As we reflect on this year of 2020, I would like to brag about the Morgantown Board of REALTORS® for a moment. We have over 360 members that do great things for the people in our community. Our Community Service and Social Committee along with our general membership donated over $21,000 to local organizations to help those in need. Some of the recipients included Christian Help, Preston Food Bank, Sundale Nursing Home, Monongalia EMS, Pantry Plus, The Bartlett House, Health Right and Scott’s Run Settlement House. We fed first responders and the staff at Sundale Nursing Home in April, utilizing local eateries to help support the community. Many of our members are active with local organizations, serving on boards, delivering food, and giving back to our community. With so many people in need during this pandemic, it is important to support each other as you are able. Shop with small business and eat at the locally owned restaurants.
As we transition into 2021 with hope for a better year for everyone, my goal as the Morgantown Board of REALTORS® President is to support our community as much as possible. We are more than just the salesperson. We are your neighbors, little league coaches, school sponsors, board members serving the same communities in which we live. A REALTOR® is always working so these volunteer activities are done in the background with no expectation of glory. We do these things because we love our children, our schools, our local businesses, and our town.
Over 50 new REALTORS® joined the Morgantown Board of REALTORS® in 2020. With this growth, our goal is for the young agents to continue in the same tradition as each generation of the Morgantown Board of REALTORS® has done in the past by not only serving the board but become active, contributing members of the community.
We recently had the pleasure of presenting two of our local REALTORS® with an award for REALTOR® of the year on a state and local level. Katrina Bonfili is our 2020 Morgantown Board of REALTORS®, REALTOR® of the Year and is the chair of our education committee. She has served the membership on the Strategic Planning and Core Standards committees, was the 2018 Rising Star recipient and a long serving member on the board of the Morgantown Board REALTORS®. Jessica Lipscomb is the 2020 recipient of the West Virginia REALTOR® of the year award. Jessica was the 2016 Morgantown Board of REALTORS® President, the 2020 WVAR state secretary and is now serving a three-year term on the National Association of REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence committee. Both ladies are great contributors to their communities
Reflecting on my articles for 2020, I saw the hope for a wonderful year. None of us could have known what the year would bring but as I write my article on this Christmas Eve, I can only wish for a better 2021 for everyone May you each be happy, healthy, and prosperous in the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Remember to ALWAYS do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President