N EW S Wednesday, August 31, 2016
185 West Broadway Jackson Hole, WY (888) 733.9009
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MERCEDES HUFF VOTED 2016 “REALTOR OF THE YEAR”
Awardee exemplifies community involvement and professionalism by Staff Writers
The Teton Board of Realtors awarded Mercedes Huff as their “Realtor of the Year” for 2016 at their annual Membership Luncheon on August 18th. In presenting the award to Huff, nominating Realtor Jackie Montgomery noted that, “[real estate] changes people’s lives and it changes communities… it is important to honor those who have… set the standards high, shared their experience and knowledge, and helped make this an even greater community and a wonderful place to live.” Huff’s career in Jackson Hole real estate spans more than three decades. She was a founding partner of Jackson Hole Realty, and was instrumental in growing the company to
upwards of sixty percent market share. JHR would ultimately be acquired by Sotheby’s International Realty in 2003, through whom Mercedes Huff & Associates continues to sell real estate from their north of Wilson.
“With hard work, a great work ethic, integrity and professionalism, Mercedes worked her way from model homes in Gillette to being a consistent top producer in Jackson, a partner in Jackson Hole Realty—and remains the same Mercedes we love and respect as Realtor of the Year...” -Donna Clinton, Managing Broker/COO for Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty Long term client relationships and their referrals are the cornerstone of Huff’s business. Earlier this summer, Huff was again ranked among “America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” and was positioned in the top 5 sales teams by volume in Wyoming by
REALTrends. A past and present member of numerous community organizations throughout the valley, she has always valued the opportunity to give back. Huff helps strengthen the community through the support of its nonprofits as a current board member for the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, as well as through her contribution as a CoChallenger for the organization’s annual “Old Bill’s Fun Run for Charities,” on September 10.
Pictured Above: Mercedes Huff with daughter Laurie.
LIEBZEIT CHOSEN AS “GOOD NEIGHBOR” AWARD FINALIST
Involvement with CSN Leads to a first for the State of Wyoming
for the public to vote on their favorite good neighbor and non-profit organization.
by Audrey Williams, Associate Broker Ed Liebzeit, an associate broker at Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty, has been named as 1 of 10 finalists for the National Association of Realtor’s Good Neighbor Award; the first time a realtor in Wyoming has been recognized for this award. Good Neighbor Award finalists must be members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and contribute significantly to helping others in their community through a non-profit. Out of nearly 1.2 million members belonging to NAR, Liebzeit was chosen as a finalist for his dedication and involvement with the Community Safety Network (CSN), a local non-profit whose primary purpose is to provide shelter and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. With CSN currently in the process of increasing the number of transitional housing units they have available for those in need, the announcement from NAR was welcome news. Each of the 10 finalists throughout the U.S. will receive a $2,500 grant for their non-profit. If Ed is selected as one of the five national winners later this fall, the grant awarded to the Community Safety Network will increase to $10,000. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to the “2016 Web Choice Winner” – an opportunity
Vote for your favorite Good Neighbor at www.realtor.com/goodneighbor through September 26.
Ed has been involved with CSN as a board member for over 8 years, but his involvement didn’t start there – he and his wife, Carole, have long been supporters of CSN, now in its 35th year of operation. They are involved with many different organizations throughout the community, but when Emeritus Board Member Bill Newton and Executive Director Sharel Love asked Ed to join the CSN Board, an extra special commitment began. Liebzeit, who has been President of the Board for 6 years, explains, “the people served by the organization very often have no other place to go, they truly need our services, and furthermore, the educational outreach we provide is essential in bringing awareness to our community.” During Liebzeit’s time with CSN, he has consistently provided leadership,
volunteered time, made personal donations, and influenced others to take action or participate by spreading knowledge – factors that NAR strongly took into consideration when selecting him as a finalist. His commitment to the organization has helped develop and refine their strategic vision; his time has created lasting donor relationships within the community; his sphere of influence touches families, school faculties, local government officials, fellow realtors, and countless others. According to CSN’s Executive Director, Sharel Love, “Over the last year, Ed’s involvement has benefited all levels of the organization, including 200 adult victims of violence and 75 children who received crisis services, 1,500 teens received prevention education, and 200 adults received intervention and support strategies.” Ed says, “it is a team effort at CSN with the staff, board, volunteers and our support partners all working together.” He further notes, “even in this beautiful place we call home, we do have domestic violence, incidents of sexual assault and stalking, and CSN is always there to provide support, shelter and assistance to those in need.” Ed reminds everyone, “they can help by being part of the solution through advocacy.” Additionally, you can help CSN by voting for your favorite Good Neighbor at www.realtor. com/goodneighbor, or donating through Old Bill’s Fun Run, which is just around the corner.