H O U S T O N CH A PT E R
FIRST QUARTER 2008
1 9 6 0
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
2008 OFFICERS:
Dear Members,
Welcome to our first quarter newsletter! I hope you find the information valuable. It is our intent to keep you updated on our chapter's activities. The newsletter will be one avenue. However, if you are ever in doubt of who to call or what is going on, I suggest you start with our website: http://www.wcrhouston1960.org/ It is imperative to our chapter's success that we communicate effectively to our members. We certainly take this seriously. We want you to tell us how we are doing. I welcome you to send me an email bette@bettegerhold.com with your feedback or suggestions. I promise you I'll listen, take action to improve and follow-up with you for your feedback. In your newsletter, you will see we have many events planned for you. On April 10th, we have our upcoming District A Meeting. This is your opportunity to network with other chapter members from the Houston Area. Why would you want to do this? Unless you are glutton for punishment, liking to list properties that require up to one and a half hour round trip from northwest Houston, this is your chance to get to know realtors that you can confidently recommend to your clients. Then when that referred agent has a client for your area, guess who they'll call, you, of course. Also, at the District meeting, you'll hear a dynamic speaker, pick up some MCE, enjoy a delicious lunch and have a chance to win in one of the many drawings! Make sure to put this on your calendar. Any organization’s success is attributable to the many volunteers that donate their time, skills and talents. We are so fortunate to have many individuals that are so willing. I am overwhelmed by the support from officers, committee chairs and members. We have a lot to look forward to. It is the goal of your chapter’s executive committee to make 2008 the year that we all “Succeed Together”.
PRESIDENT: BETTE GERHOLD, RE/MAX NORTHWEST TERRITORIES PRESIDENT ELECT: LOIS MALONE, LOIS MALONE REALTY VP OF MEMBERSHIP: SHERYL HUNTER, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER SECRETARY: CAROLYN KNIGGE, HOMETRUST MORTGAGE TREASURER: JEANETTE COBB
PAST PRESIDENT: MICHELLE MURRAY, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER
NEXT BUSINESS RESOURSE MEETING
Regards,
Bette Gerhold
April 17, 2008
Thomas Rich Tax Advisor “Planning for a Profitable Year” Partners: Luncheon Partners Mike Blalock, Post Oak Publishing Allisha Adams, Fidelity National Title Greg Bowman Citi Group
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE:
SHERYL HUNTER, VP MEMBERSHIP New REALTOR® Members:
Reena Alvis, Texas Home Group Realtors Sylvia Broussard, Realty Group, Inc. Cheryl Cordova, RE/MAX Integrity Lisa Lozano Hill, RE/MAX Realty Center Sabrina Larson, RE/MAX NW Territories Donald Leonard, RE/MAX NW Territories Rena Malinowski, Prudential Gary Greene Realtors Lisa Roberts, RE/MAX Realty Center Jovena Sanders, ERA Tramco Jerelynn Smith, Premier GMAC Real Estate Ronald Wilsher, Realty Associates Sherry Wilsher, Realty Associates Julie Woods, Century 21 Executives Carrie Koch, MAJR Specialties Barbara Locke, Caldwell Companies/Towne Lake Joe Cordova, Cordova Inspections Stephanie Kirby, Fidelity National Home Warranty Jon Potcinske, Greenmill Mortgage & Investments Brian Rhames, Farmers Insurance
New Local & National Affiliates:
Matt Baker, HBA Financial Advisors, LLC Marci Brzozowski, Home Warranty of America
HOUSTON 1960 CHAPTER
Page 2
RITA SANTAMARIA: 2007 WCR TEXAS BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Rita Santamaria has been a Women’s Council of Realtors member since the early 1980’s. “The WCR is an association of people who care about each other; therefore, first and foremost, I have made life-long friends by being a WCR Member. WCR stresses education. My giving of my time, 1994 Local Chapter President and giving of my sponsorships every year has returned back to me in business 100-fold. WCR members are loyal friends who live by the Golden Rule. They give to others as others give to them.” Living by this credo made Rita a successful businesswoman and mentor to many women in the real estate profession. She has trained thousands of agents in her school and always says to students, “I am a prime example of having a personal life and a professional life. It is all about priorities and time management.” Rita’s career achievements include the 2005 and 2006 Pinnacle Aware, 2003 NAR’s REBAC Hall of Fame, and in 2003 she become the author of her first national book, “30 Days to Success”. Rita has written over a dozen textbooks for use in her schools and was the 2003 WCR Texas Chapter Statewide Affiliate of the Year, just to name a few of her many accomplishments. Twenty-five years of business success, leadership by example and dedication to WCR principles and goals have made Rita Santamaria the perfect choice for WCR 1960 Businesswoman of the Year. The Chapter felt so strongly about her application, that we elevated it to the State level and are so proud to congratulate Rita Santamaria as the 2007 WCR Texas Chapter Businesswoman of the Year!
Special Thanks to our Annual Platinum Level Partner Barbara Locke 281-256-2772
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UPDATE
In December 2007, Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County purchased 19 acres located at the corner of West Richey Road and Champion Forest Drive which will be the location of the new Hamill Ranch subdivision containing 90 to 100 homes. Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved a $1.06 million grant to Habitat for Humanity NWHC to assist Habitat with the development of the property, as well as providing resources needed to upgrade our homes from duplexes to single-slab homes with landscaping and garages. In response to opposition from several Greenwood Forest residents, Habitat for Humanity NWHC volunteers launched a letter-writing campaign to show support for Habitat’s commitment to provide affordable housing for families in need. Habitat for Humanity NWHC would like to thank everyone who sent letters showing your support. We hope to begin construction in Hamill Ranch later this summer. While opposition is never easy to accept, it is important that we listen to our opponents and determine what needs to be improved. We must strive to communicate our mission to the public and educate society that affordable housing is not a bad thing. Finally, we welcome new volunteers to work with us to make our Hamill Ranch subdivision and our Habitat families successful. Habitat for Humanity NWHC would like to thank the WCR for its continued support. It is only through the generous support of organizations like the WCR, that we are able to achieve our mission. Carla Ehlers, President of Habitat of Humanity NWHC
Check out all of our Charities… http://www.habitatnwhc.org/ http://www.pinkdoornonprofit.org/ http://www.reachunlimited.org/
HOUSTON 1960 CHAPTER
Page 3
WCR HOUSTON 1960 2008 ANNUAL CALENDAR
4— April 4—6, 2008
WCR National Event MegaMega-Networking Summit II St. Charles Convention Center St. Charles, MO
May 15, 2008
Chapter Business Resource Meeting County Judge “How to Help Your Client Prepare for this Hurricane Season”
April 10, 2008
District A Meeting KB Homes Training Facility Houston, TX Speaker: Dr. Nancy Oelklaus
Partners: Luncheon Partners
James Carroll Partners In Building
Lexus Raffle WinnerRamiro Orta
Barbara Locke Caldwell Companies/ Towne Lake Mike Munitti Darling Homes
May 5, 2008
WCR Houston 1960 Chapter 18th Annual Benefit Golf Classic Blackhorse Ranch Golf Club Houston, TX
14— May 14—18, 2008
WCR National Event Midyear Meeting Washington, D.C.
WCR Travels We had an awesome time at the 2008 Winter meeting in Austin. We also got more than we bargained for...Barack Obama was staying in our hotel, so we had police and reporters everywhere. We came away with a lot of great information and found out we are having the Regional meeting this year. Lois Malone President Elect
June 19, 2008
Chapter Business Resource Meeting The New Area 82
Luncheon Partners:
Kristin Thrasher Champions School/Real Estate James Carroll Partners in Building Carolyn Knigge
Hometrust Mortgage Company
18th Annual BENEFIT GOLF CLASSIC
May 5, 2008 - 1:30 pm Blackhorse Ranch Golf Club
Shotgun start, 3 flights based on handicap, great prizes, raffle items & fun challenges along with chances to win a new Lexus from Northside Lexus! Call now to register yourself or your team and to take advantage of partnership opportunities. Deadline for program recognition is April 10th.
Dallas Crawford, Co-Chair, 713 870-0603 Stephonie Kirby, Co-Chair, 713 471-5586
Benefiting Habitat for Humanity of NW Harris County, Reach Unlimited, Pink Door, WCR Houston 1960 & our Realtor Relief Fund
Celebrity Waiters/TREPAC
Agents and Affiliates that are willing to commit to
being a part of professional organizations. Officers, Standing Committee and Special Committee Chairs, for 2009. Watch for upcoming emails for information!!
Madonna (aka Rochelle Barrow) was our waitress! Can you believe it? We also saw Mrs. Doubtfire, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Flo from Mel’s Diner just to name a few. Yes, it was the Celebrity Dinner in Austin at the Winter meeting on February 22, 2008. The waitresses and waiters dressed up as their favorite celebrity to serve those who attended to raise funds for TREPAC. Over $10,000 was raised that evening! Mary Papageorge
We are on the web!
Visit us at www.wcrhouston1960.0rg
Thank you for the continued support Mary Papageorge with Gateway Mortgage Group for sponsoring our Traveling Trophy!
THANK YOU TO OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS ANNUAL PARTNERS CALDWELL COMPANIES/TOWNE LAKE LUNCH PARTNERS FIRST QUARTER CHAMPIONS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE CHESMAR HOMES STARTEX GREENMILL MORTGAGE & INVESTMENTS CALDWELL COMPANIES/TOWNE LAKE HOUSTON CAPITAL MORTGAGE FIDELITY NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY PARTNERS IN BUILDING
WCR Mission We are a community of real estate professionals creating business opportunities, developing skills for the future and achieving our individual potential for success. WCR Vision The Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be the premier organization for individual achievement. LongWCR Long-term Goals
•
To be a catalyst for individual growth and achievement through chapters that are positioned as the business resources in their REALTOR® communities.
DEBORAH SPANGLER: REALTOR MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Deborah Spangler is a native Houstonian who entered real estate in 2000 and has moved at warp-speed in the past 8 years. She had leadership roles in WCR Houston 1960 Chapter as President-Elect in 2005 and local Chapter President in 2006. Deborah has served as WCR State Governor in 2007 and 2008, while remaining on the Governing Board and very active here at our local chapter. She served as TREPAC Coordinator for the Greater NW HAR Breakfast in 2007 and is a member of the HAR TREPAC Advisory Committee for 2008. Deborah is very active with her church and currently serves on their school board. She and Ron, her husband of 27 years, have 3 daughters, a wonderful son-in-law and one grandson, born in 2007. Deborah’s love for WCR and her dedicated spirit of leadership by example made her a wonderful choice for 2007 Realtor Member of the Year for WCR Houston 1960 Chapter. Congratulations, Deborah!
•
To be an important source of information , education and business contacts that REALTORS need to develop relevant skills and professional credibility in a changing business environment.
•
To be a network of strong, active chapters that deliver significant value for the time and talent members contribute.
LAURA SANDERS: AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Laura Sanders is a producing agent for the family owned and operated business, Sanders Insurance and Financial Services. Laura graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in marketing. In January of 2007, Laura made a huge decision to leave a wonderful job with a local builder to join her family insurance business. Laura has served on numerous capacities for her local Women’s Council of Realtors chapter. She also attends the HAR Greater NW Breakfast, along with the WCR Montgomery Chapter Luncheon. Even though this business is a huge part of her life, Laura tries to make every moment of her free time. In April of 2006, she crossed the finish line for the MS 150 which is a Houston to Austin bike tour in support of MS. Laura is a member of the Second Baptist Church and stays active with Sunday school, bible study and other volunteer work. Congratulations, Laura!
•
To be a trusted support system for an increasingly diverse profession.
•
To be a strong, viable organization with the human and financial resources and flexible structure needed to take advantage of opportunities in a changing environment.