Fellow CRB Members,
The twelve months as President of the Hawaii CRB Chapter literally flew by. Goals that were set began the forward processes in strengthening CRB’s structure. Our focus was both to be the foundation for active CRB members, and REALTORS® desiring to become CRB designees. It has been an awesome journey.
I have had a most generous Board who gave of their time, energy and expertise, each contributing to the success of the organization. Thank you to all….Terri Spotkaeff, John Harris, Scott Fujiwara, Darrell Takanishi, Joyce Nakamura, Trudy Nishihara, David Inafuku, Edmund Wong , Mark DeCastro, Berton Hamamoto , Keone Ball, Chuck Garrett, Dale Bordner and Crystal Lancaster. Working with this team of great volunteers have made the journey in itself, worth it. If you have never considered being a participating Hawaii CRB Chapter volunteer, start now, it is a rewarding opportunity.
CRB jumped right into the social networking wave and created a new website that would be interactive and provide current information locally and nationally. The website not only gives the pending activities but a history of where we’ve been, what we’ve done, and who’s done it! CRB is fun! We also launched our Facebook page.
The Hawaii CRB Chapter has been resilient in spite of the economic challenges. Regrouping to attract all REALTORS®, the former “Broker’s Forum” was re-branded as “Brokers Exchange” and was launched in 2009. It was an opportunity to network, gain information, and keep in step of the moving market.
We began preaching that one does NOT need to be a broker, manager or supervisor to be a CRB Designee. If you manage yourself, you are a manager! As Independent Agents, we all must manage our time, finances, and future. Therefore, everyone is an eligible candidate as a CRB Designee. Attend the next Brokers Exchange to keep in touch, learn from others and take advantage of the education opportunities.
The first “Broker’s Exchange” in Spring of 2009 directed the attention to ourselves. So often we point the fingers to other factors that may have impacted our lives…but Jonathan Nicholas, former President of the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) and nationally known speaker put it all together… "Thriving in a Challenging Market: It all begins with Y. O. U." Following the Broker’s Exchange, Jonathan led the two day CRB course -- packing as much information as possible on the new and innovative techniques and products available... and much of it at no cost to us. When asked what I learned my response was brief… “I was overloaded”. Putting all the information gained into motion is the next task. For a few, it was a step closer in attaining their CRB designation.
The Annual Golf tournament at the Honolulu Country Club was another success and the children of the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation (HCCF) were the well deserved beneficiary of over $8,000. This was an excellent time to network while laughing, playing golf and dining. Ask those who golfed!
I was given a sneak peek of some of the plans for next year’s 14th Annual Golf Benefit and and believe me…you are in for a treat. Keep watch for the details and sign up immediately and be one of the limited number who will be included on the player’s list . You won’t want to miss it! Mark your calendar for July 9th at Hoakalei! It will be a day of great fun!
Representing the CRB Chapter at the Mid-Year and NAR CRB meetings was a privilege. I am pleased to report that the Hawaii Chapter continues to be a flagship of the CRB Chapters having more members and creating new and innovative ways to reach new members. We must continue our efforts to keep Hawaii CRB on the map! If all the REALTOR® members who took the valuable time, money, and effort to attain their CRB designation annually renew their Chapter membership, we will accomplish our goal of doubling our membership. The new ruling is that only members in good standing can use the CRB designation. To the many that were proud to earn and carry the CRB in the past, we ask you to renew your membership today. We need you.
In the Fall, nationally known instructor Brad Hanks and former President of the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) kept his audience focused on what you can and cannot do with regard to the trend in social networking. The emphasis is to make sure we have the specifics identified in our Office Policies & Procedures. Are you in compliance and are you well prepared? As in every other occupation, there is a right and a wrong way to do everything in the real estate profession. As leaders in the profession, we will do it the right way.
For the first time, Kauai members were afforded a CRB course on Kauai with Brad Hanks flying in for the afternoon, duplicating the course on Social Networking. Thanks to the Kauai Board of REALTORS® for their help in the success of a new venture. This was an education-packed day!
If you missed the Installation at the Hale Koa Hotel in December…you missed out on a classy event. Sharing in the event with the CRS Chapter, this program was one to remember. Thanks to the outstanding loyal sponsor to both the CRS and CRB organizations, Central Pacific HomeLoans added the final touch of table decorations and place setting favors. The overwhelming donation of toys and funds for Toys for Tots added to the Christmas spirit for many children. The evening ended with great music with surprising member talents we never knew. To the outstanding slate of officers who accepted the responsibility for 2010, we applaud you!
Everyone who received the CRB should be proud to display the designation at every opportunity. However, those who received their designation previously and no longer are members of the Council must remove the CRB logo from all marketing materials immediately. The only time one can display a designation earned is by being a current paid member of the organization. This is a direct relation to the Code of Ethics to which each subscribes as a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Article 12 of the Code is precise in saying…”we shall be honest and truthful” and “shall present a true picture in advertising, marketing”…. Under no circumstances do we want to see any CRB member be brought before the Professional Standards Committee for an Article 12 violation.
To that end, we are encouraging everyone to make sure your National CRB Council dues are up to date (renewal is done by anniversary date) and also reinstate your Chapter membership dues immediately for 2010 (you can pay online by clicking here). We want you to be a current CRB member! We need you!
Again, it has been my pleasure to serve and I consider it an honor. Thank you.
Best wishes for the new year…2010!
Rowena B Cobb, CRB, CRS, GRI
