The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recently named Ray Francis of Coast Realty Group in Cumberland as its Realtor of the Year.
Since 1976, VIREB has bestowed the annual award on a member whose dedication to excellence has had a profound influence on the professional image of Realtors. Recipients exemplify characteristics such as leadership, industry stakeholder participation and active community involvement.
Francis has been in the real estate industry since 1987, the year he obtained his real estate license, says the board. He sat on numerous VIREB committees and task forces throughout the years, in addition to serving as VIREB president in 2009. The board says despite the countless hours dedicated to board service, Francis has consistently been among the top five per cent of producers during his 11 years with Coast Realty Group.
“Ray is an exemplary example of a real estate professional and a very deserving recipient of this award,” says VIREB EO Bill Benoit. “Working with him over the years, I’ve developed immense respect for the integrity he brings to the business.”
Barry Clark (Photo by Artez Photography)
VIREB also announced its newest honorary member, Barry Clark.
Licensed since 1965, Clark’s list of accomplishments in the realm of organized real estate is long, says the board. In management roles since 1978, Clark served two terms as VIREB president, even finding time to initiate Realty Watch. He has worked with the British Columbia Real Estate Association, Real Estate Errors & Omissions Insurance Corporation and Real Estate Council of B.C. He was also VIREB’s Realtor of the Year in 1985.
Since 1965, he has been actively involved with the Nanaimo Bathtub Races as a supporter, volunteer and participant. He also dabbled in the theatrical world, including working with Hollywood great Myrna Loy on a film produced in Qualicum Beach.
Benoit has known Barry for many years and calls him an industry icon.
“We don’t bestow honorary member status often, but Barry’s accomplishments and dedication to professionalism fulfill every requirement,” says Benoit. “He possesses a wealth of industry knowledge and brings a tremendous skill set to the table. His friendly demeanour also wins people over, turning strangers into friends.”
