BBR's role and responsibility in the next century.

As an astute professional active in the real estate industry, your time is valuable and it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the bottom line. You are solicited daily through the mail, over the telephone, voice mail, via the fax machine, and now even e-mail. What's important must be prioritized according to your business needs and maximizing your opportunities.

The role and responsibility of professional trade associations are and will continue to be finely tuned to providing meaningful programs and services to their membership. Competition between Realtor organizations began with the National Association of Realtors' decision to adopt "board of choice" as a policy. Prior to board of choice, local Realtor organizations had a jurisdictional franchise of licensees in an area. Across the country in the past few years, we've seen board mergers, dissolutions and dropped boards. When three or five boards merge the final result is less "choice," more bureaucracy and higher costs. Out of the 1,600 local Realtor boards throughout the country, there isn't one board that even comes close to what we do here in the Bronx Board of Realtors. Participating at the recent NAR Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, reinforces the fact that we must focus on teamwork, innovative ideas for new programs and continued growth in spite of the National or New York State Association of Realtors.

Quality Services by Dedicated Staff

All organizations must be sensitive to the customer, who is ultimately the member. By viewing our members as customers, the staff of the Bronx Board of Realtors achieves excellent ratings from the membership in terms of service and assistance when requested. I strongly encourage maintaining positive attitudes and teamwork to achieve the common goals of quality services for the membership. The organization, focusing on quality customer service provided by a dedicated staff, is an important factor in the long-term viability of any association.

Networking Continues to be Vital

In order to generate more business and grow, professionals will continue to need to network with potential new customers or clients. The networking events sponsored by the Bronx Board of Realtors provide excellent opportunities for professionals servicing the real estate industry to make new contacts or renew old friendships. We sponsor three major networking events which attract from 600 to 900 of the most successful professionals in the metropolitan area.

It's a good idea to mark your calendar and plan to attend these events that can possibly generate significant new business for you. The dates of the events are: April 25, 1996 for the Annual Banquet (a formal black tie occasion); June 17, 1996 for the Exhibition & Sports Expo at the Ridgeway Country Club (full day event featuring golf and tennis tournaments, trade show exhibition and more); and December 12, 1996, Annual Holiday Party (many companies schedule their office parties with this event for big savings/unlimited food, entertainment and networking).

For those who have attended any one of these popular events, ali will admit to the quality and well-organized opportunities for guests. Companies purchasing full tables receive a prominent table sign. All guests are assigned seating. The Program & Seating List for each event features the name and table assignment of each guest making networking easy.

Benefits and Services Available

The needs of customers continue to change and organizations have expanded programs and services to meet the needs of the member. Some of the benefits and services available through the Bronx Board of Realtors are: group health insurance premium discounts for excellent coverage at competitive rates: computerized Multiple Listing Service (effective 1996), currently, there are over 170 participating agents; Free Legal Hotline (for Realtors only) can potentially save thousands in legal fees; Education Program featuring qualifying courses for salespersons and brokers plus continuing education courses; Mobile Telephone Program includes group rates and discounts; Complete Property Record Service provides property and owner information; Discounts on lease forms for apartment, loft, store, management agreements, etc; Ethics and Arbitration Procedures can save time and legal fees; Informational Seminars feature cutting edge topics for your benefit each month; Free Newsletter Subscription of The Professional Edge is mailed monthly; New business solicitation provides companies the opportunity to advertise directly to industry professionals in four major publications; Networking opportunities are available by attending any one of three popular events; and much more is available.

The Intelligent Professional is Our Best Member

Our successful association can benefit you in your business. Types of professionals active in the organization are licensed real estate brokers, salespersons, property owners, property managers, banks, lending companies, title and abstract companies, attorneys, appraisers, general contractors, and various companies servicing the real estate industry throughout the New York metropolitan area. For more information call [phone].