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bursaries that provide rewards based on marks, but that is why Greater Moncton Realtors du Grand Moncton puts full weight on volunteerism for these annual bursaries.” ■ ■ ■
an Burns was recently named CEO of the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA). Burns works with the AREA Board of Directors, staff and all industry groups in the execution of AREA’s strategic plan. Ten local real estate boards and associations form AREA’s membership. With the majority of his career in regulated industries (telecommunications, banking, retail finance and insurance) and as the leader for two federally regulated insurance companies, Burns has a strong portfolio of governance and regulatory work to go along with extensive corporate operational experience, the association says.
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Wendy Giroux is the new executive officer of the Durham Region Association of Realtors (DRAR), which has 1,100 members. “With over 10 years experience in association management, I look forward to bringing my knowledge
and skills to this position,” says Giroux. She succeeds Nancy Shaw, who became the CEO and general manager at the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Giroux was previously the EO of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors (PKAR). “Giroux’s experience as executive officer at PKAR combined with her strong core values make her the perfect choice for DRAR,” says Sandra O’Donohue, DRAR president. ■ ■ ■
Greater Moncton Realtors du Grand Moncton recently awarded bursaries to Laura Jones, Abigail Bradley, Eryn McNally and Olivia Turner. The RealtorsCare Bursary is designed to reward Grade 12 students for their volunteer efforts within Southeastern New Brunswick. Board president Trent Wilkins says, “There are so many
The Realty Watch program and Port Coquitlam sales rep Risa Bassetto found a missing person earlier this month. Bassetto, a saleperson with Re/Max Results Realty, was alerted through the Realty Watch program, a partnership between local police departments, the RCMP and more than 14,000 Realtors across the Lower Mainland. She was driving home when she saw an elderly person on the sidewalk. Gut instinct told her something wasn’t right. She checked the Realty Watch fan-out that was sent by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and discovered it was the missing person. “It was that fan-out and picture that made me call the police” Bassetto says. “If there was no fanout, they could still be missing.” Realty Watch is operated by the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Chilliwack and District real estate boards. Realtors observe and report to police any suspicious activity that they may happen upon in their day-to-day business. ■ ■ ■
Former Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak named OREA CEO im Hudak, former leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative party and an MPP for 21 years, is leaving politics to become the CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). Hudak has represented the people of Niagara West – Glanbrook riding for 21 years as an MPP. He served in three Cabinet portfolios: Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, where OREA says he worked closely with the association to write the Real Estate Business Brokers Act, 2002 and create the Real Estate Council of Ontario. As Leader of the Official Opposition until 2014, he led 80 staff and managed a multi-million-
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dollar budget, says OREA. “Tim brings over 20 years of public service and executive management experience to OREA. Throughout his time at Queen’s Park he has been a strong advocate for Ontario homeowners and issues that our association supports. Tim’s leadership will be a great asset to Ontario Realtors and homeowners,” says Ray Ferris, president of OREA. “OREA has had a very long, positive working relationship with Tim collaborating on a number of issues of importance to Ontario Realtors, such as electronic signatures on real estate transactions, the creation of a grow-op registry and stopping the spread of the municipal land transfer tax,” says Ferris. In a news release, Hudak says, “I am tremendously excited about
this new opportunity and the important mission it Tim Hudak supports: Ontario Realtors work hard every day to help Ontarians achieve their dreams of home ownership. In my travels I have seen firsthand the leadership roles Realtors take on in every community and how much charitable work OREA members do for local causes. I am honoured to lead a talented, dedicated team charged with delivering products and services to Ontario Realtors.” Hudak will leave his seat in the Legislature on Sept. 16. OREA represents 64,000 real estate brokers and salespeople who are members of Ontario’s 40 real estate boards. REM
Three students were awarded the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors (NSAR) Arnold G. Jones Bursary for their exceptional academics and community involvement. Each year NSAR bestows this bursary on selected applicants who are graduating from high school and children or grandchildren of NSAR members. This year three winners were selected and will receive $3,000 each. “The Selection Committee considers commitment to learning; involvement in school and community; maturity and responsibility; initiative and/or strength of character; and decisions toward higher education,” says Roger Sandford, president of NSAR. “Also coming into play in our decision making is work experience (if applicable) and difficulties overcome by the student.” This year’s bursary winners are (Morgan) Lindsay MacDonald and twin sisters Erin and Lindsey Coughlan. MacDonald, daughter of Realtor Heather Morgan, graduated from Lockview High School in Fall River and will be attending Saint Mary’s University to pursue a degree in science. Erin Coughlan, daughter of Realtor Melanie Coughlan, graduated from Sir John A. MacDonald High School in Halifax and will be attending Acadia University’s kinesiology program. Lindsey Coughlan, also daughter of Melanie Coughlan, and twin sister to Erin, also graduated from
Ian Burns
Sir John A. MacDonald High School and will also be attending Acadian University. ■ ■ ■
The Realtors Care Shelter Drive in Vancouver set an all-time record this year, raising $47,329 for three local housing charities. The drive has raised more than $217,000 since it began seven years ago. This year’s donations went to Aunt Leah’s Place in New Westminster, Cythera Transition House in Maple Ridge and Yew Transition House in Sechelt. These charities help people in need find a safe and supportive place to live. ■ ■ ■
WinnipegRealtors has partnered with ProTelec Alarms in the development of a Realtor safety app that is being made available to all of its members. When WinnipegRealtors approached ProTelec, it had already developed an app for safety checks used by employees working alone and entered into development for a safety app designed for Realtor security, says the board. The intention of the app is not to replace the practice of normal safety precautions all Realtors should use, but to provide an emergency response when an unforeseen situation arises. The app has been well received through information webinars and several in office presentations, the board says. REM
Wendy Giroux
From left: Shari-Lyn Rougeau, Aunt Leah’s Place; Lynn Dequanne, Realtor; Christine Chandler, Yew Transition House; Pam Costello, Aunt Leah’s Place; Lisa Morris, Realtor; Dan Morrison, REBGV president; and Joanne Barry, Cythera Transition House.
Twin sisters Erin and Lindsey Coughlan received bursaries of $3,000 each from the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors. NSAR board member Glenn Black presents the awards.