As I write this, January 2023 is almost here, which means my term as President of the Greater Chattanooga Realtors® is coming to an end. While there are many proud moments from this past year, there are a few I want to spend some time reflecting on.
For myself and other Realtors, our community is something we all feel strongly about. I feel like it is a Realtor’s duty to give back to the community that gives so much to us. I was especially proud that Greater Chattanooga Realtors® continued our support of Snack Packs Food Ministry by making our annual $10,000 donation, and also providing more than $25,000 to a total donation of $35,623. This support was not just in the monetary donations, but also the volunteering of the many members over the school year to assist in preparing the bags. This accomplishment was not just the work of a few people, but from Realtors all over the greater Chattanooga area. Thanks to the efforts of these fine people, food insecure school children in Hamilton County will have better access to food. Greater Chattanooga Realtors® also played a part in offering five scholarships to incoming college freshman, contributed to the Wreaths Across America and worked with Habitat for Humanity throughout the year. These are a few of the high points and certainly proud accomplishments in 2022.
Advocacy is another area that I am passionate about, and in February I was excited to have a great group of Chattanooga Realtors participate in the Realtor® Day on the Hill, where Realtors from across the state visited with our elected officials at the state capital. In May, many of the same Greater Chattanooga Realtors® traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with our federal officials. Getting this one-on-one time with officials is how REALTORS® ensure the needs of property owners across the city, county, state, and nation remain top of mind. Our officials know that Realtors see the community from a unique perspective, and we appreciate the opportunity to work alongside them. Advocating for homeownership and private property rights will certainly remain a passion of mine and my fellow Realtors in the new year to come.
I was especially thrilled when our Placemaking Committee partnered with the Lookout Mountain Conservancy to help establish, clean and maintain a new trailhead in St Elmo. So many people make the Scenic City their home because of our beautiful outdoor amenities, and helping to preserve this natural beauty was certainly a highlight. I’m excited to see this partnership continue, and to forge other partnerships in the future.
So as I conclude my time as President, I would like to take a moment to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as I would be nothing without him. I thank all of my Board of Directors for working on the many items that we were able to accomplish. We brought new benefits and services to our members that made our association the flagship in the state on how real estate is conducted. I would like to thank my committee chairs and committee members for their hard work bringing productive and forward thinking ideas to the Directors. I would also be remiss to not mention my gratitude to the staff at the Greater Chattanooga Realtors for their hard work in all that they do. Our accomplishments would not be possible without their commitment to the members and services we use on a daily basis. I thank my wife, business partners, and the members and staff of our brokerage. This group of people offered me encouragement and were always there when I needed someone to take an appointment or cover for me when association meetings, events or travel had me indisposed.
My time as president might be all but over, but I am certainly handing the reigns to someone who is especially suited for this position. Steven Sharpe is a brilliant real estate practitioner who I have great confidence in and much respect for as my successor. Over the past few years we have become good friends and I know that he will help lead Greater Chattanooga Realtors® with his steady leadership in his term as president. I want to remind my fellow Realtors that they can RSVP to the 2023 Board of Directors Installation & Reception at gcar.net.
And so, I believe it’s fitting that as one last time as president, I urge consumers to utilize the expertise of a Realtor. Not just because we’re knowledgeable and the trusted source of knowledge for real estate, but because Realtors serve others in so many different ways everyday. Realtors work for the benefit of others. That’s Who We R®.