Waldwick, NJ – (October 8, 2021) Greater Bergen REALTORS® (GBR) held its Annual Meeting on October 6, at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ. Guests had the option of either attending in-person or virtually, as the nation continues to recover from the Covid-19 health emergency.
Over 460 members attending in-person and via Zoom, heard 2021 Greater Bergen REALTORS® President, Ali Memar, update attendees on GBR’s pending relocation to its new headquarters in Saddle Brook, along with other Association business accomplishments this year, including the roll-out of its strategic plan.
“We are all looking forward to the relocation of the Greater Bergen REALTORS® offices to one central location, Memar said.” Our new home will not only give members access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment but allows us to continue to offer a wide array of education offerings and designations. “I’m also excited about sharing our new strategic plan with our members, which focuses on empowering them through enhanced connections, continued advocacy and education opportunities, which not only will provide more efficient and valuable utilization of membership dollars but also a greater opportunity to work with a more diverse group of clients.”
Keynote speakers Charlie Oppler, (National Association of Realtors® (NAR))2021 President, and NJ Realtors® Chief Executive Officer, Jarrod Grasso, updated attendees on their respective organization’s activities this year and other industry trends and a legislative update.
Oppler addressed the audience remotely, from Washington, D.C., where he was to visit the White House, along with other financial industry leaders, to discuss the importance of approving the debt ceiling limits and how this legislation would impact the real estate industry through its potential impact on interest rate levels. He also stressed the importance of participating and investing in the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) process.
Grasso touched on upcoming NJ Realtors® events and provided an update on pending and future legislative issues, highlighted new rules for home inspections and lead paint remediation.
Greater Bergen REALTORS® recognized Karen DeMarco (Coldwell Banker, Tenafly) with the Greater Bergen Realtors®' 2021 Good Neighbor Award for her extraordinary commitment to community service programs and improving the quality of life in her community and throughout the State of New Jersey. A $ 1,000 donation was also made to Food Brigade in Dumont, NJ as part of the award.
Frances Blakley, (Re/MAX, Franklin Lakes), was chosen as Greater Bergen Realtors® 2021 REALTOR® of the Year, awarded annually to a Greater Bergen Realtor® member who showcases an outstanding commitment to the Realtors® organization, demonstrates professionalism in their business, and is an expert in the real estate industry.
Closing remarks were delivered by Greater Bergen Realtors® CEO Jorge Ledesma, who thanked members and attendees for their hard work and continued dedication and encouraged guests to be open to pivoting to adapt to the evolving environment and other industry changes.
Other Items Discussed -
- Details on GBR’s relocation from Waldwick and Hasbrouck Heights to Saddle Brook, (To be shared with New Jersey Multiple Listing Services (NJMLS)
- Bylaw updates and changes
- Adoption of the 2022 Board of Directors slate
- Update on activities from the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC)
- Realtor Care Foundation Update
- GBR 2022 Trustee Applications