, the mentoring of young individuals by senior real estate professionals and the variety of efforts used to recruit volunteers, including email, web and system server notices and verbal reminders of the need for volunteers for committees and the board. Guelph was also lauded for the creativity of its volunteer recognition program, including last year’s recognition luncheon, which took place during a three-hour train ride from Guelph Junction to Milton.

In the category of boards with a membership of over 500, the Durham Region Association of REALTORS® (DRAR) took the honours. It was praised for its methods of communicating to encourage and retain volunteers. Using its e-Bulletin, the association aims to recruit new volunteers and connect with existing ones. It also established a leadership development task force that identifies and approaches members to encourage participation on various committees and task forces. Durham’s staff outreach program features visits to brokerages to outline volunteer opportunities. Its volunteer recognition program features a thank-you luncheon, presentation of certificates and publication of a recognition booklet featuring the names and photos of all volunteers.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246