Report from the OAR Convention

By Lynda Long
OAR Distict #6 Vice President

The 96th Annual Convention of the Ohio Association of REALTORS® offered attendees the opportunity to spend time on the North Coast of Ohio that was educational, enlightening and entertaining. We were able to renew old acquaintances, as well as make new ones with industry peers facing the same challenges in this everchanging profession.

More than 1,400 REALTORS® from all corners of Ohio convened in Cleveland for four days in mid-September to participate in this important REALTOR® gathering.

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 also ample opportunity to mix a little pleasure into the proceedings.

I'd be remiss if I didn't extend heartfelt thanks to the Convention Committee Chair Sharon Sweda and her outstanding Committee members for their efforts in putting together a wonderful event.

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

• On the Saturday prior to the start of the Convention, a group of 21 dedicated REALTORS® (President Chris included) gathered at the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity office to help build a home that will be transported to the Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricane Katrina last year. The Ohio home is part of NAR's Operation Home Delivery, which will entail the construction of 54 homes (one from each state and four territories) in the areas devastated from this disaster. 
  
• As everyone knows, Cleveland rocks! As the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it was the ideal setting for our featured entertainment at the Grand Session...Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. The group brought down the house with their string of chart-topping Billboard "hits" from the 60s and 70s. In addition, we were honored to have Charles McMillan, first vice president nominee of the National Association of REALTORS®, on hand to give an update on the latest developments at the national level. 
  
• The industry honored Bonnie Boyd, of the Lake & Geauga Area Association of REALTORS®, with the OAR REALTOR® of the Year Award, recognizing her 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. Click here for list of winners from CBR.
  
• Congrats also to those winners of the 2006 OAR Promotion and Advertising Contest. Click here for list of winners from CBR.
  
• Attendees were able to choose from more than 24 hours of free continuing education credit that was made available. Top-notch instructors, such as Terry Watson, Saul Klein, Dave Beson, Kristin Rosan, Mildred Wilkins, Michael Selvaggio, Jackie Leavenworth and Bradley Payne shared insights on some of the timely issues confronting the real estate marketplace. 
  
• OAR presented its prestigious Excellence in Community Service Award to Dave Eichler of the Stark County Association for his hard work and commitment to improving the community, having played an important role over the past 18 years in the "Have a Heart Benefit," which has raised more than $785,000 to aid housing organizations in Stark and Carroll counties. 
  
• Congratulations to Jon Hall, of St. Marys, who was elected to the OAR Treasurer position. His term will begin in January 2007. 
  
• Congrats to my fellow CBR members on the following:

Barbara Lach was elected 2008 NAR Regional Vice President	Bob Miller was elected our Ohio District 6 Vice President	Nancy Sharp (and Terry Hankner - Cincinnati) were elected to NAR Director posts (terms commencing January 2007)	George Smith received the Phillip R. Barnes RPAC Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication, promotion and contributions to RPAC	Doug McCloud announced his intention to run for 2008 OAR Treasurer. That election will take place at the 2007 Convention.

• The Tomorrow's Leaders Today program, which was established eight years ago, attracted 36 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 reception held in their honor. This is a great way of attracting new people to the state organization. The CBR member selected was Milt Lustnauer. 
  
• A number of public policy initiatives were reviewed and the industry adopted positions on issues, including opposing a proposed Ohio Department of Insurance rule regarding title insurance controlled business arrangements. 
  
• 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 nearly met its goal for the year, with investments of more than $668,000. In addition, 41 local boards and associations (including Columbus) were honored for already meeting goal. 
  
• The Products & Services Committee agreed to renew its contract with Matthew Ferrara to continue providing the free OAR Tech Hotline (866.478.8324) to members in 2007. If you haven't taken advantage of this great member benefit?whether it's for your computer, phone or any technological device?please do so. Additionally, the Committee will be working with OfficeMax to offer members discounted office supplies, print and document services. Watch for details. 
  
• The Research Advisory Committee will be conducting an "entry survey" next year, asking individuals the reasons behind their decision to enter the real estate profession. The results of the survey will help OAR and local boards develop programs, products and services to recruit new REALTORS® and make sure they are meeting the needs of current licensees.

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

OAR will continue 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.