Paul McLaughlin of West Des Moines Receives Highest Award from the Iowa Association of REALTORS®

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Paul McLaughlin, 2010 winner of the IAR's O.G. Powell/Joan Ballantyne Distinguished Service Award

CLIVE, IA (10/11/2010)(readMedia)-- The Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) congratulates attorney Paul McLaughlin, this year's recipient of the O.G. Powell/Joan Ballantyne Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to McLaughlin at the IAR Inaugural Gala held Sept. 23 in Dubuque.

The O.G. Powell/Joan Ballantyne Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, is designed to honor a person who has given long-term and outstanding service to the real estate industry.

McLaughlin has been involved with the IAR for more than fifteen years, and started working for the association when he graduated from law school in 1995. He began as Director of Governmental Affairs, and then became the Legal Counsel for the IAR. In this role, McLaughlin created and operates a Legal Reference Line, provides legal advice and consultation to IAR boards and leadership, and is a certified Real Estate Instructor, teaching hundreds on topics such as ethics, law update and professional standards.

McLaughlin is very deserving of this honor, says Kurt Schade, president of the IAR. "One of the reasons Paul was a great choice is because of his work in keeping the IAR membership abreast of changes within the legal landscape and market conditions, through his solid and easily understood interpretations of real estate issues," says Schade. "He's patient, yet direct in his assistance to leadership and support to members."

Dave Bert, Chief Executive Officer of the IAR, agrees that McLaughlin is a great asset to the IAR. "He understands the issues members are facing, and provides them with easily understood and practical common sense solutions. Paul has a special gift of being able to relate to all individuals on a personal level."

McLaughlin received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa, a B.B.A. in Industrial Relations/Human Resources from the University of Iowa, and his J.D. from Drake University Law School. He is co-chair of the Certified Association Executives (CAE) in Iowa, and is one of the few CAE's in the state. He is also the communication chair for the Iowa Society of Association Executives. McLaughlin serves on numerous committees at the state level and serves as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Professional Standards Committee. He received the President's Special Recognition Award from the IAR in 2003.

McLaughlin is an active member of the Iowa State Bar Association, a volunteer for several housing initiatives in the state of Iowa, and a volunteer coach/official for youth soccer, softball, football, basketball and swim teams.

McLaughlin was grateful to receive the great tribute from the IAR. "There are so many uniquely qualified individuals in this state who contribute to the success of the real estate industry; to be selected is truly an honor and an accomplishment," shared McLaughlin. "It is a very humbling experience to be in the company of such distinguished past recipients."

The award is given in honor of O.G. "Bill" Powell, a Des Moines REALTOR®, and Joan Ballantyne, a REALTOR® in Cherokee, for their long-term dedication and service to the IAR and the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Iowa Association of REALTORS® is the state's largest real estate professional organization, representing more than 6,700 members and affiliates The term REALTOR® is a registered and protected trademark. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTOR®S, the State Association of REALTORS® and their local Board of REALTORS®. By joining the REALTOR® organization, a real estate professional has to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and its standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

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