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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Just Two Little Things... Thank you to all who participated in ORRA’s most recent fundraiser to benefit the REALTOR® Political Action Committee! This online-bidding only auction took place over a week in July and raised $12,710. As a testament to the popularity of all things Yeti, those cups that keep liquids hot or cold for about a year, the most popular auction item was a Yeti Tundra 35 Limited Edition Cooler. The winning bid? A whopping $1,200. In the coming weeks, we have two vital events for you, our valued member: the leadership election in September and the REALTOR® membership renewal in October. I’m here to convince you to participate in both. As a member, it is up to you to decide our future. The 2018 ORRA Leadership Election is your chance to have a say in the policies, programs, and direction of your association; to put in place the officers and directors that best represent your beliefs and interests. One of the best way to get to know your potential leaders is by meeting them. Because of this, we’re hosting a “Meet the Candidates” event on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Orlando. (Go to orlandorealtors. org for more info.) You can also review their bios and video messages on our website. As for the actual voting, instructions and a special link to access the voting function will be posted on orlandorealtors.org, and we will send you a dedicated election e-mail with info and link. Make sure that your voice is heard by casting your vote. In addition to choosing your leadership, now is the time to renew your commitment to REALTOR® membership. As October 31 creeps around the corner, it is always good to remember some of the benefits ORRA provides (not even mentioning what you get from NAR and Florida Realtors). • Access to hundreds of classes — tons at low cost — that fulfill your CE requirements, earn you a designation, or sharpen your skills. • Protection when ORRA represents REALTORS ® before local municipalities and governmental agencies. ORRA ensures that the REALTOR® voice is heard as they debate issues that are critical to the real estate industry, such as school improvement taxation. • Recommendations for candidates to support in local elections. ORRA does all the work of interviewing candidates and determining the most REALTOR®-friendly. • Assurance that ORRA’s multi-media consumer awareness campaigns are working to ensure the public knows the value of a REALTOR®. • Reams of pre-crunched local housing market data plus reports, videos, and infographics that you in your own marketing efforts. • Invitations to attend networking and educational functions designed for REALTORS® who have a special interest in property management, international real estate, or commercial real estate in addition to programs designed for young professionals and brokers. • Pride in our charitable arm, the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Foundation, and its affordable housing initiatives for Orlando’s workforce and veteran populations. • Elevation from the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. You get to explain to your clients that as a REALTOR®, you adhere to a higher standard of education and professionalism than those who simply hold a real estate license. All of this without even counting benefits such as the REALTOR® Expo and other membership events; many, many committees on which to volunteer; the REALTOR® Store; award recognition programs; Orlando REALTOR® magazine and e-newsletters like Market Pulse; and both member- and consumer oriented websites. If you ever want to discuss further the value of REALTOR® membership, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. 4 Orlando REALTOR® September / October 2017


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