Association Executives Committee

REALTOR® Association Collaboration Work Group

November 1, 2017

Chicago

Final Report

Work Group Purpose

Identify models and best practices that can lead to relationships between local and state associations that are mutually beneficial and result in the best possible service and value for members. Examine programs, policies, and issues that diminish collaboration and greater efficiencies, and report such findings for consideration by the appropriate REALTOR® association entities.

Background

During the July meeting, the work group identified numerous hindrances to collaborative and harmonious relationships among entities of the REALTOR® association including the following:

  • Areas of overlapping responsibilities and duplicative services
  • Disparity in governance models; need for a business-oriented governance model
  • Discrepancies in association and firm size; revenue and scalability issues
  • Differing relationships between state association and large and small local associations
  • Differing relationships between associations and large and small firms
  • Revenue and scalability issues
  • Personality clashes
  • MLS protectionism
  • Jurisdiction issues
  • Loss of identity after a merger

The work group also identified possible solutions/actions in the following areas to overcome some of the above hindrances to collaborative relationships: leadership training, communications, governance, education, public policy, MLS collaboration, and personalities.

Recommendations for AEC Future Action

The work group recommends that the AEC pursue the following initiatives to address some of the hindrances noted above.

  • Identify a body of knowledge for volunteer leadership and create a curriculum that identifies training and orientation programs that can be offered at all levels of the REALTOR® association.
  • Identify best practices and provide input to NAR staff supporting their efforts to create a governance policies and procedures toolkit that all associations can reference when reviewing their bylaws and policy manuals.
  • Consider revisions to the current Core Standards criteria for state associations and commercial overlay boards
  • Develop a mediation procedure and ombudsman program to assist associations in resolving disputes.

Model Bylaws Process

Co-chair Travis Kessler provided an overview of a new, more streamlined process for reviewing association bylaws. Associations no longer need to submit their bylaws to NAR for review, rather they will be expected to complete and submit a certification form to NAR confirming adoption of the required sections of the Model Board Bylaws. This ensures the association’s continued coverage under NAR’s Professional Liability Insurance Policy. NAR Legal Affairs and Member Experience staff are creating a policies and procedures toolkit that all associations can reference when reviewing their bylaws and policy manuals. A 2018 AEC work group can provide input and best practices for this toolkit.

Collaboration Skills for Success Session at AEI

Jerry Matthews facilitated a discussion during the meeting to identify topics and AE presenters to be featured at the 2018 AE Institute “Collaboration Skills for Success” session. The recommended topics include the following: Relationships, Public Policy, Competition, Education, Non-dues Revenue Programs, Leadership, Fiduciary Duty, Navigating Grants, Shared Staff, Community Economic Development, Governance, Renegade Groups, Resolving Disputes, Ohio Model/Local is State Customer.

Work Group Members

Janet Kane, RCE, CAE, Co-chair
Travis Kessler, RCE, CAE, Co-chair
Rob Authier, RCE, CAE
Karl Berron
Andrea Bushnell, RCE
Laura Crowther, RCE
Maranda DeSanto, RCE
Ginger Downs, RCE, CAE
David Garrison, RCE, CAE
Tracy Huotari, RCE
Sandy Naragon, RCE
Lisa Noon, RCE, CAE
Patrick Reilly, RCE
Dan Sale, RCE, CAE
Monica Schulik, RCE
John Sebree, RCE
Angela Shields, RCE, CAE
Terry Suit, CAE

Liaison

Jarrod Grasso, RCE


Staff Executive

Cindy Sampalis

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