Rockin' Round the Clock in Sebring

Heartland Association of Realtors Sock Hop installation - I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at an installation before. The emcee, 6' 8" Don Elwell, local manager of the Historic Kenilworth Lodge and Realtor husband had a quick wit about everything. Nothing was sacred, even the Rookie of the Year took it all in stride as he commented about her selling over $7M while growing her family. ... I guess it's one of those "you had to be there moments." FAR veteran Gayle Labonowitz is the 2008 President and newly selected Realtor of the Year Alan Harmon is the HAR President Elect. AE Arianna Burke and "Social" Chair Linda Boring had the Sebring Conference Center looking very festive. Past FAR President Chip Boring made me feel right at home introducing me to many of the members.


I found a quote by Woodrow Wilson that I shared tonight that I thought was appropriate for the event, see how you like it:

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.

NW Florida Legislative Delegation

I just got back from a public forum of the Northwest Florida Legislative delegation held at Sandestin this afternoon. Featured panelists included Speaker Desinate Ray Sansom and Sen. Don Gaetz among others. Public comments included questions about federal intervention in fishing regulation to questions about DOT jurisdiction over farmers moving their equipment from one field to another over county roads and issuing tickets. There was also much discussion about our number one issue; reforming property taxes. Spkr Sansom pointed out that government budgets based primarily on property taxes do not respond quick enough to a down market, such as the market we're experiencing. Municipalities don't cut back on expenses because revenue continues at a pace unrelated to the economic condition of the area. All of the panelists committed to continuing property tax reform whether or not the amendment passes.

Osceola County Association of Realtors Gala

Hope Andrews took the oath of office as the 2008 President of the Osceola County Association of Realtors. It was a truly black tie affair with well over 175 attending. The event was held in the convention center at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. The theme of the evening was Realtor member involvement in local charities; just a few of the many included K-9 donations for the local sheriff and Angler's for cancer research. Hope sets the mark high for her association by maintaining a Golden R for RPAC. Sean Ferguson will be watching closely and learning as he serves as the OSCAR President-Elect. Talk about young and energetic, they both epitomize the new generation of Realtor. Sean, expect to be asked to share your enthusiasm with FAR.

David Bennett and his staff outdid themselves with a first class installation. Something I've never seen before, much less, at an association installation was ballroom dancing. A Russian couple performed 4 dances, complete with costume changes beginning with a waltz. I took some video which I hope will post easily on this blog. It's about a minute and a half of tango. Unfortunately, my camera didn't work when Pres. Chuck and Roberta took to the floor. jk (just kidding).

I'm looking forward to two installations next week; the Heartland Association of Realtors in Sebring and the Realtor Association of St. Lucie.