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Lakeland REALTORS® - a professional trade organization chartered by the National Association of REALTORS® who has continually served its members and community for ten decades is poised to celebrate its 100th year in 2023.
Chartered on April 14, 1923, Lakeland REALTORS® will commemorate this centennial anniversary with a 1920’s-themed gala hosted at Bonnet Springs Park for its members.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the past 100 years - and the next 100 years - with our members,” said Lakeland REALTORS® CEO Barbara Barnes. “There is so much history to cherish, and even more great things to come for this organization as we move into the future.” Lakeland REALTORS® will bring its celebration to the community throughout the year as well, beginning with banners on the Downtown Lakeland lamp posts.
A new initiative, 100 Acts of Service, has also been initiated to celebrate the organization’s 100th year. This program encourages and recognizes the members of Lakeland REALTORS® for engagement in and service to the Lakeland community. The initiative highlights the organization’s history of serving its community in addition to efforts to fight for private property rights, and low taxes and utility fees for residents.
“I have learned the importance of our association for not only my business and educational opportunities, but also for the support for individual homeowners’ rights as well,” said Lakeland REALTORS® Member and Immediate Past Board President Shannon Cornell.
The past 100 years have provided opportunities for Lakeland REALTORS® to make strides, but there is a lot to look forward to for Lakeland REALTORS® and its members as well. As the Lakeland community grows, the organization continues to look ahead at the next 100 years in service to Lakeland residents. “This year marks our organization’s incredible achievement of 100 years of dedication to advocating for our REALTORS®’ best interests in the policy-making process for our industry,” said current Lakeland REALTORS® Board President Jana Lutz. “Lakeland REALTORS® will continue to do the necessary work of addressing our community’s concerns by being a voice at the top of the decision-making process.”