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How do we move on?
Even as we consider how our lives have changed, we must focus on getting back to business
by John Eckstrum I raised the flag at my house to full staff yesterday. I have to tell you, it felt somehow wrong, with rescue workers still digging through the rubble in Lower Manhattan and the Pentagon. But our leaders have urged us to get on with our lives. To not do so is to give those who attacked us some measure of victory.
It was in that spirit that the TAR executive board voted to proceed with the 2001 REALTORS® Convention in Dallas. We were all a bit apprehensive of how the event would unfold. Now that it’s over, I’m thankful we went ahead with it. While I certainly understand the decision of those who stayed home, everyone I talked to who attended said they were glad they came. The patriotism and camaraderie displayed in Dallas helped many of us begin to heal.
One thing I learned from this tragedy is that the REALTOR® organization is truly my extended family. After I made sure my loved ones were okay, checked on my business associates and members of my community, I found out if the REALTORS® I know and their families were all right. Maybe my closeness stems from my involvement as a volunteer in this organization, but I think it can be that way for anyone in the REALTOR® family.
I also found my belief reaffirmed that REALTORS® are vital members of the community, whether on a local, state, or national level. As an association, we voted to donate $50,000 to NAR’s REALTORS® Housing Relief Fund. Countless individual REALTORS® also have donated money and blood toward the relief effort.
Moving ahead does not mean forgetting what happened. We will never forget. But I will do my best to get back to the business of our association. Before Sept. 11, I intended to use this column to tell you about two exciting changes. You’re holding the first one in your hands. Our flagship publication, Texas REALTOR®, has a new look. In addition to an exciting design, you’ll discover superb content focused on information you can use in your business.
You’ll find the second change next time you log on to the TAR Web site. The transformation starts with the address–now it’s TexasRealtors.com–and continues with much-improved navigation, new content, and features you’ll have to click on to appreciate.
It is my hope that after this horrific tragedy, we all find ways to make our businesses, our association, our communities, our families, and America stronger.
Photo by Dennis Fagan.
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Buyers & sellers,
visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.
