On the Town: Burbank Realtors recognize their own
More than 250 local Realtors and affiliates were welcomed to the Magnolia Boulevard headquarters of the Burbank Assn. of Realtors as the organization bestowed its annual 2016 recognition awards this past week.
Welcomed by the association’s executive director, Cheritta Smith, president, Caleb Gonzales, and the event’s emcee, David Fogg, this annual event pays tribute to individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the organization and the Burbank community at large.
Breaking with the longstanding tradition of presenting the awards at the group’s December leadership reorganization, this year’s awards presentation was staged as a breakfast that, along with association members, was attended by Mayor Jess Talamantes and City Councilman Bob Frutos.
This year saw Trena Pittchford, the executive director of the Burbank Arts for All Foundation, recognized as the Citizen of the Year for establishing a highly ethical reputation with the public and going above and beyond to serve the Burbank community.
The Affiliate of the Year Award, presented to an association affiliate member who has made significant contributions to the work of the organization and maintains the highest of ethical standards, was bestowed upon Anthony Carusa of the Burbank-based Logix Federal Credit Union.
Presented with the Cunningham Community Service Award for showing consistent and dedicated service to numerous community nonprofit organizations including the staging of Starlight Bowl concerts, the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn., the local Boys & Girls Club, and Lions and Kiwanis clubs was the Brad Korb Real Estate Group represented by Brad, Nancy and Courtney Korb.
The 2016 Mary L. Vaughn Leadership Award given to an association member who has been in good standing for more than a decade and has shown leadership in governmental affairs at the local, state or national levels went to Alisa Cunningham, a top Realtor who specializes in luxury real estate and served as the association’s president in 2015.
The Burbank Assn. of Realtors’ Lifetime Achievement Award, given in recognition of a longstanding member’s record of respected service, was presented in absentia to Dilbeck Realtor Mike Napolitano, who had a prior family commitment.
The group’s most prestigious recognition, the Realtor of the Year Award — given to a Realtor who has worked to advance the association’s standing in the community by civic participation and demonstrating ethical conduct with the public and fellow Realtors — was bestowed upon Daina Burness of Dilbeck Real Estate.
The Burbank Assn. of Realtors is a professional trade organization representing Realtors and affiliate members engaged in real estate that has been serving Burbank since 1922.
The organization established a community service foundation in 1986 that operates as the group’s charitable arm.
Among those who have benefited from the group’s philanthropy over the past quarter century are local high school seniors who have received scholarships, Habitat for Humanity, the Burbank YMCA, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, the Kid’s Community Dental Clinic and Family Promise of the Verdugos.
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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
