NEWS BRIEF
RLI News Brief From National A Message From RLI’s CEO Hello Everyone! It is hard to believe the year that 2020 has been so far. What started off pretty normal quickly turned, with the country and world coming to a screeching halt because of COVID-19, and then, just as we began to emerge from our mandated self-isolation, the death of George Floyd brought to focus the often over-looked issues of race and disparity in America. With the country still reeling yet attempting to return to normal, the only certainty is that whatever the new normal will be, it will be very different from the normal we were used to before COVID-19 and before nationwide protests forced us to look in the mirror. Despite COVID, we have all found a way to connect and do business differently. And because of George Floyd, we have an opportunity to fully realize the intent of the Declaration of Independence proclamation that ALL men are created equal. Here at National RLI, we have been working hard to ensure you have access to valuable information and tools to help make the most of the downtime and prepare you for success. While we unfortunately had to cancel our conference in San Antonio, we were able to shift gears and hold our first-ever Virtual National Land Conference, reaching over 600 registrants! We have also debuted free monthly webinars, a new podcast series called The Voices of Land, and several virtual roundtables on hot topics like The Impact of COVID-19 on the Land Market and Industrial Hemp. All of these resources are available in the new Land Expertise Hub through the member portal of rliland.com One of the tenets that RLI is built upon is camaraderie. While this year has brought us all many firsts, one thing that has not surprised me at all is how RLI members have supported each other and their communities during this time. This has been and will continue to be a trying time for many Americans who have lost so much: loved ones, jobs, financial security, and much more. RLI members are there for them – not only helping sellers sell distressed properties and helping investors buy at the right time, but also donating masks and meals to front-line workers, supporting local food banks, and going above and beyond to help wherever needed regardless of race, color, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. That is the essence of what RLI members stand for. 2
TERRA FIRMA
Those who know me know that I am one to always look for the silver lining. I am thankful that these last few months have allowed me an opportunity to slow down a bit, look in the mirror, and focus on the most important things to me. I am healthy. I have a healthy, loving family. We are happy. I have a wonderful job where I work with wonderful people (you!). I thank God every day for these blessings, for truly nothing else matters. I am now more aware than ever before that it is up to each of us, including myself, to actively create a world where everyone has the same right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What are the most important things in your life that are being brought to the forefront as we face the challenges this year has brought to us all? How will you grow as a person and a land agent with this heightened awareness? As we all re-emerge to face the new normal, life will start to get busy and hectic again. When it does, don’t forget what is most important to you. And don’t forget that RLI is right here with information, tools, and resources to help you now and in the future. Sincerely,
Aubrie Kobernus, MBA, RCE RLI Chief Executive Officer
