By Christa Vance

Kanawha Valley Board of REALTORS®

A wonderful time was had by many—310 to be exact—at the 2025 WVAR Real Estate Convention, including the NAR President himself, Kevin Sears! The Waterfront Marriott venue worked out great with its spacious rooms and accommodating staff. With 38 sponsors and vendors in attendance, REALTORS® had plenty of lenders, title companies/attorneys, home inspectors, and home warranty companies, among many others, to visit with and receive up-to-date information from. There was even a photo booth where attendees could have new headshots taken on the spot.

Alisa Jackson was installed as the 2026 President and looked absolutely beautiful, if I may say so. The RPAC auction was fun and exciting, as always, with bidders trying to outbid one another for amazing items, along with side games where participants could win thirst-quenching prizes. The Education Committee did a wonderful job securing CE instructors this year, including two Salesperson classes and a Broker/Associate Broker class, allowing attendees to wrap up their CE for the year.

Awards were also presented:

REALTOR® of the Year: Angela Horner, Eastern Panhandle Board of REALTORS®

Rising Star: Christa Vance, Kanawha Valley Board of REALTORS®

Distinguished Service: Susan Lawrence, Harrison County Association of REALTORS®

President’s Award: Paige Powers, Beckley Board of REALTORS®

RPAC Over Goal: Potomac Highlands Board of REALTORS®

Community Service: HCAR, WBBOR, PHBOR, MBOR, BBOR, HBOR, WBOR, GVBOR, EPBR, MTBOR

I consider it a great privilege to serve in any capacity where I’m needed for WVAR. This profession has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people I would likely never have crossed paths with otherwise, and it has helped me provide a good living for my family. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Convention Committee Chair, but one person alone could never pull this off. Many incredible volunteers help make this event what it is, and they deserve to be recognized and thanked.

Thank you to Shelley Crake, my Vice Chair and next year’s Convention Chair (I’m excited to see what she accomplishes!). Thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve on the committee and contributed in any way to help make this year a success. Thank you to Danielle Mullins and Jarrod Johnson for their multiple consecutive years of managing the vendors and ensuring they are signed up, set up, and fully supported. Thank you to Ray, Emily, Amanda, and Alisa, who did so much behind the scenes—without hesitation—to jump in and help anytime I needed them. And thank you to all the REALTORS® and Affiliates who continue to support the convention each year and help make it as successful as it is.

See you next year!