Recognizes an SMR member who demonstrates exceptional commitment and service through participation on an 

Association committee, task force, or workgroup. The recipient exemplifies reliability, preparation, initiative, 

cooperation, and follow-through; contributes meaningfully to the work of the group; supports fellow volunteers and 

staff; and helps produce results that benefit SMR and its members. The award honors exemplary volunteer service 

regardless of whether the recipient holds a formal leadership position.

• Active Participation and Meaningful Contributions: Active and constructive participation in meetings and group activities; contribution of useful ideas, expertise, or perspectives; and meaningful assistance in completing the group’s assigned work. (30%)
• Reliability, Preparation, and Follow-Through: Consistent attendance and preparation; timely and accurate completion of assignments; effective communication; and demonstrated dependability and accountability. (25%)
• Cooperation and Support of Others: Respectful and productive collaboration with fellow volunteers, group leaders, and staff; consideration of different perspectives; encouragement of others; and contribution to a positive and welcoming volunteer environment. (20%)
• Initiative and Willingness to Serve: Willingness to accept assignments, identify needs or solutions, assume responsibilities beyond minimum expectations, respond constructively to challenges, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the group’s purpose. (15%)
• Demonstrated Benefit and Impact: Contributions that help the group accomplish a goal or project; improve an SMR program, policy, event, resource, or member service; strengthen member or volunteer engagement; or otherwise produce an identifiable benefit for SMR and its members. (10%) 

*This award is bestowed for work / contributions in the current year.

**Nominations are made by current committee, task force and workgroup members or staff.

The Southwest Montana REALTORS® Foundation (“Foundation”) may recognize individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding support, leadership, or contributions to the Foundation and its mission through the Friend of the Foundation Award.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Friend of the Foundation Award is to acknowledge and honor those who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Foundation’s charitable efforts, programs, or the communities it serves.

Eligbility:

• Eligible recipients may include individuals, organizations, businesses, or community partners who have:
• Provided significant financial support to the Foundation; 
• Demonstrated exceptional volunteer service or leadership; 
• Contributed to the success or growth of Foundation programs; or 
• Advanced the Foundation’s mission through advocacy, partnership, or community engagement. 
• Recipients are not required to be members of the Southwest Montana REALTORS®

• Eligibilty TImefram: A SMR member for at least 15 years or a long-time member dedicated to selflessly serving the Association. If the nominee is a transfer member, a minimum of 10 years of involvement with SMR is required, along with a proven record of involvement with the nominee’s previous association. (20%)
• Association Service: A demonstrated compilation of service to SMR committees, the Board of Directors, or other involvement that demonstrates activity at the Association level throughout the nominee’s years of membership. (45%)
• Assocaition Ambassador: An avid cheerleader for the Association within the nominee’s firm or firms and throughout the community. (20%)
• Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to REALTOR® advocacy through voluntary investment in RPAC and/or responding to local, state, and national Calls for Action. (15%)
• Bonus consideration for active involvement with Montana REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, including committee work and participation in other programs that benefit the membership as a whole.

The Managing Broker of the Year Award recognizes a Managing or Supervising Broker who demonstrates exceptional ethical leadership, professional competence, and commitment to the success and development of the licensees they lead. The recipient goes beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of brokerage management by fostering a professional and supportive workplace culture, mentoring agents, promoting adherence to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, implementing innovative training or business practices, and contributing positively to SMR and the real estate profession.

• Ethical and Professional Leadership: Demonstrated adherence to the REALTOR? Code of Ethics and applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards; integrity, sound judgment, accountability, fairness, and high professional competence; and establishment of clear expectations for ethical and professional conduct within the brokerage. (25%)
• Mentorship and Agent Development: Formal or informal mentorship; support for education and professional growth; effective coaching, feedback, and guidance; and demonstrated commitment to improving the professionalism, confidence, competence, and success of affiliated licensees. (25%)
• Brokerage Management, Risk Management, and Innovation: Effective guidance involving contracts, transactions, compliance, and risk management; sound decision-making in difficult situations; development of useful brokerage systems, policies, training, and resources; and implementation of innovative practices that improve brokerage operations and professionalism. (20%)
• Accessibility, Communication, and Agent Support: Availability and responsiveness when agents need assistance; clear and consistent communication; timely and constructive guidance; fair and effective conflict resolution; and creation of an environment in which agents feel supported, heard, and comfortable seeking direction. (20%)
• Brokerage Culture and Demonstrated Impact: Development of a cooperative, inclusive, ethical, and professional brokerage culture; encouragement of collaboration and responsible conduct; positive effects on agent professionalism and success; and contributions that benefit SMR or the broader real estate profession. (10%)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current SMR REALTOR® member in good standing.
• Must hold a current, active Montana real estate license in good standing.
• Must currently serve in a managing, supervising, designated broker, or broker-owner leadership role.
• Must have served in an eligible brokerage leadership role for at least three years. The three years do not 
• necessarily need to have been with the same firm.
• Must demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.
• Must satisfy all nomination and endorsement requirements.

The nomination must include two or three letters of recommendation from current agents of the nominee’s firm and working under the nominee’s management or supervision. At least two qualifying letters must be received for the nomination to be considered complete. The person submitting the nomination may provide one of the required letters. A third letter may come from the firm owner, co-owners or business partners.

• Volunteer Activities: Service on SMR and/or Foundation committees, task forces, workgroups, or other volunteer groups. (20%)
• Providing Value Activities: Assistance, expertise, education, professional guidance, or resources provided to members; responsiveness and quality of service; understanding REALTOR® members’ needs; professional and ethical business conduct; and demonstrated examples of helping REALTORS® succeed in their businesses. (25%)
• Ambassador Activities: Encouraging eligible businesses and professionals to become SMR Partners; welcoming and engaging new or existing Partners; promoting the value of SMR; building productive relationships between Partners and REALTOR® members; and encouraging Partner participation in SMR committees, programs, sponsorships, and events. (20%)
• Support Activities: Sponsorships, donations, or in-kind contributions to SMR or Foundation. (20%)
• Association Engagement: Attendance at association and Foundation events and meetings outside of sponsorships. (15%)

** Three (3) letters of recommendation from SMR REALTOR® members demonstrating value provided.

The President’s Award is a special recognition presented at the discretion of the SMR President to a member who has 

provided extraordinary leadership, service, assistance, or support to the Association during the President’s term. The 

award recognizes a significant contribution that advanced SMR’s mission, priorities, programs, or service to its 

members and may not be fully reflected in another award category.

• REALTOR® Spirit: High principles, faithfulness to laws and regulations of the Code of Ethics and local Board, the furtherance of principles of good real estate practices among other brokers and the general public (15%).
• Civic Activity: Local, state, and national level participation in civic and service clubs, charitable activities, political commissions, and fraternal or religious groups (20%).
• Business Accomplishments: Recognized good business conduct, service to clients, educational participation, and effective and measurable marketing (20%).
• Local Association Activity: Association/committee leadership and participation, association event participation (20%).
• State Association Activity: Offices held, committee participation, attendance at state events/conventions, educational conferences (20%).
• National Association Activity: Committee attendance/participation, convention attendance, membership in national Institutes, i.e., CRS, ABR (5%).
• Bonus consideration for investing in RPAC and/or answering local, state and/or national Calls for Action.

** Three (3) letters of recommendation must be supplied

• Eligibility Timeframe: Hold a Montana real estate license and have been a member of Southwest Montana REALTORS® for not more than twenty-four (24) months.
• Sales Accomplishments: Verified sales and transaction activity completed during the time the nominee has held a real estate license, including demonstrated business development, professional growth, service to clients, and accomplishments achieved during the nominee’s first 24 months in the profession. (55%)
• Association and Foundation Participation: Active participation in SMR and Foundation events, committees, task forces, workgroups, programs, volunteer activities, or the Board of Directors. (15%)
• Education and Professional Development: Participation in courses, training, seminars, designations, certifications, and other professional-development opportunities that improve the nominee’s knowledge, skills, professionalism, and ability to serve clients. (15%)
• Community Service, Charitable, and Civic Involvement: Membership, leadership, volunteerism, or meaningful participation in community-service, charitable, civic, faith-based, or other nonprofit organizations and activities. (15%)

** MLS documentation must be provided for transactions.

** A letter of recommendation must be supplied from the applicant’s Broker and any additional recommendations.

The Young Professional Network (YPN) Champion Award will be given to a nominee who exemplifies and supports the YPN.

• Continuously supports the educational opportunities of YPN (sharing with other agents, encouraging other agents to attend, and regularly attending themselves).
• Exemplify the YPN spirit of education and camaraderie that enhances our profession as we grow in knowledge and character and better enhance our profession's perception.
• Regularly strives towards educating themselves to serve their clients and the community better

The Southwest Montana REALTORS® Foundation is also developing a new Good Neighbor Award to recognize a REALTOR® whose extraordinary commitment to volunteer service is making a meaningful difference in our communities. The goal is to have the award finalized in time to include it in this year’s awards program.