Missouri REALTORS®:
The 2021 REALTORS® Conference & Expo recently concluded and, as always, Missouri REALTORS® have a lot to be proud of! With thousands of REALTORS® throughout the nation participating in-person and virtually, NAR’s Conference & Expo is the nation’s largest real estate event attended by top real estate professionals. The theme for this year’s event was “Rise & Shine.” Throughout the event, several Missouri REALTORS® were recognized for their contributions to the real estate industry. Congratulations to the following individuals:
Larry Keating | 2021 Distinguished Service Award
NAR’s Distinguished Service Award is the ultimate recognition for the dedicated REALTOR® who continues to set themselves apart as a leader. REALTORS® who receive this award have shown exceptionally meritorious service for at least 25 years and have been recognized as local leaders whose performance and involvement in political and community activities have been extraordinary. Learn more about Larry and his service to the real estate industry: NAR Presents Realtor® Larry Keating With Distinguished Service Award
Brent Gieseke | 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award
Brent Gieseke was recognized as a 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award winner. Brent was recognized for his work with Agape Pamoja, a nonprofit dedicated to rehabbing homes for refugees while mentoring youth into a brighter future. As part of this achievement, Brent’s charity received $10,000. Learn more about Brent’s story by visiting Rebuilding Lives for Refugees.
Additionally, Nate Johnson was honored as Missouri’s REALTOR® of the Year and Past President Brend Oliver was installed as the 2022 Region 9 RVP. Region 9 consists of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Missouri is proud to host the 2002 Region 9 Conference, March 5-7, at Big Cedar. Watch for more details, coming soon.
NAR’s Board of Directors met on Monday, Nov. 13. The main topics of discussion were Governance and MLS changes. Directors approved six recommendations of the Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee designed to create transparency for consumers and bring consistency in services for brokers nationwide. These policies take effect January 1, though MLSs could implement them earlier if they choose.
You can read more about MLS policy and view NAR's MLS Best Practices at nar.realtor/mls.. New voluntary practices for MLSs, which didn't require approval by the Board of Directors, will also be added.
Additional issues addressed at the Board of Directors’ meeting include:
- National Governance
- REALTORS® Relief Foundation Fundraising
- Defining Employer-Employee Relationship
- NAR Campaign Rules
- Federal Finance and Housing Policy
- Federal Taxation
- Legal Action
- Local Bylaws
- Professional Standards
Visit the Board of Directors' Special Report to learn more.
We were also proud to have Missouri REALTOR® Michelle Walker on stage at the Board of Directors meeting to present NAR's new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. Michelle served as the 2021 Chair of NAR’s Diversity Committee.
And lastly, congratulations and thank you to the 50+ members from Missouri who served on an NAR Committee in 2021!
Sincerely,
John M. Sebree
CEO, Missouri REALTORS®