RISMEDIA, April 1, 2011—ERA Real Estate, an innovative franchising leader in the residential real estate industry, has recognized Napier Realtors ERA as the inaugural Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award winner for consistent commitment to both business and charity, the company reports. This national award was presented at the ERA® 2011 International Business Conference in Las Vegas, Nev.
According to the company, Jim Napier, president and principal broker of Napier Realtors ERA, accepted the award on behalf of his company of 150 sales associates and staff, all of whom have contributed time, talent and money to furthering the missions of more than 10 local and national organizations. Highlights of their efforts through the years include:
• Conducting extensive fundraising for the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center with the annual Music for Massey concert event, the Napier Realtors Richmond Sprint Triathlon, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Pledge Program, the Women and Wellness Forum Series, golf tournaments, raffles and yard sales
• Serving as one of the founding corporate sponsors for the development of the Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.
• Helping to establish the Partnership for Housing Affordability in 2006; Napier continues to serve as Chairman
• Serving as Central Virginia’s first corporate sponsor of the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia; Napier serves on the organization’s advisory board
Other projects have provided sponsorships to The Faison School for Autism, raised funds for an elementary school reading program, donated goods for the Christmas Mother program for families in need, and supported workforce development programs for high school students. In addition, Napier allows his staff to use company time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity builds and to spend time with children attending a local MDA summer camp.
“For more than 30 years, the work of our ERA affiliates has defined a culture of meeting customer needs and serving community interests,” says Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate. “The Circle of Light award recognizes companies that take this commitment to extraordinary heights through charitable works that have significant and enduring impact on the communities they serve. Jim Napier has not only built his company around a shared spirit of philanthropy, he has devoted invaluable resources to important causes that strengthen and enhance the lives of thousands of people.”
“Over the years, I have been guided by the philosophy that even the smallest contribution makes a difference,” comments Napier. “I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to be surrounded by deeply passionate and incredibly generous colleagues at Napier Realtors ERA. They inspire me on a daily basis, and it is an honor to work alongside them in our shared pursuit of making our communities better places.”
For more information visit www.ERA.com.