Goal #1

Facilitate open communication between the AEC and other NAR committees whose goals and activities may impact REALTOR® association policies, procedures, and management operations.

Expected Outcome

AEC liaisons to NAR committees serve as the communication link between the AEC and other NAR committees. Liaisons ensure that issues discussed in the respective committees have the benefit of the AE perspective and that the AEC is apprised of issues being considered during and between NAR meetings, including issues that surface through on-line discussions and at local, state, and regional meetings. AEC leadership engages in communication with NAR officers to ensure that all levels of the organization coordinate efforts to best serve the members.

Action/Update

AEs were appointed to serve as liaisons to NAR committees, beginning with the 2013 Midyear Meetings.  These liaisons are asked to keep the AEC informed of key issues that impact REALTOR® associations, and they are also expected to communicate information from the AEC to the respective committees for which they serve as a liaison.  In addition, AEC leadership meets with the NAR officers at a regularly scheduled time during the Midyear Meeting and the REALTORS® Conference to keep them abreast of issue developments.

Goal #2

Research and identify the viability of an association peer-to-peer review process that provides an opportunity for associations to request a review of their association operations and governance by the staff of other associations.  Pending the outcome, establish guidelines for such a program.

Expected Outcome

AEs can volunteer to participate in a peer-to-peer review program whereby participants evaluate the operations and governance practices of other volunteer participant associations and they are then in turn evaluated by those same associations.

Action/Update

The AEC Peer Review Work Group met for the first time during the AE Institute in San Diego and discussed two other peer review processes in which some members of the work group are currently engaged.  A survey was sent to all AEs to gauge the interest level in an association peer review program and to help determine if and how such a program would be constructed.  The work group will review the survey results at the 2013 Midyear Meeting.

Goal #3

Identify strategies and best practices that local associations can implement for greater consumer engagement and outreach; provide a how-to resource guide that utilizes NAR consumer engagement tools and resources in ways that best benefit REALTOR® members.

Expected Outcome

Associations have the information and resources they need to inform consumers of real estate issues in their communities and to engage more homeowners in the legislative process. 

Action/Update

The AEC Consumer Engagement Work Group met for the first time during the AE Institute in San Diego and engaged in a brainstorm discussion of various value add components that could be included in a consumer outreach initiative.  The work group also discussed considerations, recommendations, and observations that influence consumer advocacy and communications campaigns. The work group will meet during the 2013 Midyear Meeting and begin to discuss content and format for an online consumer outreach resource guide for local and state associations.

Goal #4

Develop an online version of a local association membership orientation program or key components of a program that could be included in such an orientation.

Expected Outcome

Associations have access to templates or modules, through REALTOR.org, that can be used to customize an online membership orientation program. 

Action/Update

The AEC Online Membership Orientation Work Group met for the first time during the AE Institute in San Diego and discussed the pros and cons of an online membership orientation program. Work group members heard an overview of the online membership orientation programs that are currently in place at the following associations – Boulder Area Association (CO), MetroTex Association (TX), and North Shore-Barrington Association (IL).  Work group members are reviewing the three featured online programs and will provide feedback at the Midyear Meeting that can be helpful in determining components of a program or template that can be customized for use by all associations.

Goal #5

Develop strategic planning best practices that includes resources, a facilitator directory, and strategies and methodologies to help associations navigate through the process. 

Expected Outcome

Associations have access to the information and resources they need to initiate and prepare for the development and implementation of their association’s strategic plan. 

Action/Update

The AEC Strategic Planning Resources Work Group, which met for the first time during the AE Institute in San Diego, is addressing strategic planning strategies and methodologies, as well as facilitators.  At the Midyear Meeting the work group will address the many approaches to strategic planning, depending on budget and membership size.  The group will also identify facilitator guidelines and expectations, all of which will be included in an online toolkit.

Goal #6

Provide idea sharing and networking opportunities for younger AEs through the AE YPN Meet-ups at the AE Institute, Midyear Meetings, and Annual Conference; encourage and promote involvement and career development in the REALTOR® association management profession through recognition and education opportunities; serve as a resource for local and state association YPN chapters. 

Expected Outcome

Generation X and Y AEs are connected and engaged in the REALTOR® association through opportunities at NAR meetings to network, discuss next generation technology and communication best practices and initiatives; younger AEs have access to information and resources that support their professional development and career growth opportunities; local associations can seek guidance and support from their AE YPN peers to establish or enhance local and state association YPN chapter activities.

Action/Update

The AE YPN Work Group is focusing on professional development strategies to support growth in a REALTOR® association management career with an emphasis educating and recruiting new graduates and other qualified professionals to the REALTOR® association management industry.  The work group also plans to promote and encourage use of the new AE Mentor Database to ensure that younger AEs can tap into the expertise of the more seasoned AEs in the industry.  An award that recognizes exceptional accomplishments or service by AE YPNs is also being considered.