Realtors celebrate new year at annual banquet - Fort Morgan Times

While the last several years have been fickle for the Real Estate business both across the county and around the nation, a new sales year brings hope for the Morgan County Board of Realtors. Realtors Urdiales said he was honored to receive the award, which is voted upon by the MCBR members. And while the Realtors, affiliates and guests got together to share a meal, network and socialize, there was also some serious business at hand: New officers were installed and plaques were handed out to the winners of several annual awards. But, as always, the Realtors started things off by reciting two things: the Pledge of Allegiance and the Realtor Pledge. The award came as a surprise to Urdiales -- but certainly a welcome one. Mellott, who uses a wheelchair due to an injury in a car accident years ago, loves to ride horses and she thought that others in her situation would like that type of therapy, as well. The group also conducted a ceremony where all the past presidents at the banquet passed a gavel down the line until it reached the new president, Mary Walter, who then made a speech. Realtor and professional auctioneer Stacey Martindale brought in bids for the items one by one, trying to start bidding wars and joking to the crowd, "Remember, there's no friends or family at an auction. Afterward, Martindale said she especially enjoys calling auctions for good causes. We had a lot of good fun here," she said of the auction. Also, names were drawn for $100 off of annual dues for one Realtor and $50 off for one affiliate member.