It's a new decade at OAR

The start of 2010 marked an important milestone in the storied history of the Ohio Association of REALTORS...as the organization commenced its celebration of its 100 years of making a positive difference for real estate professionals and the state's home buyers and sellers.

Newly installed President Doug McCloud, of Blacklick, told Winter Conference attendees that the important role the organization has played over the course of the past century is only a prelude to the accomplishments that will be achieved going forward. He stressed that the individual talents found within Ohio's real estate community ensures that the organization can continue to advance our shared goal of making the American Dream a reality.

Nearly 400 REALTORS from all corners of Ohio convened in Columbus for three days in early January to celebrate the installation of President McCloud, thank immediate Past President Jonathan M. Hall for his lasting contributions, say thank you to retiring Chief Executive Officer Don Freels and welcome new CEO Bob Fletcher, tend to the business functions of the organization and get the year off to a fantastic start.

While the bulk of our attention and effort was devoted to matters involving Association operations, public policy initiatives, professional development and a host of related issues, there was ample opportunity to mix a little pleasure into the proceedings.

There are a number of Winter Conference highlights that I would like to share with you, including:

• Ohio's REALTOR community supported the REALTORS Political Action Committee in a BIG way in 2009--raising nearly $510,000. Our success is directly attributable to our 49 Boards/Associations who raised funds for this vitally important cause. The following Boards were honored at the Board of Directors meeting for their overall excellence in their respective categories--Dayton Area, Akron Area, Youngstown Columbiana, Firelands, Portage, Medina County, Scioto Valley and Steubenville Area. Additionally, the Cincinnati Area and Columbus Boards were honored for their outstanding efforts--raising $88,171 and $117,107 respectively--during last year's campaign. The organization established a goal of $525,000 for the 2010 RPAC campaign.
  
• Directors viewed a special video produced by OAR to commemorate the organization's 100th Anniversary. In addition to the video, which will be sent to all Local Boards/Associations and posted on the OAR Web site, many other events are planned throughout the year.
  
• Attendees at the popular Lunchbox Economics session gained insights on market trends and a forecast of the 2010 real estate market from Dr. Paul Bishop, NAR's vice president of research.
  
• The highly-attended Legal Issues Forum featured a panel discussion on "Emerging Legal Issues in Short Sales & Foreclosures," with Susan Choe, section chief, consumer protection division of the Ohio Attorney General's office, and Holly Johnston Cook, chief counsel, Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
  
• Our Local Government Forum featured the program, "Update on the Ohio Commission on Local Government Collaboration and Reform," presented by Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez, co-chair of the Commission, and Larry Wolpert, former state representative and member of the Commission.
  
• The Equal Opportunity-Diversity Committee featured a national update, as well as a discussion on conducting business in a multicultural arena and taming service fears by understanding clients' "challenges."
  
• The MLS Forum featured a discussion on data retention and mandatory fields.
  
• Kim Gordon, account liaison, FHA Office of Business Development, provided attendees of the Professional Development Forum with a presentation on "Grow with FHA--FHA Updates 2010."
  
• The Professional Standards Forum discussed the grievance panel review process and changes to the Code of Ethics adopted by NAR's Professional Standards Committee.
  
• The Mediator's Forum featured "Unexpected 'What If's' for Mediators and What Do You as a Mediator Do When?"
  
• The Business Technology Forum explored "Leverage Your Productivity with Free Tools! Seven FREE Tools to Make Your Business Run Smoother in 2010" presented by Amy Chorew, The TechByte and the SMMInstitute.
  
• Our Resort & Second Home Forum focused on the extension of the federal housing tax credit and its impact on the market.
  
• Congratulations to Judi Patriski of the Medina County Board for being honored with OAR's Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to long-standing members who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the goals and purposes of the REALTOR organization at all levels. Judi joins an elite group of only 24 other recipients of this prestigious award given by OAR.
  
• Directors unanimously approved a resolution in memory of Patricia M. Rathz, who served as the executive officer of the Lake & Geauga Area Association for nine years prior to unexpectedly passing on Oct. 8, 2009.
  
• The Nominating Committee presented its slate of candidates for the 2011 OAR Treasurer position and District Vice President positions from Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8, with two-year terms beginning in January 2011. The slate will be voted on by the Board of Directors at the OAR Convention in September. The candidates (listed alphabetically by position) are:
  
  • OAR Treasurer: Tom Williams (Youngstown Columbiana)
    
  • District 2 Vice President: Sara Calo (Lake & Geauga Area) & Joyce Goldsmith (Cleveland Area)
    
  • District 4 Vice President: Chris Hall (Toledo)
    
  • District 6 Vice President: Greg Hrabcak (Columbus)
    
  • District 8 Vice President: Marian Everhart (Scioto Valley)
    
• On the legislative front, Directors took positions on a number of issues pertaining to possible revisions to license law. In addition, the group offered support to the report presented by the OAR Appraiser Licensure Task Force; opted to oppose HB 362, which would mandate the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers; offered support to HB 292, a measure to prevent the imposition of transfer fee covenants; and agreed to monitor Ohio's Mortgage Satisfaction Statute proposal.
  
• The Communications Committee developed a value statement to market the value of Association membership--"Your Ohio REALTOR Resource...providing knowledge, strength, guidance, advocacy & support." Additionally, the Committee recommended that the Products & Services Committee consider using the caption "Sold on Ohio" on the planned REALTOR specialty license plate that might be created if the organization is successful in obtaining enough signed petitions to present to Ohio lawmakers. The Products & Services Committee agreed and also directed that the initial proceeds from the REALTOR specialty plate will be directed to the Property Disaster Relief Fund under the Ohio REALTORS Charitable & Educational Foundation.
  
• Directors unanimously approved an amendment to the OAR Code of Regulations to ensure that current candidates from Ohio who, with the official support of the Association are pursuing a NAR leadership position (excluding those seeking the position of Regional Vice President) will be members of the OAR Executive Committee and granted voting rights.
  
• The Commercial/Industrial Committee created a working group to review the current statewide commercial information exchange and analyze competing systems to determine if modifications are needed or feasible.
  
• The report presented by the Working Group on Conferences & Convention was unanimously accepted. The group was charged with evaluating the Association's current meeting structure and recommend changes as necessary. Among the recommendations are combining the Spring/Legislative Conference starting in 2011, as well as revising the OAR Convention schedule.
  
• The President's Sales Club Review Task Force Report was approved, which includes a series of recommended changes to the program.
  
• Attendees were able to earn two credit hours of free continuing education with "Managing & Minimizing Risk with Social Media & On-Line Communications," with Mike Parker, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, of Florence, Ky. Special thanks to the Ohio CRS Chapter for its co-sponsorship of the program.
  
• Directors approved the 2010 Capital Expenditures Budget. Thanks to prudent fiscal management, OAR is well positioned as we begin the year.

As you can tell, the Association has hit the ground running and is poised to accomplish great things in 2010. OAR will continue to work hard to not only ensure that REALTORS are prepared to meet the challenges of today, but succeed tomorrow.

Thank you for your past and continued support!