[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF THE TEXAS REALTOR OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to Barbara Russell of Denton, Texas, who this year was 
named the 1998 Realtor of the Year by the Texas Association of 
Realtors.
  Barbara has served on the Texas Association of Realtors Board of 
Directors and is a former regional vice president and chairman of the 
legislative and economic development committees. She also served two 
three-year terms on the National Association of Realtors Board of 
Directors.
  In Denton, Barbara has earned many honors, including the Greater 
Denton/Wise County Association of Realtors President's Award, Women's 
Council of Realtors Gold Rule Award, Realtor of the Year and Associate 
of the Year. In addition, she is active in various civic and charitable 
organizations, including serving as former chairman of the board of the 
Denton Chamber of Commerce and serving four years on the Denton 
Planning and Zoning Commission.
  Barbara has nearly 30 years of experience in the real estate 
business, and this recent award is a testament to her professional 
accomplishments and her hard work. She is married to Benny Russell, and 
they have two daughters and four grandchildren.
  And Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I also did not pay tribute to 
the late Mary Claude Gay, a prominent realtor in Denton and associate 
of Barbara's. Mary Claude's contributions to her profession also have 
been significant, and she, too, was very influential in Denton's 
community life.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Barbara Russell and Mary 
Claude Gay for their accomplishments in their profession and for their 
contributions to their community. The Texas Association of Realtors 
could not have selected a more giving and devoted Realtor of the Year. 
Barbara Russell is a class act and is the epitomy of the type of 
leadership and professionalism that bring respect and admiration for 
her profession.
  As we adjourn today, and as we leave the floor of the House of 
Representatives for the last time this century, let us do so in respect 
and appreciation for the ``Texas Realtor of the Year''--Barbara 
Russell.

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