Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Economic Development, was the featured speaker at the Ulster County Board of REALTORS® and Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS Annual Installation Banquet.

The Ulster County Board of REALTORS® held its annual installation banquet in association with the Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS on January 8th, at the Chateau in Kingston, NY. In addition to the installation of the new officers for both organizations, the Board Attorney, Al Fazio, spoke about the importance of understanding and full education around the Fair Housing Act. Featured guest speaker Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Economic Development also spoke regarding plans for improvements in and around Ulster County.

Berger discussed plans for the months – and years – ahead across the community and how as a Realtor®, all of Ulster County Board of REALTORS® members are a part of many great things to come. The goal of the Office of Economic Development is to provide valuable business counseling to help businesses in Ulster County grow and thrive. Berger talked about how together, we can help businesses learn about the value of being a part of our great community and bring new economic growth to the area. Realtors® are in a unique position to help find the best locations for organizations and businesses that are looking to expand or relocate to Ulster County. With a focus on strategic location and the exceptional quality of life in the region, Ulster County is uniquely positioned to help businesses succeed while also providing a great place to live and raise a family for our residents. 

Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS Officers were sworn in at the Annual Installation Banquet.

Board Attorney, Al Fazio, also spoke about the region, and the commitment every Realtor® has to the Fair Housing Act. While news broke about significant issues in other areas – specifically Long Island – Ulster County Board of REALTORS® is focused on ensuring every one of our Realtors® is current on education with a full understanding of the Fair Housing Act so that we may best assist all of our customers, regardless of where they are from, or what their background may be. Through a strong sense of community and a focus on education, Ulster County is proud of its diversity with an ongoing commitment to helping every potential resident or business owner have all of the resources available to them at the ready as they embark on their quest to make Ulster County their home. 

Installation of new officers was done for both Ulster County Board of REALTORS® and Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS. The new board for Ulster County Board of REALTORS® includes Alfred Peavy as President, Dominick Martorana as President-Elect, Barbara Carter in the role of Secretary/Treasurer, Harris Safier the Past President, and Directors Ryan Basten, Anna Barcone, Donna Brooks and Linda Majetich Hansen. The Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS officers are Terri Shand as President, Tim Sweeney as President-Elect, Candida Ellis in the role of Treasurer, Christine Chapman as Secretary, Randy Spiesman as Past President, along with Directors Gail Vesely, John Murphy, Patty Conti, and Keith Woodburn. 

Ulster County Board of REALTORS® officers were also sworn in at the Annual Installation Banquet.

And finally, Peter Ilani was presented with the Past President Award as thanks for his service to Ulster County Board of REALTORS®. Ilani served as president for 2019 and we thank him for his service. Prior to serving as president, Ilani volunteered and served on numerous committees. We thank him for all of his service, and congratulate him on his award!

The afternoon was a wonderful way to learn about plans for 2020 and beyond, congratulate the new officers, and catch up with other Realtors® in the area. We thank everyone who came out to attend the event, all of our officers and members, and of course a huge thank you for the ongoing support of our wonderful sponsors.