While many of us were at the NAR Convention networking, partying it up and taking advantage of the myriad programs and offerings to help us improve our personal businesses, there was another group of individuals in Orlando working diligently for the benefit of all of us members of the REALTOR organization and consumers. You probably will not see them in many of the pictures of the festivities, nor would you have likely seen them in any of the live session feeds that were broadcast throughout the week. You see, this group of individuals was busy working on things like Association Governance, an Economic & Housing Stimulus Proposal and accepting a charter for a new and greatly needed REALTOR Credit Union, among other things. I learned that the schedule for these leaders of ours was very busy, leaving little time for attending sessions or parties.
I bring this up to emphasize what is great about our organization and to remind all of us about the scope and focus of our National Association. While we all have our personal gripes and maybe even think there are some pretty huge issues that need to be addressed, the fact remains that our Association remains dedicated to the betterment of all of our lives and businesses, to the welfare of our country’s economy, and to the rights of homeowners across our great land. Furthermore, all of this important work is driven by the dedication of our tireless volunteer leadership who think nothing of taking a week away from their families and businesses to give their time and talent for each of us.
Please take a moment out of your day to thank these individuals. I, personally, am very grateful to them.
Mark Eibner
November 14, 2008 at 6:17 pm
we’re at it again Our Behind-the-Scenes Warriors: Get out of your feed reader and comme.. https://tinyurl.com/6elzvp
Bob Wilson
November 15, 2008 at 11:15 am
Lisa, I am grateful for the time and resources these people invest, but my concern is still the direction that NAR is going and the public screw ups (Dick Gaylord on AM TV, short sighted TV campaigns, or almost anything that comes out of Yun’s mouth) that reflect negatively on all of us.
Some details into the thought process would be nice. Insight into the goals would be better. A thorough plan that spells out what needs to be done, and how, would be best.
For example, is there more to the Economic & Housing Stimulus Proposal than this?
As the nation’s largest lobby, is that the best they can do?
Paula Henry
November 15, 2008 at 11:23 am
I had dinner last night with our previous Board President and his wife; both attended the NAR convention. Their stories of the convention were quite different – he in meetings and she enjoying the festivities and programs.
The hours he puts into the community and service astounds me; all for no pay – only the reward of having served.
Thanks to all for your selfless work behind the scenes.
Lisa Sanderson
November 16, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Bob: When you put it that way, it sounds like we need your help…bad! Are you involved?
Paula: I watch someone very close to me give a huge amount of time to the State & National Associations. These people truly only want to do what’s good for our industry and we should all support them in their efforts either by pitching in where we can or by showing support. It’s hugely frustrating to hear ‘they should be doing this’ or ‘they should be doing that.’ It’s about Us & We, not They & Them.