Real estate leaders in spotlight at GSBOR event

The Greater Springfield Board of Realtors recognized seven local industry leaders with specialty awards at its annual ceremony.

The organization's annual awards ceremony was held March 25 at Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. More than 800 people attended, making it the largest-ever event hosted by the GSBOR, officials said.

The specialty awards went to:
• Laurel Bryant of Murney Associates, Realtors, the Margaret Martin Cooperative Spirit Award;
• Christina Ferrante of 417 Home Loans at Flat Branch, the GSBOR Affiliate of the Year ;
• Todd Thomas of Eagle Management & Realty 1 LLC, the Realtor Broker of the Year;
• Issis “ZeZe” Saad of Murney Associates, Realtors, the Kirk Hewitt Community Champion Award;
• Mal Bailey of Gateway Real Estate, the Rookie of the Year;
• Joel Gaisford of Murney Associates, Realtors, the Realtor Salesperson of the Year; and
• Ethel Curbow of AMax Real Estate, the GSBOR Diamond Pillar Award .

More than 700 honors based on sales volumes also were presented, according to a news release.