Local Issues and Opportunities

2007 is closing, what a year!

My biggest professional highlight was being elected by the FAR Board of Directors to serve as the 2008 FAR Treasurer. What a pleasure and honor I had traveling the state, meeting members and learning about the far (yes, that's a pun) reaching needs of our members. We are all concerned with property taxes and insurance costs and the impact they have on our market, but there are many local issues also effecting our market. Members like Dave Schuldenfrei from Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association are speaking out on water quality issues directly affecting their area. And our newest Florida Representative, Matt Hudson from Naples is addressing growth management in Collier and Broward County. Phil Babiak from Navarre is trying to build momentum for a new Highway 98 by-pass.

I'm excited about the opportunities in 2008. Most of you know, I'm running for FAR President 2010. I know that sounds like a long time from now, but it's not. The Board of Directors will meet in September to vote.

The most important vote we have is on January 29th. Please join President Nancy Riley in getting everyone in your sphere of influence to Vote Yes on 1! If you haven't already signed up on the http://www.yeson1florida.com/ website, then do so today.

Happy New Year!

Mobile blogging

I just set up the ability to blog from my smartphone...very cool.

December in Tallahassee

The 2007 Leadership Team and the 2008 LT met in the Tallahassee FAR office for our monthly meeting. We had a full agenda including many hours of discussion about the recommended changes to the FAR By-laws from the Election Reform Workgroup chaired by Sherry Meadows and Roger Enzor. We had the honor and privilege of having Gov. Crist meet with us as well as the top 10 brokers across Florida. His priority as well as ours is passing Amendment 1 on Jan. 29th. Passage will hopefully be the spark that Florida home sellers need to reignite home sales.

We were all invited as guests to the Governor's Mansion to a Holiday party hosted by the RPOF. After the party, President Nancy hosted a dinner at the Governor's Club attended by the Tallahassee FAR staff, top ten broker guests and both LT's. There was a free and open discussion about how FAR should and can respond to members needs.

First Blog by Bob

Wow, feels like 2008 has already begun. Two weeks ago I attended 4 installations in 3 days.

The first installation was a luncheon on December 12th in Navarre (pronounced Na-var) where Tara Capron was installed as the incoming President. Michelle Tucker presided as the outgoing President.

Second was another noon installation the next day for the Realtor Association of Franklin and Southern Gulf Counties. What a great 2 hour drive down scenic Highway 98 along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It was my privilege to install Joan Lovelace as the incoming president and the rest of her officers and directors. They are preparing, as we all are, for a year of reduced membership and belt tightening.

The third installation was that evening 200 hundred miles west of Apalachicola at the Pensacola Association of Realtors at the New World Landing in historic downtown Pensacola. They hosted a first class event with over 175 Realtors in attendance. Many honors were presented including a 40 year Realtor membership to Pete Falzone. Outgoing President Doug Gooch said his farewells and thanks as incoming President Diane Toepfer set her direction for 2008 for the PAR.

The final installation of the week was for my own association, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors held at the Baytown Resort in Sandestin. Outgoing President Harry Milsaps gave the shortest speech I've ever heard, "I'm done, let's party!" 2008 President Cliff Chaplin inspired those in attendance to get back to basics and to be professional, ethical and compassionate.

What a great week!