Greetings Members,
I came to the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® from the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® at the end of February this year. At that time, I was looking forward to meeting the members as quickly as I could and thinking of new implementable ideas for this association. Little did I know that this “novel coronavirus” was about to force a mandatory state-wide shut down. After an emergency meeting with the executive committee, the physical R-BAR office closed. Staff quickly transitioned to remote work and all of a sudden “Zoom” became the word of the day. This year has tested us in so many ways. Physically, emotionally, mentally, financially – we’ve been through the ringer again and again. As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough, we dealt with a real estate industry shutdown, a grueling license renewal and reactivation process, a heated presidential election year and a real estate market that’s gone wild. In spite of it all, I’m proud of this association, our members and our accomplishments this year. Here is a list of R-BAR’s Top Ten Initiatives of 2020:
1. R-BAR led local association efforts to reopen real estate industry in Pennsylvania
2. Broker Fair Housing Pledge
3. Safe Showings App Launch – new safety tool for members, R-BAR discount, free trial period
4. R-BAR Rocks the Vote Webinar
5. A very popular annual Paper Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event
6. The RPAC Grand Slam Fundraiser at FirstEnergy Stadium - R-BAR secured a $5,000 grant from NAR and raised over $14,500 for RPAC
7. R-BAR Volunteer and Charitable Fundraising Initiatives - RBAR Golf Outing benefitting Berks Habitat for Humanity and NHS, Annual Food Drive Contest, Meals on Wheels (Thanksgiving Day), Angel Tree Donations and more.
8. R-BAR Advocacy on Municipal Ordinances and Proposals – Airbnb zoning restrictions, point of sale inspections, stormwater regulations, et al.
9. Assisted members with very difficult license renewal and reactivation process
10. R-BAR virtual Offerings: Leigh Brown, COVID-19 Standard Forms with Desiree Brougher, Advertising 101 with Hank Lerner, R-BAR Masked Singer, Financial Planning
2021 Preview: There are big plans in store for R-BAR next year. Plans include the establishment of new volunteer advisory groups that will help guide the association on important issues and initiatives. These groups include: a Diversity Committee, an RPAC Fundraising Taskforce, an Affiliate Partners Council and a Centennial Advisory Taskforce.
R-BAR Care, the association’s 501c(3) nonprofit, will undergo a transformation to expand its mission and purpose. The association will focus on member education and professional development opportunities, in addition to consumer outreach and engagement. The ReadingBerks Association of REALTORS® is here to serve you. The association is led by members, for members. Your involvement, feedback, suggestions, and ideas continue to be invaluable. If you or someone in your office would like to serve on or chair a 2021 committee or taskforce, please call the office or e-mail me directly, brittney@realestateinberks.com.
R-BAR Nominating Committee Report: The R-BAR Nominating Committee interviewed applicants for the 2021 Board of Directors and President-elect positions. The committee interviewed a total of six candidates: five candidates for the board of directors and one candidate for President-elect. The following directors have terms expiring at the end of this year. Jerry Amadio, Craig Binkley and immediate past president Mark Mohn. The nominating committee has nominated the following applicants to complete the 2021 R-BAR Board of Directors. Jerry Amadio Anthony Borrelli Jason Burkholder Marshall Lytle was approved by the nominating committee for the 2021 President-elect position. The President-elect will work together with 2021 President Erica Ramus, as the association prepares for 2022, R-BAR’s 100-year anniversary.
Get to Know Your AE ASAP: Before COVID-19, my goal was to meet as many R-BAR members as possible via office visits. I met with one office, in-person prior to the shutdown. Since the pandemic, I’ve participated in a few virtual sales meetings and met other members during hybrid committee meetings or at recent in-person, socially distanced R-BAR events. If I have not yet met with your office or business, please contact me. I’m happy to participate in an upcoming office meeting.
I look forward to visiting with you soon!
~ Brittney Baker Shurr