EAST LIVERPOOL — The Beaver Creek Area Association of REALTORS (BCAAR) held its annual meeting on Feb. 6 at the East Liverpool Country Club. Following a social hour and brunch catered by Fresh of Fifth of East Liverpool, the association convened to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, elect and install officers and directors for 2025, and discuss the current legal environment and trends in the real estate industry.

President James Clark thanked the members for their support during 2024 and reviewed some of the challenges experienced by REALTORS in the current market — new legal requirements, limited inventory of properties for sale, and higher interest rates. He went on to laud his colleagues for bringing credit to the organization, and REALTORS in general, by engaging in community involvement. During 2024, BCAAR members participated in community clean-up days in Wellsville and East Palestine, raised funds during the Salem Car Cruise for Habitat for Humanity, conducted another fundraising event that contributed $5,250 to the Columbiana County Food Bank, and built a small park in Wellsville.

Association Executive Dale Meller managed the election of a slate of officers and directors presented to the members.

Elected to leadership positions for 2025 were Carolyn Hornyak of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, president; Frank Kostik of Hardcastle Realty, vice president, and Linda Courtney of Towne & Suburban Realty, treasurer. Directors elected to various terms were James Clark of Underwood & Associates, Troy Chisom or Venture Home Real Estate, Barbara Stamp of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Rodney McHorney of Hardcastle Realty, Don Thompson of Venture Home Real Estate, and Dana Channels of Cedar One Realty.

Officers and directors were sworn in by Ohio REALTOR Vice President of legal and Legislative Affairs Todd Book.

Though unable to attend the meeting, newly elected president Hornyak sent a message thanking the membership for bestowing on her the honor of leading the association in the coming year. She pledged to support, advocate for, and work alongside members. She commented on the need for political advocacy in the area and continued community involvement, emphasizing that such activities not only bring to bear the influence we can have in the communities but also bring credit to the REALTOR profession. She echoed the achievements of 2024 and looked forward to accomplishments in 2025.

Attorney Todd Book from Ohio REALTORS reviewed the legal landscape that the industry has experienced over the past two to three years, in particular the legal settlement that NAR has entered into with regard to the recently decided sellers side class action suit that has resulted in significant changes to the way REALTORS are now conducting business. He also covered potential buyers side suits and updated the membership on ongoing anti-trust negotiations with the Justice department.

Meller shared membership statistics and trends for the association and a current financial overview. He asked members to continue investing in their careers in real estate by contributing to the Realtors Political Action Committee and participating in association affairs.

The meeting concluded with the following awards: 2024 President James Clark was presented an engraved gavel in appreciation for his service to the association; Frank Kostik was presented with a plaque as BCAAR 2024 REALTOR of the Year; Ron Bryer of Bryer Realty was presented with a plaque commemorating 30 years of membership on the BCAAR Board of Directors; Sarah Sorge of Forever Home Realty was thanked for 10 years service as a director; affiliate member Tara Rowland of Hancock County Savings Bank won a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.