Penticton, BC – Sutton – Power 1 Realty Ltd. in Penticton was recently voted the “Best Real Estate Office in the South Okanagan” by readers of Okanagan Life Magazine. Although this franchise is quite young, this is the second time that it has received top honours. In 2007, just a year after launching, Sutton – Power 1 Realty Ltd. won second place in this category and Managing Broker/Owner Dianna Smith was named the “Best REALTOR® in the South Okanagan”. These accolades are just a few of the reasons this dynamic office has for celebration.

In December, Smith was elected President of the South Okanagan Real Estate Board (SOREB) for 2010. “Last year, I served as Vice-President of SOREB, a member of the Executive Committee, and chaired the Finance, Government Liaison and Public Affairs committees,” says Smith. “I am very keen to assume my new position within the Board of Directors. One of my duties will involve travelling more often to represent our Board at the provincial and federal levels through the Canadian and BC Real Estate Association’s conferences and annual general meetings.”

“Ours is a small real estate board but our attendance is necessary if we are to be heard within the industry,” says Smith. “I love the fact that I have such a huge support system of staff and REALTORS®. Their efforts allow me the freedom to participate in these activities, which improve the quality of membership in the South Okanagan Real Estate Board. I focus always on transparency of leadership, good communication with members and a clear vision for the future for our board and the industry. My rule of thumb is ‘Does it benefit our membership?’ I always consider the cost versus benefits.”

After 10 months of renovation by Smith, her friends and family, Sutton – Power 1 Realty Ltd. recently moved their office into a converted 80-plus-year-old heritage home. “We are the only real estate office in the area to operate out of a house. It has had a positive impact on our team and on our presence in the community.” The renovation also uncovered some ‘treasures’. Smith found a coin from 1899 and an invitation from the Union Club of Victoria, BC to Mr. W.A McKenzie dated November 5, 1924.

Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,700 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.

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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:

Gabriel Soh                  604-691-1610    stories@suttonspirit.com

Sutton – Power 1 Realty Ltd. Contact:

Dianna Smith              250-487-0001      powerone@sutton.com

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