THIRTEEN OUT OF ELEVEN THOUSAND

With over 11,000 members, the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS (NVAR) is the largest local REALTOR association in Virginia and one of the largest in the United States.

Thus, it was a proud moment last week, when I received a letter informing me:

"Congratulations!  You have been selected as one of thirteen REALTORS to participate in the NVAR Leadership Institute"

NVAR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAM

According to Vinh Nguyen, 2010 Chairman of the Board of the association, "[t]he objective of the Institute is to familiarize future NVAR leaders with all aspects of the REALTOR family, including the Virginia Association of REALTORS, the National Association of REALTORS and MRIS," through unique 'hands on' opportunities to learn more about the inner workings of the association.

Throughout 2010, I will have the privilege of participating in 12 different sessions including the following exciting opportunities.

• Legislative Bus Trip to Richmond, Virginia
  
  Here we'll gain insight into the lobbying process on the state level and observe how the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS works with the General Assembly and the staff of the Virginia Association of REALTORS. 
  
  
• Ethics and Leadership
  
  During a discussion with NVAR's Associate General Counsel and a panel of past NVAR Presidents, we'll learn about enforcing the Code of Ethics, arbitration and mediation, leadership, team building and association decision-making.
  
  
• National Association of REALTORS Mid-Year Meeting
  
  At this annual event in Washington D.C., we'll attend a leadership luncheon, two Leadership Express Series sessions, and the Region 3 RVP Regional Caucus
  
  
• Working with the Media
  
  A training session on the dynamics of working with the media.
  
  
• NVAR Role in MLS
  
  During a field trip to Rockville, MD, we'll meet the leadership and staff of MRIS and attend a presentation of MRIS key operations and an outlook on the future of MLS.
  
  
• Annual Press Conference at the National Press Club
  
  We'll attend an observe the NVAR Annual Press Conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

All of this should make for a very exciting and educational year in 2010.

I'm looking forward to all of the learning and challenges ahead.