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Silicon Valley Realtors install 2007 leadership

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) has inducted its leadership team for 2007. The Association's 2007 officers and directors were installed at a gala held at Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino on Monday evening, Jan. 22, 2007.

One of the largest trade associations in Silicon Valley, SILVAR represents over 4,000 Realtors and affiliates engaged in the real estate business and serving clients on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

Mark Burns, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Cupertino, is SILVAR's 2007 President. Leannah Hunt, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Palo Alto, is SILVAR's President-elect. Gerry Lawrence, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, Los Altos, serves as Treasurer.

In addition to the three lead officers, the following members sit on the 2007 Board of Directors: John Tripp (Past President), Willi Kraus (Region 9 Chair), Susan Tilling, (NAR Director), Jeff Bell (Cupertino), Brian Bernasconi (Los Gatos), Gabe Bodner (Affiliate Director), Gary Bulanti (Menlo Park), Bo Chang (Sunnyvale), Brian Crane (Los Gatos), Josie Gambera (Los Altos), Julia Keady (Palo Alto), Gene Lentz (Menlo Park), Carolyn Miller (Cupertino), Dave Tonna (Los Gatos) and Toby Vanderbeek (Los Altos).

Cupertino City Council Member Dolly Sandoval administered the oath of office to Burns and the 2007 Board of Directors.

Mark Burns is a native of Saratoga and has 21 years of sales experience as a top producing agent in Silicon Valley. Some of his distinctions include 2002-05 Coldwell Banker President's Premier award, 2001 Coldwell Banker President's Elite award, 2000 Grand Centurion Award and 2000 Century 21 Masters Hall of Fame.

At SILVAR, Burns' positions include 2006 President-elect and Sunnyvale/Cupertino District Director, past chairman and current trustee of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors Political Action Committee, SILVAR Local Government Relations liaison for the SILVAR/Cupertino-Sunnyvale District and chair of the West Valley Local Government Relations Committee. He was also named SILVAR's 2005 Realtor of the Year.

An active member of the community, Burns has served as director of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 13 of the past 15 years, and was Chamber president in 2003 and vice president before that. He is a member of the Cupertino Rotary Club, YMCA Heritage Club, Archbishop Mitty High School Monarch Circle and the Cupertino Middle Schools Task Force. He is a regular contributor to the Northwest YMCA, Cupertino Community Services, Youth Science Institute, Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation, Rotary Foundation, Cupertino Art & Wine Festival and  Archbishop Mitty High School.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of special awards by SILVAR Executive Officer Janet Case and 2006 President John Tripp to Gary Bulanti, 2006 Realtor of the Year; Kent Westerberg, 2006 Affiliate of the Year; Dave Tonna, 2006 Spirit of SILVAR Award; and Gene Lentz, 2006 President's Award.

Gary Bulanti (Alain Pinel Realtors, Menlo Park) was presented the 2006 Realtor of the Year Award. A graduate of UC Berkeley, who went on to obtain a law degree from the Santa Clara University, Bulanti has been active in organized real estate for 10 years.

Recognizing Bulanti, Tripp said, "All who have worked with this person are amazed and impressed with his skills and objectivity in not only analyzing a problem or issues, but succinctly proposing or offering several alternatives in arriving at a solution. He has worked tirelessly in trying to improve and enhance the Association."

Kent Westerberg, an attorney with Atwood, Haiman & Westerberg of Saratoga, was recognized as 2006 Affiliate of the Year for his continuous contributions of time, efforts and skills, and conducting numerous seminars on risk management, contracts, legal aspects and practices for SILVAR's members.

Dave Tonna (Alain Pinel Realtors, Los Gatos) received the 2006 Spirit of SILVAR Award. Tripp said Tonna is an individual "who reflects the Association's commitment to supporting and contributing to the communities we serve."

Gene Lentz (Intero Real Estate Services, Los Altos) was presented the 2006 President's Award. Tripp noted, Lentz has "lead by example by becoming a Golden R® contributing member." Lentz was heralded for his work in promoting private property rights and upholding the principles and mission of the Association.

In addition to Sandoval, special guests that evening included Sunnyvale City Councilman John Howe and board members of the San Mateo County Association of Realtors® (SAMCAR), Santa Clara County Association of Realtors® (SCCAOR), the Filipino American Real Estate Professionals Association (FAREPA) and the South Asian Real Estate Association of America (SAREAA) and the South Asian Housing Assistance Resource Agency of America (SAHARAA).

A special thank you to the event sponsors: American First Realtors®, Fariba Lighvani; Coldwell Banker; KnewTV Real Intelligence; Inc., Lawson & Associates Mortgage Planners; Alain Pinel Realtors®, Jeff Barnett, Los Gatos Office and Michael Nevis, Almaden Office; Antique Termite, Mike Meek; Chicago Title; Morris+D'Angelo CPA Firm; and The Sereno Group.



The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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