What an interesting year ... to say the least. It certainly turned out to be more of a challenging year than any of us thought when I took over as WRA Chairman in September 2019.

The year began in a normal fashion with a warm response from the members to the concept of “Agent Agency” outlining simple ways for agents to work more responsibly and professionally together. The WRA was also making great progress pushing some of our new legislative, professional and administrative issues.

Then March came, and that all changed. To say we did a pivot would be dramatically understating the events — it was more like a double-twisting, back somersault. Today, most everyone’s business is churning away at full throttle, which we all are very thankful for after dipping over into the virus abyss in March and April. During that time, the real estate business in Wisconsin was in jeopardy.

Thanks to our long-term relationships and the hard work of our WRA team, we were successfully able to have the real estate industry in Wisconsin deemed an “Essential Business” by Gov. Tony Evers. If you have ever wondered what the value of the WRA is, keep this moment at the top of your benefits list.

Additionally, the WRA successfully advocated for REALTOR^® independent contractors to qualify for unemployment compensation. Another first.

During those confusing times, the WRA also became the trusted source for COVID-19 information as it pertained to the real estate business in Wisconsin. We also continued to work with the governor’s office, giving important input on a variety of issues  that affected real estate in our state during the pandemic.

While this has been an unusual year — and I know most of us would love to hit the reset button on 2020 — it’s been a really productive year. We’ve learned a lot and made a lot of changes that will be of great benefit to the organization, the real estate professional and Wisconsin property owners in the years to come. 

I can truly say it has been a wonderful experience working with our leadership team. They are not only solid REALTORS^® but great people as well. Incoming WRA Chair Mary Duff will lead a talented and dedicated team in 2021, including Chairman-elect Brad Lois and Treasurer Joe Horning as well as vice presidents Shawn Govern, Mary Jo Bowe and myself as your immediate past chair member of the WRA executive committee. This leadership team will work closely with the entire board of directors and of course our great WRA staff. From my experienced perspective, the future of the WRA is in very good hands.

I want to personally thank everyone who has helped me and encouraged me over the year. I have enjoyed the year and hope I’ve left things a little bit better than when I started.

Thank you,
Steve Beers
2019-20 WRA Chairman of the Board