Board of Directors. An odd tradition at the Board of Directors meeting is that someone in the Region brings food that gets passed up and down the tables during meetings. Well I was starved this morning (because during conventions it requires eating seven meals a day) and the two choices were really noisy garlic bagel chips or Hershey’s miniature chocolates. But I didn’t complain because I figured it could lead to me getting assigned to do it in the future.

NAR has already sent a summary of the major actions out in their INS report, so be sure to read that for a complete report. Three notable things: the new IDX policy detailing when Exclusive Agency listings must be included in data feeds; changes to Standards of Practice in Article 12 related to Internet practices; and the $1M contribution to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in DC. You likely saw the latter on the news as the Memorial was being dedicated at the same time as the Directors meeting was happening.

An AE highlight was watching Louisiana AE Malcolm Young presented with the Magel Award of Excellence. President Tom Stevens noted that Malcolm had members who evacuated Katrina move into his home for 7 weeks; and the months of extraordinary leadership he provided during Relief efforts. Malcolm has also played key roles in ensuring AE professional development programs at NAR.

About New Orleans - The enormity of the gratitude in New Orleans was clear -everywhere in the city and at the hotel THE WORKERS (ranging from the cab drivers to the waitresses to the maids) said thank you for helping them - and they were sincerely customer focused. Those participating in the rebuilding projects or who ventured out into neighborhoods relayed that there is still significant work to be done. Going to New Orleans was the right thing to do.

And finally, on a flight today I sat next to a local AE who has held his position for 31 years. I’ve worked with the REALTOR organization for 23 years and we’d never managed to meet before today. There are such great opportunities to learn from our peers – even if it’s just riding along on a plane.

Posted by Cindy Butts on November 14 at 02:23 AM | Association Executives | Permanent Link

There's no way to measure the full value of the hard work of NARdi Gras attendees who have helped restore New Orleans this week. Nonetheless, a few numbers will give you a sense of what's been accomplished here in just a few days.

8,364: The number of hours NAR members had spent in volunteer activities through Saturday, November 11.

15,000: The number of dollars NAR donated to purchase supplies and equipment to help restore City Park. The equipment used during volunteer projects in the park will remain for future upkeep and maintenance.

Continue reading "Adding up the Difference REALTORS® Made in New Orleans" »

Posted by Deborah Aker on November 13 at 12:53 PM | New Orleans Information | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (10)

Three words: Harry Connick, Jr.

Opened the evening saying he was going to give us a great concert because of the $525,000 donated to homes in the Musicians Village and all that REALTORS® have done for New Orleans. And he did. Absolutely incredible performance - thousands and thousands of screaming REALTORS® (and Association Executives!)

A great deal of the Sunday business meetings, and the Regional Caucuses, mainly include reviews of what happened during meetings on the prior days. And still no beignet - but I know they're out there.

Posted by Cindy Butts on November 13 at 12:59 AM | Association Executives | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (1)

At Saturday night's REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards reception, special honors were given to five exceptional REALTORS® who have made tremendous difference in the lives of people and communities. Also acknowledged were the award winners from the program's seven-year history and the REALTORS® who received honorable mentions.

The winners talked about the difference that the $10,000 grant to their charity will make and about what winning the award meant to them. They shared many stories and extended many thanks. I was seated next to Jack Conway, one of this year's Honorable Mentions winners, and his wife, Patti, who shared the story of their involvement with MainSpring Coalition for the Homeless.

What an amazing group of individuals! Their tireless efforts to rally communities, make a lasting impression, and help individuals live better lives is the greatest imaginable source of inspiration.

Posted by Hilary Marsh on November 12 at 02:46 PM | Conference information | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (1)

I have lived away since 2001, but was born and raised 30 years in the New Orleans area and have plenty of family I visit here several times a year. Being here with NAR has been extremely bittersweet for me.

Part of it has been very good: It’s literally awesome that tens of thousands of real estate professionals have committed themselves to attending this event in this city, and equally amazing how many have gotten down into the dirt to help improve New Orleans.

When I participated in a Habitat build early in the week, I was struck by the number of volunteers in our group and that so many already knew something about putting up siding from other Habitat projects they’d done.

No one allowed themselves time for self-congratulation, jumping instead immediately to work, seemingly racing to accomplish as much as they could before we broke for lunch and the dedication/key presentation at a neighboring house.

Continue reading "A local point of view" »

Posted by Maura York on November 12 at 01:08 PM | New Orleans Information | Permanent Link