From the desk of Ron Canning, CRS, 2014 president
CRS chapters are the grassroots organizations that support individual CRS members and the Council as a whole. The dedicated members of the 54 CRS chapters exemplify the “get involved” spirit that helps drive CRS. By joining a local CRS chapter, REALTORS® can glean even greater value from their CRS Designation or general membership. The national CRS network is a big asset to all members, and local CRS chapters really bring the organization home.
Chapters present members with a host of networking opportunities where you can create meaningful, long-term relationships with your peers the best agents in the business. They not only share ideas and best practices with one another, they build a valuable referral network while doing it. And involvement in chapter leadership often serves as an important stepping stone to help designees reach leadership positions in the national organization.
As sponsors of CRS courses, chapters help deliver the top real estate education in the world, taught by some of the most experienced and talented instructors often at reduced rates for members and designees. While attending courses or chapter events, you can learn directly from your peers about what works and what doesn’t in their local area.
Chapters also give back to the community through the humanitarian “Chapter with a Heart” program. Their donations benefit a host of charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society, among many others.
I had the privilege of serving as both a CRS chapter president and a regional vice president, and I encourage all of you to get involved with your local chapter. You’ll be glad you did.
