NAR Recognizes Realtor(R) Michael Owen of Delray Beach, FL for Distinguished Service

ORLANDO, F., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Owen, (top right photo) a Realtor(R) from Delray Beach, Fla., has received the National Association of Realtors(R) 2008 Distinguished Service Award.

Out of 1.2 million Realtors(R), no more than two are recognized with this award each year, which is announced during NAR's annual REALTORS(R) Conference & Expo.

NAR established the DSA in 1979 to honor Realtors(R) who have made outstanding contributions to the real estate industry and are recognized as leaders in their local communities.

The award is considered the highest honor an NAR member can receive; recipients must be active at the local, state and national association levels, but must not have served as NAR president.

NAR President Richard F. Gaylord (top left photo) presented the award to Owen.

"Realtor(R) Michael Owen exemplifies community participation and leadership, both professionally and personally," said Gaylord, a broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists, Long Beach, Calif.

"Owen's involvement at the national, state, and local levels of the association, as well as his contributions to neighborhoods both close to home and across the globe, demonstrates Realtors(R)' commitment to building communities."

Owen became a Realtor(R) nearly 30 years ago, in 1979. He is currently with Coldwell-Banker in Boca Raton, Fla., and practices both residential and commercial real estate.

"I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award," said Owen. "Receiving the award here in my home state of Florida, as we host NAR's national conference, only enhances its significance.

"I'm fortunate to have worked with so many committed professionals across the country throughout my career as we further our common goals of encouraging homeownership and real estate investment and supporting our communities."

Owen is currently a member of NAR's Board of Directors and has served on the Board nearly every year since 1989. He is the 2009 chair for NAR's Resort and Second Homes Committee.

Owen was the NAR Regional Vice President for Region 5 in 1994. Owen has earned numerous designations and certifications, including Accredited Buyer Representative(R), Certified International Property Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist(R), e-Pro(R), and Graduate Realtor(R) Institute.

CONTACT:

Stephanie Singer of the National Association of Realtors,+1-202-383-1050, ssinger@realtors.org