Members of the Illinois Bicentennial Task Force met Wednesday, June 22, 2016 in Springfield. The panel will help guide Illinois REALTORS®’ celebration of the state’s 200th birthday.

A panel of Illinois REALTORS® met to help the association plan events centered on Illinois’ 200th anniversary in 2018.

Sheryl Grider Whitehurst, left, serves as vice chair of the Illinois Bicentennial Task Force. Vicky Turner, right, serves as chair.

Led by REALTOR® Vicky Turner of Dixon, the Illinois Bicentennial Task Force will look at how to highlight the important role housing has played in the state’s rich history.

Illinois became a state Dec. 3, 1818, making it just about 100 years older than Illinois REALTORS. Illinois’ statehood was signed into being by President James Madison.

Illinois REALTORS® named a 23-member panel to guide the association’s planning. The meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2016, at the Wyndham City Centre Hotel in Springfield served as a brainstorming and information session to get the process started.

Former IAR president Sheryl Grider Whitehurst serves a vice chair for the task force. Also attending were Illinois REALTORS® CEO Gary Clayton and Executive Vice President Luke Bell. Association Treasurer Matt Difanis was also in attendance.

Members of the committee include: Ron Abrams, Chicago; Sonia Anaya, Chicago; Jeffrey Barkstall, Champaign; Steven Bois, Rockford; Bobette Cathon, Quincy; Tonya Corder, Homewood; Kristie DeBrun, Pawnee; Ronald Ewing, Elgin; Deb Frazier, Shiloh; Jim Haisler, Crystal Lake; Dallas Hancock, Peoria; Joe Kenny, Darien; Christine King, Rock Falls; Lynn Madison, Schaumburg; Laura Martin, Peoria; Sandy Michel Stempinski, Vandalia; Sue Miller, McHenry; Ezekiel Morris, Chicago; Todd Musso, Springfield; Karen Robertson, Shorewood; and Tricia Tialdo, Belleville.

The Illinois Bicentennial Task Force meets at the Wyndham City Centre Hotel in Springfield June 22, 2016.