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Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Palm Beach County Realtor® Is FAR’s 2004 Realtor of Year

ORLANDO, Fla., September 2004 -- Palm Beach County Realtor® Tony Macaluso was recently named Florida’s 2004 Realtor of the Year by the more than 110,000-member Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). The lifetime achievement award was presented at FAR’s recent 88th annual Convention & Trade Expo in Orlando. 

"I'm very proud to be a Realtor and I take that message with me everywhere I go," Macaluso said on accepting the award. "But it's at times like this when I take the most pride in the Realtor family. Twelve years ago, when Hurricane Andrew devastated our state, Realtors were phenomenal in their caring. After 9-11, we saw what Realtors can do. This award -- I'd like you to reach into your hearts and deep into your pockets and let's help those who have been hurt by the recent hurricanes. That would make me the proudest Realtor of the Year."  

FAR has presented a Realtor of the Year and an Associate Realtor of the Year award for 50 years. Winners are honored for their great individual lifetime contributions to their local board, community, FAR and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

A member of the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches, Macaluso has been active on the local association level since 1978, serving as president and chairing 10 committees. He also has received the local organization's Realtor of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. At the state level, Macaluso served as an FAR officer and district vice president, chaired seven committees and instructed GRI classes for 10 years, to name just a few of his activities. He also served as an NAR director for 13 years, chaired or vice-chaired several groups or committees, and has been named International Advocate of the Year, Educator of the Year and International Educator of the Year. 

In the local and international community, Macaluso has worked for many years to support fair lending practices, fair housing opportunities, affordable housing and homeownership. He believes that Realtors have the responsibility to take their seat at the table of public discussions affecting all aspects of private property ownership. His commitment resulted in trips to Eastern and Central Europe as a consultant for the International Real Property Foundation organizing Realtor Associations in former communist countries, to name just a few of his numerous professional, civic and community activities.

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 110,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2004 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS