Media Releases

Release Date
January 16, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

RSue McCollum Named 2008 President
Of California Desert Association of Realtors®

PALM DESERT (Calif.) — Sue McCollum, a veteran real estate broker, was formally installed as the 2008 president of the The California Desert Association of Realtors® at a recent installation ceremony while Bernice Westberg of Windermere was named Realtor® of the Year.

"I am so very proud to be giving back to our fantastic real estate community that has done so much for me in the 20 years I have been a Realtor®," McCollum said in her acceptance speech at the installation dinner Dec. 1 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

About 130 Realtors® and real estate industry professionals attended the annual dinner installation ceremony. McCollum, who owns her own realty company, was installed by long time colleague, Jon McGihon, sales and membership director at Stone Eagle.

McCollum's theme for her year tenure is "Together We Can." In today's traditional market, "buyers and sellers need to work with a Realtor® more than ever," she said.

She announced her leadership goals for 2008: "Enhance membership value and professionalism, boost political awareness and involvement and give agents workable tools to navigate the year ahead."

Westberg said she was "shocked and humbled" about her selection as Realtor® of the Year. She was honored because of her dedicated service to CDAR, the real estate industry and for a reputation as a very ethical Realtor®.

Westberg has been listing and selling property in the Coachella Valley for 22 years, specializing in country club, golf course, luxury homes and condos from Palm Springs to La Quinta in all price ranges. Prior to moving to the desert, Bernice came to the United States from South Africa. She has lived in the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada.

Former 2000 CDAR President Dianne Dougherty officiated at the swearing-in ceremony for elected 2008 officers and directors.

The new officers are: John Young, Prudential California Realty, president-elect for 2008 and Heather Ozur, Coldwell Banker, treasurer.

New directors for 2008 are Emily DiSimone as immediate past president of CDAR, Scott Gerrie, SmokeTree Realty; Conrad Mariscal; Coldwell Banker; Tom Ogle, Coldwell Banker; Lora Burton, B & B Real Estate Services, Paula LaBellarti, Keller Williams Realty; Sherry Palmateer, First Team Real Estate, Raymond Evans, Realty Executives, and Bernice Westberg, Windermere Realty.

Special Awards went to:

Ken Agee, Washington Mutual, Affiliate of the Year, Kara Robinson, RAM Home Warranty, Affiliate Special Recognition; Jerry Smith, Prudential California Realty, Realtor® Special Recognition; Heather Ozur, Coldwell Banker; President's Award and Stacey Spring, CDAR's director of operations, President's Award.

The master of ceremonies for the installation dinner was Greg Berkemer, CDAR executive vice president.

The California Desert Association of Realtors®, The Voice for Real Estate® for the Coachella Valley, represents more than 4,200 estate professionals from Palm Springs to Coachella.

For more information, please call (760) 346-5637 or visit online at www.CalDesertRealtors.Com