- For Immediate Release -
Each year at SILVAR's Installation, members are recognized for their valuable contribution to the Association. Last night, the awards were presented by 2019 President Alan Barbic and SILVAR CEO Paul Cardus.
Recognized for their outstanding contributions were:
2019 REALTOR® of the Year: Jim Hamilton (Compass)
The REALTOR® of the Year award is bestowed on a member who continually demonstrates skills, competency, knowledge and selfless service to the public, clients and to SILVAR. They are a shining example to fellow REALTORS® due to their leadership, principles, and contributions. They possess the highest level of professional standards, are a mentor to others, and constantly strives to improve and enhance the benefits of the REALTOR® Association.
A REALTOR® for almost four decades, Hamilton has served as 2005 California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) President, C.A.R. Region 9 Director, SILVAR Board Director and 2019 Chair of the Los Gatos-Saratoga District. As a Silicon Valley REALTOR®, Barbic said Hamilton "has continually offered wisdom gained from a lifetime of relationships and experiences that have proven invaluable to SILVAR. With a resume that reflects his commitment to serve wherever and whenever needed, we are fortunate for his devotion to our profession."
2019 Affiliate of the Year: Kathy Cochran (PNC Mortgage)
The Affiliate of the Year is someone through their actions, has unequivocally embraced and adopted the principles, goals, and purposes of the Association. Barbic commended Cochran for her professional support for all SILVAR programs, with a special allegiance to her home district, Cupertino-Sunnyvale.
"Her willingness to help where needed enhances the image of our Association, as well as our REALTOR® and affiliated professional members," said Barbic. "She has proven to be a hardworking, hands-on leader and a great proponent of our Association. In addition to promoting professionalism at SILVAR and community events, she provides mortgage services and is committed to ensuring a great experience for our REALTOR® members and their clients."
Spirit of SILVAR: Denise Welsh (Compass)
The Spirit of SILVAR award is bestowed to a REALTOR® who reflects the Association's commitment to supporting and contributing to the communities it serves. Barbic noted Welsh's involvement in the local community included two terms on the Los Altos Historical Commission, chair of the local school essay contest, the local Chamber of Commerce, numerous local fundraisers for schools, church, veterans' organizations and the Boy Scouts.
Barbic described Welsh as "a leader in real estate, having worked on the frontlines and behind the scenes for the success of SILVAR for over a decade."
Welsh was also thanked by the Association for serving as SILVAR Region 9 Chair last year.
President's Award: Carole Feldstein (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
The President's award is presented at the discretion of the president to an individual whose service to the Association is worthy of special thanks and recognition. Barbic said Feldstein has served as Federal Political Coordinator with distinction for over 20 years. He praised her untiring advocacy for REALTORS® in Washington, D.C. Noting Feldstein is SILVAR FPC to U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo, Barbic said Feldstein's warm relationship with Eshoo is abundantly clear every time the two are together. "Anna's high regard for REALTORS® and our Associations is in no small way due to her (Feldstein's) good works."
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.