2008 – 2009 SEMAR Board of Directors Candidates
OFFICERS
These officers are running unopposed
2008-2009 President
Mary Lindgren Gorman
2008-2009 President Elect
Tracie Fogelson
2008-2009 Immediate Past President
Micki Miller
There are Two Candidates for Treasurer
Eric Brownlow
 I have been a Realtor in SE Minnesota for 12+ years. I have previous SEMAR Board experience as a Director. I would like your consideration for the Treasurer position. I believe my "in the trenches" Realtor experiences would serve the Association well. I have a strong desire in helping shape the direction of our Association and am willing to make the four year commitment necessary to do so. My name is Eric Brownlow and I approve this message.
Jennifer Fisher
A great deal of responsibility will be required from the person selected as Treasurer not only for the first year, but also for the next 2-3 years following. There are a lot of changes that have taken place in the real estate market and in our business. By far, the changes will continue to happen and we will see the business transform. As those transformations are continuing to happen, the board leadership should be proactive and creative in meeting the continuing needs of our membership and the market.
I have been on the board for 1 full 2-year term now and an active real estate agent for over 5 years. I have held other leadership positions over the past 18 years and have been active in our community.
REAL ESTATE
GRI
Past Managing Broker of a real estate office
Million Dollar Producer
EDUCATION:
Summa Cum Laude graduate of Concordia University : BA in Organizational Management and Communications
Supervisory Management – Riverland Community College
Word Processing Specialist –Riverland Community College
Business Microcomputers – Riverland Community College
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Processing Services Supervisor – Responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of two Order Processing Departments. Directly manage a core leadership team of eight with a production staff of 140 seasonal and temporary employees. Manage a $1.2M and a $320K budget.
Executive Assistant & Client Service Supervisor – Employment Placement Firm Regional Office:
Executive Assistant to the Provost – University Center Rochester: Conducted studies and made recommendations in areas of accounting, organization and staffing, building space utilization, equipment and materials purchasing, business systems, methods of operation. I conducted research into administrative problems.
I have given a great deal of thought and consideration of my commitment to performing to the best of my abilities and for the good of our membership and leadership as Treasurer, and I ask for your support and vote.
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
 There is one opening for a Director from Albert Lea and one candidate
Matthew Johnson
I’ve been living in Albert Lea for 33 years and I’m currently, along with my wife, raising my two children here. I’ve been in the real estate business since May of 05’. I bring to the table many years of management level experience and the ability to listen well to others concerns to bring them the results they’re looking for. I hope to work closely with everyone to keep the association growing with the changing times that we are experiencing.
There is one opening for a Director from Austin and one candidate
 Casey Hatch
My name is Casey Hatch. I am a licensed real estate broker in Austin, MN. I am in my 7th year in real estate, and hold the GRI designation. A large part of my business has been representing clients in residential real estate, new construction, and land development.
Recently, we have seen a shift in the market and I have altered my business accordingly. The market is not as dead as the media would like us to believe; it’s just different. I still stay busy with building new homes and selling residential homes, but now I represent a number of real estate investors. I have also invested in real estate myself. At one time, I was intimidated by selling HUD homes and foreclosures. It is now a major part of my business and I think it is going to be here for a while. I believe changing with the times, providing good service and being versatile is a big part of success in this business.
I want to be on the SEMAR Board of Directors because I have been involved in a wide range of the real estate business in the Austin area. I hope to provide a solid voice on what is going on in my area and am interested in views from Realtors from other areas in southern Minnesota to bring back to Austin. I think it is important to get involved outside the office and hope I can help achieve the common goal of working together with other agents and administrators of SEMAR.
There is one opening for a Rochester Director and three candidates
Keith Framsted
 I got my start in real estate as a private investor in 2000. While building my personal portfolio, I managed investment property for a local Rochester company. In 2003, I obtained my real estate sales license and had immediate success. To better serve my clients, I continue to further my knowledge base by attending continuing education classes and obtaining advanced certifications/
I would like to be on the SEMAR Board of Directors to learn and increase my knowledge on how a big association runs its business. “I am currently the president of the Spyglass Homeowners Association.” I think that I can make fair decisions under pressure. I would like to meet and get to know more REALTOR’s outside my office. This is the best reason of all…to have fun!
Ed Garris
I have been a member of SEMAR since 1988. I am also a life member of REPAC. In the past 20 years I have earned the following five professional real estate designations: ABR, ARS, CNHS, CRS, ESA, GRI. “My goal is to serve as a board member for SEMAR and to help our fine organization continue to grow and educate our members in a way each Realtor may learn, prosper and become successful while at the same time to support MNAR and NAR in its mission to educate all Realtors down the same professional path.”
Chas Wilson
 I have been a Realtor for 8 years now. I am currently the Team Leader/CEO of my fast-growing company. I have recently been accepted as a national trainer for my firm. My day consists of training and consulting with our associates. I have found great enjoyment in being able to give back to our associates. This is the same reason that I would like to be on the Board of Directors. I believe that all of us need to give back. I believe that I would bring leadership and creative thinking to our Board.
My Survival 101 panel experience on business planning encouraged me to get even more involved in SEMAR. I have enjoyed being one of the creative forces involved in developing the “Meeting of the Minds” group, with the hope to bring timely information and discussion to our members to enhance their business.
There is one opening for a Winona Director and one candidate
Jerry Van Hoof
I have been a consistent top producer with 31 years of experience. I have served the SEMN Board of Realtors in various positions since1998, including President in 2005.
I would like to serve the SEMN Realtors during these challenging times. Many changes will occur in the next 2 years and with my experience, I feel I can offer valuable counsel to keep our Association "on track" for many years to come.
There is one opening for an At-Large Director and two candidates
Steve Sherwood
 I believe that I have a responsibility to give back to the business that I make my living. I have been involved with different boards and have worked with many people. I am currently attending management work shops through my company and I feel it gives me broader experience that I can bring to the Board of Directors.
I had the privilege of serving on the Community Housing Partnership Board of Directors this year and helped plan the Affordable Home Showcase. As a Director I have volunteered on several work groups, including the Budget Committee and Finance Committee. With only one year as a SEMAR Director and I would like to continue to serve.
Betty Thilmany
 I am a full time real estate sale person in Winona. I became licensed in the state of MN in April 2002 and in the state of WI in 2004. I have worked in the Rochester area, Winona area, and in the state of WI from Trempealeau to Nelson. This has given me the opportunity to understand how different regions conduct business. I am an active member in Winona Member Services and was the chair person in 2005. I continue to serve on committees, currently am the chair for the picnic committee. I believe we should be involved in organizations and events that benefit the community. I am a member of the Winona Noon Lions Cub. I believe that my commitment to our organization, my years of experience in real estate, a broad knowledge base, and a background in accounting would make me an ideal candidate to serve on the Board of Directors.
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SAMPLE BALLOT - Ballots will be emailed in mid-September.
Officers – Vote for one for each office
___ 2008-2009 President – Mary Lindgren Gorman
___ 2008-2009 President Elect Tracie Fogelson
2008-2009 Treasurer
___ Eric Brownlow
___ Jennifer Fisher
Directors – Vote for one for each open seat
Albert Lea - ___ Matthew Johnson
Austin - ___ Casey Hatch
Rochester
___ Keith Framsted
___ Ed Garris
___ Chas Wilson
Winona - ___ Jerry Van Hoof
At Large
___ Steve Sherwood
___ Betty Thilmany
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