YOUR NAR: REALTOR Benefitssm
BY CHUCK PAUSTIAN
New name, same great solutions
There will soon be a new name for the program that provides NAR members with special offers on practical, everyday business and personal solutions. It’s REALTOR® Benefitssm.
The association will introduce a comprehensive campaign at this year’s REALTORS® Conference & Expo, Oct. 28–31, in San Francisco to promote the REALTOR® Benefitssm brand to executive officers at state and local associations and members. The campaign will comprise both print and electronic media.
REALTOR® Benefitssm will replace the REALTOR VIP® name.
“Our REALTOR® Benefitssm Program partner offerings are grouped into two solutions—discounts and services,” says Mary Stark-Hood, NAR vice president of strategic alliances and member benefits. “They’re designed to address REALTORS® business and personal needs. Plus, by supporting program partners, members help keep their NAR membership dues low.”
The program includes more than 25 NAR partners, recognized as leaders in their respective industries. Among them: FedEx, Hertz, Hewlett-Packard, and Nextel Communications. New partner Affinity Financial Corp. Inc. provides members with competitive rates on money market accounts and CDs.
Special offers available through 2005 from two program partners—Chase Card Services and American Home Shield—underscore the value of the program. The offers can immediately save you up to $114, more than your annual NAR membership dues.
For a complete list of REALTOR® Benefitssm Program partners and offers, visit REALTOR.org/realtorbenefits.
Help for foster children
NAR is encouraging state and local REALTOR® associations to organize collection drives, public relations campaigns, and other projects in support of Suitcases for Kids, an international nonprofit organization that collects gently used suitcases, duffle bags, and backpacks and distributes them to foster children.
A brochure with details about the organization and project guidelines was sent to association executives in June. For a copy, click here.
Suitcases for Kids (www.suitcasesforkids.org)was founded in 1995 by 10-year-old Aubyn Burnside after she learned how children in foster care programs often are forced to carry their belongings in garbage bags. The organization, which has chapters in every state and in 47 countries, has collected more than 25,000 suitcases.
REALTORS®’ involvement with the program began in 2004, when the North Carolina Council of Residential Specialists spearheaded a Suitcases for Kids project. This year the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® adopted the program in conjunction with NAR President Al Mansell’s initiative to celebrate family. More: Suitcases for Kids brochure
2006 Entertainment book available
NAR members and association staff can buy 2006 Entertainment books at a savings of more than 50 percent off the retail price from Entertainment Publications, a member of the REALTOR® Benefitssm Program. The Entertainment® book contains thousands of dollars of 50 percent off and buy-one-get-one-free discounts from some of the best local and national names in dining, attractions, and travel. Each purchased book includes a business card holder on the front cover.
Order by Nov. 15 to receive your books by Dec. 10, in time for holiday gift giving. Visit www.entertainment.com/nar or call 800/672-3053 and mention promotion code RE6NAR and your 9-digit NRDS number. Note: Books may not be available in all areas.
