2014 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year Pat Callan, left, with IAR President Phil Chiles

It was a night of celebration and professional recognition at the 2014 REALTOR® of the Year banquet in Springfield on Wednesday. Honorees included Illinois REALTOR® of the Year Pat Callan, of Glen Ellyn, and the local REALTORS® of the Year from around the state. The banquet was sponsored by the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation.

In his speech, Callan reflected on his many years of volunteering and service at all levels of the REALTOR® organization. Callan said he came from a generation and a family that emphasized the importance of getting involved and giving back and urged other REALTORS® to lend their time and talents to make a difference.

Callan, managing broker-owner of Realty Executives Premiere in Wheaton, served as president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) in 2009.

“Volunteering for a cause that you have a passion for is important to society. It’s important for us to spread that message to the next generation so that this organization and others of importance can continue to serve their constituents. So when someone asks you to serve on a committee, chair a task force, serve on a board of directors, run for office at the association, there is always time to fit it in,” Callan said.

“One can’t do everything in life at once but there is a time and place for everything. Just pick those spots that work for you and you will find the time to say “yes,” he said.

Congratulations to all the 2014 REALTORS® of the Year!