Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois bestows awards
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SHILOH – The Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois recently recognized numerous members at its annual Awards Luncheon.
The association awarded the Realtor of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Professional Award, and recognized a member for community involvement. The members were announced and awarded at the Association’s Awards Luncheon at the Falls in Columbia.
Dan Tatum (top left), Realtor with Strano & Associates Real Estate in O’Fallon, was awarded the prestigious Life Member Award. The Life Member status is the highest achievement an Association member can obtain through membership with the Association. Tatum has served as president of the association, president of the Multiple Listing Service, and committed many years on numerous local and state association committees. He is a retired lieutenant colonel from the Air Force.
Tammy Mitchell Hines (top right), Realtor and Managing Broker/Owner of Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. in Columbia, IL, received the 2016 Realtor of the Year award and Professional Award at this year’s luncheon. The Realtor of the Year award is presented to an individual whose dedication to excellence has most profoundly enhanced the professional image of Realtor, The award recognizes the Realtor of the Year’s personal leadership and service qualities, applied not only to the real estate industry, but also to the promotion of civic, community and charitable causes.
Hines has been a Realtor since 1995 and was the association’s 1996 Rookie of the Year, chosen as 30 under 30 by the National Association of Realtors in 2000, and earned numerous designations/certifications. She served on the SIR/MLS Board of Governors and served on the Association’s Grievance Committee for several years. In addition to her commitment to the real estate industry, Hines has awarded essay-based scholarships to local high schools for 11 years, supports the Business and Entrepreneurship Program at CUSD4, speaks for the school district’s Career Day, and is on the Columbia School District Board, and volunteers at various local charities and community events.
The 2015 Affiliate of the Year award was given to Jeanie Romeo (below left), of Professional Title Insurance in Fairview Heights. It is awarded to a dedicated individual who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting the association’s activities. Romeo consistently attends affiliate committee meetings, serves on several association committees/task forces, such as RPAC/Government Affairs, Golf Outing, Member Services, and the Holiday Celebration.
Beth Ortega (below right), Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred of O’Fallon, was awarded the Community Achievement Award. The Community Achievement Award is given to an association member who is making an exceptional impact on the community through volunteer work.
Ortega created and is president of the John Wilt Foundation that honors the life of Marine Corps 1st Lt. John Nelson Wilt, who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 2002 while training for missions in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
She created and hosts the Honor Run 5k each Fall, raising more than $10,000 a year for the USO, Fisher House, O’Fallon Veterans Memorial and a renewable scholarship for an O’Fallon Township High School graduating senior.
She also serves on the planning/operations board for the Marine Week St. Louis event and works with the St. Louis Area Gold Star Mothers, Semper Fi Society, and the Toys for Tots Program, among many other civic endeavors.
