2002 in review

We covered a lot of ground.

by Mary Frances Burleson   Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For the opportunity ... the privilege ... and the honor of serving and representing you during 2002!

While this year was not a legislative-session year, it turned out to be a very heavy legislative year. We had redistricting, the primaries, endorsements by the TAR executive board, 57 opportunity races, campaigning, and Election Day on November 5!

Hats off to all of you who contributed to TREPAC. The figure stands at $1,456,478! TAR is the number-one trade association in Texas, and we represent our membership not only as REALTORS® but as tax-paying citizens. We have the interests of every resident of Texas in our hearts.

With the coming legislative session, the legislative management team will review the bills and make recommendations for support, lack of support, or amendments on behalf of all of you. The TAR staff reads every word of these bills and will keep us posted during the coming session.

We had a fantastic Winter Meeting in February and another outstanding annual convention in September. The committee meetings, awards ceremonies, networking events, education sessions, installation parties, political forums, and inspiration breakfast kept us informed, entertained, and motivated. We all take our work very seriously–everything from budgeting to risk reduction–and we have a lot of fun.

In May, many of us journeyed to Washington for NAR meetings, educational sessions, and visits to the Hill. As one senator stated, they all heard the footsteps of 6,000 REALTORS® as we walked the marble halls. We must maintain our influence by staying current on issues, contributing to TREPAC, and using grassroots efforts to elect business-oriented representatives.

Your officers and legislative management team are working diligently and planning for the coming years. This year we were privileged to have many volunteers on task forces for insurance, mortgage finance, private-property rights, taxation, and the Texas Real Estate Commission. Thank you to everyone who served and to all who attended the town-hall meetings to give valuable input.

Many thanks also to everyone who made me feel so welcome during the regional visits. Our 16 regions, though far flung, share the same spirit–dedicated to giving great service to our clients and to carrying the REALTOR® banner very high!

We have a great staff in Austin committed to providing excellent service to every association member. We salute them in their efforts on a daily basis.

I look forward to seeing all of you in future meetings–to continuing to give service to TAR and this wonderful real estate profession.

Happy Days!

Photo by Jim Reisch.

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