2008 Tidewater Builder Association President Edward R. Sadler (right) presents William Halprin, senior vice president of S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. with a Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2008 TMHC Awards of Excellence.

Area multifamily housing communities and professionals were recognized at the industry’s prestigious Associates' Showcase, Awards Banquet and Registered in Apartment Management Graduation July 24 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Dembitz began his career with Clark Whitehill Enterprises almost eight years ago. He started as the assistant director of property management and now serves as the director of property management for his company. Dembitz is seen as an outstanding young leader through his work as past chairman of TMHC’s Executive Committee. 

The 24th annual TMHC event, which drew more than 500 members and guests, also honored 58 graduates of TMHC’s Registered in Apartment Management program. These apartment professionals took their first step towards earning their RAM designations by successfully completing TMHC's 40-hour RAM School.

The 2008 Awards of Excellence winners, presented by TMHC Chair Debbie Gordon are:

• Communities completed as of 2001 and after
  The Crossings at Red Mill, Drucker & Falk, Virginia Beach 

• Communities completed between 1996 and 2000
  Tallwood Apartments, Ripley Heatwole Co. Inc., Virginia Beach

• Communities completed between 1991 and 1995
  Dominion Pines, S. L. Nusbaum Realty Co., Chesapeake

• Communities completed between 1986 and 1990
  Westwinds Apartments, Ripley Heatwole Co. Inc., Portsmouth

• Communities completed between 1981 and 1985
  Holly Point Apartments, Drucker & Falk L.L.C., Chesapeake

• Communities completed between 1976 and 1980
  Greenbrier Woods Apartments, Clark-Whitehill Enterprises Inc., Virginia Beach

• Subsidized Property Award
  Park Terrace, S. L. Nusbaum Realty Corp., Norfolk

• Seniors housing communities completed as of 1995 and after
  Orchards at Belleville Harbour, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., Suffolk

• Seniors housing communities completed before 1995
  Old Donation, Ducker & Falk L.L.C., Virginia Beach

• Renaissance Award communities completed between 1971 and 1975
  Harpers Square, Lawson Realty, Virginia Beach

• Renaissance Award communities completed between 1966 and 1970
  Thalia Gardens, S. L. Nusbaum Realty Corp., Virginia Beach

• Renaissance Award communities completed between 1961 and 1965
  Colonial Arms Apartments, S. L. Nusbaum Realty Corp., Virginia Beach

• Renaissance Award communities completed before 1960
  Bondale Apartments, Drucker & Falk L.L.C., Norfolk

• Lifetime Achievement Award
  William Halprin, S. L. Nusbaum Realty Company, Norfolk\
• Multifamily Executive of the Year
  Christopher Dembitz, Clark Whitehill Enterprises, Virginia Beach 
• Associate Member of the Year
  John Casone, HD Supply, Virginia Beach
• Gordon A. Poole Regional Manager of the Year
  Vivian Bryant, Ripley Heatwole Co. Inc., Virginia Beach
• Peggy B. Cowan Property Manager of the Year with more than 300 units
  Kelly Roper, Lawson Realty, Virginia Beach
• Peggy B. Cowan Property Manager of the Year with less than 300 units
• Sara Ogle, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., Norfolk
• The Apartment Book Leasing Consultant of the Year
  Cindy Fugere, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., Virginia Beach
• Maintenance Supervisor of the Year
  Dean Brinson, Drucker & Falk L.L.C., Virginia Beach

A new award was created this year to honor the lives of two S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. professionals who lost their lives at Thalia Gardens. The award, named The Rebecca Hughes/Sam Shetsul Maintenance Employee of the Year, went to Aubrey Perry of S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. He was given the task of stepping in when his supervisor became wounded, showing leadership and devotion to his customers and staff.

The 2008 RAM School graduates, by company, are: