Before the clock winds down and the game is over, allow me to thank some very important players
Bob Miller, 2003 President
I honestly do not believe that I have ever enjoyed a year any more than this one. As I sit here, the Monday of Michigan Week, I can truthfully say that each and every day has been a new and exciting experience. I have met so many outstanding people. I have been afforded the opportunity to travel around the country and discuss Board “stuff” with other Board Presidents. And, believe me, we have it very good in Central Ohio!
As Coach Hayes always said, “You Win With People”. So, before the clock winds down and the game is officially over, please allow me to thank some very important people who have been instrumental in helping the team this year.
I have had the pleasure of working with the absolute finest and most respected CEO in the real estate industry...Larry Metzger. And, candidly, I agree with my predecessors, Larry is an even better person -- which is saying a lot! He has made my job look easy.
When you go into the Board building, take note of the positive attitude that exudes from each member of the staff. They are the most conscientious group of people I have ever met. When called upon, they never balk, they never make excuses, they simply get the job done. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with these dedicated people.
The Board of Directors are a wonderful and diverse group of Winners. Each and every one of them is a very strong personality. Often with intense loyalties to their respective companies. Yet, they always manage to make decisions, which are totally in the best interest of the entire membership. From our retreat in Oxford last winter through today, they have continued to apply sound guidance and to remain on course.
The chairpersons of each committee provided outstanding leadership, taking time away from their own busy schedules to organize and direct their respective committees. Their dedication and “hustle” were obvious from the quarterly reports, which the Directors received.
2003 has been a remarkable year of growth for CBR. As of October 31, our membership has grown to 6,340. This is 656 more members than we had last year at this time. So far we have welcomed 902 new members in the first ten months of the year. This is more than we saw during the entire 12 months of 2002. Our membership has not been this high since those halcyon days of the late 70’s early 80’s.
This year we have welcomed REALTORS® from Fayette and Madison Counties who have made us their Board of choice. They each have a representative on our Board of Directors. Also, we successfully completed a reciprocity agreement with Licking County for the use of lock boxes within our two jurisdictions.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that 2003 will go down as the greatest year in the history of Central Ohio real estate!!! As of October 31, we’ve sold 10% more homes than last year! August sales were up 21% over last year. September sales were up 18%. And October sales were up 13%! These numbers have earned us national recognition in real estate trade publications.
Our Member Service Center saw an amazing transformation this year. Not only did we give it a face-lift, but, we also brought in the finest array of real estate related paraphernalia you could ever hope to find…anywhere!!! In May, we concluded the renovation with a Grand Opening Celebration. If you can’t find it in the Center, chances are you don’t need it.
Earlier this year we debuted our new website. One of the finest in the country. It’s bigger, meaner, faster, and easier to navigate. It has been designed to provide you with the tools and information you need in order to perform your job more effectively. It provides up to the minute information as to the goings on of the Board. You can even register for your CE classes via our secure lines.
2003 was not considered to be an important year politically. Governor Taft’s idea to tax real estate commission coupled with his attempt to take over the commercial leasing of state rental space quickly changed that thinking. Almost immediately over 30,000 emails (18,000 from Central Ohio!) demonstrated the drive and power of the REALTOR® lobby. Thanks to your efforts, as of press time, CORPAC had collected in excess of $104,500+ for 2003!!! - breaking the record for the second consecutive year!! Not bad for an off year in politics.
The REALTOR® Foundation Fund got off to a great start last month with our first ever Celebrity Waiters Luncheon. It appeared to me that everyone had a great time. We collected over $25,000, which will be a great help to Central Ohio homeowners.
We do not have enough space for me to thank every person who has been a part of the greatest board in the nation. Please refer to the Year in Review article in this issue for a more comprehensive summary of our amazing year.
I am excited to turn over the reins to your new leadership. Like his father and grandfather before him, Skip Weiler literally has this job in his genes. He will be an excellent president. Doug McCloud, Chris Reese, and Brad Bennett will provide him with excellent guidance and counsel.
My friends, it has been a great honor and pleasure to serve as your President. Thank you for the growth experience and the highlight of a lifetime.
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