Area real estate agents celebrated the successes of 2012 during an event Friday.Members of the 400 North Board of Realtors, which includes Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties, gathered at Polo Golf & Country Club for the organization’s 2012 holiday luncheon. Melba Franklin, 2012 president, called the year “a great one” for the organization. “We actually exceeded our goals and I would like to highlight some of the major activities and accomplishments that we were able to do this year,” she said. Among those highlights, she said, were the February Circle of Excellence Banquet, in which top performing members were recognized, and a new spring trade show. Franklin said the trade show included a three-hour continuing education opportunity, which was part of a total of more than 30 hours the board offered members during the year. Other highlights included a summer bus tour of new homes and new home construction, which drew more than 70 members, and the organization’s Annual Charity Auction in the fall. Franklin said the auction raised more than $12,000 for three organizations that provide Christmas gifts for children in need.Representatives from Angels Over Forsyth, Dawson County K.A.R.E. for Kids, and Lumpkin County Family Connections attended the lunch. Each group received $4,000 from the charity sale. The organization also presented three of its highest honors during the luncheon. Attorney Marcus Rosin was named the Affiliate of the Year, an award that is presented annually to an affiliate member who has made the greatest contribution of time, energy and resources. The Jim French Award, which is presented each year to honor French’s memory, went to Terry Swanson, who was also sworn in as the organization’s 2013 president. The French Award is given to a member who exhibits personal success while maintaining high ethical standards. John DiJohn received the Realtor of the Year award, which goes to someone who has demonstrated high levels of achievement and participated in many 400 North Board and community service activities.After being sworn in as the new president, Swanson honored Franklin, who fought breast cancer during her term. “For the energy she bestowed, the passion she still is able to exemplify and for not letting this board down one inch this year, I’d like a second standing ovation for her,” Swanson said. He also looked forward to next year. “We’ll all going to work together for your best interests so that everyone out there knows that the 400 North Board is the place to be and the one to watch,” he said. “Together we’ll be the best of the best.”