Nobu Hata
By Nobu Hata, 2009 NAR Conference Blogger
Friday night’s NAR/YPN get-together was unlike any other REALTOR event I’d ever been to. Members of 47 national chapters networking, talking shop, and bouncing questions off each other, not to further their business, but to further their YPN cause both locally and nationally. A group of people taking this new, open, collaborative model of real estate to the next level for the betterment of our industry. ”Our” industry. Who’d have thunk that?
Membership and sponsorship drives? Well, yeah.
Local media and PR relations advice? Seriously?
YPN model collaboration? Yes, please.
Educational curriculum sharing? Please do!
Local and national political action? Tell me more.
I don’t remember hearing one iota of “me” the whole night; it was “us” and “we.” It was a decidedly un-REALTOR like evening.
My Minneapolis YPN chapter was voted Chapter of the Year for 2009. I was stoked. Honored. Less than 24 hours later, however, I can’t help but think that this award is a testament to a group of current and future real estate leaders, who at critical mass started setting the blueprint for the future of our industry.
So I urge all of you on the fence about YPN, get on board! Get involved! We’re getting stronger, and we’re not going away.
One of the newest YPN chapters is already getting young people involved.
Meet Young REALTORS® of the Bluegrass (YRB), based in Lexington, Ky. They were one of eight new YPN chapters approved in September alone, bringing the total number of chapters nationwide up to 29.
As a kickoff event, YRB organized a networking social-hour on Aug. 17 at a local restaurant/bar with live music, food, and fun. Chairman Casey Weesner even worked with a local graphic design artist to create a logo, and a printing company in town donated 50 free t-shirts, which they gave out at the event.
YRP is now planning future fundraising and volunteer opportunities, and hope to have 50 members by the year’s end.
Quick facts:
Chapter name: Young REALTORS® of the Bluegrass (YRB)
Main contact: Katy Jones
Address: 2250 Regency Rd, Lexington KY 40503
E-mail: katy@lbar.com
Main Number: 859-514-6228
Number of members in chapter: 27
Chairman: Casey Weesner
Congratulations to YRB!
The Young Professionals Network is a great place to connect with other real estate industry professionals. By getting involved or starting your own local chapter, you’ll create a bridge to many industry tools, resources, and networking events. For more information, or to download a chapter application, visit www.realtor.org/ypn.
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