Members make the difference in the real estate profession
MAR wants to know more about its members. If you know of a REALTOR® who’s done something special, has a great idea or insight about the Michigan real estate industry, or is just perfect for some publicity, we want to hear about him or her. Call Tim Kissman, director of communications and marketing, at 517.334.5568 or e-mail him at mar@mirealtors.com.

John Kersten, CRB, a 38-year member of Metropolitan Consolidated Association of REALTORS®, raised more than $880,000 for the Easter Seals charity by conducting a special raffle. For the 10th year, Kersten’s company, Century 21 Towne and Country, Rochester, raffles his-and-her Mercedes Benzes, BMWs, Corvettes, and Hummers. Tickets are sold for $50 each. More than 5,000 tickets were sold in the most recent raffle, with proceeds going to Easter Seals. “We really wanted to give back to the community and we thought that Easter Seals was the ideal charity,” Kersten said. “We get tremendous feedback in the form of letters from people who are doing well in the Easter Seals program. These people are doing so well because their sense of self-esteem, their ability and their situations are great.” To participate in the raffle, call Kersten’s office at 248.608.5000.

John “Skip” Moss, Grosse Pointe Board of REALTORS®, a REALTOR® since 1978, has served on several board committees, including his 13-year position as a director, president of the GPBR, as well as a director at MAR in 1998 and 1999. In 1998, Moss was the recipient of the Frederick G. Scully Award, which is given to a board member in recognition of outstanding contributions to the real estate industry and the community. “Our industry has changed dramatically over the years, but the essentials are still the same,” Moss said. “Treat your clients and agents with respect and give them the support they need to achieve their goals.”

REALTOR® Robert Goesten, Central Michigan Association of REALTORS®, was knighted by Her Majesty Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgardthe, Queen of the Netherlands, for his outstanding 20 years of volunteer work. Normally a nomination for knighthood is given after a lifetime of service. However, Goesten’s involvement with architecture and development not only awarded him this honor, but also made him the youngest man ever to receive knighthood at the age of 39.

Jerry Baranski, Emmet Association of REALTORS®, was recently appointed to the National Association of REALTORS® Resort Area Real Estate Committee. Baranski, with a real estate career spanning almost 40 years, joins 45 other resort specialists selected from across the country to sit on this NAR committee which monitors, reviews and analyzes issues and trends affecting resort area and second home markets, and then recommends policies. “I am really looking forward to participating on this special committee,” said Baranski. “I believe it’s very important for REALTORS® to see the necessity for resort certification as it relates to MAR and NAR.” Baranski got his start in real estate in 1966 and has been an active associate broker since then. Serving on several board committees, Baranski was recognized as the REALTOR® of the Year for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Board of REALTORS® in 1978.

In April, Maryann Tremaine, Flint Area Association of REALTORS®, was awarded the ATHENA award by the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce. The ATHENA honors to recipients dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women. As a REALTOR® for 20 years, Tremaine received this award for her commitment to professional excellence, especially for women, and community service. “You must give back to your community,” Tremaine said. “This has become a personal philosophy of mine.” Not only has Tremaine been a crusader for attaining professional excellence for women, but she has also served on other boards such as the YMCA, Flint Institute of Arts, Genesys’ Regional Medical Center, Fenton and Grand Blanc Chambers of Commerce.