Monday in New Orleans (for AEs)
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.
