Event Coverage
2015 Outsanding Members Recognized
At last night's Installation Gala, special recognition was given to members for their valuable contributions in 2015 by 2015 President Chris Isaacson and Executive officer Paul Cardus.
Isaacson first thanked his fellow board members, 2015 committee chairs, SILVAR staff and Association Executive Paul Cardus. He conveyed special thanks to Dave Tonna, his predecessor and mentor, and to the late John Tripp and Pacific Union broker David Barca for encouraging him to take on the challenge of leading the Association. Isaacson wished Trolan well in her leadership role this year, and said, "She is going to be a great president!"
Recognized for their outstanding contributions were:
2015 REALTOR® of the Year: Jeff Bell (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
2010 SILVAR President Jeff Bell was honored for his active involvement in the Association's leadership for the past 15 years. From the time he first served on the MLS Advisory Committee in 2003, Bell has continued to serve in a leadership position at SILVAR, MLSListings Inc. and the California Association of REALTORS®.
"To every role our recipient brings knowledge and a keen perspective on how to best serve our members and organized real estate," said Isaacson. "As chair, director, president and past president, Jeff Bell has led our association with grace and humor."
2015 Affiliate of the Year: Clayton Nelson (Clayton Nelson & Associates)
Clayton Nelson was recognized for being a "dedicated workhorse and great ambassador" for SILVAR, the Los Gatos/Saratoga District and the Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Isaacson said Nelson has been the "guiding force" behind the success of the annual Los Gatos/Saratoga District Bocce Ball Tournament, one of the Association's the most popular and well-attended events which has also raised thousands of dollars to support the Charitable Foundation.
Spirit of SILVAR: Chris Trapani (Sereno Group)
Chris Trapani was described by Isaacson as "a REALTOR® reflecting the Association's commitment to supporting and contributing to our communities." Founded just 10 years ago by Trapani, his father and best friend Ryan Iwanaga, the Sereno Group has been successful not only in real estate but in giving back to the community. Through its "1% for Good" program, Sereno Group donates 1 percent of gross commissions to a charitable or community-minded group committed to making a positive difference in the communities within SILVAR's five districts.
President's Award: Kathryn Tomaino (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Kathryn Tomaino was recognized for dedicated work as chair of SILVAR's Tour Policy Committee, "where she ensures that the member benefit and experience on tour is nothing short of excellent," said Isaacson. He also praised Tomaino's dedication and work in legislative advocacy and the defense of property rights through her service on SILVAR's Local Government Relations Committees (LGRs) and the SILVAR Legislative Committee (LC).
2015 C.A.R. Region 9 Chair: Carolyn Miller (Re/Max Real Estate Services)
Carolyn Miller was thanked for leadership and excellent work on behalf of SILVAR and members as 2015 Region 9 Chair. "You kept the spirited group focused and on track and managed to have a little fun along the way," said Isaacson. He added that to him, Miller will always be the board "Mom."
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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 email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.