Realtors Association marks 50 years

Hilton Head Area Realtors (HHAR), a member-based organization, is marking half a century of serving as the region’s largest trade association for real estate professionals.

The organization’s 50th anniversary was kicked off at HHAR’s Installation of Officers Celebration in January and will be celebrated with events and programs throughout the year, ending at the organization’s annual oyster roast in October.

HHAR, which launched in 1973 and has grown to now include more than 1,600 Realtors and affiliate partners, was created to support, educate and empower Realtors to enhance their professionalism and success while providing the highest level of ethical service to the public and the consumers they serve.

HHAR has played a vital role in the region by giving back to the community through funding and supporting charitable, nonprofit organizations that ensure safe and affordable housing and quality of life, educating on homeownership, and providing disaster

OUTSIDE from page 33A sponsorships and support for other nonprofit organizations. A recent partnership with the Coastal Discovery Museum to sponsor an osprey nest, as part of the OpsreyWatch program, is a natural fit for the company as the museum aims to pursue, preserve, and promote the care of the Lowcountry.

“Outside Brands offers a team of passionate leaders and talented outdoorspeople who share a deep connection with our natural environment,” said Overton. “The partnership with Coastal Discovery Museum is just one of the ways Outside Brands is dedicated to connecting people through sustainable ecotourism.”

Preparing for the future is one of the things that most drives Overton as he builds the company for continued success through its fifth decade and beyond. In recent months he has appointed to his leadership team women who are in the forefront of ecotourism, sustainability, and local business.

Sharon Sutton is the new director of human resources, with Sarah Tillman as the company’s chief financial officer, Jenni- relief.

Since becoming a fundraising event in 2007, HHAR’s annual Golf and Tennis Tournament has provided more than $300,000 in grants to Lowcountry organizations that support housing and quality of life. Members have supported Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity in building six homes in Bluffton and three on Hilton Head.

“For the past 50 years, HHAR has provided vital resources to both real estate professionals and the community, and it has been the voice of real estate in the region,” said Jean Beck, CEO of HHAR. “We look forward to continuing this mission well into the future.” fer Messier as their new director of risk management and strategy, and Anne Kelley as the Outside Destinations Management (DMC) team’s new business development manager.

In the specialty retail arena, Jessie Madden has been named director of retail. Madden oversees all three Outside retail locations – Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff, and Savannah – with the vision to enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional products with a sustainable mission.

“We are so fortunate to expand our Outside team and welcome these impressive individuals. Their experience will take us to the next level as we look to expand into different parts of the Lowcountry,” Overton said.

For more information about Outside Brands, visit outsidebrands.com and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Lesley Francis is a marketing professional, writer and columnist covering the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.