Ruthe Penner named MREA Distinguished Realtor

Teaching by example, Ruthe Penner, 2010’s recipient of the Manitoba Real Estate Association’s (MREA) Distinguished Realtor Award, is proving that you can take the teacher out of the classroom, but continue to share knowledge and experience with others through hard work, dedication and a drive to succeed. A former teacher for the River East School Division, Penner has been an active member of the real estate industry since 1987 and received the award from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) recently.

“This award recognizes individuals who have given of themselves not only to the real estate industry, but to the community in which they live,” says Judy Walsh, regional manager, business development, CMHC, who was present at the MREA’s Annual General Meeting.

In business with her husband Wayne Penner at Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, Ruthe has worked in the resale market, project selling, the new home market and condominium communities in the completion stages. In addition, she has chaired many committees at the community board level and served as president of the MREA in 2009 and president of the WinnipegRealtors in 2005.

“The opportunities I’ve had serving the real estate community over the last 10 plus years have allowed me to grow as an individual and I have learned so much about what it means to be a leader in the industry,” she said at the ceremony. “Being able to pay it forward has been a wonderful way of using my experiences and giving back to our industry. My philosophy about how to live life is simple – make each day count by trying to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Penner currently serves on the Board of Governors for the MREA Shelter Foundation, which raises funds for shelter related causes throughout Manitoba. She was also awarded the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation philanthropic award in recognition of her contributions in support of the Shelter Foundation in 2009.