Summary of AEC Programs, Products, and Services

Association Management Programs and Resources
Association Outreach Program -- The REALTOR® Association Outreach Program, which is designed to enhance communications between NAR and state and local associations, continues to grow to meet the needs in the field. Two NAR vice presidents, who serve as direct links between NAR and state and local associations, are available upon request to make personal field visits at REALTOR® association meetings and conferences. This service is offered at no charge to state and local associations.

Gar Anderson, Vice President of Outreach, and former EVP of the Vermont Association of REALTORS®, was hired in July 2001 when the Outreach Program was launched. Alice Martin, RCE, CAE, Vice President, AE and Leadership Development Department, formerly with the Arizona Association of REALTORS®, was hired in February 2008 to join Gar in this initiative, as the need for outreach services continues to grow.

In addition to field visits, the Outreach Program also includes personal phone calls to each association, to find out how they’re doing and to make sure association staff know what’s happening at NAR

AE Audience Page on REALTOR.org -- The AE audience page includes new items, highlights of current events, association management tools, and information on AE committees, programs, products, and services.

New AE Orientation -- First-time association executives, both local and state, are invited to attend one of two New AE Orientations offered each year at NAR's Chicago headquarters. New AEs who begin their jobs in July - December are invited to the January Orientation; those who start in January - June are invited to the July Orientation. Approximately 80 new AEs attend the Orientation each year..

Road Map for New REALTOR® Association Executives -- This on-line resource is an orientation tool for AEs who are new to the REALTOR® organization. Posted on the AE center of REALTOR.org, this orientation resource features a checklist of must-know responsibilities for an AE’s first weeks and months on the job. The site also includes advice from peers and other information on policies, procedures, references, and resources. As NAR becomes aware of new AEs, they are directed to this site and invited to the annual New AE Orientation.

On-line Presidents’ Leadership Guide -- This on-line resource, which briefs incoming local and state association presidents on their responsibilities and informs them of resources available to them at NAR, is filled with essential information for the first-time elected leader. The guide is updated and promoted annually for the August Leadership Summit.

REALTOR® Association Models Planning Tool -- The REALTOR® Association Models Planning Tool is an on-line resource that an AE or volunteer leader can complete to determine where their association currently is and where they would like to be in terms of delivering services. The questionnaire that leads to this determination automatically creates personalized AE job descriptions, so associations will know what skills/competencies are needed to manage the association, as well as interview questions that correspond to each association model. The questionnaire also leads to a personalized “elected leadership focus” that can be used to develop customized job descriptions for elected leaders.

The Answer Book -- The Source for REALTOR® Association Management Leaders – A comprehensive compilation of REALTOR® association management information, and a valuable resource for AEs and volunteer leadership, is provided free and only on-line. The resource is a reference for the REALTOR® Association Management Self-Study Course and the RCE exam.

"The Cycle of Change" Report (2008) -- The report identifies emerging trends and issues that are likely to impact the real estate industry in the near future. This report may serve as a resource for REALTOR® associations, brokers, sales associates, and affiliated professionals in their strategic planning.

The Best Practices Report -- The report is a compilation of best practices in association management. In October 2003, the Association Executives Committee Best Practices Work Group interviewed association management consultants and REALTOR® association AEs on the following five key aspects of association management: Member Services, Public Policy, Leadership and Staff Relations, Human Resource Management, Financial Management. The output of these interviews is the basis of this report. The work group summarized that while each REALTOR® association has its own culture, reflecting the local and regional environment, these best practices can be applied effectively within all associations, regardless of size or available resources. This report may prompt you to examine your current operations and association goals, and you may find suggestions that can inspire you to initiate new strategies and approaches or validate your current operations.

Local REALTOR® Association Profile -- A profile of local REALTOR® associations including administrative and organizational data, as well as compensation data for the chief staff executive position.  The 2008 Local REALTOR® Association Profile is available at REALTOR.org.  The survey is conducted every two years.

AE Competencies and Body of Knowledge -- This document identifies five competency areas in which an AE shall be proficient to successfully serve the evolving REALTOR® association through the 21st century. Within each competency there are three levels of knowledge -- Administrative; Management; Leadership. Each of the five competencies is attached to topics that lead to proficiency at the three defined levels.

Webcasts -- Presentations on timely topics are periodically presented to AEs via Webcasts, enabling AEs from smaller associations with limited travel budgets the opportunity to participate in professional development offerings from the comfort of their own offices. Past webcast topics include human resource management, RPAC administration and fundraising, ILD policy, orientation for new local AEs, REALTOR.com update, an NAR update on the proposed dues increase, and an overview of the NAR/DOJ settlement over VOW policy. Most of the webcasts are archived on REALTOR.org for 90 days after the initial webcast.

AE Calendar -- A REALTOR® Association Online Calendar, which is populated by NAR staff, is posted on REALTOR.org. The calendar enables local and state associations to schedule plans, so all major REALTOR® association initiatives and events are coordinated on an association-wide basis. With advance information AEs can allocate necessary resources and schedule local activities so they are in sync with national events. Current calendar entries are highlighted each week in the INS.

Award Programs -- The REALTOR AE Recognition Program is a consolidated effort by the Association Executives Committee (AEC) and NAR to honor excellence in the REALTOR association management profession. The following awards are included in the program: William R. Magel Award of Excellence; Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society; William D. North Annual AE Institute Scholarship; Terry McDermott Community Leadership Award; RCE Scholarships.

Professional Development Programs
AE Institute-- The AE Institute is an annual four-day educational conference for AEs, focusing on aspects of REALTOR association management and real estate industry issues and trends. The 2009 Institute is March 20-24, in Colorado Springs. The curriculum will be built around the following program areas: 1) Connecting with Leadership, Members and Consumers; 2) REALTOR® Association Management; 3) Industry Issues and Trends.

Self-Study Courses --  The free REALTOR® Association Management Self-Study Course, which covers 28 topic areas to increase awareness and understanding of all REALTOR® association management issues, is completely on-line including automatic scoring and immediate access to correct answers. Expanding on the content of this course is the Advanced REALTOR® Association Management Self-Study Course ($125), which is also on-line and serves as preparation for the RCE exam. The Professional Standards Advanced Administrative Concepts Self-Study Course ($75) provides in-depth study of professional standards and goes beyond the information that is taught in the NAR Professional Standards Administrator Training. A self-study course for volunteer leaders is currently being developed.

RCE Designation Program --  RCE is a professional designation designed specifically for REALTOR® association executives that is comprised of an experience and education based application and exam. There are 302 total designees, as of July 2008. The exam is available in both a written and on-line format.

The University of Chicago Certificate Program -- NAR has partnered with the University of Chicago to offer a certificate program in non-profit association management. AEs are invited to enroll in the full certificate program, which encompasses the challenges of a real classroom setting with personalized pre- and post-work assignments. By completing four core and two optional full day courses, participants will earn a Certificate in Strategies in Nonprofit Management from the University of Chicago Graham School. AEs who are not interested in earning the certificate can choose to audit individual classes on a course-by-course basis, without pre- and post-work assignments. Class size is limited to 35 and registration priority is given to certificate program enrollees. All courses are offered in conjunction with NAR’s Midyear, Annual Conference, and AE Institute meetings.

Leading Edge in Association Management --This professional development program tailored for AEs and apresident leadership teams, which is offered annually at the REALTORS® Conference, focuses on association management and industry issues topics presented by keynote speakers. This session is offered at no charge.

Leadership Development Programs
Leadership Summit-- This annual meeting brings incoming local and state president/AE leadership teams together for two days of presentations by thought leaders in the fields of technology, association leadership and management, industry issues, and future trends in business and society; and information on integrating national programs and priorities into state and local association activities. The Summit also enables participants to renew networking contacts among REALTOR® organization leaders.

Leadership Academy --  A nine-month, five-stage training and development program that is structured around national meetings designed to prepare future NAR leaders. Candidates submit an experience-based application and are selected for inclusion in the program by the Leadership Academy Advisory Group.

Leadership Express -- The Midyear Leadership Express, for AE and president leadership teams, is formatted as three 40-minute sessions, scheduled concurrently and then repeated, allowing attendees the opportunity to attend two of the three workshops. All sessions are presented by industry leaders, association management experts, or leadership consultants.

Networking Opportunities
Association Management Roundtables -- Offered at each of the two national meetings, the roundtables are for local and state AEs and focus on a variety of administration topics in a setting that encourages idea exchange and networking.

Local Presidents/Presidents-Elect Roundtables -- Offered at each of the two national meetings, these leadership roundtables focus on a variety of local topics in an informal setting to encourage information exchange and networking.

Leadership Luncheon -- Sponsored by the RCE Certification Board, this ticketed luncheon, held at each national meeting, features keynote speakers on industry issues.

State and Board Leadership Forums -- The State Leadership Forum and the Board Leadership Forum are both offered at NAR's Midyear and Conference meetings for presidents and AEs to attend together. Presidents-elect are also encouraged to attend. The forums are structured according to association membership size so presidents can exchange ideas and information with other presidents of like-size associations. In addition, the forums provide presidents with the opportunity to convey grassroots concerns to national association leaders who attend and respond to questions from forum members.

The following explains which subforum breakout you and your EO should attend:
Large State Subforum: The 17 largest state associations, based on total membership
Medium State Subforum: The next 17 largest state associations, based on total membership
Small State Subforum: The remaining 16 state associations, and Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Mega Board Subforum: Boards with 7,000 or more members
Large Board Subforum: Boards with 2,000 to 6,999 members
Medium Board Subforum: Boards with 500 to 1,999 members
Small Board Subforum: Boards with fewer than 500 members

AELD STAFF REFERENCES
Alice Martin, RCE, CAE, Vice President, AE and Leadership Development Department
amartin@realtors.org; 312/329- 8320
Department oversight
Association Outreach Program

Gar Anderson, Vice President, Outreach
Ganderson@realtors.org; 312/329-3279
Association Outreach Program

Cindy Sampalis, Managing Director, AE and Leadership Development Department
Csampalis@realtors.org; 312/329-8302
Department administration
Association Executives Committee (including work groups and new initiatives)

Bobbie Albrecht, Director, Leadership Development and Outreach
balbrecht@realtors.org; 312/329-8275
Leadership Academy
Leadership Summit
Leadership education and outreach

Cynthia Bair, Manager, Leadership Development
Cbair@realtors.org; 312/329-3280
AE Institute
AE Institute Advisory Board
Recommendations and Recognition Subcommittee
Awards Programs
Board Leadership Forum
Local aREALTOR® Association Profile Survey
On-line Presidents’ Leadership Guide
Department budget

Laurie Oken, Manager, Leadership Education
Loken@realtors.org; 312/329-8307
AE Institute programming
Programming for elected leaders and leadership teams
University of Chicago Strategies in Nonprofit Management Certificate Program
State EO Forum

Renee Holland, Manager, Professional Development
rholland@realtors.org; 312/329-8545
RCE Designation Program
RCE Certification Board
REALTOR® Association Management Self-Study Courses (product marketing and development)
The Answer Book (product maarketing and development)
Leadership Luncheon

Julie Ann Read, Manager, AE Education
jread@realtors.org; 312/329-5972
AE Competencies and Body of Knowledge
Content development for the RCE exam, The Answer Book reference, and the AE and volunteer leadership self-study courses
New AE Orientation Program
AE outreach calls

Krystal Allen, Coordinator, Leadership Development
Kallen@realtors.org; 312/329-8514
Database and website coordination and maintenance
RCE designation marketing and outreach
On-line resource for new AEs
REALTOR® Association Models On-line Planning Tool
AE webcasts
State AEC chair/vice chair outreach

Rita Baldwin, Coordinator, Leadership Development and Outreach
rbaldwin@realtors.org; 312-329-8321
Leadership Academy
Leadership Summit
AE Roundtables

Debra Jordan, Secretary, AE and Leadership Development
djordan@realtors.org; 312/329-8304
Association Executives Committee
Local President/President-elect Roundtables

Dolores Plambeck, Secretary, AE and Leadership Development
dxplambeck@realtors.org; 312/329-8877

last updated 10/27