Sar2014annualreport web

Partnership was in the air at SAR and MAR in 2014 If you thought 2013 was a momentous year for the Sarasota Association of Realtors®- the move to a new headquarters building; celebration of the 90th anniversary of the trade association; the second highest year of property sales in SAR’s history; major advances in member professionalism; unprecedented member engagement and involvement; a new level of community governmental and civic interaction; then 2014 shouldn’t have surprised you!

But the big news, of course, was a surprise to many - the historic agreement to merge with the Manatee Association of Realtors® and form a brand new, combined organization, named the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (pending final CEO Kathy Roberts approval).

The merger, which will take effect January 1, 2015, will combine the membership of both associations, which currently stands at around 5,250 Realtors® and 489 business partners.

The time was right for this historic partnership, which had been discussed off and on for over a decade. The end result will be a stronger, more effective and more efficient organization, able to offer members top-notch products and services to help build your business.

Of course, we will also continue to offer members a remarkable number of high-quality, valuable educational forums, which were well-attended by our members in 2014. See the amazing stats on Page 12.

We will continue to provide important opportunities for our members to advocate for laws, programs and initiatives that support the real estate industry through RPAC (Realtor® Political Action Committee).

We will continue to support the Commercial Investment Division, which achieved the goal of NAR accreditation in 2013, and will expand greatly with the addition of MAR members.

We will expand our altruistic partnerships in our expanded community, with Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations.

Thank you, SAR members and our new Manatee family, for making the dream of the merger come true in 2014 - our success is certainly your success, and we can’t wait for 2015!

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2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

2014 Annual Report Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 2320 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, Florida 34232 Phone: 941/952-3400 FAX: 941/952-3401 www.sarasotarealtors.com www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

2014 SAR Officers President Peter Crowley RE/MAX Alliance Group President-Elect Stafford Starcher RE/MAX Alliance Group Treasurer Xena Vallone Xena Vallone Realty Secretary Amy Worth-Paul RE/MAX Platinum Realty Immediate Past President Roger Piro Town & Country Realty Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts 2014 SAR Board of Directors Steve Bailey Coldwell Banker Georgina Clamage Michael Saunders & Company Jag Grewal Ian Black Real Estate Joe C. Hembree Hembree & Associates Debbie Judge Michael Saunders & Company Alex Krumm RE/MAX Alliance Group Marianne LeBar Michael Saunders & Company Brad Lindberg Sperry Van Ness Commercial Margo MacKenzie Wagner Realty Renee Marquiss Xena Vallone Realty Christina Pitchford Allen Real Estate Steve Rider Florida Internet Realty LLC Bob Stanley Coldwell Banker Joyce Steward Joyce Marie Steward RE Kristin Triolo Sarasota Homes International www.sarasotarealtors.com

We have a merger!

SAR members celebrate as the positive vote of both board memberships is announced, an historic moment indeed!

It took years of study, discussion, exploration, collaboration, and a final synergistic groundswell of support to gain approval for the merger of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® and the Manatee Association of Realtors®.

The culmination of long-held dreams and aspirations came on Sept. 16, 2014, when both organizations held membership votes to determine their futures.

“The overwhelming approval for the merger indicates that this is a move whose time has come,” said SAR President Peter Crowley. “Members understand that Sarasota and Manatee County operate as one market and that it makes sense to pool our resources. Our community can be proud of the forward-thinking action taken by Realtors® today.”

The NAR-approved merger, which will officially take effect January 1, 2015, will combine the membership of both associations, which currently

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stands at around 5,250 Realtors® and 489 business partners. The current boards of directors of both associations will continue to serve through December 31, 2014. Then the new board will take their seats, led by new President Stafford Starcher.

The initial steps have been taken, as the two associations worked together to create a strategic plan for 2015 (and beyond), prepared a budget for 2015, and appointed volunteers to serve on committees.

We will also be creating a new logo and developing a new website. There is still a lot to do between now and January 1, 2015!

That groundwork has already begun, and members of the new Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (pending final approval) will soon see the results.

It’s certainly true - “We Are Stronger Together!”

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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Defining the dream

SAR continues to explore workable strategies This year, the Sarasota Association of Realtors® staff and volunteers embarked upon the strategies to achieve goals of the 2014 Strategic Plan, many of which were initiated in 2013.

Several major accomplishments were reported throughout the year, including: - Conducted two Boot Camps for members - Held major Broker Forum - Offered several education course specific to property management issues - Met RPAC fundraising goal of 120-percent of required dollar amount, and gained three additional major investors - Completed and presented the platform for the Consumer-Facing Web Site (now under revision for additional geographic areas) 2014 President Peter Crowley at the Installation.

- Reached 4,300 Facebook likes, improving social media reach and impact - Refined the Weekly Update e-mail newsletter with - Established the Suncoast Regional Young more emphasis on education courses and members Professionals Network, which involves many members benefits from Manatee County and Venice - Offered New Member Forums throughout the year - Successfully supported the School Millage - Informed members on the Sarasota County election Referendum with a phone bank - Continued interaction with key contacts in county - Published Pathways to Professionalism articles and city government through the year in the magazine We know 2015 will continue this amazing success!

2014 SAR Strategic Plan Goals

- Engage 20 percent of brokers as partners with SAR to increase professionalism among members - Ensure SAR Realtors® are recognized as true professionals and trusted advisors - Institute four new technology programs by the end of the year - Provide Property Management programs for Realtors® - Create a value proposition that clearly defines the value of all programs, products and services that SAR offers - Achieve 120 percent of the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) dollar goal - Increase participation of members in RPAC to 25 4

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

percent of members - Increase awareness of Realtor® issues among local government entities and staff - Inform members of issues and candidates - Sign up 10-percent of brokers in NAR Broker Involvement Program - Post a consumer-facing web site.

- Increase the number of “Likes” on Facebook page to 3,750 and increase participation in social media - Publish an Annual Report - Produce an effective e-blast read by 30% of membership - Establish a new Young Professionals group - Increase exposure to leadership opportunities

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Above, the 2014 Community Outreach Committee encouraged others to volunteer at worthwhile community projects during the event held on Sept. 29, 2014. Below, the Grievance Committee got into the spirit of the Committee Fair.

Committee Fair - Fun and Engaging!

The 2014 Committee Fair events, held at SAR and MAR, were well-attended and offered great opportunities to meet current committee leaders and members, learn about their various activities and accomplishments, and decide how you can join in and participate in your local real estate trade association.

There are so many ways to volunteer, and your time spent working on organization committees benefits both the association - and you! Networking is vital to your business, and what better way to network with your fellow Realtors速 than to join a committee and work side-by-side with them on worthwhile projects?

The Committee Fair helped encourage 162 volunteers to sign up for the 2015 committees,and similar future events are under discussion! www.sarasotarealtors.com

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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SAR Revenues: January through October 2014

MLS

Professional Development

Membership

CID

Operations

SAR Expenses: January through October 2014

MLS

Public Policy

Professional Development

Membership

International

CID

Operations

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2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Property Sales Nearing Record

Statistics are compiled from Florida Realtors® data for properties in Sarasota County for the first 10 months of 2014, compared to the first 10 months of 2013. At this pace of sales, we will hit a record total in 2014.

Membership at Third Highest Ever 6000

4901

5000 4000 3000

4062 3392 3704

4436

4732

4329

4341 3987

3085

SAR Membership 3653 3403

3445

3489

3229

3223

3529

3635

4025

3238

3330

3675

4,500 4,050

2000 1000 0

307

358

465

391

342

250

216

266

291

305

350

450

Dec. 31, 2003

Dec. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2007

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014 (Projected)

Affiliates

Realtors

Total

This year’s end-of-year membership at the Sarasota Association of Realtors® is projected to hit 4,500 for the first time in over seven years. SAR achieved its highest membership level during 2005, when we topped 5,000 total members for a brief period. Next year, the membership will include the current Manatee Association of Realtors® as we merge into one organization, which will will propel the total figure to close to 6,000.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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Volunteers Rule

At SAR, participation makes it happen!

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” _ Ralph Waldo Emerson Volunteerism makes trade associations like the Sarasota Association of Realtors® successful. Without committed, energized volunteers, our not-for-profit organization could not provide the services our members need and deserve.

From our founding President Franklin P. Dean, to our current President Peter Crowley, SAR has been extremely fortunate to have had a wealth of talented, committed and energetic leaders at the helm, and thousands of volunteer committee members over the years to achieve the SAR mission - to advance members’ professionalism through delivery of education and resources while upholding the Realtors® Code of Ethics; and to be the leading advocate of real estate in the communities we serve by protecting private property rights and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations both locally and worldwide.

We Thank the Nearly 200 Members Serving on These 20 Committees: Affiliate Board of Directors Communications Community Outreach Executive Committee Finance Global Business Council Steering Committee Green Realtors® Alliance of Sarasota Grievance Member Benefits

Nominating MLS Express Professional Development Professional Standards Public Policy Realtor®/Attorney Joint Committee RPAC (Realtor® Political Action Committee) SARPAAT (SAR Political Action Advisory Trustees) Scholarship Suncoast Regional Young Professionals Network

Total Committees: 20; Total Members: Approximately 200

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2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Member Benefits

Our Business Partners can save you money!

Your membership in SAR comes with many extraordinary benefits, because we’ve forged many partnerships with local businesses that can actually save you more than your cost of annual dues. These benefits are in addition to the member discounts for many education forums and seminars; the 10 percent discount for magazine advertising; free special networking events throughout the year; and much more.

Simply visit our web site - www.sarasotarealtors.com - and click on any of the member benefit business logos found on the left side of the home page, and start saving today! We also feature a Member Benefit in every Weekly Update e-mail.

Here is a sample!

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Supplement to Sarasota RealtorÂŽ Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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Another Successful Year

SAR’s Commercial Investment Division continues to grow The SAR Commercial Investment Division (CID) continued to expand in both size and scope in 2014 under President Lori Hellstrom, hitting a membership level of over 350 - not seen since the boom years of 2005-2006. The group hopes to continue this remarkable growth in 2015 with the merger of SAR and MAR encouraging even more commercial agents to join up.

- CID Annual Golf Tournament & Fundraiser Another Success!

The 2014 event was held at the Founders Club on October 27th and was, again, extremely successful. Funds raised, $10,500 through the generosity of the This year’s CID Charity Golf Tournament raised $10,500. sponsors, golfers and volunteers, were donated to the Season of Sharing.

- Education, Networking, Professionalism CID members enjoyed enhanced formal and informal educational and networking opportunities in 2014. The scholarship program also continues to provide incentives for members to continue their education.

- CID - A Nationally Accredited Organization In 2014, CID continued as an organization recognized with Commercial Services Accreditation from the Commercial Real Estate Division of the National Association of Realtors®, one of only 110 commercial groups throughout the US to meet the requirements for this designation.

- Increased Outreach Through Marketing & Technology CID’s website, www.commercialsarasotarealtors.com, gained additional converts in 2014. This project, completed in 2013, continues to improve and expand with valuable information for commercial real estate practitioners. CID also continued a new eblast format as well as an aggressive advertising campaigns promoting programs and events. The increased visibility and accessibility has been an integral part of CID’s growth this year.

The Commercial Investment Division continued a challenging strategic plan in 2014 and the results are clear – comprehensive outreach programs, great website, enhanced educational and networking opportunities, and membership at its highest level in seven years. CID’s success will continue under the new leadership of 2015 President Tim Mapp.

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2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Helping make homeownership and education dreams come true!

Once again, thanks to the helping hand of SAR, another Sarasota family will enjoy the benefits of homeownership in 2014 in their new Habitat for Humanity home, made possible through a $10,000 donation from SAR, along with hundreds of hours of volunteer time by SAR members in the home’s construction at 2944 Sterling Lane.

At left, the 2014 SAR Scholarship Award winners are shown - from left to right, Brendan Rempert, Daysi Gomez, Shayne McKee and Alina Syros. Each student received $2,000 from SAR to help pursue their college dreams.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Supplement to Sarasota RealtorÂŽ Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

11

Education is Priority

Professional Development is crucial to SAR’s mission At the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Professional Development is an essential cornerstone of what we provide for our members. We conducted 275 educational sessions- about 40 percent more than last year’s 199 - for our members, helping them learn about new trends and developments in the real estate industry, earn designations and certifications to enhance their business acumen and further their careers, and improve their profitability. Attendance reached 8,534 - about 27 percent more than last year’s 6,672! Wait until next year!

SAR members attend a packed Smart Lunch session in February - one of many popular events held throughout 2014 at SAR.

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Categories

# Sessions

# Attendees

Continuing Education Designation Courses Informational Seminars Global Business Education Leadership Training MLS System Training Orientation/Code of Ethics License Courses (Brokers/Agents) Seminars (FR-BAR Contract, Smart Lunches, etc.)

Technology Training GRAND TOTALS

14 18 5 13 4 154 24 2 29 12 275

607 333 210 667 15 3,205 1,098 24 1,697 678 8,534

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The World is Ours!

SAR’s Global Business Council Continues to Grow

Sarasota, Florida is one of the nation’s top destinations for international buyers, and SAR has recognized and embraced this growing trend in real estate through the Global Business Council.

Major 2014 Accomplishments:

- Recognized as NAR Gold Council for fourth consecutive year - one of only 14 in the nation - Represented at annual SIMA Exhibition in Madrid, Spain - Sponsored seven seminars/conferences at SAR with speakers from Sarasota Airport, Port of Manatee, IMG Academy, Visit Sarasota - Held various socials/networking sessions in conjunction with events, and with SAR Affiliates - Staged another successful Sarasota International Real Estate Conference - guest speakers included Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist NAR, Mark Huey, CEO Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Jean Maday, Development Manager Commercial and Global Services, NAR - Grew membership from 170 up to 252 members - GBC member Pat Tan continues as NAR President’s Liaison to the United Kingdom - GBC member Carla Rayman continues as NAR President’s Liaison to Republic of Panama - SAR continues as the NAR Ambassador Association to AEGI in Spain www.sarasotarealtors.com

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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A Seat at the Table

Public Policy, RPAC and SARPAAT Committees expand reach Major 2014 Accomplishments: - 10 Key Contacts appointed to interface with Sarasota City Commission and Sarasota County Commission - 20 Candidates for elected office including County Commission, School Board and Charter Review Board interviewed by SARPAAT for election endorsements - Phone bank completed by Public Policy Committee encouraging SAR members to support passage of School Millage Tax continuation - 6 Candidates received contributions for their campaign.

- 9 Major RPAC Investors identified and promoted during the year - RPAC Goal was met and exceeded - Form Based Code Task Force created by Public Policy and CID to investigate and provide input to City of Sarasota - Numerous Calls for Action from NAR and FR promoted to SAR membership

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2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The 2014 SAR Leadership Academy graduates were recognized at the Sept. 16 SAR Annual Meeting. From left to right: Rebecca Dalton, Donna Hartzler, Bradley Anderson, Marianne LeBar, Ronda Banks, David Witte, Christine Green, David Consbruck, Joshua Morris, Stanley Heinlein, Cynthia Rogers, Marilyn Kneafsey, SAR President Peter Crowley, Manuel Lopez and Carrie Starr Rumery. Congratulations to our emerging leaders!

Encouraging Future Leaders The future of our real estate trade association is heavily dependent on recruitment and education of leaders.

Understanding this reality, we have emphasized the importance of the SAR Leadership Academy for many years.

Fresh faces, perspectives and experiences give an organization vitality, depth, enhanced professionalism, and the ability to make necessary changes, even when the “old guard” might find those changes uncomfortable or too far afield from the status quo.

As we have been witness to and learned from in the past few years, the real estate industry is almost always in a state of flux. New technology, new tools and techniques, the ever-changing customer experience - all of this and more requires our industry to be nimble, innovative and

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adaptable. New blood in leadership roles helps make this possible.

As we move into the new year, and into our new, merged organization, the role of leadership will become ever more important. We encourage our members to consider applying for positions in future Leadership Academy classes. It’s how we will continue to grow and prosper!

Supplement to Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

2014 SAR ANNUAL REPORT

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT NO. 451

It was a fun year at SAR in 2014!

From the Leadership Academy Bowling event (top), to the District 13 Conference (bottom), to everything in between, the Sarasota Association of Realtors® held numerous enjoyable and beneficial events for our members in 2014!

There’s much more to come in 2015, with the merger of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® and the Manatee Association of Realtors®, so stay tuned!

You can find over 3,000 additional photos on our Facebook page - www. facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 2320 Cattlemen Road.

Sarasota, FL 34232

Photos by Jesse Sunday