Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors
® New New
Gloria LaCoe, 2020 REALTOR of the Year
Jean Beck Chief Executive Officer
Each year the REALTORS® Association chooses one among them as their Realtor® of the Year. It is not an easy task, and the recipient must meet strict criteria. “Given the unusual circumstances this year, LaCoe was the right person in the right place leading the association’s Community Outreach Team,” said Heather A. Baker 2020 President. LaCoe led the team to reinvent and change courses to make an impact in the community though the Mortgage/Rental Assistance Fundraiser for Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help raising $6000 in funds. When LaCoe recognized the need in the community to restock the shelves for area pantries a REALTOR Wide Food Drive was held for Sandalwood Food Pantry and Bluffton Self Help. Over 5 car loads of food was delivered. LaCoe sells more than houses, she sells the community and works to make it a better place to live. LaCoe greets visitors and residents at community events through her work with the Island Rec Center. This year (prior to pandemic) she took 35 three- and four-year olds from the Children’s Center to see the movie Frozen. She even drove the bus she borrowed from The Island Rec Center and Gloria LaCoe recruited a few of her fellow REALTORS to chaperone.
2020 Awards and Installation of Officers On the evening of December 10 at the new Frankie Bones in Bluffton the 48th Installation of Officers for the Hilton Head Area REALTORS was held. Although the celebration was small, it does not lesson the responsibilities or duties the 2021 Board of Directors is taking on. This past year has brought new opportunities, demonstrated the Passing of the gavel strong advocacy arm of the association, and has engaged members in a different way. The 2021 Board of Directors will need to have vision, connect with the needs of its members, and monitor and act on the trends and changes of the real estate industry. Recognizing outgoing President Heather A. Baker; CEO Jean Beck said, “Heather has been there every step of the way.” She was ready for her year and we had it all planned out. Then that day in March came when I called and said, Heather I am closing the association office, transitioning my staff to work from home and all events need to be cancelled until further notice.” Without missing a beat, Baker called an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors and led the association through a year that will go down in history. Baker will also be remembered for her “Kindness Matters” campaign. Little did she know how influential the campaign would be and she reminded her fellow Realtors through her weekly video. Incoming 2021 President Shaun McTernan with The Alliance Group Realty is ready for the year ahead. “By this time, the incoming President has attended the National Association of Realtors Leadership Summit in August and Annual Conference and Expo in November, both were held virtually. But I am confident with Shaun’s sharp business and strategic mind, Shaun is ready to take the lead,” said Beck. “I am proud of the diversity and talent we have on our Board this year,” said McTernan as he was passed the President’s gavel. “We are hopeful that by midyear we will be back to some normalcy, but we have a lot on our plate, and I know we will make great progress.” 36
Hilton Head Area REALTOR installed as 2021 President-elect of the South Carolina REALTORS®. Realtor Cindy Creamer with Dunes Real Estate was installed on December 15, 2020 as the 2021 South Carolina Realtors® President-elect at its first ever virtual Awards and Installation Ceremony. Creamer has served on the South Carolina Realtors leadership team since 2019. She served as South Carolina Regional Vice President 2016-2017 representing the Beaufort/Jasper county area. Prior to being involved at the state level, Creamer served as Hilton Head Area President in 2015 and 2018. “Being involved has made me a better Realtor to assist and advise my clients and customers,” said Creamer. “This is more than a job to me; it is about helping people to achieve homeownership.” “Being a leader in the industry affords me the opportunity to be at the table where discussions happen, and decisions are made. “ South Carolina REALTORS® (SCR), the largest professional trade association in the state, serves as the voice of real estate for more than 26,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a professional in real estate who subscribes to a strict code of ethics as a member of SCR and the National Association of REALTORS®.
Cindy Creamer