Connect Magazine July/August 2017 | Page 5

A LE T T ER FROM T HE PR E S I D E NT Greetings Members! It would seem as if the drought is over and our slice of paradise is turning green again with the onset of summer and the rain that nurtures and re-nourishes our area! Many believe that as that drought recedes, that a drought in our business appears, although the data does not support that. More and more, our Summer/Fall season produces results that mirror our Winter/Spring season. As the snow-birds who have supported our economy head home, we see the influx of vacationers and international travelers who visit us for the many attractions and activities that surround us. While they’re here, they research what it would take to make Southwest Florida their home and make decisions to do just that! Many who have gone home for the summer act on the transactions that they considered while here. So, don’t check out – they are still checking in!! of you whose lives and families have been blessed by this industry, consider joining us who are Major Investors in our quest to protect property owner’s rights and the real estate professionals that serve them. Reach Back, Leap Forward The election of the Officers and Directors that lead your great Association is on the horizon and we have an awesome pool of qualified candidates! I encourage you to get to know the candidates and their qualifications so that you can vote with confidence. Our Leadership Academy continues to develop awesome talent and prepare them to serve our Members responsibly and effectively lead our Association. Our 2017 Class is a shining example! I expect to see some, if not all, of this year’s 14 participants on the ballot soon! Also, we don’t want you to forget about a fantastic member benefit we’ve added recently – Inman Select! It’s a subscription publication for real estate professionals to get the inside scoop on trends and news. It’s also an incredible tool you can use in your business to stay ahead. The subscription is FREE to Realtor® members through the Association. If you haven’t registered for your free account yet, send an email to [email protected] and you will receive an automatic response with sign-up information. This year’s Legislative Session was extremely successful for Real Estate issues that affect Property Owners and the Real Estate industry. With a reduction in business rent tax, capping tax increases on non-homesteaded property and regulating estoppel fees, OUR VOICES WERE HEARD! That being said, we still have many issues that continue to need our attention and advocacy. Water quality, unlicensed e-commerce regulation, flood insurance and affordable housing are critical issues that must receive the attention they deserve. Our support of RPAC is Until next issue, good selling, good serving and continue to essential for this to happen. So, I personally request that ALL REACH BACK AND LEAP FORWARD! MEMBERS contribute something, even if just $100. And those William E. Steinke, P.A., CNE 2017 President RPCRA.ORG | JUL/AUG 2017 5