GLAR Broker Update from CEO Jakeeva Lee

Happy 2025 Brokers,

It’s hard to believe this month I celebrated my first year anniversary with GLAR! While the past year brought a broad range of unexpected and welcomed thrills, I have enjoyed meeting with many of you to discuss and address unique opportunities, as well as navigate challenges and frustrations. These conversations have shaped, and reshaped our strategy to best reflect the trends we’re facing in today’s industry. Now as we continue to progress forward, there are several updates I would like to share with you.

As you are aware, December 31st was the deadline for members to complete their Ethics requirement. This past Tuesday, we sent out a notification to members who either have not completed this requirement OR did not submit proof of completion (member proof of completion from a non-GLAR educational provider) to us to update our records. Per guidelines, those who have not completed this requirement will be suspended for failure to complete this requirement by or before Tuesday, January 21st. Further, if this requirement is not met, membership termination will occur on March 1st.

If you still need to complete your Ethics course, members can register here through the NAR website for free (non-CE) training.

If you already completed your Ethics course through a non-GLAR education provider, you must submit your certificate of completion to education@louisvillerealtors.com if you have not already done so.

Please remind your agents that they must complete and submit this requirement if not already completed.

Note: KREC requirements differ from GLAR/NAR requirements. Thus, our systems are not synced to monitor between KREC education guidelines and NAR/GLAR ethics guidelines. These are separate requirements and must be handled separately.

In an effort to provide additional education to our new updated Forms and Contracts, we will host the following educational sessions to help members navigate the recent changes. See below:

Tuesday, January 21st -11:00AM - Forms Update Info Session (VIRTUAL and will be recorded) - REGISTER HERE for virtual session.

Thursday, January 30th - Contracts: Best Practices for the Buyer’s Agent and Seller’s Representative CE class - REGISTER HERE on your member portal to attend this course.

While there has been no active movement on an MLS regionalization, our technology, for-profit entity, Metro Search Inc. (MSI) will be implementing an MLS Visioning Task Force this year. As today’s technologies and MLS needs are rapidly evolving, this group will be tasked with identifying opportunities to enhance our MLS and its services for the benefit of members’ continued success. I look forward to working with this group, alongside our Chief Technology Officer, Jerry Legrand, as we reset and take a holistic look at the future of MSI. We will keep members updated on any prudent developments.

The Board of Directors recently approved our updated Policies and Procedures. This manual governs our internal operations and processes. One update I wanted to especially share was our new Open/Closed Meeting Policy. See below:

Any member who would like to attend an open meeting must request attendance at least five (5) days in advance with the CEO, President and/or Chair for approval. Unless there are reasons for sensitive information and/or confidentiality, members can request and can receive written approval to attend a meeting. The following Committees are authorized to conduct closed meetings (and closed sessions): Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Forms Committee, Nominating Committee, Legislative Management Team, Candidate Interview Committee, Awards & Recognition Committee, MLS Fines Committee, and certain designated Committees, Forums, and Advisory Groups. Guests may attend but not participate in any discussions unless acknowledged and called upon by the Chair. All members must sign-in the day of the meeting.

Please note we welcome any member to attend any meeting, however, we request notification due to capacity limitations. Additionally, once a group enters a closed session, guest(s) will be asked to exit the meeting.

Did you know last year, our local Advocacy Team supported and defended approximately 170 issues and bills to fight for our industry and protect private property rights?!

Each day our Team is hard at work to ensure you can continue to conduct your business in the best interest of you and your clients at all levels of government, but we cannot do it without your support!

NEW this year, we have simplified your roadmap to become a Major Investor! By signing up through this link, you can pay monthly or quarterly towards your commitment. Program benefits include:

PROGRAM BENEFITS INCLUDE:

1. Feb. KYR Meeting event (Mixology $150 Value)

2. Summer KYR Meeting Event (Name that Tune $50 Value)

3. GLARPAC Bourbon Event ($300 Value)

4. Sept. KYR Meeting Event (Family Feud $50 Value)

5. Coffee with the Congressman VIP (Limited Access for only MI)

6. Open Bar at GLAR Holiday Party ($75 Value)

7. Complimentary Drink at GLAR Day at the Races ($15 Value)

8. Major Investor Thank You Dinner ($100 value and limited Access)

9. Major Investor Recognition including online and NAR pin (Limited Access for only MI)

10. KYRPAC Store Credit

We hope you’ll consider joining us in this new and exciting way to invest!

Last but certainly not least, we recently welcomed Alison Waldorf, our new Director of Membership Engagement to our team! Alison’s background spans a history of member and customer success within non-profit organizations. In her role, Alison will take a holistic review to enhance our strategy around Membership services, benefits, operations, outreach & engagement. We’re very excited to have her on board and look forward to the contributions she will bring to our dynamic organization! Additionally, she will be reaching out to many of you to schedule office visits. If you would like to connect with her in the meantime, feel free to contact her at alison@louisvillerealtors.com. You can also learn a bit more about her here.

As your business success remains our success and priority, I’m excited to share there’s much more to come in 2025! You can expect new business tools and technologies, new educational classes, enhanced events and networking opportunities, elevated brand awareness through purposeful partnerships and more. And of course, we will continue to strategically adapt to industry trends as they emerge and your needs evolve.

Above all, thank you for being an integral part of this journey over the past year. Representing and serving our diverse, innovative, and impactful community is both an honor and a privilege. We fuel progress in every corner of our region and I’m inspired by the work we will and can accomplish, together.

With Gratitude,