The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Realtors has honored William “Bill” Carlson as the 2020 Realtor of the Year.

Following a career in the hospitality industry and 25 years of dedicated service to A1 Specialty Metals, Carlson entered the real estate profession.

Over the years, Carlson has been a consistent top producer and award recipient. From Howard Hanna, his accolades include: Best of the Best, the National Sales Excellence Award and Top Producer. Carlson was also honored multiple times with the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors “Diamond Presidential Award,” the most prestigious sales award a member can achieve. He earned the Diamond Sales Award again in 2020.

Carlson was a past member of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Realtors MLS Committee, was a staple at all board functions and was guaranteed to be there wearing his signature blazer and his Realtor® pin.

Carlson also helped found the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation. In doing so, he found a way to combine real estate and giving back to the community. The Land Bank focuses on community revitalization by addressing neglected, foreclosed and abandoned properties. Carlson served on the land bank board.

He also served his community as a volunteer fireman for 47 years.

Carlson passed away Sept. 11, 2020, and was awarded his Realtor of the Year award posthumously.