Every year the Central Valley Association of Realtors recognizes members who have gone above and beyond in the real estate profession and community service. This year CVAR named two recipients as Realtor of the Year — Shelly Bell and Larry Rumbeck  — and as Affiliate of the Year, the honor goes to Taylor Phillips.

Rumbeck, Bell and Phillips have each received this well deserved honor multiple times and each continues show support year after year. They are not alone, everyone from the residents to the business owners share their strong sense of community. 

Rumbeck, a licensed Realtor since 1983 and broker since 1987, has worked enthusiastically in his real estate business as well has taking his volunteer role in the community seriously.  Currently he is co-owner of Turlock Realty Group and owner of Landlord’s Property Management.   In addition to the services he provides to his clients, he has also worn many other hats.

From the beginning of his career, Rumbeck has been involved in the California Association of Realtors. For many years he served as a state director and was also the regional vice president, vice chairman, on the executive committee, appointed to CAR’s Board of Directors, and a past president of CVAR.

Rumbeck has also served Turlock as past president of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, the Turlock Planning Commission and the Turlock City Council.

He said he loves the ‘small town’ feel of Turlock. And, after 43 years of living here, he’s still pleased to call Turlock home.

Bell became a licensed Realtor in 2003, and broker in 2007. She is known as Bell Real Estate Services and currently works as a sales manager at Exit Realty Consultants.  As the appointed Turlock Council president and Board of Directors member of CVAR, her work extends beyond real estate.  In addition to providing excellent service to her clients, she also supports and drives many efforts for others in their community.  The Bells, Shelly and her husband Robert, continue to make a commitment to be involved in the community and help make a difference.  Bell said it is satisfying to create relationships within the community we live and focus on impacting and improving the lives of others.

Phillips, advertising director of the Turlock Journal, involves himself in many community events which help support others.  Since his return to the Turlock Journal in 2012, he has immersed himself in several fundraising efforts.  Phillips has been a Turlock CVAR Board of Directors member for two years, a CanTree Breakfast committee member for three years and received the Affiliate of the Year award in both 2013 and 2014.

Along with his work for CVAR, Phillips has been a member of the National Exchange Club for three years, and served on the club’s Board of Directors for two years. He has been a sponsor of the Salvation Army’s Kettle Kick-off luncheon and volunteered for bell ringing during the holiday season for three years.

Phillips has also served on the Police Activities League crab feed committee for two years and the Art Walk committee for one year.

The CVAR sponsors many fundraising events headed up by local Realtors and affiliates. The most well known effort is Turlock CanTree, 32 years strong. For the past few years, Bell has headed up the Turlock CanTree fundraising event with the tremendous assistance of many local Realtors and affiliates.  The annual CanTree Breakfast raised funds that provided 1,800-2,000 families and seniors with food baskets during the holiday season.

Rumbeck along with business partner, Lloyd Blackman, began raising funds for the Betty McCoy  Memorial Scholarship when she passed away. McCoy was a long-time resident and Realtor in Turlock. Those who knew her also know that she was a special lady that appreciated and enjoyed what Turlock brought to her life and the lives of her family and friends. She believed Turlock to be a special place. In her honor, since 2005, the  memorial scholarships are distributed to each local high school for deserving students.

Turlock’s Police Activities League is an organization with the primary goal of promoting a constructive relationship between law enforcement, youth and the citizens of Turlock. PAL also looks to develop youth into responsible, mature citizens. Phillips volunteers for the good of the community and shares his time with those in need. The league’s crab feed  is held annually in January and has been a continuing success.

To get involved in these community events, you do not need to be a Realtor or an affiliate, contact CVAR office for more information at: 209-858-1700