By Gary Rogers

In my first column as President back in January, I spoke of 2009 as a “defining moment for us as an association.” I explained in the article that tough markets can help us re-evaluate how we work, learn, and figure out the ‘best practices’ to keep competitive and successful. We always need
to evaluate what we do, but it clearly has been more important this past year to do so both personally and as an organization.

The associations have worked tirelessly this year to provide the resources, education, and services that will help members thrive in any market. They’ve stepped up on all three levels: at NAR through the Right Tools
Right Now program; on the local level through more member programs and opportunities for networking; and at the MAR level by developing the new
upcoming online continuing education program and a major member outreach campaign to name a couple.

We as practitioners need to keep our skills sharp and resources deep to stay successful; and your REALTOR® association is here to help. Members of the Online CE Presidential Advisory Group (PAG), formed under President Doug Azarian, continued its work this year in developing an
online platform of continuing education that will help you more conveniently keep abreast of requirements. The platform is nearly completed and you’ll see more great news of this program in the coming months.

To make sure that we all stay aware of all the educational programs, conferences, tool kits, and legal and technical resources available to us as
members, the MAR Member Outreach PAG was formed this year to develop a campaign to communicate association value. The group worked diligently to bring you a colorful, imaginative approach to promoting the value of being a REALTOR®.

You’ll soon see on marealtor.com, in e-mails from the association, and on printed material, the “Member Value Professionals,” three eye-catching
characters reminding you of the resources, services, and discounts
available to you as members and showing you where to find them at all three levels of the Association. We hope you’ll find the new tools useful and valuable.

The resources of this organization include so many things like those I’ve mentioned above, but no doubt the most important resource the
organization has is you, the members and volunteers. Your input helped us develop the PAGs and so many other positive changes we’ve instituted in
the organization over the past year. By being a member, you’ve made a statement that you are a professional who cares about our industry, our communities, and our country.

As with all great organizations, our character is defined by the work and dedication of its members. Great examples of that are those noted on page 18 of this issue who were recognized this year for their exemplary
contributions to the organization, their industry and their community. Those who’ve earned this year’s REALTOR® of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Educator of the Year, and Good Neighbor Award should be proud
of their efforts. They represent the things that make us who we are.

We, as an organization, have become more valuable because of the richness of the member volunteers of this organization. On behalf of the leadership team of 2009, I would like to thank all those who served on committees
locally, at MAR, or nationally, for your service and dedication to the REALTOR® organization. Your contribution has heightened the REALTOR® value for all of us.