from the Business Journal Insider, Volume 1, Number 14
William “Bill” Milliken, Jr., owner of Milliken Realty Company, was chosen Realtor of the Year for 2000-2001 by the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors.
The Realtor of the Year Award recognizes realtors for extraordinary efforts in the interest of their profession, clients, and community. It also acknowledges the leadership qualities of those realtors who perform work on behalf of the local, state, and national realtor association.
The nominating committee considers the activities of the nominee during the current year, including their business success, involvement in the community, leadership, and participation in the realtor organization.
“You’re in rarified air when your board picks you as Realtor of the Year,” Milliken said. “It was thrilling for me to receive that recognition. Some top people who have a lot of influence in the real estate community have been on that list.”
Milliken said he believes his involvement with community and nonprofit organizations probably carried a lot of weight for him in the decision to give him the award. The board recognizes people who give back to the community,” Milliken said.
A native of Traverse City, Bill came to ann Arbor for his first job out of college with the Youth for Understanding student exchange program. He worked for the organization when it moved its national headquarters to Washington, D.C., in 1978.
Milliken returned to Ann Arbor in 1979. He went to work for the First Martin Corp., one of the larger real estate development and property management firms in town.
In 1996, he formed his own commercial brokerage and consulting business, Milliken Realty Company. Today, the firm is one of the leading commercial real estate businesses in the area.
He received the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 1998. CCIM recognizes its members for their expertise in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management valuation, and investment analysis. Milliken has chaired the membership committee for the Michigan Chapter of CCIM and is a member of its board of directors.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Milliken has made numerous contributions to many community and nonprofit organizations.
Milliken is a member of the board of directors for the Washtenaw Development Council. He actively participated in the council’s preparation of a proposal for the county to receive a TechZone designation from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce since 1991. He is vice chairman of the board and will serve as its chairperson in 2001.
Milliken serves on the Board of Directors for Republic Bank, which has its corporate offices in Ann Arbor. He is a member of the bank’s Executive Loan Committee.
He is secretary of Artrain USA and has served on its board of directors since 1991. As a former director of the Ann Arbor Art Association, Milliken continues to perform real estate consulting work on a pro bono basis for the Arts Center.
A member of its board of directors for the past four years, Milliken was just named vice chair of the board for the Non-Profit Enterprise at Work (NEW). He is currently chair of NEW’s trusteeship committee.
Milliken has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan for the past six years, including two terms as president.
He was a founding member and president of the Professional Volunteer Corps. He has also donated his services to the Michigan Theater foundation, Merian’s Friends, and the Alzheimer’s Association, all located in the Ann Arbor area.