2023 Fall Business Conference Recap
RPAC TRUSTEES: Wednesday, Sept. 13
CHAIR'S REPORT:
The committee reviewed the progress toward 2023 goals, highlighting that there are 276 Major Investors out of the 350 goal, with a 33% participation rate (30% goal) in the President's Circle and 57 out of 75 needed to meet the President's Circle goal. Additionally, the Champions Club has 111 members, surpassing the goal of 100. Updates on the Push to President's Cup Participation contest were provided, indicating that RPAC participation is at 33% of the required 37% needed to achieve the President's Cup for 2023.The meeting also saw the approval of $104,800 in RPAC contributions, distributed equally among the four caucuses, as well as contributions to selected candidates who played a key role in defeating HB1628.
Lastly, the allocation of up to $100,000 from the State RPAC Account for Local Independent Expenditures was approved, with distribution decisions to be made by the RPAC Chair, RPAC Vice Chair, and VP of Government Affairs.
LEGISLATIVE STEERING: Wednesday, Sept. 13
CHAIR'S REPORT:During this meeting chaired by Krista Gross, several key topics were addressed. Bill Clarke, WR's Director of Public Policy and Lobbyist led a discussion on the 2024 legislative priorities, while WR's Commercial Government Affairs Director and Lobbyist, Mary Hull-Drury, provided updates on Agency law implementation and DOL rulemaking. The committee also engaged in discussions regarding any concerns for the upcoming 2024 legislative session.
Guest speaker Mike Ennis, Director of Government Affairs on Transportation, Land Use, Rural Vitality, and Telecom from the Association of Washington Business, discussed the Road Use Charge and answered questions committee members posed.
2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Led by Bill Clarke, the committee participated in a discussion surrounding 2024 legislative priorities and goals. The committee also held an informative and productive discussion to address any committee member concerns for the 2024 legislative session.
ACTION ITEMS:
The meeting resulted in the approval of motions to allocate funds from the Issues Fund for legal services related to the 2023 Legislative Session and to support local associations in implementing housing policy reforms passed during the same session.
MEMBERSHIP CORE COMMITTEE: Thursday, Sept. 14
PRESENTATIONS:The committee heard from Annie Fitzsimmons, WR Legal Hotline Lawyer as she presented on the Agency Law changes going into effect January 1st and the new WR class "Operation Evolve". She also presented on upcoming form revisions with the listing agreement and buyer agency agreements, along with upcoming DOL rulemaking for how they will enforce these changes.
The committee also heard from Roland Varesko, NAR Vice President of Digital Strategy, Marketing, and Communications as he gave an informative presentation on the member benefit Photofy.
Lastly, the group participated in a discussion on REALTOR® Safety, presented by Krista Gross.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The committee heard reports from Awards, Communications, and Education. Awards reported on the award ceremony process, Education announced upcoming events, Train the Trainer and Draft Like a Lawyer, and Communications reported on current department projects.
ACTION ITEMS:
The committee approved a motion to partner with NAR to offer Photofy as a WR member benefit.
MEMBER INPUT:
The committee opened up the meeting for discussion with a lightning round of questions regarding current transactions.
OPERATIONS CORE COMMITTEE: Thursday, Sept. 14
During this meeting, the group discussed the purpose and function of the Operations Committee within the association. The committee also heard reports from First Time Attendee Orientation, YPN, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee, and Professional Standards Subcommittee.DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: Virtual Meeting Sept. 7, 2023
The DEI committee heard from NAR Vice President of Diversity and Talent Opportunity, Andréa Moore, as she held a riveting discussion on association and industry recruitment strategies. The committee also participated in a book discussion with Leah and Richard Rothstein, authors of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law. Finally, they discussed updates on the NAR Spire Program, Hispanic Heritage Month, and The Connecting Real Estate Dues Sponsorship Program.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN): Virtual Meeting Sept. 7, 2023
The committee discussed the YPN Awards, YPN Advance, and upcoming YPN Events. Additionally, they discussed the YPN Social in Yakima for the Fall Business Conference and plans for the 2024 YPN Chair-elect.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: Virtual Meeting Sept. 7, 2023
WR staff member Susan Mitchell gave an update regarding Professional Standards cases for State and Local Associations. The committee members participated in a an informative Q&A session with committee chair, Ron Almberg regarding the Code of Ethics, and also reviewed WR Policy Manual revisions for Professional Standards.
ELECTIONS FOR NAR DIRECTORS
Elections Held Prior to Fall Business Conference 2023 Washington REALTORS® President Alisha Harrison has been elected to serve as a 2024 NAR Director. Please join us in thanking Alisha for her commitment to the association and representing REALTORS® throughout Washington on the national stage!
Alisha Harrison
2024 NAR Director
LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS : Friday, Sept. 15
Ryan Beckett from the Yakima Association of REALTORS® was elected as the 2024 First Vice President during the Board of Directors meeting. Please help us congratulate and thank Ryan for his commitment and service to the association!
Ryan Beckett
2024 Washington REALTORS® First Vice President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Friday, Sept. 15
The Washington REALTORS® Board of Directors met on Friday, September 15th. The Board voted to approve WR’s 2024 Budget, Business Plans, Strategic Plan, and recommended revisions to the WR Policy Manual. The board also voted to approve Regional Representatives to the 2024 WR Executive Committee and to approve appointees to the 2024 WR Executive Committee. The Board heard a comprehensive NAR Report presented by Ryan Beckett, NAR Director Representative, and current WR President, Alisha Harrison. Also, an RPAC Report was presented by RPAC Trustees Committee Chair, James Fisher.
Several special recognitions were given during this meeting, including congratulating our most recent Leadership Academy graduates, and the recipients of the Margo Wheeler Aspiring Leader Grant.
Other announcements regarding upcoming association events and business were also given during this meeting. Those include declarations of candidacy for leadership positions, the East Meets West Member Spotlight Event happening October 19th, the Legislative Days event happening January 17-18th, and other various NAR business meetings and events.