Naples Area Board of REALTORS® Annual Awards Night

2021 REALTOR® of the Year Rick Baranski with 2020 REALTOR® of the Year Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati.

NAPLES – Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) held its annual Night of Honors celebration on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Hilton Naples. Chartered in 1949, the 7,000+ professional member organization of REALTORS® in Collier County recognized the accomplishments of many of its outstanding members and citizens who volunteered their time and talents to better the organization, industry and community in 2021.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by NABOR® member Antonio Barroso, included the presentation of NABOR®’s most prestigious and coveted awards. The highest honor – REALTOR® of the Year recognizes a member who has distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions in the community, and local, state, and national association level – and was awarded to Rick Baranski, NABOR® President 2018. During his presidency, Baranski created the Circle of Excellence program to promote professional conduct among members. He was awarded the Hall of Fame Award in 2019 and continues to be an inspiration to other members as he lifts the spirit of NABOR® while serving on several committees and attending many fundraisers, parties, and golf tournaments.

Corey McCloskey, NABOR® President 2021 announced that through the efforts of NABOR® member volunteers in 2021, over $44,000 was raised and presented to 11 local charities. Next, she presented Terrilyn VanGorder and Adam Vellano each with the President’s Award in recognition of the outstanding service they contributed to NABOR® during her presidency. Terrilyn VanGorder worked behind the scenes to make member events enjoyable and successful, and Adam Vellano worked to keep brokers and members well-informed and engaged.

A remarkable 22 members were inducted into the NABOR® Honor Society, many of whom were also inducted into the Florida Realtors® Honor Society. The Honor Society honors members for their overall participation at the local, state, and national levels including their activity in NAR®’s institutes, societies and councils, designations earned; educational activities; and political involvement.

The 2021 NABOR® Hall of Fame Award was presented to Brenda Fioretti, NABOR President 2010/11, and to Spencer Haynes, NABOR® President 2007. The Hall of Fame award recognizes members who have exhibited extraordinary dedication and service over 20 years of membership in NABOR®.

The prestigious Addison B. Miller Award was presented to Florida State Congressman Byron Donalds. This NABOR® award recognizes an individual who works to enhance and/or preserve private property rights, ownership and transferability, and the preservation of the free enterprise system. This award was presented by Lauren Melo, 2020 NABOR® President and Florida House of Representatives (District 80), who apprised attendees of the many significant projects the Congressman has supported over the past few years that made a positive impact on the lives of professionals working in the Florida real estate industry. In his acceptance speech, the Congressman stated assuredly, “I will make sure property rights are always protected [pause], always!”

The Annual Night of Honors also recognized the following award-winning NABOR® members:

  • Allied/Affiliate Committee Contribution Award: James Morey
  • Allied/Affiliate Rising Star Award: Shannon Livingston
  • Allied/Affiliate Member of the Year: Sam Saad
  • Commercial REALTOR® Achievement Award: Mike Carr, Sr.
  • Education Volunteer of the Year: Gwen Davis-Gideon
  • Educator of the Year: Marcie Roggow
  • Global Achievement Award: Brett Brown
  • Humanitarian Award: Katiuska Villamizar
  • REALTOR® Committee Contribution Award: Gwen Davis-Gideon
  • REALTOR® Rising Star: Allisa Pipes

The 2021 NABOR® Night of Honors Gold Sponsor was generously provided by Lake Michigan Credit Union. Our generous Silver Sponsors included the Law Office of Sam Saad III and First Horizon Bank.

Avi Adkins

Avi Adkins is a seasoned journalist with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With years of experience in the field, Adkins has established himself as a respected figure in journalism.

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