PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

They say time flies, and boy, does it! This year has gone so very quickly, and quite successfully too, I might add. The credit for any success has to be given to the nearly 200 individuals who volunteered during the year in so many ways.

When I asked how many individual people serve in one or more capacities, I was astounded when I was told it is nearly 200 people. And, in most cases, they don’t serve on only one committee. The generosity of spirit and time is truly inspiring.

First of all, I am the first to acknowledge that nothing in this association gets done without the absolute best staff in the entire state! The reason I always praise Nelson Janes at meetings is just because he does such an excellent job. He is the reason SAR maintains an even keel year after year. His leadership enables the association to hire and maintain such a high-quality staff. Each and every one works tirelessly on your behalf and I appreciate so very much everything they do for all of us.

The Education Committee stepped up the pace this year with many classes covering the hot button issues. The new Lunch & Learn classes have been extremely successful. Jeff Jurach and Denise Ross-Francom, the Chair and Vice-chair, and their committee members have done an excellent job.

Speaking of education, who would have thought in a year like 2009, with all the economic uncertainty, that the Scholarship Committee would be able to award 36 scholarships totaling $44,500? But with the passionate commitment of Chair Perry Georgallis, they certain did. Incredible!

Mary Willett, Chair, and Kevin Nunn, Vice-chair, of the Housing Opportunities Committee, did admirable jobs in keeping affordable housing and availability at the forefront. The Committee put on two excellent, hugely successful seminars and got the Homebuyers Equity Leveraging Program (H.E.L.P) up and running.

The Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity Committee has been hard at work this year creating and strengthening SAR’s relationships with many ethnic and cultural groups. Bob Ingols, Chair, and Elena Crawford, Vice-chair, have done a great job in drawing the blueprints for our outreach, focusing on Asian, Hispanic, Hmong, Slavic and Indus Valley organizations.

CanTree Committee continues to amaze me! They bring to light how proud we all can be of the generosity of our Membership. Just as Scholarship has been able to forge forward in a tough economy, so has CanTree. Many thanks to Tim McGuire, Chair, and David Boliard, Vice-chair, and an outstanding committee for doing what needs to be done to benefit those in need.

Young Professionals Council! Rico Rivera, Chair, and Erin Attardi, Vice-chair, have brought so much enthusiasm and excitement to the group. Our YPC makes me so very proud. If something needs to be done, they are the ones to do it. When YPC was accredited by NAR this year, it was recognition for a level of professionalism and commitment that we in Sacramento knew all along.

Congratulations and sincere thanks go to the Government Relations Committee chaired by Alan Wagner; the Political Action Committee with Leigh Rutledge as Chair and Dick Swayne as Vice-chair, and Steve Ostrom, who chaired the Public Issues Forum. This year we even started a new committee, the REALTOR® Action Fund, and a big thank-you to Doug Covill for heading that up. As always, many issues arose that would directly affect your ability to do business. SAR is always at the forefront of working with government officials to resolve conflicts and keep our relationships strong.

Jim Hanson chaired the Real Estate Finance Forum with great success; that forum is always worthwhile. Additionally, Barbara Harsch headed the Industry Update Forum. Many thanks to her for bringing in good speakers and up-to-the-minute information designed for brokers in the association.

Grievance, chaired by Paula Swayne with assistance from Tina Jones, Vicechair, and Professional Standards, chaired by Cleo Brown with Leigh Rutledge as Vice-chair, did a fine job of handling all the ethics issues that came to the association. They and their committees did an excellent job in this crucial area, which is what sets us apart as REALTORS®.

Under the leadership of Judy Schoer, Chair, and Kathy Russell, Vice-chair, the Community Outreach Committee distributed our philanthropy dollars to the worthwhile causes meeting our criteria of shelter and underserved groups. Rebuilding Together, Francis House, the Sacramento Food Bank and St. John’s Shelter Program are just a few recipients of REALTORS® support.

The Communications Advisory Group, led by Rob McQuade and the Fall Conference, led by Kellie Swayne and Bill McKnight, contributed to our
success. The Leadership Development, chaired this year by Chris Little, will bear fruit sooner rather than later as dynamic new leaders move into positions of responsibility.

Chris Little also chaired the Commercial Division Task Force this year. Congratulations are due the Commercial Division, which received its REALTORS® Commercial Alliance certification from NAR this year.

Masters Club recognizes the achievements of top REALTORS®. Under the leadership of President Aileen Santee, Masters Club also conducted a dynamic
roundtable session and, during President Andy Theilen’s term, they raised over $9000 for selected charities at their annual golf tournament.

Secretary/Treasurer Doug Covill and the Budget Committee Chair showed fiscal leadership amid an economic downturn by expanding SAR investment opportunities, maximizing interest rates and maintaining a positive budget in 2009 without an increase in Members’ dues.

Many thanks to the Executive Committee, consisting of Alan Wagner, Barbara Harsch and Doug Covill. You can be very proud of them for their leadership during the year. The Members of the Board of Directors all did a fantastic job of leading the Association in a challenging year. Also, the Directors for CAR and NAR are excellent. Rest assured that you are being very well-represented at both the State and National level by these dedicated volunteers.

And that’s what it is all about: we are all volunteers. No one gets paid for anything they do, yet they give and give of themselves, often without even being asked. Nearly 200 different individuals have helped me this year, frequently in more than one setting, and I want to thank each and every one of you. You are the connection between REALTORS® and the community. At the beginning of the year, I noted in this column how you, our Members, embody the spirit of my theme, Connecting the Community. You have done that time and again throughout the year.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season, rest up, and come back next year for more challenges and fun! Thank you, thank you, thank you.