Ferber Inaugurated, Recognized for Dedication to Service

Members of the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® celebrated the inauguration of their 83rd President, E. Leonard Ferber Jr., on Tuesday, January 24 during the Association’s Business Meetings in Harrisburg.

Ferber, of Strasburg, and a member of the Lancaster County Association of REALTORS®, was honored during the ceremony by United States Senator Rick Santorum. Santorum presented Ferber with a special citation, noting his work with PAR and his volunteer service within his community. In addition, Ferber’s local state Representative Gibson Armstrong highlighted Ferber’s dedication to community service and presented a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

PAR Past President Janice C. Smarto installed Ferber as the 2006 PAR President.

In his address, Ferber emphasized his commitment to the affordable housing issue and said the association will work toward helping more Pennsylvania citizens realize the American Dream of home ownership.

Passionate about legislative issues, Ferber noted the past year’s challenges with the proposed increase to the Realty Transfer Tax and the proposed tax on a REALTOR’S® commissions. He encouraged members to invest in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), which provides financial contributions to candidates who support private property rights and other REALTOR® issues. He added that his personal goal is to see all PAR members become members of RPAC’s $99 Club and to raise at least $1 million for RPAC this year.

Ferber is broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Specialists and is a certified broker appraiser since 1998. As a PAR member, he has chaired several committees including the Legislative Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Affordable Housing Task Force. He has served on the Issues Mobilization Committee and the Pennsylvania REALTORS® Education Foundation (PREF).

In his community, Ferber has served as president of the Strasburg Lions Club and the Strasburg Community Ambulance Association. He volunteers on the board of directors of the Strasburg Heisler Library, is a member of the Pennsylvania Dutch Tourist Bureau, and volunteers with the Strasburg Fire Company and the Children’s Miracle Network.

NAR Region II Vice President George K. Wonica installed the following 2006 PAR Officers: President-Elect Dominic J. Cardone, First Vice President Robert C. Hay, Treasurer Gregory S. Herb, and District Vice Presidents Joseph M. McGavin, Guy A. Matteo, Frank J. Jacovini, Donald D. Roth, Melanie J. McLane, Robert O. Williams, Diane S. DeBaise, Robert P. Freeman, and Richard D. Foley.