Hospitality. That seemed to be the theme of the 2014 GAAR/SWMLS Annual Meeting that was held on December 3rd at Albuquerque Marriott.
From giving to the 'Angel Tree' to participating in the GAAR Great Grant Giveaway, for the 285 REALTORS® and Affiliates that attended this year's meeting, it was about looking out rather than looking in, giving while expecting nothing in return, and most importantly, putting others first.
2014 GAAR/SWMLS Annual Meeting Highlights:
'Angel Tree' for Title 1
Every year GAAR gives to the 'Angel Tree' for Title 1 Homeless Project, and this year was no exception. Thanks to the hospitality and generosity of REALTORS® and Affiliates, GAAR raised $1,855 to go towards gifts and a holiday lunch for the Title 1 homeless students at Washington Middle School, helping to make these special kids' holiday season brighter.
Installation of 2015 Directors
It was a true honor for everyone in attendance to see the installation of the 2015 Directors. As volunteers of GAAR and SWMLS, the Boards of Directors contribute their time, knowledge and experience to helping ensure a positive and healthy future for GAAR, SWMLS, the real estate industry, and the community in which we live and work.
- 2015 GAAR Board of Directors - Officers: Paul Wilson (President), Jon Schnoor (President-Elect), Don Martindell (Vice President), Paul Billingham (Treasurer), John Kynor (Past President); Directors: Stephanie Chapman, Sherry Fowler, Marc Guggino, Rosie Harmon, Bridget Hazen, John Lopez, Daniel Martinez, Steve Murtha, Danny Wm. Vigil
- 2015 SWMLS Board of Directors - Officers: AJ Yarbrough (President), Joe Schumerth (Vice President), Tego Venturi (Treasurer), Jean Duran (Past President), Paul Wilson (GAAR President); Directors: Kay Azbill, Eloise Gift, Mary Kay Gutierrez, Bonsal Henry, Hubert H. Hill II, Mary Romero, Jim Sutton, JoLynn Torres, Alice Tozer
Keynote address by Larry Kendall
The main attraction was the keynote speaker, author and instructor of Ninja Selling, Mr. Larry Kendall. With the presentation of his keynote address, "Patterns of Success," Larry lived up to his reputation as an expert in sales training. He offered attendees a unique perspective on effective customer service, including how to "be a hospitalian."
GAAR Great Grant Giveaway
There was excitement in the air for the return of the GAAR Great Grant Giveaway, where three local nonpofit organizations received a 2014 contribution from The REALTOR® Fund. Over $13,000 was granted to these local nonprofits in an effort to support the ongoing and changing needs of our community.
- Children's Grief Center, which provides support services for young people after the death of a loved one, received $3,500.
- El Ranchito de los Ninos, which keeps siblings from being separated during foster care, received $4,200.
- New Day Youth & Family Services, which helps troubled youth and their families in charting a proactive life course, received $5,600.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this meeting a great success. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.
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