I have recently relocated to the area from the central coast where I was the Association Executive for the Scenic Coast Association of REALTORS in Morro Bay. Prior to my position at the Scenic Coast Association, I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Although it was difficult to leave my association and the beauty of the central coast, I am very excited to be here in Southern California, where I am closer to my friends and family.
Over the past month I have had the opportunity to work alongside Eleanor and learn the general procedures of the association office. After spending a few short hours with Eleanor, it was obvious that I had some big shoes to fill. Eleanor has done a tremendous job facilitating a smooth transition, providing me with all the tools I need to succeed in this position. She has left the association in excellent condition and it is obvious why Eleanor has been a great asset to the association for the past 11 years.
The association staff and the leadership have also been a great support during this transition, welcoming me to the association with open arms. I feel very fortunate to be working for such a highly respected organization as CVAR. I look forward to the challenges ahead and getting to know the CVAR membership. Please feel free to stop by the association office ANYTIME to introduce yourself – I’d love to meet you!
Association Office Hours
With the New Year come a few changes for the association that all members should be aware of. As of January 1st, the association has changed its office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although the office is now open one less hour every day, please be assured that the association staff is committed to providing the same great service that members have come to expect from CVAR.
The Weekly Bulletin is Going Online!
CVAR will soon offer members a great way to market listings, services and special events to fellow Realtor and Affiliate members online. Beginning next month, the weekly paper bulletin will no longer be delivered to offices but will only be available online at www.cvarmaketplace.com. This website will be feature the same information as the paper bulletin, but will reach more people and be a convenient way for members to access the information. To submit a flyer to be posted at www.cvarmarketplace.com, please email the file in a word, publisher or pdf format to lsmith@cvar.net or call Linda Smith at the association office at 909-305-2827.
Annual Dues
By now, you should have received your annual NAR/CAR dues statement in the mail. If you have NOT received a dues statement, PLEASE contact the billing department at the association office at 909-305-2827 in order to avoid any late fees or interruption in your member services. All NAR/CAR dues payments must be received by the association office no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st, or a penalty of $25 will apply. Dues paid after February 15th are subject to a late penalty fee of an additional $25 PLUS a reapplication fee of $50.
You will notice that on your dues statement you have the option to contribute a very important fund – the REALTOR Action Fund (RAF). Each year the REALTOR Action Fund fights for your right to do business. Although contributions are not mandatory, ask yourself what these proposals would do to your business:
- What if you COULDN’T represent both parties in a transaction?
- What if RESPA was applied to seller concessions?
- What if you had to pay a local tax based off of each transaction you handled?
By contributing $197 to the REALTOR Action Fund, you are doing your part in helping to protect private property rights and other REALTOR interests from unwanted government regulations. The $197 contribution is considered “The True Cost of Doing Business.” However, if you cannot give the full amount this year, please consider making a $49 contribution – this will prove to be a wise investment in the future of your business in organized real estate.
12th Annual Holiday Breakfast & Installation
Thank you to everyone who attended CVAR’s 12th Annual Holiday Breakfast & Installation on December 5th at the Pomona Valley Mining Company. It proved to be another great event, with over 300 members in attendance. The Bonita High School Chamber Singers graced us once again with their beautiful voices, kicking off the holiday season with fun Christmas jingles. Thank you to director Todd Helm and his talented students for taking the time to entertain the CVAR membership each year.
In combination with the holiday breakfast this year was the installation of your 2008 officers and directors. President Steve Yeager and his leadership team – including Lidia Yun, President Elect; Thomas Baldwin, Treasurer; Bruce Engles, Vice President; Linda Moulder, Past President; and Directors Sharron Bowler, Marilyn Ralston, Dale Colby, Carol Facciponti-Malcolm, Gary Ingham, Barbara McClelland, and Roger Wade - were sworn in to office, and Past President Linda Moulder and the 2007 Board of Directors - including Steve Yeager, Lidia Yun, Marilyn Ralston, Thomas Baldwin, Carl Burnett, Sharon Bowler, David Brighton, Dale Colby, Bruce Engles, Mark Peterson, and Roger Wade - were honored for their hard work and dedication to the association in 2007.
The morning concluded with Santa handing out more than 30 raffle gifts and prizes, thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Real Estate Professionals Committee. This committee, chaired by Carol Facciponti-Malcolm, raised more than $26,000 in 2007 for Stepping Stones for Women, a non-profit organization that provides supportive services for single mothers and their children so that they can become physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually healthy. On behalf of CVAR, I would like to thank the Real Estate Professionals Committee for its dedication in 2007 and for making a significant contribution to this worthy cause. The association looks forward to participating in more successful fundraisers this year to raise money for the benefit of other charitable organizations. Until next month…Emily.