GIVING BACK

Guild Mortgage donates $300,000 to three charities

Guild Mortgage raised more than $300,000 for three San Diego-based charities to support the homeless, and disadvantaged women and children.

The company donated $100,000 each to the following three charities: Monarch School, which educates homeless youth; Urban Corps of San Diego County, work-learning program that helps young people to finish high school while earning a paycheck; and Home Start, which provides services to women and children living in poverty.

Wells Fargo donates $5.4 million to support Arizona nonprofits

Wells Fargo donated more than $5.4 million to 415 Arizona nonprofits, schools and community organizations in 2018 as part of its commitment to address issues like affordable housing, small business growth, access to education and supporting tribal communities.

The company’s 16,109 Arizona-based team members also donated a collective $2.8 million, bringing the company’s total contribution to $8.2 million last year.

“Across our community, many residents are working hard to make ends meet,” said Don Pearson, Wells Fargo lead region president based in Phoenix. “Here in Arizona, we want to help people find a stable place to live, help small business owners expand and help young people gain a quality education that prepares them for the workforce. We are determined to help people and communities, especially in underserved areas, succeed financially. We will continue to provide philanthropy, volunteers, expertise and other resources to revitalize and strengthen local neighborhoods.”

Wells Fargo’s Arizona team members also volunteered more than 115,000 hours in last year to support nonprofits and causes important to them.

“Part of what makes Wells Fargo unique is the generosity of our team members who help multiply our community impact,” Pearson said. “Sometimes giving time is even more valuable than money, because it puts our desire to build a strong community into action and gives us a tangible way to personally make a difference.”

AWARDS

National General Lender Services wins two Stevie Awards

National General Lender Services won two Stevie Awards for sales and customer service.

The company received a Silver Stevie Award in the Best Use of Technology in Customer Service category and a Bronze Stevie Award in the Contact Center of the Year category.

The judges noted that NatGen had, “an impressive platform and a history of doing it right,” and that it showed, “great results and focus on exceptional customer service by leveraging effective technology.”

“NatGen has an enduring commitment to consistently deliver solutions and results that protect our clients’ brand and secure the relationships with their customers,” said Art Castner, National General Lender Services president. “We are so pleased that our focus on the customer experience has been recognized with two prestigious Stevie Awards.”

NAHB recognizes woman of the year, 3 outstanding members

The Professional Women in Building Council of the National Association of Home Builders has honored a number of its members for their outstanding contributions.

Darylene Dennon named chair of 2019 NAHB PWB Council

Darylene Dennon, Owner and CEO of Washington-based Solid Energy, was sworn in as the 2019 chair of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council.

As chair, Dennon will manage the council’s business and represent the interests of council members throughout NAHB.

Dennon said she will focus on mentoring other women and bringing new perspectives to the table.

“I am a big believer in mentoring to empower others to empower themselves,” said Dennon. “I look forwarding building upon a great team of women on the council and working together to continue the great work that the council has been doing for the industry.”

NAHB PWB Council honors woman of the year

The PWB Council recognized several members for their contributions to the industry during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

The council honored Betsy Sheppard, CEO and president of Gilbert & Sheppard Group, as Woman of the Year for “her dedication to promoting the efforts of women in building-related fields who contribute to, and advocate for, the industry.”

“Betsy has been an instrumental PWB leader and a mentor to many women coming into our industry,” said Judy Dinelle, chair of the NAHB PWB Council. “She’s fully invested in the housing industry, her community and the success of her co-workers, clients and peers.”

PWB Council recognizes 3 outstanding members

The council also recognized three outstanding members for their notable contributions to the organization and the industry.

Alicia Vincent, executive vice president of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, was honored as NAHB 2018 Executive Officer of the Year.

Luellen Smith, chair of the Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties, was honored as the NAHB 2018 PWB Member of the Year.

Joyce Duerfeldt, office manager of Nationwide Contractor’s Alliance, was honored as NAHB 2018 PWB National Member of the Year in order to honor her for her leadership on the national PWB executive board and recognize her service as a regional and area PWB trustee.

“Alicia, Luellen and Joyce all bring great vision and energy to PWB,” Dinelle said. “Their passion for PWB and desire to see others in the industry succeed make them effective and productive leaders.”