OAR 2004 Convention Report

• Whether you're a Donkey...an Elephant...or something in between...our special guest at the Opening General Session gave an insightful and humorous spin on the current political scene. Attendees were treated to the wit and wisdom of the country's leading political satirist, Mark Russell, during a laugh-a-minute program that skewered liberals, conservatives and moderates alike.
  
• Speaking of politics, REALTORS® were able to get an "advanced" look at the likely outcome of the 2004 campaign from two of the country's leading pollsters--Republican Bill McInturff and Democrat Mark Penn. Each shared data and provided rationale why President Bush or Sen. John Kerry will win the White House in November.
  
• OAR was honored to have U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans attend the Convention and share insights into the current status and future of the nation's economy.
  
• The industry honored Bob Miller, of the Columbus Board of REALTORS, with the OAR REALTOR® of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions at the local and state level...a shining example of what makes ours a great industry.
  
• Congratulations to all of the Presidents Sales Club recipients who were in attendance and recognized for their outstanding efforts at a banquet.
  
• Attendees were able to choose from 24 hours of free continuing education credit that was made available. Top-notch instructors, such as Bruce Aydt, Robert Morris, David Knox, Irene Peary, Lisa Tarter, Bonnie Sparks and Alan Hainge shared insights on some of the timely issues confronting the real estate marketplace.
  
• At the Awards & Recognition Luncheon, OAR presented its Excellence in Community Service Award to Jim McKivergin of the Licking County Board. Jim was honored for his efforts in building wheel chair ramps and decks for Hospice of Central Ohio patients.
  
• OAR also recognized eight local boards & associations for their efforts in conducting community service activities. They were: Akron Area, Ashland, Columbus, Dayton Area, Licking County, Portage, Stark County and Tuscarawas County.
  
• The Tomorrows' Leaders Today program, which was established six years ago, attracted 30 new Convention attendees. These folks, who were nominated by their local board or association, received a complimentary Convention registration and were special guests at a luncheon held in their honor. This is a great way of attracting new people to the state organization.
  
• The Board of Directors elected a number of REALTORS® to key leadership posts.
  
  • Congratulations to Patrick O'Neil, of Columbus, who was elected to the OAR Treasurer position. His term will begin in January 2005.
  • Four members were elected as 2005-06 OAR District Vice Presidents: District 2-Mike Fanous (Cleveland Area), District 4-Karen Lauber (Toledo), District 6-Lynda Long (Columbus), and District 8-Carolena Fortner (Chillicothe).
    
• Congratulations to Charlotte Van Steyn of Columbus for being named as the 2004 Distinguished Service Award recipient. Charlotte will be recognized at the Winter Conference in January 2005.
  
• In the area of public policy, OAR adopted the recommendations of its Equal Prominence in Advertising Task Force and agreed to monitor Senate Bill 245, which would make the use of appraisals in sheriff's sales optional on the part of the lienholder. Additionally, President Lach appointed a task force to review tax issues.
  
• Members were also given an update on the passage of the industry's top legislative initiative--the modernization of Ohio's agency disclosure requirements. The new rules, which go into effect January 2005, are designed to improve the disclosure requirements for consumer and industry professionals.
  
• Speaking of the industry's involvement in the public policy arena, it was announced that OAR's long-standing support of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee is continuing. The current campaign has already topped its goal for the year, with investments of more than $635,000. In addition, 39 local boards and associations were honored for already meeting goal.
  
• OAR Directors honored Mary Pollock of Urbana with the prestigious Phillip R. Barnes RPAC Achievement Award. Mary, the immediate past chair of the RPAC Fundraising & Political Affairs Committee, was instrumental in OAR attaining record levels of support for RPAC in 2003.
  
• The Commercial/Industrial Committee agreed to create an OAR-branded Catylist-CCIMNET Commercial Information Exchange (CIE) site within OAR's existing Commercial website in an effort to facilitate the sharing of property information among commercial members statewide.
  
• The Research Advisory Committee will request that the Ohio Division of Real Estate's Education & Research Advisory Committee conduct a study to evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of home inspector licensure requirements, which might include pre-licensing, exams and post continuing education.
  
• The OAR Board of Directors adopted an updated Strategic Plan for the association. The revised plan, drafted under the leadership of Strategic Planning Committee Chair Suzie Roselius, is the result of a two-day session conducted in late July.
  
• Directors unanimously approved a resolution in memory of OAR Past President Frank Meadows who passed away on May 18, 2004.

As you can tell, activity at the Annual Convention was abundant--from start to finish. The near-record attendance is a testament to the vibrancy and importance of the REALTOR® organization in Ohio.

OAR will continue promoting and advancing the "Freedom to Pursue to the American Dream." We are working hard to ensure that its members are given the necessary tools to succeed in the marketplace today and tomorrow!

Thank you for your past and continued support...