Three REALTORS® lauded for their service

Three Pennsylvania REALTORS® were honored last evening as they received awards recognizing their unique contributions to the PA Association of REALTORS® (PAR).

Former PAR President Greg Herb of Gilbertsville was named REALTOR® of the Year. Anne Matyjasik of Downingtown  was honored with the Distinguished Service Award and past PAR President Ellen Renish of Collegeville was named REALTOR® Active in Politics.

Herb, current NAR Region 2 Vice President,  2009 REALTOR® of the Year and PAR president in 2009,  received  PAR’s most prestigious award presented by last year’s recipient,  Jerry Romanik.  Active at all levels of the REALTOR® organization, Herb served on PAR’s Legislative, Finance and Issues Mobilization committees and as a board member of the PA REALTORS® Education Foundation (PREF). A  PAR board member for 13 years, Herb also served as president of the Montgomery County Association of REALTORS®.  He was the national president of the Certified Residential Brokers (CRB) in 2005.

“There are many people deserving of this award,” Herb said. “I love what I do and I thank you for the opportunity to serve this association.”

Matyjasik received the Distinguished Service award from former recipient and NAR Treasurer Jim Helsel. Matyjasik has served as a PAR Board member since 1994 and is a former district vice president. She has served on the board of PREF and as a member of numerous committees including Standard Forms, Professional Standards, Member Services and the Convention Advisory and Marketing Group. Matyjasik is also a NAR Director in the large association category, representing Suburban West Association of REALTORS®. A certified mediator, Matyjasik is a graduate of Temple University.

Taken completely by surprise when presented the award, Matyjasik said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with each and every one of you.”

Former PAR President Ellen Renish received the REALTOR® Active in Politics award from last year’s winners, Jerry Speer and Todd Polinchock.  Renish, who has given thousands of volunteer hours to PAR, has chaired PAR’s Legislative Committee and REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Renish is a RPAC Major Donor Whip, a Golden ‘R’ RPAC investor and a member of NAR President’s Circle. She was named PAR REALTOR® of the Year in 2004 and received PAR’s Distinguished Service Award in 1997. Renish also served as the NAR Region 2 vice president.

Renish, who has represented PAR in many legislative issues, said she’s active in government affairs “because I love my REALTOR® family and I want things to be good for my REALTOR® family.”

PAR Executive Vice President Patrice Merzanis, who is stepping down from her position, was also recognized last night. Three former PAR Presidents, Herb, Bob Hay and Dominic Cardone, recognized her leadership while at PAR. Cardone said her help was tremendous during their time as president. He said, “Patrice brought PAR to new heights.”