My charge for 2014 was a simple one. To “Be Better”. As my term as your Missouri REALTORS® President comes to an end, I reflect on all the ways we have been better.
- The year started in January with a successful Capitol Conference and January Business Conference. One of my proudest moments as a Missouri REALTOR was when we collectively emptied our wallets and donated nearly $3,500 (additional monies) to our Good Neighbor Award winner. Missouri REALTORS® are "good neighbors"!
- We hosted the 2nd Annual SUMMIT event for Brokers and Agents at the Lake of the Ozarks. It was a full day of education with national renowned speakers, panelists and great networking opportunities. An event that will continue to get better!
- We successfully executed a Strategic Advocacy Plan. Highlights include:
- The utilization of REALTOR Party resources increased by 309%.
- Missouri was the largest state in the nation to win the NAR President’s Cup – the highest Advocacy honor attainable.
- Over $560,000 RPAC dollars were raised in 2014.
- 66 NAR grants were received for Missouri REALTORS® and Local Boards/Associations. These grants enhance the role and image of the REALTORS® across the state.
- And, we hosted our first ever Advocacy Day.
I think it is safe to say that the Missouri REALTOR Party has been better in 2014! (Watch for a full year-end Advocacy report coming soon.)
- We said good bye to our CEO Russ Cofano, the hard charging advocate of change. Russ absolutely helped us make Missouri REALTORS better!
- We said hello to our new CEO John Sebree, coming to us from the Florida REALTORS, and NAR before that. John will help Missouri REALTORS chart the right course for our membership.
- We conducted a comprehensive research project including an all-member survey to increase member value and better serve our members. We will be taking the findings and recommendations from this research to continue to be better in 2015 and the years to come.
These are just a few of the many ways we have moved our organization forward and been better in 2014. Many of you had a hand in these efforts and accomplishments. Thank you for your contribution!
On a personal level you have been better in your work, your community and your family. I have loved hearing stories from you as I have been around the state.
I encourage you to take the time this holiday season to reflect on and enjoy all of your accomplishments. And I look forward to all that we can do together in 2015. Continue to be better every day!
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2014 President. As a result, I am better.
Happy Holidays!
Jim Gamble
2014 President, Missouri REALTORS