As we look back on 2012, we will remember it not only as a year of steady improvement in the local housing market, but of solid membership growth and noteworthy programming achievements for our association. This year, membership has increased 15% to a 21st century record of 6,525 REALTORS® and affiliate members, eclipsing the previous high of roughly 6,200 members set in 2008. Additionally, we established a new annual record for charitable giving with more than $37,500 in grants donated to local housing and homeless assistance agencies and community-based organizations; introduced the re-designed newsletter you’re now reading and new regional member forums, known as Community Chats, to better communicate and interact with members on important industry news, market trends and local issues of importance to REALTORS®; and saw attendance at education courses and webinars climb to a four-year high, rising sharply by 50% in the past year alone. None of these accomplishments or the many programming and member services highlighted in our 2012 Annual Report would have been possible without the commitment and support of the hard-working member volunteers serving on GBAR committees, advisory groups, and in elected leadership on the association’s board of directors. On behalf of  GBAR President Bill Dermody and your staff, I want to offer our since appreciation for the contributions of time and talent invested in furthering the mission of the association, and thank them and you for your membership this year. I wish you a Happy Holiday Season and prosperous 2013!

John Dulczewski
GBAR Executive Director