Another Successful Spring Business Conference
2024 Spring Conference Recap
The Washington REALTORS® Spring Business Conference held April 17-19 2024, in Tacoma was an exciting and productive event! The energy was high at this conference and not only did our Board of Directors approve key decisions and discuss important & ongoing association matters, but also held leadership elections for the upcoming year!Below is a detailed recap of the conference's highlights and key outcomes:
April 17, 2024
LEGISLATIVE STEERING: CHAIR'S REPORTDuring the Legislative Steering Committee meeting the Chair, Krista Gross, opened the meeting and shared a few remarks. She was followed by Zack Rubin-McCarry, the NAR Disbursements Director, who provided an update on NAR Federal Issues and the upcoming Realtor Legislative Meeting event in May in DC.
The lobby team provided a re-cap and reflections on our high-priority legislation from the 2024 session. The Committee also approved a motion to allocate $50,000 from the Issues Fund regarding HB 1589.
Lastly, the lobbying team presented Sample 2024 Legislative Candidate Interview Questions for local associations to use as a starting draft in their candidate interviews.
RPAC TRUSTEES: CHAIR'S REPORT
Hailey Rarden, RPAC Committee Chair, shared an update on the 2024 year-to-date RPAC Fundraising currently totalling $926,519 which equals a 28% REALTOR® PAC participation rate. Additionally, we currently have 137 Major Investors, 58 REALTOR® Champion's Club members, and 53 President's Circle Members.
Zack Rubin-McCarry, NAR Disbursements Director, presented NAR Early Endorsement Funding Recommendations to unanimous approval. Mary Hull-Drury presented several recommendations, including WR Early Endorsement, Race Tiers, Caucus Contributions, and Independent Expenditure funding. Each recommendation was individually approved.
The committee also unanimously named Senator Annette Cleveland (D-49th) and Representative Sam Low (R-39th) as the 2024 REALTOR Champion Club candidates.
Lastly, RPAC Trustees provided updates on recent and upcoming fundraising events.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew Van Ness, Partner, Greenwood Ohlund PS, presented the Reviewed December 31, 2023, WR & REALTOR® PAC Financial Statements. The Committee also reviewed and placed on file the unaudited February 29, 2024, WR & REALTOR® PAC Financial Statements. Members received an update on first-quarter membership counts and trends, and the meeting involved a review of significant financial events and motions, focusing on the NO REET Campaign and the Consumer Education Campaign.
REALTOR® AWARDS CEREMONY:
During the Awards Ceremony Luncheon, WR recognized award winners in the following categories; REALTOR® of the Year, REALTOR® Achievement, Community Service, Citizen of the Year, Partner of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, and two additional education awards, including the Hugh Hawkins and Eddy Awards!
Congratulations to all of our OUTSTANDING award nominees and winners! See the list of nominees and winners, as well as access photos from the ceremony here.
April 18, 2024
MEMBERSHIP CORE COMMITTEE: CHAIR’S REPORTDuring the Membership CORE Committee meeting, a series of presentations and committee reports were delivered. The committee heard from Eric Lovrak, Agency Manager from Country Financial, who shared insights into recent insurance changes and their implications for REALTORS®. Rich Jacobson, VP Elect of the Membership CORE Committee, shared the significance of REALTOR® membership, explained the advocacy endeavors undertaken by WR, and highlighted the many benefits available to members.
Committee reports were presented by Chairs from the Awards, Communications, and Education Committees, offering an overview of their respective activities and initiatives. To conclude the meeting, a lightning round of questions was conducted, focusing on Buyer Agency Agreements, fostering dynamic engagement, and facilitating knowledge exchange among attendees.
OPERATIONS CORE COMMITTEE:
Prior to the Operations CORE Committee meeting, a motion was proposed to amend the WR Policy Manual, specifically targeting Section 2.16 Professional Standards and Section 4.9 Policies for State Professional Standards, along with subsections A through C. Following thorough deliberation, the committee approved the motion to amend the WR Policy Manual.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the Junior Achievement scholarship initiative and explored avenues for participation. Attendees engaged in constructive discussions regarding the significance of this scholarship program and brainstormed strategies to enhance involvement and support. The committee heard reports from subcommittees, including Orientation, YPN (Young Professionals Network), and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION:
During the DEI Committee meeting, Moussa Samb of the Black Home Initiative provided details into the program's objectives and highlighted avenues through which REALTORS® can effectively support its mission. Additionally, Lee Nguyen shared some important perspectives on the Veteran Program Housing. Representatives from multicultural associations, including AREAA, NAHREP, and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, delivered reports on their respective initiatives and activities. The committee engaged in a discussion concerning the NAR Settlement Lawsuit and explored the responses of multicultural associations on this legal challenge.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN):
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) meeting began with a conversation exploring the "30 under 30" initiative, outlining the application process and its significance within the YPN landscape. Also, attendees engaged in a dialogue highlighting the essence of YPN and the best avenues for active involvement. Plans were articulated for an upcoming YPN Social event in Kennewick, strategically timed to coincide with the Fall Business Conference.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:
During the Professional Standards Committee meeting, attendees were briefed on the latest developments regarding Professional Standards cases at both the State and Local Associations. The committee reviewed revisions to the WR Policy Manual pertaining to Professional Standards, ensuring alignment with current best practices and regulations. Guest speaker Tonya Deskins provided information on effective participation in Professional Standards Grievance & Hearing Panels, enhancing members' understanding of their roles and responsibilities in upholding ethical standards within the industry. The committee actively sought volunteers for the standing grievance committee, recognizing the importance of a diverse and committed group in fostering fair and impartial resolutions. Additionally, members explored the functionalities and advantages of CasePro management software for Professional Standards, acknowledging its potential to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in handling cases.
April 19, 2024
Board of Directors MeetingLEADERSHIP ELECTIONS:
The Nominations Committee met on Wednesday, April 17th, and approved a motion to finalize the slate of candidates eligible to appear on the ballot for the Friday, April 19th, 2024 election.
The following candidates appeared on the ballot and were elected to serve on the Washington REALTORS® 2025 leadership team:
Lori Sinclair
2025 Washington REALTORS® Treasurer-Elect
Abbey Parsons
2025 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Operations
James Fisher
2025 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Government
Vickie Jackson
2025 Washington REALTORS® VP-Elect of Membership
Congratulations to all! WR is excited to be working with you in 2025 and beyond.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Board of Directors meeting agenda included the approval of Board minutes, financial statements, director replacements & resignations, and other routine matters which were all swiftly approved. The Board of Directors viewed a video on Fiduciary Duties, narrated by Katie Johnson, NAR Chief Legal Counsel. The video outlines the particular duties they have to the association.
Cheri Daniels, Chair of the Nominations Committee, reported to the Board and elections were held for the 2025 Treasurer-elect and Vice Presidents-elect of Government Affairs, Membership, and Operations Committees.
Ron Almberg, Vice President of Operations, presented a motion to amend the Policy Manual, which the Board voted to approve.
The Board took part in a Strategic Thinking Session, where Board Members were asked to give direct feedback on the value of their membership and ways that WR can improve its programs and services.
Lastly, the meeting wrapped up with reports on the Real Estate Academy of Mongolia (REAM) Homestay program, Membership Survey Results, Legislative Session Report, RPAC involvement, and a NAR Update.
See you at the Fall Business Conference in Kennewick!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
2024 C3 ConferenceJuly 23-25, 2024
Renton, WA
September 18-20, 2024
Kennewick, WA
WR 2024 Leadership conference
October 23-25, 2024
Vancouver, WA
NAR Annual CONVENTION
November 6-11, 2024
Boston, MA