Three Realtors® honored in Harrisburg

Three Realtors® were honored by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) last night during a special awards ceremony in Harrisburg.

Harrison “Bud” Tyson of Strafford was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the Realtor® organization. Bette McTamney of East Norriton was named the Realtor® of the Year, which acknowledges meritorious contributions to the advancement of the profession and to the real estate community. And Larry Hatter of Camp Hill was presented the Realtor® Active in Politics Award, which distinguishes exemplary legislative volunteerism on behalf of the association.

Tyson has been an active Realtor® for 32 years. A member of the Suburban West Realtors® Association, he served as its chair in 2006 and as a member of the board of directors for many years. He also served as president of the former Chester County Association of Realtors® in 1994.

He has been a member PAR’s Board of Directors since 1991 and has served on numerous state committees.

Tyson has chaired the Frank England’s Main Line tennis tournament for 10 years, with proceeds from the tournament donated to the Kiwanis Foundation, who award scholarships to underprivileged children. And he is an active member of the Villanova University Alumni Association.

Tyson said, “I’m honored and speechless. I’ve had a great time serving the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and I’m proud to be a Realtor®.”

McTamney served as PAR’s president last year. She received PAR’s Distinguished Service Award in 2011. A member for 31 years, she has served on PAR’s Board of Directors for 18 years and on numerous committees. A member of the Montgomery County Association of Realtors®, she was elected as its 2002 president and was selected as MCAR’s Realtor® of the Year in 1999.

At the national level, she served as a NAR Director since 2009. She has served on NAR’s Professional Standards, Professional Development, Business Issues, Financing and Public Policy Coordinating committees. She is a Sterling “R” investor in RPAC.

McTamney will be the 2015 president for the National Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), as well as Candidate for NAR 2016 Regional Vice President for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for Region 2.

“It’s an honor to follow in the steps of the past recipients of this award; they’re such a distinguished group,” McTamney said. “I’ve had tremendous support from people at the local and state level. Don’t ever lose your dreams… if you don’t have one, you’ll never get there.”

Hatter is an integral part of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors® government affairs activities. He has chaired the association’s Government Affairs Committee for 10 years and has served on many other committees. He has served on a number of candidate screening committees and has been a key contact for three congressmen. Hatter regularly attends local municipal meetings on behalf of the association, working at the forefront of issues in Lemoyne and Carlisle boroughs and in the City of Harrisburg.

At the state level, Hatter has served on the Legislative Committee since 1991. He is a regular investor in RPAC, the past two years as a Sterling “R.”

Hatter said he got involved in the legislative process after having trouble with the Army Corps of Engineers regarding a piece of property he owned. “I realized that I needed to be involved in politics,” he said. “If we don’t advocate for private property rights, no one else will. It’s very humbling to receive this award.”