NATCHEZ — Kevin R. Joiner, president of Crye-Leike Franchises, Inc., announced today Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors of Natchez has achieved a 10 percent increase in sales volume during the first half of 2008, as compared to the same period last year and also ranks in the top three throughout their entire franchise network.

Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors is owned and operated by Joe W. and Sue H. Stedman. Joe Stedman is a 35 year veteran of the real estate industry and holds the Realtors Land Institute (RLI), Accredited Land Consultant (ALC), and Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designations.

He has served as chairman of the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, president of the Natchez Board of Realtors (NBR), president of the Natchez Homebuilders Association, convention chairman of the Mississippi Association of Realtors (MAR), and as a director of MAR. He is the president-elect of the Mississippi chapter of RLI and is a member of the Natchez Rotary Club where he is also recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Sue H. Stedman has 21 years experience in real estate. She is a past president of the NBR, has served on the legislative and professional standards and convention committees of MAR, and held the position of executive officer of the Jackson Board of Realtors. She has earned the honor of NBR Realtor of the Year in 2004 and 2005, Women-in-Business Advocate of the Year in 1994 from the Mississippi Small Business Administration, and the 1994 Natchez Athena Award. Sue has also had the positions of chairman of the Natchez Chamber of Commerce and the Keep Natchez/Adams County Beautiful organization, vice chairman of the Natchez-Adams Co. Economic Development Authority, and executive committee member of the Natchez/Adams County Humane Society’s Shelter Fund. She served as a city alderman from 1996 through 2004.

“We are very pleased to report an overall increase in sales in the first six months of 2008 and proud to be one of the top three in the franchise network,” said Joe Stedman.

“Making sure the client comes first is a proven road to success in this business, and our sales team practices this every day. We believe in customer service and successful outcomes, and work hard at both,” he said.

Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors specializes in residential, commercial and land transactions.

Their expert sales associates hold a variety of professional designations including ALC; CRB; and Graduate, Realtor Institute.