ORLANDO, FL – September 6, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Florida Realtors® has named Connie Johnson, a member of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors®, as its 2010 Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented during the state association’s recent 94th annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.
This year’s Humanitarian of the Year award winner proves that Realtors make a difference in communities.
Johnson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential, dedicates 15 hours per week to refurbish homes, improve neighborhoods and help people who have nowhere else to turn. As president for Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) in 2009, Johnson completed over 70 homes for families living in deplorable conditions. As part of that drive, she refurbished 22 homes in historic West Tampa in partnership with the NFL during the Super Bowl.
Johnson’s goal was simple: Make a difference in a single community with desperate needs. To make the dream come true, Johnson coordinated the city, county and 800 volunteers, using political contacts to secure city and county grants.
When not helping people in need, Johnson focuses on animals. She currently serves as vice president of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, the chair of the Hillsborough County Animal Advisory board and founder of Florida Big Dog Rescue. As a direct result of Johnson’s efforts, the euthanasia of dogs and cats is down 44 percent, and pet adoptions have increased 150 percent. Other efforts have boosted animal health care and provided pet food to owners who could no longer afford it.
Johnson has also served Florida Realtors in numerous capacities. In 2008, she received the RPAC Lifetime Achievement Award for her political efforts, and currently serves as vice chair of the state association’s Fundraising Forum.
Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.
Contact:
Marla Martin, Communications Manager or Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2314
