Currently serving on the MNR Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Peterson also participates on the Professional Standards and Professional Development committees, and does grievance reviews. Additionally, she had a role in Strategic Planning for 2022, volunteered at the Diversity Homeownership Fair, and was a Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Major Investor.
At the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR), she is on the Board and Executive Committee, and was 2022 Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. She also gives her energy to the SPAAR Charitable Foundation Board of Directors. Nationally, she is an NAR-certified instructor and serves on the Housing Opportunities Committee as well as the Housing Opportunities Grant Review Task Force.
In her spare time, Peterson volunteers for the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, an organization that promotes motorcycle safety and works to improve the public image of motorcycling.
Man Huynh Recognized for State and National Impact with Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award
The Ed Anderson Political Achievement award annually honors a member for outstanding contributions in politics and public policy, both locally and nationally. Serving on several local, state, and national committees, Man Huynh has served as the former Governmental Affairs (GA) Committee Chair, former SPAAR President, and is the current Realtor® Party Member Involvement Chair.
Dedicated to the real estate industry at the state, local, and national levels, Huynh is also part of the Minnesota delegation that annually visits Washington, D.C. to meet with elected members of Congress and discuss the most important issues affecting real estate.
Zwilling and Ruegemer Turn ICE into Meals for Children in Need
The MNR Good Neighbor Award is annually presented to a Realtor® who makes a positive impact on the community through volunteer work with an organization. The award highlights individuals who give much of their time and talents to help improve the lives of people in Minnesota.
Every February, Chuck Zwilling and his daughter Becca Ruegemer brave the deep chill in Little Falls to organize and operate the Sunny Zwilling Memorial Ice Carousel Extravaganza Fest (ICE), an outdoor event that raises money for the community’s at-risk children. Featuring speed and figure skating, curling, dog sledding, and other sporting activities, the family-friendly event is famed for its giant ice carousel.
Hosted by the Pay It Forward Foundation, funds raised at ICE Fest are donated to Flyer Pride Pack, a program that packs food in backpacks and distributes them to children who would not otherwise have nutritious meals over the weekend. Money is also given to Kare Kloset, an organization that provides resources for students whose basic needs are not met at home.
“Chuck and Becca are truly Good Neighbors, and worthy of this award given their unconditional support and passion for filling the tummies of children whose families struggle with food insecurities,” said Anita Wilson, co-coordinator of the Flyer Pride Pack program.
Last year Zwilling and Ruegemer spent 350 hours recruiting volunteers and sponsors, and soliciting donations. Their work ensures the event remains free and accessible to the public. Since the event began as a small Christmas get-together in 2017, the father-daughter team have helped raise over $80,000 for the two local aid programs, supporting more than 75 children and their families.