All REALTOR® associations want to make their community a better place to live and position themselves as leaders in their community. This ambition takes time, money, and vision, and it happens to be among the 2019 strategic priorities of NAR President John Smaby.
Many AEs turn to NAR’s REALTOR® Party Community Outreach programs, which provide funding, resources, and technical assistance to those who are committed to effective community leadership. Some associations and their staff not only take on this challenge but also go above and beyond expectations.
Joseph Wszolek, chief operating officer of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS®, consistently leverages NAR outreach programs, including placemaking grants, housing opportunity grants, diversity grants, smart growth action grants, and the Land Use Initiative, to position his association as a leader in its community.
“Joe gets community outreach and understands the benefit community engagement brings to the REALTOR® community,” says Holly Moskerintz, NAR’s community outreach programs manager. “He knows the value in reaching out to stakeholders in the communities within [the association’s] jurisdiction to enhance local housing, transportation, and quality of life.”