2006 Affiliate Liaison Committee Report

We're all in this together

By Marianne McCarty Collins, Chair
Affiliate Liaison Committee

Whether you're a REALTOR®, Affiliate, or Sustaining Member of CBR, one thing is for sure, "We're all in this together". When all is said and done, we don't differ from each other all that much. We're all in sales and we're all working towards a common goal, to make the home-buying experience a memorable event for every buyer and seller. We do this because we want them to remember us the next time and every time that they buy or sell a home, not to mention the great feeling that we get when we know we did our best.

Every Affiliate and Sustaining Member of the Board that gives of their time to the betterment of the organization, is in that category of those that go above and beyond. The same holds true for real estate agents. Truly working for the business is something that all of us understands and respects. I, for one, have a great deal of respect for those that give of there time to the organization, and find that the most successful individuals in our industries are those that give back.

This year the Affiliate Liaison Committee started the year with four goals:

• To increase Affiliate membership in the Board 
• Increase Affiliate participation in committees, classes, functions and committee work 
• Plan and fund the annual Affiliate Appreciation Event 
• Promote those Affiliates that are active in the association

With those goals in mind, the Affiliate Liaison Committee proposed some changes this year.

CBR categorizes Affiliates as those non-REALTOR® members that are directly involved in the transaction, such as employees of title companies and lenders. Sustaining members are other non-REALTOR® members, such as home inspectors or advertising outlets. In the past, Affiliates had the opportunity to run for the Affiliate of the Year. They could also vote for, and serve as the Affiliate Director. However Sustaining members, although they may be just as active as Affiliate members, were not eligible to vote or run for these positions. Through a vote of the committee and approval by the Officers and Board of Directors of CBR, Sustaining Members are now eligible and have the same rights and opportunities as Affiliate members. The Officers and Directors of CBR also passed a resolution to allow secondary memberships for Sustaining Members. These changes should increase participation from the Sustaining Members, and reward those Sustaining Members that give of their time.

The Affiliate Liaison Committee has changed the format for the Affiliate Liaison Appreciation Event this year. Instead of a breakfast, it will be a luncheon. All Affiliates and Sustaining Members of the Board are invited, and I encourage attendance. The event will take place on November 8th. This is a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of being active in the Board.

There is a great deal of value in being an Affiliate or Sustaining Member of the Board. In today's market environment, membership and participation in the Board is crucial for those Affiliates and Sustaining Members that want to be successful at their careers. I truly believe that in my twenty-nine years as an affiliate, I would not have established the life-long relationships that I have, had it not been for my activity at CBR. Participation in Board functions, classes and committees are excellent networking opportunities for Affiliates and Sustaining Members.

CBR membership is at an all time high, and still growing. Over the years, I have heard many affiliates say how hard it is to get past the receptionist in real estate offices. Yet, I never see them at Board activities.

There is a great deal of competition in our industries today. That holds true for Affiliates and Sustaining Members, as well as REALTORS®. Those that get active in the Board will never regret taking advantage of the networking opportunities that are presented to them. After all, "we're all in this together."