PRESIDENT'S CORNER

BUILDING ON OUR MOMENTUM

“Traveler, there is no path. The path is made by walking.” This quote by poet Antonio Machado in many ways defines our recent journey at Greater Tampa REALTORS®. Finding our way through a pandemic, a hot market and more industry disruption than many of us ever thought possible, we have emerged not just as survivors, but even stronger than before.

In that spirit, and in keeping with my theme Moving Forward 2022, we will continue moving forward. For the past two years, GTR has been committed to forging a new path that would put GTR on forefront of member services and success, through the development of a new strategic plan and implementation of Year 1. As we embark on Year 2 of the three-year plan, we are well positioned to manage and even take advantage of the rapid changes in our industry. We will face challenges with confidence, including anticipated increased market competition, regulatory changes and the need to continuously embrace new technology skills. Our efforts will be focused on ensuring members have the best programs, products and services to thrive in an everchanging marketplace. We also pledge to keep you informed and up-to-date. And, of course, we want to hear from you. Not only do we want an unambiguous understanding of your needs and interests, but we also want to tap into your talent and ideas. We encourage you to consider being part of one of our new task forces, all focused on moving the Association forward. By working together to assess needs, identify risks, seek opportunity, and find solutions, we will forge a sure path to carry us well into our next century of service. Learn more at tamparealtors.org/volunteer. Our response to the changes we will face this year will test us. I also believe it will show us to be trailblazers, courageous and better for the experience. I am honored and humbled to represent you as the 2022 GTR President. I also will assure you of the quality of the Board of Directors, who reflect the ambitions, curiosity, and determination of so many of you. Our Association Executive Dennis MacDonald and his team are proving to be fearless warriors for positive change. GTR is in good hands. We will make 2022, our 111th year, the year we came together as a force determined to ensure the long-term success of GTR and all of you. I am excited to work with you and look forward to doing great things. RUTH BRYSON

2022 President Greater Tampa REALTORS®

GREATER TAMPA REALTORS® CORE VALUES

MEMBERS FIRST

We consistently serve our members with passion and purpose to anticipate their needs and exceed their expectations.

TRANSPARENCY

We maintain open lines of communication, striving to do what’s right with integrity.

PROFESSIONALISM

We are the face of Greater Tampa REALTORS® and exemplify professionalism at all times.

UNITY

We support, respect and appreciate others, and embody principles of collaboration, diversity and inclusion.

INNOVATION

We encourage creative and inspirational ideas that challenge the status quo. Volume 6 | Issue 1

tamparealtors.org/magazine

813.879.7010

2021 OFFICERS

President: Ruth Bryson President-Elect: Jay Quigley Vice President: Adam Grenville Treasurer: Annette Newkirk Secretary: Marie Gregorio Betlow Immediate Past President: Ellie Lambert CEO: Dennis MacDonald

2022 DIRECTORS

Lorenzo Acevedo, Kimberly Aguilar, Bree Allison, Keianna Carty, Tina Marie Eloian, Nichole Moody, Melanie Norris, Quan Remmer, Jack Rodriguez, Ann Thompson and David Gonzalez

EDITOR/DESIGNER

Kimberly Chin, Communications/PR Manager

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Lisa Brosky, Director of Communications & Marketing

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Jennifer Lalji, Communications Coordinator Parker Lewis, Marketing Manager

ASSISTANT DESIGNER

AJ Hlavac, Creative Content Coordinator

The Greater Tampa REALTORS® Inc. (GTR) is the largest Tampa Bay-based professional association of real estate brokers and sales associates conducting business throughout the Bay. GTR provides educational programs, ethical guidance and other services that enable licensed real estate professionals to help people buy and sell homes in the Greater Tampa area. For more information, please visit tamparealtors.org.

REPRODUCTION

Tampa REALTOR® magazine is published bi-monthly for members of GTR in the interest of informing, promoting, and improving the real estate industry. With the exception of articles and materials from other publications reprinted in this magazine, members and affiliate members of GTR are hereby authorized to reproduce articles appearing in this publication, provided each such reproduction gives the following credit:

Reprinted from the Tampa REALTOR® magazine,

Greater Tampa REALTORS®.

GTR welcomes Joshua Morales as the Education Manager. Joshua brings with him over 15 years of experience working in the education industry. Joshua earned his master’s degree from Colorado Technical University, attained his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University and is currently working on earning his SHRM-CP Certification from the University of South Florida. When Joshua is not at work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. Some of Joshua’s hobbies include sporting clays, fishing and going to nice restaurants.

Joshua’s goal is to make Greater Tampa REALTORS® the premiere association leveraging both technology and innovation to help support our members in their professional development and success.

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ARE EXTENDED TO THE FAMILIES OF:

Tsvetanka (Tsveti) Edmonds (RE/ MAX Action First of Florida), who passed away this past November. Her multiple relocations over the years allowed her to build professional relationships and experiences in many countries throughout Europe and in the US over the past 13 years in real estate. Tsveti is originally from Bulgaria, but lived in the UK, where she graduated from high school and college, she also lived in Germany and Italy.

The following items were acted upon at the December 2021 Meeting:

✓ Forward the Florida REALTORS® Legal Action Refund Application to the Florida REALTORS® legal services department with a letter of support pending review and approval of our general counsel.