GHAR = Go Hug A Realtor (Part II)

Welcome to part II of my Go Hug a Realtor blog post! Luckily it’s not all left brain work here at GHAR. I also spend time on the phone talking to Golf Club and Hotel Managers in the Farmington Valley trying to negotiate deals (sound familiar?) for upcoming West Region events. I try to think like REALTORS® when working on Regional events - would I have fun at this location, does this event add value to you as a member, etc. although working with my Committee can hardly be described as work! We meet, we laugh, we plan, we eat, and we create local opportunities for fellow REALTORS® to connect, be enriched, give back, and feel good about our contribution to the world.

Our signature Chocolate, Diamonds, and Champagne event might be the most entertaining thing I do for GHAR, definitely the most fun! It requires great teamwork and dedicated volunteerism, and the rewards are magnified by the fullness that comes with charitable giving. This year is no exception, so save the date now for Feb 10, 2011! REALTORS® from all around the Farmington Valley and beyond will be raising awareness and donations for Interval House, a domestic violence organization that provides shelter for battered women.

Since over 50% of our members are women and it is reported that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence over a lifetime, it’s very possible that … well you do the math…. and let’s not forget the children who witness abuse or the men who were taught that controlling others is acceptable. Anyway, if you know me, you know this issue is close to home and I can’t wait to raise the roof this coming February! If you want to get involved with this event, there are so many ways! You could bake a cake, or donate a silent auction item, or be a sponsor. Or, just plan on being there for a great time on February 10th! Click here for the sponsor form, and click here for the registration! See pictures from last year's party.

Okay, my pen is running out, but my enthusiasm is overflowing. REALTORS® are the best, and I would Go Hug A Realtor any day, (well not really), but seriously –tell me what’s happening out there in your daily life as a REALTOR®, what’s not getting enough attention, who’s not following the Code of Ethics, what forms do you need, what kind of parties/excursions/classes you want. I want to know!

BTW - Happy Thanksgiving!
Till next time.....
Susy

Your Time is Valuable

Your time is valuable is the most important thing I have learned at GHAR and I remind myself of it everyday. I have had the opportunity to work with many volunteer leaders through the various committees that I serve. With each group, new learning experiences and new opportunities unfold while developing programs to fill the needs of our membership. What is most impressive is the valuable time invested by the volunteers, which helps us to achieve our committee objectives.

Currently, I serve as a liaison to the Commercial Council Committee for GHAR. We recently hosted National Speaker Andrew Zezas through a grant from NAR’s Signature Series. What a great National Speaker! We will be sure to host another signature series event next year! Andrew discussed Tenant Representation material with a room full of our commercial REALTORS®. Feedback from our members is so important, which is why we send surveys after each event. We received some wonderful responses and I’d like to share them with you:

“Andrew is a dynamic speaker and I always find it great to attend continuing education that helps in the commercial world.”

“He was very knowledgeable and informative. I picked up a couple of good ideas I can use.”

“Class act” and “Great Program”

One of my biggest rewards as a staff liaison to this dedicated group of volunteers is that they have a wonderful experience. I am truly grateful for the learning opportunities provided to me by our volunteer leaders and the time that you give. You do make a difference. If you haven’t volunteered and would like to, there’s still time to sign up for 2011! This is your association and we want your voice to be heard!

One last note… to show our gratitude for your valuable time, please join us for our annual Holiday and Volunteer Appreciation Party – complete with cocktails and delicious food at the Hartford Golf Club on December 9th. Sign up here: http://www.gharonline.com/pdf/Event_Holiday_Registration.pdf. The event is open to everyone but our volunteers can’t beat the price! It’s free for all of the GHAR committee members so please attend and enjoy. I hope to see you there!

Gina Micelotta
Director of Member Services