It’s hard to believe that 2010 is almost over and we are setting our sights to 2011.  I am just back from our NVBR annual meeting where we elected and installed your Leadership Team for 2011, NVBR Directors, and VAR Directors.  Thank you to each of you that participated in the process and for your vote of confidence for our volunteer leaders who work on your behalf.
 
2010 was a very productive year for NVBR.  Your dues investment realized many member benefits.  Here are just some of the results of all your dues dollars at work!

• We started off 2010 with a packed audience listening to NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun talk about the state of the real estate industry.
• In January, NVBR and the Franklin Country Board of REALTORS® voted unanimously to merge the two associations making NVBR a stronger voice in northwestern Vermont, covering all of Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.
• In February, NVBR graduated its second class in the Evelyn Biddle Leadership Development Program.  Many of those graduates are now active members on NVBR Committees and the Board of Directors.
• In March, the Young Professional Network held their annual Ski, Ride and Spa Day at Stowe Resort.
• One of the nation’s leading experts on Trends, Stephan Swanepol, joined NVBR members for a look at the biggest trends in real estate, especially in the areas of branding, social media and the demographics of today’s home buyers and sellers.
• In May, NVBR once again honored our own with the Annual REALTOR® of Distinction Awards.  Annemarie Daniels of Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman was named NVBR REALTOR® of the Year.  Nate Malley, RE/MAX North Professionals was honored with the Rookie of the Year.  Rich Gardner was given the Good Neighbor Award and Nancy Jenkins received NVBR’s Distinguished Service Award.
• One of the biggest transitions in NVBR’s history happened in the end of May, when we sold the MLS to the Northern New England Real Estate Network.  The sale resulted in lower MLS fees for members and created a network that now brings statewide data to all REALTORS® in Vermont.
• NVBR focused on three designations and certifications this year.  Some 50 members took the course work to receive their ABR designation.  NVBR and VAR partnered to bring the Green Designation to Vermont.  Our own Rich Gardner is the lead instructor for the core course.  And, to help better understand today’s market, over 100 NVBR members took advantage of  the Short Sales and Foreclosures Certification.
• NVBR also gave back to the community in 2011.  Through the tireless efforts of the Community Service Committee, NVBR members participated in the Annual COTS walk, Rebuilding Together, the Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament, and Susan Komen Race for the Cure.  In addition, NVBR made financial contributions to Women Helping Battered Women, The Vermont Food Bank, the Warmth Program, and the Refugee Resettlement Program.  And the Committee isn’t finished.  Look for another great Silent Auction at the NVBR Holiday Party in December.
• In October, NVBR furthered its commitment to bring nationally recognized speakers to Vermont.  David Knox gave a seminar on boosting your listing presentations.  Over 100 members attended the class with rave reviews.
• Also in October, NVBR brought the Mandatory Course to the Franklin County Chapter, where Tom Heilmann taught to a sold-out group of REALTORS®.
• Last month, NVBR leadership came together for a two day “think tank” session to look at the future of the Association.  This exciting strategic planning session created an outline that will help us boost professionalism within our membership, raise the bar in educating real estate agents, and continue to bring the REALTOR® brand to the public.

 
A large focus for us in 2010 was the creation of our strategic plan aimed at moving our member focused organization forward.  The challenges were clear; our members struggle with wanting more professionalism, they want more influence over the entities that regulate our profession, and they want to be part of a profitable organization that promotes the REALTORS® brand.

The vision that emerged from our two-day session was clear: “The Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS® is the leading, most influential organization in establishing and embodying The Standard for real estate professionals.”
 
As we approach 2011, here is our commitment to you.  We will continue to steward NVBR, focusing on bringing you education and programs that make us better practitioners, increase the awareness of the value that REALTORS® bring to the transaction, to be mindful of our need to increase professionalism, and to build an organization that doesn’t rely solely on dues revenue.  We will always keep our members needs foremost.  We will help be the conduit to bring locally what NAR does on our behalf, like the Home Ownership Matters campaign and Government Affairs initiatives like the protection of the Mortgage Interest Deduction, currently under attack within government.  We will bring value to our members, period.
 
Your leadership team is looking forward to 2011 and all the opportunities and challenges that will make us stronger, more professional, and all around better REALTORS®.  Please consider joining a committee or leadership position and make a difference.  This is your REALTOR® organization and it needs your help to be successful.
 

David Raphael
2011 NVBR President