HISTORY

The Southwest Atlanta Real Estate Focus Group was formally organized on September 18, 1997 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission was (is) to provide a forum for the sharing of real estate related information among its members and with the community to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Atlanta.

The organization was the brainchild of native Southwest Atlantan Sheila Maddox, a veteran real estate agent. Along with valuable input and participation from other veteran real estate professionals Cynthia Amiger, Andrew Jackson, Althea Jones and Shirley Simmons monthly meetings began in 1996 and the first officers were installed in September, 1997. Those officers were President – Sheila Maddox, Vice-President – Althea Jones, Treasurer – Shirley Simmons, Secretary – Valerie Spivey, Parliamentarian – Ethel White and Chaplain – Andrew Jackson.

Real estate professionals from various companies throughout the city who market and sell in Southwest Atlanta and South Fulton County attended the first meeting. Ongoing monthly meetings were held at a different agent’s listing and guest speakers were invited to provide insight on such topics as local commercial and residential development, political issues impacting the industry, home inspections, home construction and new home communities. Agents also had the opportunity to promote their listings.

The SWAREFG also began community outreach programs which included  Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry, Christmas for needy children through the local post office and providing college scholarships for area high school seniors, which to date (2006) have totaled in excess of $13,000.

In 2001, Joycelyn King was elected President and under her leadership the organization continued to grow. Her visionary efforts led to the creation of the organization’s logo (designed by renowned artist Raymond Cody), brochure, the development of a new website and co-sponsoring, funding and construction of a home through Habitat for Humanity.

Today, the organization continues to provide a forum for the sharing of real estate related information among its members and the community to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Atlanta and South Fulton County.