Media Releases

RELEASE DATE:
February 6, 2007

CONTACT:
Greg Berkemer
760) 346-5637
(Media Only) John Hussar
PRNewsWorks (760) 567-8073

INDIAN WELLS (Calif.) - The California Desert Association of REALTORS® named Desiree' Otero 2006 REALTOR® of the Year at an installation ceremony where she turned over her gavel as 2006 board president to 2007 president Emily DiSimone.

"2006 will go down in the history books of my life as the most exciting time in my life," Otero said in receiving the REALTOR® of the Year Award at the installation dinner at Toscana Country Club before about 150 REALTORS® and real estate industry professionals.

"I worked hard to make a difference during my year as president, we had a lot of fun, we made a lot of friends and we made a difference. The magic word here is 'we' because this year could not have been as great as it was without the support and help of a lot of people. Receiving this award and being elected by my peers is the most rewarding achievement of my career in real estate. It's like winning the Super Bowl."

Pat Fredericks, the 2005 CDAR president, also was honored with a Special Recognition award for her work with CDAR. Patti Kekich, of Commonwealth Land Title Company, was named Affiliate of the Year for 2006.

Emily DiSimone, a desert real estate agent and now licensed broker since 1985, has was sworn as 2007 president by well-known real estate executive Mel Rudman.

Former CDAR president Jerry Smith of Prudential California officiated the swearing-in ceremony for elected 2007 officers and directors.

The new officers are: Sue McCollum, Regency Homes Sales, president-elect for 2008 and Gary Howell, Coldwell Banker, treasurer.

New directors for 2007 are Otero as immediate past president of CDAR, Scott Gerrie, SmokeTree Realty; Conrad Mariscal, Coldwell Banker; Tom Ogle, Coldwell Banker; Heather Ozur, Coldwell Banker; John Puff, Broker; Bernice Westberg, Windermere Real Estate; Jim Schwietz, Windermere Real Estate; John Young, Prudential California.

In her acceptance speech, DiSimone, with Prudential California Realty in Palm Desert, said she will promote even more personal service for all of the organization's 4,000 plus members. "As the real estate market shifts to a place where buyers and sellers have equal standing and therefore negotiate more" she said, "I think it's important for the public to understand the long standing reputation of professionalism among REALTORS® and how we can really help them buy or sell a home." She also looks to continue programs started by Otero.

"The Calypso fashion show was huge success and we look forward to doing that next year,'' DiSimone said. The first-ever fashion show, "Cool Calypso, Hot Fashions" held July 20th, raised $40,000 for the organization's high school senior scholarship fund. The California Desert Association of REALTORS® handed out a record $16,000 in scholarships last year. DiSimone also said she wants to work more closely with the affiliate members of the California Desert Association of REALTORS®.

"The affiliates are very dedicated hard working members from the industry such as mortgage companies, escrow, title insurance, etc. My slogan this year is 'We are family.'" DiSimone, who lives in Palm Desert, also is the founder of the non-profit Theresa D. Holden Foundation in honor of her late sister who died from breast cancer. "Our mission is to enrich the lives woman living with breast cancer by providing them the means to pursue their social, educational or education or cultural interests and empower to realize their dreams," DiSimone said.

Some of the proceeds from this year's California Desert Association of REALTORS® golf tournament were donated to the Theresa D. Holden Foundation.

Before becoming a REALTOR®, DiSimone worked at CBS television studios in Los Angeles where she was a personal assistant to actress Mary Tyler Moore. DiSimone also studied psychology and counseling in college.

The California Desert Association of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® for the Coachella Valley, represents more than 4,000 estate professionals from Palm Springs to Coachella. For more information, please call (760) 346-5637 or visit online at www.CalDesertRealtors.Com