Pennsylvanians honored in NAR’s RPAC Hall of Fame ceremony

Janice Smarto, a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty, and PAR’s Director of Public Policy & Political Affairs Derenda Updegrave were honored at the National Association of Realtors®’ RPAC Hall of Fame Ceremony last evening at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Smarto, a current NAR RPAC Hall of Fame member, was recognized for moving up to Level 2 in the RPAC Hall of Fame, while Updegrave is a new inductee.

“My investment works to promote Realtor® issues against policies that could have an adverse effects on our real estate industry and the consumers. I can’t do it on my own because I am only one individual, but together, Realtors® are able to influence decisions locally, in Harrisburg and in D.C. I consider myself a political junkie,” said Smarto, who was PAR’s 1999 president. Smarto also received the PAR Realtor® of the Year award in 2000, the PAR Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and the PAR Realtor® Active in Politics Award in 2008.

“It is important for our fellow Realtors® to work together to give them a voice legislatively. They must know the issues that keeps us working and making money. You must protect the Realtor® profession,” added Smarto, a Realtor® for more than 40 years. “Think of it as an insurance policy in your future. No matter what affiliation you are, RPAC is bipartisan, supporting those who support Realtors®,” added Smarto.

Updegrave, who has been with PAR for 21 years, said investing in RPAC over the years has been an easy decision. “I want to support candidates who advocate for private property rights, who want to strengthen the real estate industry and who fight for the average property owner. Being inducted into the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame is an honor.”

The Hall of Fame recognizes dedicated members whose RPAC investments total an aggregate of at least $25,000. Members are recognized with a lapel pin, a plaque commemorating their support and an inscription of their name on a plaque on NAR’s Washington, D.C. building rooftop.