  Surrounded
by family and friends, Eric Neel, RE/MAX Alliance, stepped forward on a very magical night to
accept the top honor of REALTOR® of the Year for 2004. If there were ever a cheerleader for the Association and the real estate industry, Neel
exemplifies the term. He has given selflessly over the last several years of both his time and
energy to better the Association and to improve the real estate profession.
One of Neel's most important contributions of the past year has been his involvement as
chairman of the Association's PSF/RSDC Committee. Under his leadership, that group has so far
helped to raise over $16,000 to support candidates and issues that directly affect the real
estate industry.
Neel served two terms as AAR Director, helping guide the Association during both good and
trying times. He is a past co-chairman and active member of AAR's Bowling Tournament Committee.
He is an enthusiastic member of the Golf Committee, lending his time and talent to creating
exciting tournaments year after year. His involvements don't stop there; in fact, you would be
hard-pressed to find a committee that Neel has not served on!
The qualities that Neel brings to the table - intelligence, patience, compassion and,
yes, a "wee bit o' stubborn" - are characteristics that most of us aspire to.
He sets a top-quality example of how to be a successful real estate professional while at the
same time believing in volunteerism and the responsibility for making a difference in one's
own industry. |
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 No one was more surprised
than ever-humble Tom Gross as he was announced as the 2004 Affiliate of the Year.
Gross has been a member of the Aurora Association of REALTORS® since the summer of 1998.
In his six years here, he has been an instrumental member of the Affiliate Committee, offering quiet,
steady support to many events and projects. Last year, he was instrumental in finding top-notch
speakers for REALTOR® Update Meetings. He has been an avid supporter of the Affiliate
fund raiser held each spring and has served on numerous Association committees. Gross is
professional and ethical in his business practices; AAR members can always see him ready to
help in any endeavor of the Association.
Gross holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and a Masters from the
University of Southern Mississippi. He traveled the world with the U.S. Navy; after
retiring in 1994, he began his lending career. Those who work with Gross know that when he
starts a project, he finishes it. He is a very hard worker who has clear goals in mind. His
employer says, "I wish I had a dozen more just like Tom."
On the personal side, Gross is a deacon at his church and is president-elect of his Toastmasters
Club. He is an Auburn football and Boston Red Socks fanatic. He also believes you have not really
lived until you have eaten his famed peanut soup.
Although winning the Affiliate of the Year award is a significant achievement for Gross, he says
that he considers his healthy, vibrant marriage to his wife Linda of 31 years to be his greatest
accomplishment.
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