rha's annual gathering - 2010 - an evening devoted to our membership

On October 14th, over 80 members convened at the Museum of Flight for RHA’s Annual Gathering. Attendees has the opportunity to tour the museum until 5:30, after which they were led to the View Lounge to take in the sights and network with fellow members over a delicious spread of food and drinks. Check out event photos here!

Jack Hawes, RHA Chairman of the Board, served as the emcee for the evening. He opened the meeting greeting those in the room and thanking our generous event sponsors: Banner Bank, ServPro of Central & Northeast Seattle & Federal Way and Roof Tight Inc. Perfect Surface of WA was a packet sponsor for the event. Todd Hull and Luis Hernandez of Banner Bank stepped up to the microphone to briefly introduce everyone to services provided by Banner, followed by Shelley Butler of ServPro. After our sponsors had the opportunity to introduce themselves, our other Associate Members in attendance were invited to stand and introduce themselves.

Charlie Spaeth, RHA Political Action Committee Chair and current member of the Board had the privilege of introducing our four PAC Supported Candidates in attendance: Senator Rodney Tom (48th District), Joe Fain (Senator for 47th District), Cindy Ryu (Representative for the 32nd District) and Representative Chris Hurst (31st District). RHA’s PAC Committee works tirelessly throughout the year to interview candidates and support those who have the rights and interests of rental property owners and managers in mind. Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated to our PAC – RHA was able to support over 40 candidates this election season.

RHA’s Annual Gathering is our evening dedicated to recognizing those in the industry that go above and beyond. RHA President, Julie Johnson, had the distinct opportunity to award our Celebrate the Stars Industry Winners. Our 2010 winners were: Earl Ecklund –Rental Property Owner of the Year; ServPro of Central/Northeast Seattle & Federal Way – Associate Member of the Year; Pierce County Housing Authority’s Ready to Rent Program – Community Service Award; Ed Bartley – Volunteer of the Year; Todd Hull – President’s Award; and Verna Cameron of L/T Services – the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you to all of award winners for going the distance and making RHA and the rental housing industry better.

The program continued recognizing RHA’s Educators and Authors as well as our current and incoming Board of Directors. Julie Johnson also presented to the membership all the benefits that included in membership to RHA, just by belonging!

The evening came to close around 8 pm, as door prizes were awarded. Thank you to everyone who attended our 2010 Annual Gathering. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are already looking forward to next year!