The Hinesville Area Board of Realtors had its awards luncheon Feb. 16, at the historic Dorchester Civic Center in Midway. All the board members attended, including HABR president Kathy Villafane, past HABR president Eric Lukkarinen, Georgia Real Estate Commission chairman George Holtzman, Georgia Association of Realtors past president Steve Fischer, Region 9 director Hazel Hendrix and former Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown. Paul Kennedy Catering provided the meal.
Jimmy Shanken was named the board’s top producer.
All members of the board whose total sales volume exceeded $1 million received distinguished sales society awards. Anyone who receives this award for three consecutive years earns the designation of life member. Edward Milan, Hilly Peterson and Mabel Burford earned life member designations this year. Also, Pam Lovett was voted realtor of the year, and Leigh Smiley was named rookie of the year.
Realtors also were recognized for their community service efforts. Burford won the Bob Hock Scholarship Award, a $500 scholarship sponsored by Evans Home Inspections. It is to be used to help the winner continue his or her education in real estate. The other nominees for the award were: Elaine Boggs, Alvin Morgan and James Smith. Next year’s award will be sponsored by Yates Astro.
 The HABR looks to support the local community. During monthly luncheons, the HABR focuses on one nonprofit agency. Last month, Hospice of Savannah was invited and given a donation. This month, in an attempt to help with the preservation of Liberty County history, the HABR also donated to the Dorchester Village Civic Center.