Murphy NC 28906

Carol Harting of ERA Carolina Mountain Homes has successfully completed the e-PRO course to become one of the select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered by the National Association of Realtors.

The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, and is comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70 percent of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” Harting said. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

The exclusive e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help realtors stay at the leading edge of technology and to identify, valuate, and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego based technology company InternetCrusade.

The course instructs participants in the professional use of email, the development of an interactive website, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they have acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

For more information, email Carol Harting at carolharting@hughes.net or call her at 828-644-5566.

Mickey Maennle has joined First Citizens Bank, located in downtown Murphy, NC.

Maennle is a financial consultant based in the branch located at 22 Hiwassee Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in 1988.

Founded in 1898, First Citizens operates 340 branches in more than 200 cities and towns in North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the bank has $15.9 billion in assets.

Ann Carroll, an associate broker with Western Carolina Real Estate Co., Inc. who has been with the company since March 2006, was awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) professional designation by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council of Murphys, California.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists help seniors make wise decisions about selling the family home, buying rental property, managing the capital gains and estate tax implications of owning real estate, obtaining a reverse mortgage, moving to a senior community, and other issues. By earning the designation, Carroll has demonstrated that she has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to be a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

The Senior Advantage Real Estate Council tracks the special issues and needs of senior property owners and provides education to realtors who make seniors an important focus of their business. The designation was introduced in 1997 and is nationally recognized.

Guest chef night from 5-9 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2007, at The Longhouse restaurant will feature Father George Kloster of St. William Catholic Church.

Cost of the three-course dinner will be $13.99, with $2 per plate going to local Christian charities.

For more information, call The Longhouse restaurant at 828-837-1762.

Butterfly Life, a women’s fitness club, opened at 3000 US Hwy 64 West, Suite 118, in Lakeside Plaza.

The new club is designed for women who are interested in attaining simple, achievable results in a nurturing, non-threatening environment.

Members will enjoy the club’s innovative approach to providing “Healthy Living Solutions for Women,” which encompass everything from fitness, health, and nutrition to beauty, fashion, and psychology, all under one roof.

“The Butterfly Life concept of developing an integrated approach to women’s fitness, weight loss, and healthy living, was created by a team of pioneers boasting more than a century of industry experience,” club owners Annette Downer and Karie Clayton said. “Butterfly Life understands that weight loss is only one component of a healthy life, so that’s why the program was developed with an integrated, 360-degree approach to accommodating all components of women’s fitness and health.”

The club is equipped with an exclusive 15-station, strength- and cardio-training circuit that has been custom designed and is fully adjustable to meet the needs of women at all levels.

In 30 minutes, members complete a well-balanced circuit that works the entire body efficiently and effectively, the owners said.

Butterfly Life membership rates are competitive in the industry with other women’s programs.

For more information, call 828-837-1900, 1-800-Butterfly, or visit www.ButterflyLife.com.

ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received one of the highest honors that can be achieved by an ERA company.

This elite club is a direct reflection of customers’ buying or selling experiences as reported on the ERA Customer Satisfaction Survey.

The 2006 achievement demonstrates that the service the company provides to its customers and clients embraces the “ERA First in Service” philosophy.

Because of the company’s dedication to its customers, ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received a certificate representing its achievement. This award lets the public know that customer service is the cornerstone of repeat business and referrals and one of the most crucial factors distinguishing a real estate professional in a competitive market.

ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received congratulations for keeping customers first in everything it does.

The Cherokee County NC Chamber of Commerce is planning its first Fish Fry and Boat Show in hopes of “reeling in tourists and new chamber members,” chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball said.

The boating extravaganza is set for Saturday, June 23, 2007 at the TVA boat ramp in downtown Murphy, NC. Activities will spill over into the L&N Depot on Hiawassee Street.

The show will open at 10:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. There is no cost to attend.

Fish sandwiches, cole slaw, and a drink will be served between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. The fish fry will be $6.00 per person.

The Longhouse Restaurant is doing the fish fry for this event to benefit the chamber.

Participating in the boat show so far are Smith Power, Nick’s Marine, High Country Canvas, and Appalachian Outfitters.

Some vendors will have boats in the water and will give demonstrations.

While in town for the boat show, Kimball said to be sure to walk into the historic downtown area of Murphy, where many businesses will be open, including a farmers market, gift and antique shops, restaurants, and more.

Come join in the fun. Meet new friends and mingle with singles.

Grab a glass of wine and get ready to unlock the possibilities.

Music and dancing by the Mad Hatter.

ShoeBooties Cafe, Saturday, May 26, 2007, 7:00 PM

$10.00 cover charge includes appetizers and a beverage.

Wine will be available at an additional charge.

For more information, call 828-837-0733 or 828-837-4589

Musicians from across the state will again share the stage with the North Carolina Symphony in Capital Bank Blue Skies and Red Earth, a celebration that showcases the richness of traditional music of North Carolina, in performances in Asheville, Cullowhee, Hickory, Murphy, and Rutherfordton.

The local concert will start at 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2007, in Enloe Hall at Tri-County Community College on US 64 East.

Blue Skies and Red Earth was conceived, in part, to celebrate the orchestra’s 75th anniversary.

In recognition of outstanding sales achievement in 2006, United Country - Murphy Mountain Realty has been presented with the company’s President’s Honor Group award.

United Country also honored two Murphy Mountain Realty sales associates for their individual sales accomplishments in 2006. Michael Beeri and Brenda Crisp both earned the Pinnacle Club award.

United Country - Murphy Mountain Realty, owned and operated by Leann Chastain, can be contacted at 828-837-9713.