Golden Isles Association of REALTORS®

Midi Shaw, 2011 Association President

President’s Letter

2011  is nearing a close and it’s been  another challenging year for real estate.  I believe, however, that the REALTOR® family is stronger than ever and we’ve  weathered this down turn with great fortitude and professionalism.

We succeeded in engaging new members in the REALTOR process, understanding that being a REALTOR is more than selling real estate. It is about how  we engage  ourselves in our business and behave  within our industry and our community.  The successful launch  of the Young Professionals Network here in the Golden Isles is a clear sign of the fact that there are members out there wanting to be more involved, excited about their role in the REALTOR process and eager to participate and help our association move forward.  Young and seasoned REALTORS®  alike continue to be involved in the Association at all levels, including attending the YPN function, is a clear indication that being a REALTOR® is more than selling real estate … that it is a community, a family.

We had planned in our 2011  budget to dip into reserves up to approximately $30,000  to continue to operate the association and provide our member services they expect. I am proud to announce that we project to close this year without touching our reserves at all and end the year with a balanced budget nonetheless.   It is a testament to the efforts of our dedicated CEO, Toni Cockeram and her staff, as well  as Jerry Rhyne, President-Elect and Vicki  Phillips, VP Admin  & Finance  who ensured we trimmed all the fat and controlled costs and expenditures to protect the financial health and integrity of this association so that we are prepared to weather whatever conditions the market may  throw our way  in the future.

All in all, this year has been another one of survival for most of us in this field. I applaud you  all for your continued dedication to our industry and our association and for remaining optimistic in the face of adversity. I wish  Jerry all the best as he prepares to lead us into 2012 and look forward to my continued affiliation with this great organization and all of its members!

Thank  you  for all your kind words and support this year and good luck in 2012!

Midi Shaw

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