Dear Heather,
Thank you to everyone who attended the No on Prop 33 virtual townhall last week. Your involvement will truly make a difference, and we’re so grateful for your time and dedication. As I mentioned last time, this ballot measure seeks to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and poses a serious threat to the rights and stability of homeowners. That’s why C.A.R will be actively working to defeat it. But we can’t do it alone.
With the November election fast approaching, we must all work together to stop Prop 33. We encourage C.A.R. members who are committed to taking weekly actions to help defeat Prop 33 to join the “NO on Prop 33” Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will receive weekly emails with actions to take and regular updates about the campaign. Read more about the Ambassador program here.
I also encourage you to review the materials and resources in the comprehensive toolkit, where you’ll find a fact sheet, key messaging, social media content, and other materials that you can use to help spread the word to defeat Proposition 33. Once people understand why Prop 33 will worsen our housing crisis, we can stop it. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but this is our moment to act. Together, we can protect homeowners and shape the future of California housing. Let’s keep the momentum going strong!
A few weeks ago, I informed you that Phil Hawkins was named as C.A.R.’s new chief executive officer. Phil officially joined us early this month and has already been engaging with the leadership team, staff and industry leaders. Many of you already know him as the former chief executive officer of the Pacific West Association of REALTORS®. You’ll see him speaking at a couple of sessions if you’re attending C.A.R.’s REimagine! Conference & Expo next week. And I’ll be sitting down with Phil at REimagine! for a Fireside Chat to hear about his plans to ensure that C.A.R. continues to advocate effectively for its members and the broader real estate community. Please join me in welcoming Phil!
Speaking of REimagine!, C.A.R.’s premier event of the year begins in mere days. I’d be thrilled to see you and thousands of other real estate professionals and industry leaders, September 24-26, at the Long Beach Convention Center. We’ll have an entire track covering essential information on new business practices where you’ll hear topics, including How to Navigate Compensation Conversations; C.A.R. Forms Overview; Showing Your Value to Consumers, and more. Also, former Trader Joe’s President Doug Rauch will share how embracing innovation helped Trader Joe’s become the hottest retailer in America.
And on the heels of a successful virtual event on California’s insurance crisis late July, C.A.R.’s Center for California Real Estate will hold another panel discussion, focusing on the critical steps needed to stabilize the insurance market. I’ll be moderating a panel of experts who will explore innovative solutions, policy changes and strategies to ensure that California’s homeowners secure reliable insurance coverage amidst growing challenges.
REimagine! is also full of professional development opportunities to help you strengthen your business now and into the future. In today’s challenging market, right now is the best time to expand your knowledge and gain new skills to help you succeed. Here are some great reasons you need to be at the show:
• Content: 50+ timely sessions that are essential to your business. Hear from industry experts covering the new business practice changes, how to successfully plug AI into your business, the latest in social media and much more.
• Exhibit Hall: 250+ resource-filled exhibitor booths in a wide range of product categories, all in one place.
• Networking: Talk it up with your next mentor, have lunch with a future referral and meet new connections at exciting networking events, including the free All Voices Soirée at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Sept. 25 at 6:30 PM.
Get more information on all of the sessions, speakers and exhibitors, and register for free here.
Lastly, parts of our state have suffered from severe wildfires in the last several weeks. During times of crises, REALTORS® always come together to help. I want to remind you that C.A.R.’s Disaster Relief Fund is available to provide grants to REALTORS®, employees of REALTORS® and association staff who have incurred losses due to natural disasters. The grants are possible thanks to donations from C.A.R., state and local REALTOR® associations, and other contributors. To make a tax-deductible donation or apply for a grant visit here.
Thank you and I’ll see you next time.
Sincerely,
Melanie Barker
2024 C.A.R. President