Quarterly: Spring 2001 - GWCAR - Greater Washington Commercial Association of REALTORS

CBQ >> Spring 2001 Issue

President’s Message

The first half of this year can only be summarized in one word - WOW! At roughly the half-way mark we have seen the efforts of many in our organization prove tremendously successful. The Awards Dinner was a hit (secure that step so someone doesn't slip next year!!), the defeat of the increased recordation tax in Montgomery County, the fundraiser for Councilman David Catania and the NAR Mid-Year Meetings - all have increased the awareness of GWCAR and ensured that our voice will be heard at the local as well as the national level.

The Awards Dinner was, once again, a big hit with a record number of attendees - 475 in all. We have outgrown our digs at the Mayflower and we are in the process of booking a larger venue for next year's dinner. The awards proved that our industry is thriving as many new awards were given and new levels were hit in the top ten categories. The special awards of REALTOR^® of the Year (Susan Thomas) and The Brendan McCarthy Award (Sherry Cushman), illustrate how our members are committed to not only the highest level of service to their clients, but that same level of service to those who are less fortunate.

With the increased recordation tax considered a fait accompli, GWCAR's Damian O'Doherty began a grassroots campaign to defeat the proposed legislation. He called upon both the residential and commercial brokers in the area and proved to the Montgomery County Council that the real estate industry voice would be heard. Thanks to many of you who assisted in this effort by writing letters and making phone calls. It goes to show that there are many issues that can be brought to a fruitful resolution. If there are other issues that you have, please feel free to give Damian a call.

Additionally, Damian has been able to make inroads into the District Council. In late May, GWCAR along with WDCAR hosted a fundraiser for Councilman David Catania who is best known as the author of The New Economy Act that provides for incentives to technology companies locating in the District, among other things. He has also agreed to take up the issue of reworking the permit system to allow a smoother process.

Lastly, Phillip Thomas and I attended the NAR Mid-Year Meetings that were held here in Washington, DC in mid-May. During these meetings, the main thrust from the commercial side was how to make NAR's efforts meaningful to the commercial brokers it represents. There were a number of focus groups and targeted meetings to bring the issues on our minds to the forefront of the NAR leadership. GWCAR is regarded as one of, if not the, preeminent commercial organizations in the country and that has given our members a large voice.

I am looking forward to an equally exciting second half of the year, and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. If you have any suggestions of how to further improve GWCAR and/or the services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 478-2378 or by e-mail at scott_johnston@spauldslye.com. Thank you for your continued support!

Scott Johnston