|
|
 Ron Phipps  Friday, May 6th, 2011  Dear Fellow REALTOR®,
By now, we have all seen images of the widespread destruction in Alabama and other southeastern states. Tornadoes and severe storms destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving thousands without homes. More than 300 people have lost their lives, and the tragedy is still unfolding.
In times like this, we ask ourselves “How we can help those suffering such unimaginable loss?”
REALTORS® have earned a reputation for our tremendous heart and compassionate work on behalf of others. We hope you will join our latest effort to help those affected by this disaster by making a tax deductible contribution to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF). We encourage you to click in the link below and complete the form.
https://secure.realtor.org/RelFundTrack.nsf/Contribution?OpenForm
The Foundation has already sent a $150,000 contribution to the Alabama Association of REALTORS® Disaster Relief Fund. This contribution came directly from people, like you, who have given directly to the Fund in the past. The Foundation can do more with your help.
Continue reading: Relief Appeal – Southern U.S. Tornadoes Disaster
Doug Covill Monday, May 2nd, 2011
 Government relations is one area in which it would be very hard for you to do for yourself what your REALTOR® association does for you. Just the amount of time and expertise involved can be overwhelming.
Volunteers and state and federal lobbyists work all the time to protect your ability to do business, by looking out for private property rights and private property values. It’s not an exaggeration to say that our industry is under attack every day.
The work the association does here is so vital, and you may never hear anything about it. A problem may start when a regulator has what seems like a good idea, but does not understand the ramifications. This is where our two SAR advocates do such important work.
Caylyn Brown and Eric Rasmusson follow issues at the County and the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Orangevale and Carmichael, as well as other government agencies such as water, sewer and air quality. By developing and maintaining critical relationships with local officials, Caylyn and Eric are often able to deal with issues when they are still ideas, long before they are proposed as ordinances or regulations.
A good example of the behind-thescenes work they do occurred when Caylyn was reviewing the agenda of an upcoming council meeting of one of our suburban cities. She noticed a proposed regulation of “Open House” signs. One effect of the regulation would have been to limit open houses to Sunday afternoons only, which would have had a direct and detrimental impact on our Members’ ability to do business in that city. The city staff person didn’t realize that that’s what the regulation would have done. Diligent SAR staff and volunteer efforts took care of the issue before it went any further.
Continue reading: Working to Protect Your Ability to Do Business
Nelson Janes Thursday, February 17th, 2011
 Since you sell communities when you help consumers buy and sell homes, it’s good to note that Sacramento has been ranked one of the top cities in America for its quality of life by Money magazine and Sperling’s.
The city’s rich historical heritage, commitment to quality of life and abundance of trees and parkland contributed to Newsweek magazine’s naming Sacramento one of the ten best cities in the United States.
We’re lucky to live here with the many opportunities we have to enjoy the outdoors and entertainment including myriad museums, galleries, historical attractions and theatres. Seasonal festivals can be found every weekend throughout the year. Farmers markets are sprinkled throughout the area. The wine growing regions of nearby Sierra Foothills offer wine tastings and other travel opportunities.
Newcomers continue to arrive seeking opportunity, sunshine and lower housing costs than found in coastal California.
Downtown and Midtown are seeing a resurgence of fine restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and unique watering holes.
There are many great colleges and universities in and around Sacramento as well.
Over the years, high-tech companies have moved here, and now their output places Sacramento at 21st out of 100 other metro areas.
Continue reading: EVP Exchange-February 2011
Leon Williams Monday, December 27th, 2010
 I hope your Christmas was wonderful. I am sharing a link for a video of the SAR 2010 Elk Grove CanTree Build. Also, if you want to participate in next years CanTree Build or are interested in being on the CanTree Committee click on the “Subscribe” tab and your name and number will be [...]
Daniel Allen Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
 2010 Installation
The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® 2010 Board of Directors was officially introduced and sworn in at a gathering of over 200 SAR Members and special guests in a colorful and festive “All Aboard” train-themed setting. Barbara Harsch addressed the theme of her tenure as “All Aboard” referring to the train that is SAR. In her analogy, she explained that volunteers are what make this train move. Barbara proved a great “conductor” for the SAR train this year.
 Crab Fest
Over 400 SAR Members and their friends and families attended the 2010 Crabfest held at the Folsom Community Center in February. In addition to the outstanding crab dinner and entertaining emcee Dave Bender, attendees also enjoyed the live music, raffle prizes, silent and live auction items and a $1,000 door prize. All proceeds benefitted the Sacramento Salvation Army. The next Crab Fest is planned for February 5, 2011 – same place, same time. Don’t miss out!
 Ethnic Chamber Mixers
Throughout 2010, the SAR Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee organized mixers with local ethnic chambers. These mixers, which included the Russian American Media, Asian Pacific Chamber and the Indus Valley American Chamber, served as opportunities for SAR Members to interact with Sacramento’s diverse communities of business professionals.
Continue reading: 2010 In Review
Barbara Harsch Monday, November 8th, 2010
 THANKSGIVING… So much to be grateful for. This has been an amazing year at SAR. The talent we have both with the staff and with all of our chairmen and committees has been an inspiration. They have made being President an easy job. Our Members have benefited greatly from their knowledge and hard work. [...]
Daniel Allen Thursday, November 4th, 2010
 Building on successive years of public Christmas CanTree displays, Sacramento REALTORS® and Affiliates are raising public awareness of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Food Basket Program with gigantic canned food Christmas trees to be constructed in our community.
The 28th Annual SAR Christmas CanTree project will consist of three CanTrees installed in locations throughout the [...]
Daniel Allen Monday, November 1st, 2010
 Cultural Diversity Day followed the informative legal update by C.A.R.’s Gov Hutchinson at the October Main Meeting. With the financial support of a NAR grant, the SAR Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee hosted an event featuring great speakers, interesting entertainment and a catered lunch for all the attendees – and more.
With the help of [...]
Janelle Fallan Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
 The Sacramento Association of REALTORS®’ has become a perennial on the list of the top 25 area companies for corporate philanthropy, as compiled by the Sacramento Business Journal and published each April.
SAR’s position at #15 in 2010, in the midst of mostly for-profit businesses and in the midst of a real estate downturn, is a source of pride and an indicator of how REALTORS® are connected with the community and how they make a difference.
SAR budgets two to three per cent of its gross revenue each year for civic and charitable activities. Most of the other businesses on the Business Journal’s list donate less than one per cent of their revenues toward charitable causes.
CanTree, Masters Club and the Young Professionals Council all raise money independently of the SAR budget and make their own charitable contributions, although all the activities are a reflection of REALTORS®’ generosity. The 2009 Masters Club charities, receiving $3158.88 apiece – the proceeds from the Masters Club annual golf tournament – were Wellspring Women’s and Children’s Center, The GreenHouse and Wind Youth Services. YPC donated $6481.42 from its own fundraising activities. CanTree donated $65,000 to the Salvation Army. In its 27 years of existence, CanTree has raised more than $2 million for the Salvation Army in Sacramento.
REALTOR® participation for Rebuilding Together, Loaves and Fishes, the American River Parkway cleanup and many other activities represent a small portion of what Members give to the community. SAR Members also lead Girl Scout troops, organize neighborhood yard sales and Neighborhood Watch programs and generally endeavor on their own to support their communities.
Continue reading: REALTORS® Rank High in Philanthropy
Barbara Harsch Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
 SAR Members raises and give a great deal of money to various community organizations, and I can say from going to events to represent you, that the organizations are doing great good against high odds. I was unacquainted with many of these organizations and am humbled by the work they do.
What are you [...]
|
Register | Login
|
Recent Comments