Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS Inaugurates 2016 President

Buffalo, NY – On February 19, 2016, Sharon Ciminelli of MJ Peterson Real Estate, was named 2016 President of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors (BNAR), a trade organization with more than 3,000 local members whose mission is to promote professionalism, real estate property rights and values and is the voice for real estate in the Western New York area. Sharon was installed as President by her husband, Michael.

Sharon Ciminelli was installed as the 112th President of BNAR

An Amherst, NY resident, Ciminelli has served as an Officer of BNAR for the past two years before becoming President.  She is an award winning agent in her office, and has served on many of our Associations Committees, as well as at the State and National level.

“Ciminelli goes above and beyond to further her personal and professional development and is a champion for the real estate industry and in her community.  A Realtor for 30 years, Sharon also serves as Crossing Guard to the Amherst Police Department.  In addition, Sharon and her certified therapy dog Buster, visit nursing homes and the Buffalo Airport as part of the SPCA’s Paws for Love program with the goal of putting smiles on everyone’s faces.

“Being an animal advocate she is devoting her energy to the SPCA Serving Erie County, her designated charity for 2016,” said John B. Leonardi, BNAR Chief Executive Officer.  “Even at the inaugural event, supplies and certificates to adopt a puppy, dog, kitten or cat were auctioned off as a way to raise money for the SPCA Serving Erie County, he added.”

Her Presidential theme for 2016 is “United as One.”  Realtors come from different backgrounds and countries; we all work together, diligently with buyers and sellers so that they can plant deep roots in our community and make our industry professional, respectable and relevant.  Her commitment to Real Estate is strong with her goal to better the Real Estate industry for future generations.

 Mike McDonough, Realtor of the Year Recipient

At the event, Michael McDonough of Hunt Real Estate ERA was named Realtor of the Year and Shelia Ferrentino of RealtyUSA WNY, was named Realtor-Associate of the Year.  The awards are based on exemplary service and participation in the BNAR, the Real Estate community, the National and State Association and involvement and service in civic, community, church and charitable projects as well as business accomplishments

Shelia Ferrentino, Realtor-Associate of the Year Award Recipient

In addition to Sharon’s installation, the following individuals were installed by Amy Winklhofer, her friend and a past president of BNAR she is also a Real Estate broker/owner:  Officers – Dawn Brown-Realty USA WNY, President Elect;   Rebecca VanDorn-Letchworth Valley Realty, Secretary/Treasurer;  Eric Winklhofer-Century 21 Winklhofer, Vice President;  Joe Rivellino-Rivellino Realty, Past President and Philip Aquila Jr-MJ Peterson Real Estate  her Presidential Advisor.
Directors serving three year terms are: Ann Edwards-Realty Edge,  Bill Higgins-MJ Peterson Real Estate, John Kopera-Realty USA WNY and Donna Littlefield-Realty USA WNY.  One year terms as Director at Large are Peter F. Hunt-Hunt Real Estate ERA and Matthew Whitehead-Realty USA WNY.   Appointed as Regional Director is John Wallin-Nothnagle Realtors who is representing Genesee Valley and Elaine McCune-MJ Peterson Real Estate who is representing Niagara County.

Officers and Directors being sworn into office