President’s Message – November/December

My ultimate goal goes back to my days as a Boy Scout.  I was always taught, whatever it may be, leave it better than you found it.  That bit of advice from when I was twelve has stuck with me and how I look at everything.  I strive to leave everything better than I find it.

This year had many challenges going into it, and more were added on.  From the challenges of COVID-19, Good Cause Eviction, completing the renovations to the building, starting up in person and hybrid classes, the “lawyer” legislation…, the association has had a busy year.

GCAR, NYSAR, and NAR partnered together to oppose “Good Cause Eviction,” the most restrictive landlord legislation in New York. Together we engaged in a social media campaign, direct mail, calls to action, TV commercials, etc., garnering support and voicing opposition to Mayor Sheehan’s overarching legislation.  We put up a valiant effort, but ultimately good cause eviction passed. It was awe-inspiring and educational observing the mobilization of it all and invigorated my support for the Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC).

We have completed the renovations on the expansion of the GCAR offices. It is bright and beautiful, a space we all can be proud of. From the state-of-the-art training center to the new video room, board room, professional standards hearing space, expanded facilities, and a beautiful courtyard patio in between. There is now plenty of space for GCAR and Global MLS to continue to grow and meet the challenges of our future goals with ease.

As the future of continuing education continues to raise the bar, our training center is prepared, loaded, and ready to go.  There are new comfortable chairs and tables with plenty of space for all your technology needs, and the electric outlets too. There are large screen TVs for better visibility, and state-of-the-art hybrid technology, I highly recommend you take an in-person class soon and experience it for yourself.

As is with everything in life, change is imminent. If we are not changing, growing, and learning we are stagnant, and will stifle and wither.

I want to thank you all for this opportunity to serve as part of your leadership team, it has been such a rewarding journey. I hope that I lived up to that advice, and I left it better than I found it.

Thank you again, it was truly my honor.

Jeffrey Decatur