President’s Perspective
DANA BAUGUSS CRS, GRI, CSP, LTG
It is hard to believe that 2010 is half over and everyone
has definitely been “Taking Care of Business — Now More Than Ever.” We have seen an increase in sales and the number of homes on the market has decreased slightly. It appears that we have reached the bottom of this slump and are on the way back up. As we continue into the second half of 2010 we must continue to take care of our business in all aspects of our lives. We need to continue to work smarter and do what must be done to grow our businesses. We must continue to do the basics and know how to work the new way now more than ever so we will continue to survive. We are succeeding! I want to encourage everyone who has not received
their GRI designation to attend our week-long school being held in Savannah July 26-31. It is a proven fact that REALTORS®
who hold designations are better trained and
have increased earnings. This is our school and is consid- ered one of the best in the nation! Not only will you re- ceive excellent training from outstanding instructors, you will increase your referral opportunities around the state. The MasterSeries course will be CRS 204: Wealth Build- ing, and will take place on July 28-29. This is fantastic course and is open to all REALTOR®
members. dent’s Cup. The REALTOR®
We want GAR to shine and receive the NAR Presi- Party President’s Cup com-
bines state RPAC goals and state grassroots advocacy goals into one exciting REALTOR®
Party state award for
2010. I need your help for GAR to win! GAR needs to have a 20 percent membership response to Calls for Action; statewide participation in the Broker Involve- ment Program; statewide RPAC participation of at least 37 percent of membership; and achieve our Fair Share fundraising goal of $132,840. Responding to the Calls for Action coming from NAR has a tremendous effect on our profession. I strongly encourage you to respond in just two clicks to protect our business. Brokers, if you are not signed up for the Broker Involvement Program please CLICK HERE and sign up now or call GAR for assistance. Policy goals like the extension of the first- time homebuyer tax credit can’t happen without strong political advocacy by brokers and agents. The BIP allows brokers to forward Calls for Action to their agents. The strength of our trade association is our members: over one million strong nationally, and over 28,000 in Geor- gia. Sign up for NAR’s Broker Involvement Program, and help your REALTOR®
associations turn our numbers
into policy success! The GAR Web site will soon have information on the
in’sand out’s of Social Media and a list of resources for common REALTOR®
tech issues. You can also sign EDITOR’S NOTE: Dana’s father, Gil Hardwick, passed away on June 14, 2010.
www.garealtor.com Georgia REALTOR® 9
up for tech updates from REtech South. CLICK HERE to subscribe to REtechSouth’s newsletter that is full of technology tips. Also, don’t forget that GAR now has a Broker Council, a Commercial Connection, an Inter- national Alliance and an Young Professionals’ Network. There’s something for every member! Be sure to buy your GAR Scholarship Raffle tickets
from a Scholarship Trustee this summer! Tickets sell for $25 per ticket or $100 for five tickets with an oppor- tunity to win one of three prizes: $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold, so your odds of winning are good! Now is the time to “Go the Extra Mile” by registering
for the GAR Annual Convention and Trade Show Sep- tember 22-25 in sunny Sandestin, Fla. Join hundreds of your REALTOR®
friends for four days of education, net-
working and entertainment. Learn how to hone your skills to surpass your business goals with educational programs, and network with your peers at the Opening Cocktail Party and in the Trade Show to optimize your business. Opening Session will be exciting as the 2010 REALTOR® REALTOR®
of the Year will be announced, the Gwinnett Players will perform and Dave Timmons will
entertain and motivate us with his guitar with his pres- entation titled, “Leaders who ROCK!” Be prepared to go back to 1969 and dance the night away in your bell bot- toms and tie dye shirts at the Thursday Evening Party. We will spread the REALTOR®
Love and bring Peace and
Harmony to our lives! There will also be special plans and discounts for you on Friday night. Don’t miss out on all the business opportunities and fun! I certainly want to thank all the local boards and as-
sociations I have visited for their hospitality. Meeting the members throughout the state is definitely one of the greatest aspects of being GAR President. You are the best! Thank you for your support and hard work as we continue to work toward the future of GAR and to promote the value of being a REALTOR®
. As I sit with my Daddy in the Critical Care Unit of a hos-
pital in Kentucky writing this message, my thoughts go to my REALTOR®
family who means so much to me. All
your warm thoughts and prayers have given me strength during this extremely emotional time. My Daddy and Mother enjoyed the Inaugural Meeting and getting to know so many of you. Thank you for your kindness and love but more importantly for your friendship!
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