LA SALLE - The Illini Valley Association of REALTORS Annual Awards Banquet was held recently at Uptown Bar & Grill in LaSalle. Numerous awards were presented including new Realtor Affirmations, Affiliate Recognition and the Illini Valley Association of Realtors 2019 Realtor of the Year Award.

Alex Finke, Illinois Realtors Local Governmental Affairs Director, presented an update on governmental issues affecting Illinois realtors. He stressed the need for realtors to be active in the political realm. Voting in every election and being vigilant of ordinances affecting the real estate industry.

Guest speakers were Charissa Ferrari of Kelley Cawley and Jeremy Reed, owner of That Guys Secret. Their program, “Dress for Success,” addressed casual business attire and the importance of looking professional in all aspects of one’s career.

Individuals who successfully completed the Illini Valley New Member Orientation included Eugene Azarskis, Malooley Dahm Realty; Sue Bullock, RE/MAX 1^st Choice; Sue Byczynski, RE/MAX 1^st Choice; Erin Chavez, Janko Realty & Development; Carrie Cobane, Landmark Realty of IL; Ashley Gonzales, Coldwell Banker Today’s REALTORS; Melissa Hulse, RE/MAX 1^st Choice; Danielle Jackson, Century 21 Windsor Realty; Mason Kimberley, Landmark Realty of IL; and Josh Kleckner, Landmark Realty of IL.

Each year, the Affiliate Recognition Award allows the Illini Valley Association of Realtors the opportunity to recognize one affiliate member who demonstrates an active interest in the Illini Valley Association of Realtors. The recipient of the 2019 Illini Valley Affiliate Recognition Award was Lisa Jo Mertel, Ottawa Savings Bank. Mertel has been a member of the association since 2010 and served on multiple committees and work groups.

The final award was the 2019 Realtor of the Year Award. The Realtor of the Year is someone who has high principles and promotes the principles of good real estate practice among brokers and with the general public, is a team player and a loyal, enthusiastic and currently active member who regularly attends association functions and actively participates in all aspects of the association. 

The recipient of the 2018 Realtor of the Year Award is Carol Wlodarchak, Coldwell Banker Today’s REALTORS. Carol has been an active realtor member for 17 years, serving on various local association committees and the Illini Valley Board of Directors and is a pre-license and continuing education instructor. Her commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the fact that she earned the prestigious Graduate Realtors Institute Designation along with the Certified Residential Specialist and Short Sale & Foreclosure Specialist designations.

Wlodarchak has built her business, earning many awards for production including the Presidents Club Gold, Silver and the Bronze Life award. She also has a heart for people. Her list of contributions is varied and includes being a group leader for the Illinois Valley Labor of Love, assisting in organizing office fundraisers in support of local food pantries and volunteering at the Illinois Valley Pads Shelter.

The Illini Valley Association of Realtors jurisdictional territory includes LaSalle County, Putnam County, and a major portion of Bureau County.