PORTLAND, Maine – Tom Lea, president of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), the state’s leading organization for commercial real estate professionals, has announced the 2011 winners of awards presented at MEREDA’s Annual Real Estate Forecast Conference. The conference was held this year on January 27in Portland.
“Each of these individuals have made significant and lasting contributions to responsible real estate development in the state of Maine, and MEREDA is proud to honor them with these awards,” said Lea.
The awards and 2011 recipients are as follows:
- The Robert B. Patterson, Jr. Founders’ Award, which recognizes a member who has contributed to the industry or to MEREDA on a significant level over many years, was presented to Dennis Keeler of Falmouth, a partner in the Pierce Atwood law firm, who is deeply involved with commercial real estate law, helping developers with permitting, acquisition, development, financing and leasing activities. Keeler has been involved with MEREDA for more than 20 years as a board member, co-chair of the Legislative Committee, and the board’s long-time secretary and parliamentarian.
- The Volunteer of the Year Award, presented annually to an individual who has willingly and enthusiastically volunteered his or her time and energy to furthering MEREDA’s mission, was given to Michael O’Reilly of Scarborough. O’Reilly is a vice president of commercial lending for Bangor Savings Bank, working with commercial and industrial borrowers. He is chair of MEREDA’s membership committee and is active in a variety of community activities.
- The Public Policy Award, presented to an individual member whose efforts have made meaningful impact on public policy decisions for the benefit of the real estate industry in Maine, was given to Greg Payne of Portland, a development officer at Avesta Housing and coordinator of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition. Mr. Payne has more than 15 years of experience with issues related to housing and homelessness and currently serves on the board of directors of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
- The Presidents’ Award, a discretionary award given by MEREDA’s current president, was presented to Shelly Clark of Portland, who is MEREDA’s Business and Operations Manager. As an all-volunteer organization, MEREDA has depended heavily on Shelly’s energy, drive and determination to run the day-to-day operations and grow the organization over the past 14 years. She is the focal point for scheduling, organizing and attending all meetings and events throughout the state, and for dealing with membership issues, handling finances, and being MEREDA’s voice on the phone.
Founded in 1985, MEREDA is an organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers, whose mission is to promote an environment for responsible development and ownership of real estate throughout the State of Maine. More than 500 people attend MEREDA’s Annual Real Estate Forecast Conference and Member Showcase held each January.
