London, ON - Sutton Group - Select Realty Inc.* recently presented the eighth annual Michele Montour Award for Excellence in Real Estate to REALTOR® Louise Bygden. The award was named after Michele Montour, an outstanding REALTOR® in the office who passed away several years ago. Louise possesses the many qualities that Michele had and this is why she received the award this year. The office feels it is important to recognize individuals in the office who have made a difference.

On July 9, 2000, the office lost a well-liked and well-known REALTOR® named Michele Montour to cancer. She was an incredibly inspiring individual who was not only a successful REALTOR® but was heavily involved with the office and many community initiatives. No matter what struggles came her way, she remained positive and cheerful. "Michele touched many lives and was an inspiration on how one's attitude can overcome any personal or business obstacles", said administrative assistant Tammy Saker. Broker Bruce Sworik felt this award was a great way to commemorate Michele's legacy. "She was a star player who always focused on the positive and truly cared about others."

The Michele Montour Award for Excellence in Real Estate award recipient meets the following criteria: possess a positive, cheerful attitude, display endless enthusiasm, be charitable, participate in continuing education and personal improvement courses, contribute to the team, and be able to overcome obstacles. It was not easy to choose a recipient for the award as the office has over 100 REALTORS®; nonetheless, a well deserved candidate was selected named Louise Bygden. She is worthy of this award because of her strong work ethic, team-player attitude and selfless acts of kindness. "Louise is a top producer, involved in a number of organizations and always takes the time to help others", expressed Bruce. Louise was presented her award on Monday, April 25th, by Bruce and Laurie Smith, Vice President of Sutton Group Services Ltd.

Along with acknowledging their REALTORS'® contributions, Sutton Group - Select Realty Inc.* is an involved member of the community. Members of the office are part of a number of initiatives and organizations including Meals on Wheels, the Knights of Columbus, MS Society, Humane Society, Salvation Army and Mission Services. In addition, the office holds an annual golf tournament where they raise money for a different charity each year. Tammy says "the office continues to direct its fundraising efforts to worthy causes in the community."

Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,700 REALTORS® in 199 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com.  To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.

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*Independently owned and operated brokerage