For anyone who missed the International  Builders' Show (IBS), NSMC and IRM had a busy Tuesday in Las Vegas last month! We have recapped the highlights from the IRM Commencement Breakfast and The Nationals gala, which both took place on Jan. 20.

IRM Commencement Breakfast

Congratulations are in order for Roger Fiehn, MIRM, CMP, MCSP, who was named Fellow at the annual IRM Commencement Breakfast. Roger is president and CEO of Roger Fiehn & Associates, a company specializing in sales, marketing and business management strategies since 1988. He has been involved with NSMC since 1977 and is a past Chair of the Council, as well as a past IRM President. Roger’s most notable contribution to NSMC/IRM is his continuing, grass roots efforts to connect with councils and associations all over the country in an effort to grow membership and promote education.

Three awards were also presented at the IRM Commencement Breakfast: the Friend of the Institute Award, the President’s Award and the Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award.

NAHB’s First Vice Chairman, Bob Jones, a builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., received the Friend of the Institute Award for his extraordinary dedication to the IRM and the pursuit of cultivating and delivering educational opportunities for our members. Without his championing, the IRM could not provide several of the educational products and services members use to enrich their careers.

For the President’s Award, the current IRM president recognizes an individual for his or her selfless contributions to the goals and objectives of IRM. This year’s recipient is Brenda Sanders, Vice President of Joint Venture Education and Designation Programs with NAHB’s University of Housing. She was selected for her advocacy of IRM programs and her help in the evolution of the sales and marketing curriculum.

Steve Hoffacker, MIRM, CMP, MCSP, received the prestigious Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award for his long-time leadership and dedication to IRM, most recently through his work with the IRM Convention Education Committee and the Meet the Experts program at IBS. This award honors the memory of Trina Ripley, MIRM, who was instrumental in creating the IRM's educational programs.

The Nationals Gala

The recognition continued that night with The Nationals awards presentation. After dancing to the musical stylings of the Spazmatics, more than 500 attendees listened as the Gold Award winners were announced for more than 60 categories. For a complete list of the Gold winners and Silver finalists, please visit The Nationals Web site.

Also honored was Mary DeWalt, MIRM, who received the the Bill Molster Award at The Nationals gala for her service and dedication.  Since 1965, this award has been given annually to individuals who have made major contributions to furthering the goals of the NSMC and IRM.

Adrienne Albert, MIRM, CMP, was also honored with the Legends of Residential Marketing Award. This award was instituted in 1992 to honor builders and consultants who stand apart as leaders in the new home marketing field. The Legends are selected for their professional commitment to the industry and new home community marketing innovations.

For more information on either of these events or the awards presented, please email nsmc@nahb.com or call 800-368-5242 x8192.

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