From the desk of Ron Canning, CRS, 2014 president
I finished my inaugural speech last November by saying: Lets make 2014 an amazing year. And I believe it has been nothing short of amazing for CRS, marked by tremendous growth and change. The Council launched several exciting new initiatives over the past year that have put the organization on more solid footing and positioned it for long-term success.
CRS launched One-Day Essentials, a new series of classroom courses that covers the fundamental skills that REALTORS® use throughout their careers: negotiation, team-building and lead conversion. So far, the courses have been presented in nearly 30 cities since they were introduced last spring.
The Council also introduced its Leadership Training program so CRSs at any stage of their careers can earn the credentials to lead their chapters, CRS national, local REALTOR® boards and civic organizations with greater confidence and effectiveness.
As a result of a Presidential Advisory Group that convened in Chicago last March, the Council is changing its membership model to better address the needs of its members. We are also working to identify the day-to-day skills necessary for our Designees to achieve success and give the Council further guidance about needed educational offerings and membership requirements.
Other programs are taking shape. CRS Legends continued its success with two new one-day events in 2014. We celebrated our second annual CRS Week in September with chapter events and free webinars, and now we are gearing up for the annual two-day education conference Sell-a-bration® 2015 on Feb. 1617 in Las Vegas.
One of the many highlights as CRS president was my visit to Madrid in May to speak at a meeting of top real estate professionals and to pin most of the 82 new CRS Designees there. Working closely with the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, staff and many chapter officers and members throughout the year also has been incredibly gratifying. While my term as president has ended, I will continue to work with members and national and chapter leaders to keep the Council at the forefront of our industry.
Wishing you success in 2015, and thanks for an amazing year!
