Happy New Year! The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors is poised for another year of changes and new ventures.
I follow in the footsteps of 2014 President Vicki Trapp. Many do not realize this position is a volunteer one, or how much time the president spends meeting with fellow leaders and staff regarding specific programs and initiatives. In addition, the president regularly spends time with the media, community leaders, and consumers discussing real estate trends and issues. Vicki’s year was no exception, and on behalf of all our members, I thank Vicki for serving her time and serving us with grace, charm, and endless energy.
If you’re not aware of GCARTV on YouTube, you’re missing out. Throughout 2014, we saw Vicki all over town when reporting on local market statistics. From learning more about the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Ice on the Landing to visiting with local tattoo artists and the four-legged residents of the Chattanooga Zoo, Vicki reminded us of the many wonderful things Greater Chattanooga has to offer. This year, I plan to continue these local business features. Thanks to Vicki’s enthusiasm, so many of our members, including myself, are reenergized and excited about what the new year has to offer.
To keep the momentum going, association leadership regularly discusses ways to improve our programs and services. Our members already are aware that in February, we will transition to a new platform for the residential multiple listing service. This enhancement will enable our members to better serve consumers with real time data about listed properties.
Yet we aren’t stopping with internal efforts geared solely to our members. For example, we recently entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. You’ll be hearing more about that throughout the year as we share the various ways Realtors are supporting this partnership and making a difference within our community.
One of my personal goals for 2015 is to educate regularly on the impact of the Realtor Party. No one knows a community better than a Realtor. We work in every city, county, and community in the nation. Realtors are the front-line defenders of real estate issues and the protectors of private property rights for all consumers.
I’m excited about 2015 and building on the already strong foundation created by all the presidents who served before me. The upcoming year will be full of opportunities for the association to be the region’s answer to all things real estate. I look forward to serving you in those efforts.
The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors is “The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga.” The association is a regional organization with more than 1,500 members, and is one of more than 1,400 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors services Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net.