Lakeland Realtors held its annual Installation & Awards Luncheon at the Magnolia Building on Friday, December 15, 2023, and presented the association’s annual achievement awards.
The highest honor bestowed upon a member is Realtor of the Year. This prestigious award honors a member who is active in the association, provides outstanding service to the profession and the community, exhibits high principles, and abides by the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. This year’s honoree was Rachel Hernandez, a Realtor with WebPro Realty.
Craig Morby, with SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler, took home the William B. Loftin Commercial Realtor of the Year Award. Loftin, a former Lakeland Mayor and president of Lakeland Realtors, was known for his economic and community development work in Polk County. This award recognizes a realtor who stands out as a community leader in the commercial real estate sector.
Mary Stephenson, Citizens Bank and Trust, was awarded the Preferred Business Partner of the Year award for her continuous support of the realtor community. Lakeland Realtors Preferred Business Partners help advance the mission of the association through support of education, networking events, and community service.
The Humanitarian of the Year award was presented to Christy Smith with Premier Homes and Real Estate. Christy was recognized for her philanthropic work with local charities.
In addition to these awards, the Volunteer of the Year, chosen by the Lakeland Realtors staff, was presented to Andrea Anderson with S&D Real Estate Service for her countless volunteer hours dedicated to the Lakeland Realtors and the community.
The Hall of Fame Award honors outstanding realtor members who have contributed and continue to contribute outstanding service to the real estate profession on a local, state and national level. Debbie Miller with WebPro Realty was named to the Lakeland Realtors Hall of Fame.
Lakeland Realtors is a professional trade organization chartered by the National Association of Realtors, the nation’s largest trade organization. The association serves over 1550 Realtor and affiliate members and the community.