PRESIDENT’S REPORT/JANUARY
There are so many exciting things in store for 2007 I don’t know where to start. First and foremost is your participation to make this a productive year, tailored to you, the membership. Our organization exists because of you and for you. This organization can only become meaningful with your participation and input.
Some new and exciting things on the horizon for our members is the formation of a new committee, “Communications and Public Relations”. One of the first of many exciting undertakings will be a 13 week, 5-minute spot on KTIE Radio. The basis for the program will be to promote the Citrus Valley Association of REALTORS® Membership and to provide positive information to the public about REALTORS® and the benefits of using a REALTOR®.
During the year, we will be submitting press releases to our local newspapers highlighting our members and their accomplishments. It would be great if you take a minute and share with us your accomplishments; any local political offices you may hold or commissions you are appointed to; any organizations where you serve on the Board of Directors; volunteer work you do in the communities where you live. We want to promote your accomplishments and how our members give back to their communities!
Additional goals we would like to accomplish will be a “Broker Only Concierge Service,” with a dedicated phone number that goes directly to our Associate Executive, Eleanor English. The idea is to expedite the call-in process and deliver prompt attention to your needs and questions. This will be implemented as soon as our phone system is upgraded.
A REALTOR® Recognition Reception will be held to recognize REALTORS® who contribute to the REALTORS® Action Fund, with a special pin for those who contribute annually. An example of where these funds benefit YOU, the REALTOR®: the California Association of REALTORS® was able to assist in defeating a Point-of-Sale tax on each closing by the City of Beverly Hills. The tax would have been in the form of a business license fee and a tax for each individual sale from the listing and selling agents per transaction. IF it had been enacted, other California cities could begin to adopt the policy for revenue generating funds seriously impacting our commissions. The REALTORS® Action Fund provides many benefits to help keep us in business.
Another member benefit we will be introducing is a forum presented by our Board Attorney, John Giardinelli, on Risk Management. The number of times it will be scheduled will depend on your participation. If it is widely attended, we will strive to do this four times this year and it will be FREE to all CVAR REALTORS® and a benefit to keep yourself out of trouble and out of court.
Watch your emails from Citrus Valley Association of REALTORS® when you log on to MRMLS. We will be conducting ongoing surveys to stay in touch and see where we can improve our service to our members. Please take a few minutes and complete them every month.
Also, I have asked all the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs to be Ambassadors for your Association. I’ve requested them to be available for office meeting visits along with a CVAR staff member so you can be kept abreast of all the programs, benefits, events your association has to offer, new changes that are happening and most importantly what you expect from your association.
Our Legislative Committee is planning to continue the REALTOR® Breakfasts with our elected Representatives for the 17 cities we represent. You are encouraged to attend and personally meet your representatives, be it city, county, state or federal government. These events are always in our newspaper and the bulletin as well as online at www.CVAR.net.
More exciting news . . . A CVAR BLOG starting will be announced shortly. You will be able to participate online at any hour of the day or night with interesting subjects - a very exciting way to touch one another since it is not easy to get to know each of our 6100+ colleagues and share our knowledge and experiences. Another benefit we are adding to make this YOUR organization.
AND DON’T FORGET… MARK YOUR CALENDARS…JANUARY 23RD AT 11:30 A.M….. OUR INSTALLATION LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT CHANTRELLES AT THE PADUA HILLS THEATRE IN CLAREMONT in honor of Carl Burnett, our 2006 President. We can all gather to participate in thanking Carl for his hard work in 2006. The cost to attend is only $15 per person with a gourmet buffet and a full service bar to celebrate. I look forward to seeing you there.
Here’s to a New and Wonderful Year 2007.
President Linda