MLBOR News

Press Release
January 12, 2009

Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors Launches 2009 With A Positive Outlook
The NC Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS® held its first monthly meeting of 2009 in Murphy on January 8.  Board president Connie Clayton set the tone by saying "our mountain region is a beautiful place to be, and we have a positive story to tell."   Goals for the organization are focused on national, state and regional partnerships to promote the community, the value of real estate ownership and the professionalism of those who serve the public in this industry.  The real estate business is recognized as a key to the prosperity of our local economy, and the vast network of local  banking, construction & trades, service and retail operations directly connected to its success.

"The public needs to know our local area banks have money to lend, and at some of the lowest interest rates we've seen in recent history.  First time home buyers need to know about the programs available to them that make the dream of  home ownership possible.  Real estate buyers can take advantage of amazing values on the market, and in communities that have so much to offer in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas," said Clayton. 

Clayton introduced fellow board members Kelly Hopkins, Carol Harting , Ralph Crisp, Lawrence McNabb, John Hatchett, Joy Watson, Bonnie Smith, and past president David Hilton.  Together with a host of working committee chairs already appointed, the board members expressed a "thumbs up" attitude about the coming year and emphasized the need for the organization to serve its members and the public.  "In these challenging times, we want no REALTOR® left behind" said Clayton, calling for active involvement of all members in achieving mutual goals and spreading a positive message in partnership with others in the community.  The need for greater involvement and positive influence with local and state legislative matters was also addressed.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce was applauded for its recent work with the Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS®, Northeast Georgia Board of REALTORS® and surrounding county chambers in an unprecedented partnership for the international marketing of the regional mountain area at the 2008 National Association of REALTORS® convention in Orlando. A special DVD featuring the sights and sounds of Cherokee County NC was produced for convention of more than 25,000 attendees, and is now available at the Chamber of Commerce office at the Welcome Center in Murphy.  Also mentioned was the Cherokee County Chamber's full page feature of the area in the Blue Ridge Country magazine's annual travel guide issue, with a distribution of over 100,000.

In other business Randy Dockery announced plans for the Mountain Lakes BOR student scholarship program and funding of awards in 2009.  Kathy and Corky Vetten were recognized for their generous contributions to the Christmas Children Fund, which in 2008 provided new winter coats and pajamas to over 65 children in need.  Joan Posey Neumann was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS®.  Joan Furst was honored for completing the Graduate REALTOR® Institute in 2008.  The GRI designation is the most comprehensive and highest professional education credential earned by a licensed REALTOR®.

The Mountain Lakes BOR is an organization of licensed real estate brokers and professional affiliates, who work together to achieve common goals for the real estate industry and the community it serves.  Eligible for membership are those in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and surrounding county areas.  For more information visit www.mountainlakesboardofrealtors.com , contact a board member or your local REALTOR®.