District #2 Vice Presidents
- Brian Whitta | 419.701.4040
- Tim Stanford | 419.230.2421
Ohio REALTORS has entered a new year of dedicated service to real estate professionals in Ohio, reaffirming a commitment to providing members with the necessary tools to succeed in the ever-changing marketplace and finding new ways to address the latest challenges and opportunities that the industry faces.
More than 500 REALTORS from all corners of Ohio gathered in Columbus for two days in January to celebrate the inauguration of President Ali Whitley, thank immediate Past President Ralph Mantica for his lasting contributions, tend to the business functions of the organization and get the year off to a fantastic start.
There are several Winter Conference highlights that I would like to share with you, including:
- The installation of 2024 President Ali Whitley, of Akron, and her leadership team of President-elect Michelle Billings, of Cincinnati, and Michael (Mic) Gordon, of Columbus, was a key highlight of the gathering. (See Buzz Story) Additionally, the District Vice Presidents from across the state, WCR President Tanya Blair and members of the Ohio REALTORS Executive Committee took the oath of office.
- The Ohio REALTOR Party Training was held on Sunday, where attendees learned about the REALTOR Party and advocacy objectives for success in 2024. Special speakers included Tommy Choi--National Association of REALTORS, RPAC Participation Council Chair, Gloria Cannon--RPAC Major Investor Council Chair; and Anjanette Frye--NAR's RPAC Trustees Federal Disbursements Committee.
- Ohio REALTORS raised $1,342,454 for RPAC in 2023, with nearly 43.4 percent of members participating. Additionally, we had 386 Major Investors and 68 members join the President’s Circle. Our success is directly attributable to our Local Boards/Associations and dedicated members who raised funds for this vitally important advocacy effort. Special thanks to the 2023 RPAC Fundraising team of Rebecca Donatelli, Heather Zimmaro and Buffie Patterson for their outstanding leadership.
- NAR Leadership including First Vice President Kevin Brown, NAR Treasurer Greg Hrabcak, NAR Region 6 Vice President Sara Calo, and Candidate for 2025/2026 NAR Treasurer Craig Sanford were in attendance. These special guests provided NAR updates at various meetings throughout the conference.
- The highly attended Legal Issues Forum explored the recent NAR lawsuit and discussed likely impacts on the real estate profession. There was a deep dive into buyer representation agreements and the importance of using those agreements in everyday practices. The panel also discussed the future of the real estate commission structure considering the recent court decision.
- On the public policy front, attendees heard a Legislative Update from Andrew Huffman, Ohio REALTORS Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs and Veronica Cardello, Ohio REALTORS Assistant Vice President of External
- Engagement on federal, state, and local issues, including an overview of current legislation and a discussion of key real estate policy issues.
- John Mangas, Chair of the Candidate Credentialing Committee presented its slate of candidates to be voted on at the 2024 Annual Convention:
- 2025 Ohio REALTORS Treasurer – Joanne Zettl – Akron Cleveland Association
2025/2026 District Vice Presidents - District #1 Tim Cocanour – Licking County Board
- District #2 Antwilla Davis – West Central Association
- District #3 Akil Hameed – Akron Cleveland Association
- District #4 Sandra Green – Scioto Valley Association
- District #5 Tricia Hudson – Southern Ohio Association
- President Whitley announced a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification offered exclusively to Ohio REALTORS. The certification is free for one year only and aims to give a better understanding of how to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment and promote equity for all.
- Directors unanimously approved a resolution honoring the late Alec Hagerty, thanking and remembering him for his outstanding years of service to the real estate industry. The resolution was presented to his wife, Judy, at the Board of Directors meeting.
- Our Young Professionals Network hosted nationally known speaker Harrison Beacher for a Diversity and Inclusion presentation.
- More than 130 members attended our Professional Standards Forum where an update was given on the Ohio REALTORS Statewide Professional Standards Administration Program. A total of 54 cases were handled through the program since it launched on July 1, 2023. The program consisted of five videos that were shown with situations relating to articles of the Code of Ethics. Discussions then took place regarding each of the situations and how they should be handled ethically and in alignment with the Code of Ethics.
- NAR Treasurer and Ohio REALTOR Greg Hrabcak spoke about the efforts of the REALTORS Relief Foundation and asked for members to contribute to the worthy cause. The total raised at the conference was more than $8,000, with Treasurer Hrabcak matching the first $1,000 contributed. Funds will be used to support those in need when disaster strikes.
- More than $12,000 was raised in sponsorships, up from $3,500 raised in 2023. The mini-expo was also a success, with 17 vendors in attendance.
- Attendees were able to earn 3.5 credit hours of continuing education throughout the session.
Although we primarily focused on Association operations, public policy initiatives, legal updates, and professional development, there was also plenty of room to incorporate some enjoyment and networking into the proceedings.
As you can tell, the Association has hit the ground running and is poised to accomplish great things in 2024. Ohio REALTORS will continue to work hard to not only ensure that REALTORS are prepared to meet the challenges of today but succeed tomorrow as well.
Thank you for your past and continued support!