Carteret County 2008 REALTOR of the year

Let me introduce you to my best friend, Paula Stadiem, past president of the Carteret County Association of REALTORS and past president of the Crystal Coast Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS, AND 2008 REALTOR of the year for our association.

Paula won't be in the office today. She will be at the association office making sure everything is organized and managed well for the update class going on today because this year she's the chairperson for our educational program. As Paula's Broker in Charge, I could be irritated that she spends so much time and energy doing volunteer work. But I'm too proud of her to get irritated and besides, I'm well aware that people such as Paula are successful because they give back.

Paula is one of those people whom you know you can count on. She knows how to say no but when she says yes, you can be assured, the job will get done and done well. I work in the office next to hers and I know how hard she works. I know that the past two days, while most of the county was shut down because of a rare snow accumulation, Paula managed to get to the office to reschedule one class with all the phone calls and reorganization that entailed and then creep across the bridge to get all the things needed for today's class. I also know that she was at the association office at 7:30 am this morning to meet and greet and make us all look good.

We are so fortunate in our association and in our local WCR chapter to have Paula and others like her who are willing to work behind the scenes to make our jobs easier. Thank a volunteer today. I just did.