2006 REALTOR OF THE YEAR NAMED FOR CALIFORNIA DESERT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Public Record, The, Feb 06, 2007

The California Desert Association of REALTORS' named Desiree Otero 2006 REALTOR(R) 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(R) of the Year Award at the installation dinner at Toscana Country Club before about 150 REALTORS(R) 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, was sworn in as 2007 president by 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. The California Desert Association of REALTORS(R), The Voice for Real Estate' for the Coachella Valley, represents more than 4,000 estate professionals from Palm Springs to Coachella. Information: (760) 346-5637 or visit online at www.CalDesertRealtors.Com.