WCR State Chapter President's Article June Newsletter

Greetings to all! I hope the beginning of 2002 has been wonderfully successful for all - both personally and professionally. We are over one third of the way through achieving our dreams and goals for 2002. Now is a great time to review where you are, see if you are on track and readjust if need be.

The January WCR State meetings and installation in Hollywood were very successful. The State Chapter is off to a great start! We are continuing to strive for improved organization and structure, enhanced communication and education, and increased membership within the state. We are making great strides in all areas with excellent educational programs in January (and scheduled for the year), updating our bylaws, compiling our new WCR State Manual, and striving for better organization of committees. A long time goal was achieved with the WCR State Manual which was distributed to all participants and Local Chapter Presidents (LCP's) at the state meeting.

Special thanks again for the wonderful support of our 2002 Platinum sponsors including First American Title Company, American Home Shield, Countrywide Home Mortgage, Natural Hazard Disclosure, Coldwell Banker Northern California, and the San Francisco Association of Realtors. I also would like to acknowledge and thank all the additional installation sponsors. A very special thank you to our past WCR National President Sherri Smith Mancini for her great job as mistress of ceremonies. Thanks also to the hard working committee chaired by Bobbie Nelson for the wonderful gala installation. We had a record number of attendees in Hollywood!

Our membership continues to grow with a total of 27 chapters. As of May 3rd we have 1376 Members. Congratulations to all new members! We welcome you and invite you to become involved with your local chapter and to attend the state meetings also. Remember to always carry a WCR application form and share the best-kept secret in real estate - WCR!

We face many challenges in 2002 with the economy and uncertain marketplace, the banking industry attempting to get into the real estate business, and affordable housing issues to name a few. We must change the political environment and become champions for our clients in regards to housing opportunities and rights. Our input to our representatives in Washington DC over the banking issue was excellent yet we cannot stop now. The threat is still with us and we all need to be aware of the issues as professionals and keep in touch with our representatives.

The Realtor image has improved and become more professional over the past 10 years. Women's Council of Realtors has had a significant part in the image building. The Leadership Training Graduate designation (LTG), excellent educational opportunities that are provided at local, state and national levels, and leadership opportunites all contribute to this. We have one fabulous professional organization!

The committees are well on their way with successful planning meetings in January. Phone and emails in-between the state meetings are enhancing the effectiveness of the committees when they meet at the state meetings. My special thanks to all the committee chairs and co-chairs for all their hard work and successful first meeting in January. If you are not yet on a committee, please get in touch with the Chair through our state WCR website at www.wcr.org and let them know you would like to participate. Each and every one of you brings value and knowledge to our organization. Your individual and collective input is invaluable and is what makes our chapter strong. Remember TEAM - together everyone achieves more!

One of my goals is to visit all the chapters and I am well on my way! Please let me know when it is convenient for me to attend your local chapter meeting or event. Your governor is also available to answer your questions and give suggestions. Remember we are all here to assist you with your chapters. The Policy and Procedure manual is an invaluable resource and should be shared with your local chapter officers and committee chairs.

The state meetings in Sacramento June 2-4 will soon be upon us. We are so fortunate to have our very own 2002 National WCR President Barbara Lach join us to share her thoughts and incredible wisdom about WCR. Barbara is truly a leader, a professional and an inspiration to us all. The agenda will also include a legal update with Shannon Jones, Attorney at Law, an economic update with CAR economic forecaster Leslie Appleton Young and a timely political update with CAR's Alex Creole. There will also be the ever-popular round tables to discuss local chapter issues and share ideas for your chapters or committees. Don't forget CAR's legislative day on Wed. June 5th where we will hear from some of the state's top political leaders, meet with your state lawmakers, concluding with an elegant reception. See www.car.org for details.

The National meetings in Washington DC are May 15 to 19. Would you please email me if you will be attending and include the name of your hotel? All members are strongly encouraged to stay at the WCR host hotel The Capital Hilton. It will be helpful to know who is coming to better coordinate and make the best out of your meeting. The National meetings should be dynamic with excellent speakers. The meetings will benefit all local line officers and members within your chapter. It is a do not miss!

I look forward to seeing you in Washington DC and in June at the state meeting in Sacramento. Remember 2002 The Difference is you! Yes, you do make a difference by attending, being present, becoming involved and bringing back as much information to the members at the local level.

2002 The Difference is you!

Warmest wishes for love and success!

Betty Taisch, CRS, LTG, SRES
2002 WCR California State Chapter President