25th Annual Business Meeting
Nearly 200 members joined us at Trillium Events in Spring Lake on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (WMLAR) Annual Business Meeting and Elections. This year was especially meaningful as we celebrated WMLAR’s 25th anniversary—a milestone that honors our history, growth, and impact since our founding in 2000 through the merger of three local REALTOR® associations.
A Celebration of Progress
More than just a business meeting, this year’s event highlighted the people, partnerships, and progress that have shaped WMLAR over the past quarter-century. We thank our members for being part of this journey and for contributing to the success of our association and the strength of our profession.
Thanks also to our dynamic leadership teams throughout the years!
Networking, Lunch, and Professional Development
The celebration began with networking and lunch before the official program kicked off at 11:30 a.m. Members then participated in elections and enjoyed two hours of legal continuing education presented
by Brian Westrin, Esq., General Counsel and Becky Berke, Esq., Director of Legal Education at Michigan REALTORS®. This session provided timely updates on legal issues impacting our industry and helped members stay compliant with state requirements.
Leadership Academy Graduation
This year’s Annual Business Meeting also marked the graduation of WMLAR’s inaugural Leadership Academy class. Designed to cultivate the next generation of association and industry leaders, the Academy provided participants with in-depth training on advocacy, professional standards, governance, and community leadership.
We are proud to celebrate the first group of graduates who completed this program and demonstrated their commitment to growing not only as professionals but as leaders who will guide our industry forward. Their dedication is an investment in the future of WMLAR and the communities we serve.
2025 Election Results
We are excited to announce the following newly elected leaders who will help guide WMLAR into the future:
2026 PRESIDENT-ELECT/TREASURER
Brit Shearer
Greenridge Realty, Holland
DIRECTOR
Michele Lipka
Five Star Real Estate, Muskegon
DIRECTOR
Stacey Ruwe
City2Shore – Gateway Group, Spring Lake
DIRECTOR
Thomas Serio
Real Estate West,
Muskegon
Congratulations to our new leaders, and thank you to all candidates who stepped forward to serve our association. Your commitment ensures WMLAR remains strong, forward-thinking, and member-focused.
Thank You
We thank everyone who attended, participated, and made our 25th anniversary celebration—and our first Leadership Academy graduation—a memorable success.
We look forward to another year of growth, advocacy, and service—together as one strong association.
