Wow — here we are!! 2021, at last. Many will look back at 2020 and marvel at its many challenges, pivots, devastations, hybrids, conflicts, new normals, unprecedented times, etc. The terms used to describe what we were, and are still, going through could get annoying, and downright scary, at times. But as my friend, Tony Tucci, put it during the inspirational kickoff to our first-ever virtual WRA annual convention in September, we also could reframe last year with words like “peace,” “joy,” and “contentment.” I know, for me, those are among the words upon which I would rather focus when I reflect on the opportunities for growth that 2020 presented.
I’ve always been a gal who loved working from the office — going in day in and day out was my routine. After our staff at the WRA worked feverishly with government officials to ensure that real estate remained “essential” in the early goings of the pandemic, I actually was a bit resentful when our county officials strongly encouraged working from home. Well, I “pivoted” and found newfound peace, joy, and contentment.
I’m abundantly grateful for the fact that our clients recognize how essential we REALTORS® are in managing their transactions, while making dreams come true. The hard work that allowed our businesses to remain open back in March allowed us — the practitioners — to keep existing transactions on track and help our clients and customers throughout the remainder of 2020 pursue opportunities. While what we do is not the same “essential” work that is so deservedly highlighted in the news about those working in health care and other front-line arenas, our work is critical to the individuals we serve as well as to our state and its economy.
Other REALTOR® members in our country were not so fortunate when their officials suspended real estate activities. Looking back, the foresight our organization had for consumers throughout our state allowed our members to conduct business safely and kept countless transactions on track. These things don’t happen by accident. I have had the honor of witnessing the impact of our RPAC contributions giving us the voice our members and the public deserve in passing good laws and killing bad ones. And, in this last year, that very leverage gave us credibility to defend our “essential” service.
RPAC = Essential. As we move into the new year and those to come, you will have the opportunity to learn more about all the good work the REALTOR® Party is doing for property owners throughout our own state. It is important for you to know about and understand the value of your membership and to also promote your involvement in making this such an attractive state for real estate investing.
As an organization, we have been fortunate to have had Steve Beers at the helm for the past 15 months serving as the WRA chairman; his calm, steady hand was much needed to allow the rest of us the opportunity to be essential to those around us. Steve, thank you for your leadership and friendship.
The WRA staff, as led by President & CEO Mike Theo, also has proven to be absolutely essential in keeping us educated and poised to undertake our work during each new turn that was thrown our way during this past year. We have exciting adventures on the horizon and are continuing our ongoing efforts to keep each member safe, represented, and informed. We also intend to ensure the public understands all the WRA does to protect homeowner rights, advocate for workforce housing, and illustrate the important role a REALTOR® plays.
On behalf of the 2021 leadership team, including Chair-elect Brad Lois and Treasurer Joe Horning along with myself, it is with deep humility that we work to represent you, our profession, and the state we all love so much. May you experience abundant peace, joy, and contentment in 2021.
With gratitude,
Mary Duff
2021 Chair of the WRA Board of Directors