Minneapolis: ‘When REALTORS(r) Are Happy, the Economy is Happy.’
Through cars, buses, and even limousines, hundreds of people belonging to the Minnesota Realtors(r) Association came together to honor their REALTOR(r) brand at the state’s most prominent stage: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. What better venue to celebrate the impact of REALTORS(r) on the housing market and the communities across the state than in the home of the loved Minnesota Vikings?
Participants who came from Duluth to Rochester attended wearing “REALTOR(r) blue” and “Viking purple” while the Riding with the Brand motorcoach was located outside the stadium on Medtronic Plaza. It was an ideal spot for fans to take a break and snap photos of NAR President Kenny Parcell and President-elect Tracy Kasper, each of whom interacted with numerous people who attended the event.
The Minnesota Realtors(r) management team gathers on their Riding with the Brand motorcoach.
On the inside, U.S. Bank’s jumbotron screens played a film featuring Minnesota Realtors(r). At the same time, attendees were introduced to two local Minnesota lawmakers who have come up to national fame: Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Tom Emmer. Amid partisan wrangling, both politicians are known to be close colleagues who have worked together and across the line to accomplish their goals for years. They recited a few funny jokes and discussed how REALTORS(r) has a crucial part in one of the country’s major economic engines, the housing market.
“I enjoy having you speak out. I always think: If REALTORS(r) are satisfied then the economy is also happy and it means I’m happy too,” Klobuchar said.
Emmer, who is House Speaker, highlighted that affordable housing is crucial. “Your issues matter to us,” Emmer stated. “Real estate is an essential element for the creation of jobs. We will make every effort to ensure that homes aren’t only affordable, but that every person has the chance to live the American dream — the Minnesotan dream of owning a house.”
Parcell and Kasper took to the stage to highlight the strength of Kasper and Parcell to reaffirm the power of the REALTOR(r) attitude and express gratitude for the role the Minnesota Realtors(r) members take in national events. “I get the biggest smiles and the warmest hugs here [in Minnesota],” Kasper stated. “I am aware of the reason you’re here, it’s not to be a place where you can meet the NAR’s leaders. You’re here to show precisely the work you’re doing: helping others to achieve homeownership.”
Parcell ended with a message of empowerment. “It’s not about ‘Riding for the Brand’; it’s about “Riding in the Brand. The Brand is the person you are. Our Brand represents us.” He said.
Following the brief program, NAR leaders, Minnesota Realtors(r) staff, and guests continued to celebrate with drinks, food, and yard games, as well as live music and photo opportunities in front of the Riding with the Brand motorcycle, which was exhibited in the U.S. Bank Stadium balcony with the Minneapolis skyline visible in the background. Minnesota Realtors(r) CEO Josh McFall noted the event’s success: “Our Members will remain talking over Riding with the Brand for many years to come. It was a fantastic event.”
Stephanie Teig, senior vice-president of communications and marketing, Minnesota Realtors(r)
Members of South Dakota REALTORS® followed the Riding with the Brand motorcoach to Mount Rushmore.
South Dakota: REALTORS(r) on Bikes Head to Mount Rushmore
The Riding with the Brand motorcoach arrived in the Black Hills of South Dakota on the 27th of July with the REALTOR(r)-branded motorcycle, which was a great addition to the celebrations as members from all over the state assembled at the well-known Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, S.D. The South Dakota REALTORS(r) Association was on hand to unite members around REALTOR(r) spirit and highlight the importance of a united voice to improve the market conditions for property owners.
“This is an incredible opportunity to host an event that brings housing experts in the Black Hills region and NAR dignitaries together in our state to discuss housing issues,” said South Dakota REALTORS(r) President Emilie Portz. Portz described several ways REALTOR(r) organizations throughout South Dakota are “helping change lives and build communities.”
© South Dakota REALTORS®
The Riding with the Brand motorcoach travels by Mount Rushmore on its journey across the country.
“The Central South Dakota Board of REALTORS(r) [in Pierre, S.D.] is a great illustration of how we worked with the communities we serve by using NAR grants to construct a dog park for the community,” Portz continued. “The Mitchell Board of REALTORS(r) [in Mitchell, S.D.] donated money to Kristi Arnold Memorial Playground. Kristi Arnold Memorial Playground addition which was created to be loved” by everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Portz, together with NAR Regional Vice-President Patty Zurzek along with Matt Krogman, lobbyist of South Dakota REALTORS(r), to discuss housing-related issues as well as legislative advocacy and an overview of the REALTOR(r) branding. The discussion also included other people from the community, including Scott Landguth, the chief executive officer of the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. NAR President Kenny Parcell and First Vice President Kevin Sears closed the discussion and were acknowledged by a Governor’s proclamation.
The motorcoach and the motorcycle and playing cornhole offered networking and photo opportunities for members. After the event, there was the “REALTOR(r) ride” through the stunning Black Hills led by Parcell and South Dakota REALTORS(r) Past President Kevin Kuehn. The Ride ended in Sturgis just before the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where participants visited Main Street and the Gold Star Veteran’s Memorial. The Ride continued on beautiful Highway 385, concluding with an official lighting ceremony at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
“I am so impressed with the event South Dakota REALTORS(r) organized,” Parcell stated. “Not just was this an unforgettable event but I also had the opportunity to enjoy time with the most amazing REALTORS(r). I cannot thank them enough for their dedication to this Brand. REALTOR(r) company.”
Missouri REALTORS® staff show off their branded T-shirts in front of the Riding with the Brand motorcoach.
Osage Beach, Mo.: Showing Unity Under the REALTOR(r) Brand
It’s one thing to state that you’re joined by the REALTOR(r) brand; however, it’s a different matter to prove that you’re united.
Missouri REALTORS(r) members across the state assembled at the Show-Me Emerging Issues Real Estate Summit in Osage Beach on July 16-18 to celebrate their connection to the REALTOR(r) brand. There was excitement on the streets when they waited for the Ride with the Brand tour bus rolled into the event.
“How many other industries gather together in mutual affection for their industry?” stated REALTOR(r) Party Director Colin Mullane. “This is what it’s all about.”
This summit brought together the top industry players to discuss innovative business methods in the current real market. WAV Group cofounder Victor Lund was the moderator on an industry panel on the development of markets and selecting technology as well as optimization, adoption and. The other sessions provided valuable insight and strategies to address the new residential real estate market issues. After session breaks, attendees ran into the Riding with the Brand bus for a discussion.
Following the opening day at the summit, participants embarked on a Riding with the Brand boat cruise around the Lake of the Ozarks. The cruise was an occasion to build and strengthen connections as professional colleagues and friends.
On the last day, the Missouri REALTORS(r) received a presentation about Zillow cofounder Spencer Rascoff and Curaytor founder Jimmy Mackin. They spoke about important issues such as the condition of housing markets, the importance of an inclusive business culture, and how important it is to take care of yourself. Through interactive meetings and networking events, participants showed what it means to live by the Brand. Through the bus, on boats, and in their daily routines, REALTORS(r) showed unity, development, and a shared vision for the future of real property in Missouri.
Missouri REALTORS(r) The President of the Missouri REALTORS(r), Andrea Sheridan, reminded the members of the Jane Goodall quote: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
“From residential, commercial and technological trends to belonging, mental health and creating an amazing customer experience, attendees were able to leave the summit fired up and ready to continue making a difference in the world of real estate,” Sheridan added.