Presidents Message - 2011 President Carolyn Mantia
We each faced and overcame the business and personal dilemmas that were thrust upon us and here we stand today stronger, more educated and better armed for what the New Year brings.
Henry Ford once said, "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently".
A caterpillar had to go through the process. It had to exit from his its cocoon to survive. It needed the struggle to grow and gain strength and wisdom. Each of you has endured trials which have allowed us to be stronger today.
The Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Council has gone through a similar rebirth, although the growing pains were hard & growth was a struggle year to year as each president faced the monumental task of moving the organization forward. Each year we continued to grow and learn from our mistakes and successes to be even stronger the following year.
It is a great honor today to serve each of you as your 2011 President. The Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Council of Realtors of 2011 is; A solid resource for incredible education, A financially stable organization, A networking source for referrals, and an organization of committed men and women .
Much like the caterpillar's transformation into an adult butterfly, the Wings have been forming in the years past and today we emerge with those wings.
With our own organizational health intact, we look to 2011 to be a year where we can be of greater support to the St. Louis Association of Realtors and build upon that partnership.
There is strength in numbers! Combined, we have the same goals; to arm and support our members, educate the consumer and represent our clients.
There is no them and us, ANYMORE, --there is simply WE!
I look forward to an exciting year of POWERFUL educations, Excitement and Success
WE have the ability and the will to soar and fly together. How high and how far is ours to choose! Will you join us for the ride?
Carolyn Mantia, 2011 President
Editor's Notes - 2011 Public Relations Chair Shelly Clark
Many changes are coming our way this year. I'm sure you've noticed our new reservation system (Wild Apricot) by now, and soon you'll be able to pay online for our monthly meetings! You will also find that we want to know your opinion! We'll be sending out short surveys periodically to get your feedback. We want to make sure that the meetings and education you receive are top notch! Be honest with us and let us know how we can make this group even more dynamic!
Next month, you're going to see a change from the E-Zine to a 2 page "local newsletter". This will focus on what's going on in our local chapter. We will be providing links for you to be able to get all the "extras" like our web talk radio show and links to our state and national organization.
If you have any suggestions on how we can spread the word about WCR and all that it has to offer, please let me know. I'm looking forward to an active, productive year - I hope you're ready!
Shelly Clark, 2011 Public Relations Chair
2011 Membership Ambassadors - 2011 Membership Chair Kitty Williams
Our AMBASSADORS will market our events at their office meetings and Agent Tours. Make this the year you get involved - just call Kitty Williams at 636-346-3298 or email kwilliams@atitleco.com for more information.
Kitty Williams, 2011 Membership Chair
2010 Affiliate of Year
Awarded by 2010 President Elizabeth Robb
2010 Affiliate of the Year - Vivian McBride was named the Women's Council‘s 2010 Affiliate of the Year. She joined WCR at the urging of her daughter and had been known during the first year of her membership to ask her daughter many times what had she gotten her into. She immediately became the Chair of the Programs Committee, readily admitting that she had no idea what types of meetings were important. She did an outstanding job with fantastic on-the-job training. Then 2 ½ years ago, she stepped in to save the day when an officer of the Governing Board resigned. It became evident that our finances were a shambles. She instituted appropriate record keeping and established a relationship with an accountant. She was key in saving us from an IRS tax penalty. Her policies and procedures put in place can now be replicated by succeeding Treasurers. In addition, she worked tirelessly with the Ways and Means Committee to support the success of all of our fundraisers. Vivian is one of the most astute financial managers that an organization could hope for and, at the same time, is a person that understands the value of fun with colleagues. It was a pleasure to name Vivian McBride as the WCRl 2010 Affiliate of the Year.Elizabeth Robb, Past President-2010
2010 Wonder Woman of the Year
Awarded by 2010 President Elizabeth Robb
2010 Wonder Woman of the Year - Liz Connolly was named as "Wonder Woman of the Year" for outstanding service to the organization. Liz is in a class by herself. Seldom does a member come along who is both a REALTOR® and a National Affiliate. She has worked tirelessly on the team and as a Chair in two successful fashion shows. She has brought a grace and charm to the organization that is hard to replicate. Liz, along with her daughter Courtney, worked in selecting clothes for prima-donna models who didn't like any clothes selected for them. With patience, the models were cajoled into not only wearing the outfits but then admitting to liking the outfits and purchasing them. In addition to chairing the Fashion Show in 2010, Liz was a facilitator for the 2010 Leadership Class. She shared many secrets to her success with the class, including her business and financial plan. This willingness to provide such sensitive information and to teach by example marks her as one of the most successful facilitators to date in this series. The best way to recognize Liz is simply by naming a special award in her honor - The WCR Wonder Woman 2010.
Elizabeth Robb, Past President-2010
Congratulations to Jean Ewell - Appointed by WCR President to 2011 Vice Chair of National Strategic Forum Leadership
This influential forum, which meets twice annually at national meetings, is for any member who's an established professional interested in leadership development. Chapter leaders are valued players in this arena. During the May, 2010 national meeting, Facilitator Jim DeLizia moderated a panel comprised of members at various "stages" of Women's Council leadership to discuss their journey, their future and what they are doing to empower the next generation of diverse leaders. This group also brainstormed leadership and diversity at roundtables. In the "Pathways to Leadership" segment, they presented a new take-away tool for chapter leaders. During the November, 2010 national meeting, the focus was developing ideas on how to improve upon the system to create more leadership candidates and opportunities. Members participated in mini-masterminds and set in motion brainstorming on a range of topics.
Jean has been a REALTOR® since 1991 and has worked primarily in the new homes market. She is licensed to serve both buyers and sellers as a Broker/Salesperson for Keller Williams Realty St. Louis Southwest. She holds the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM), Professional Management Network (PMN), and the ePro designations. Jean is an instructor for the National Association of Home Builders and was awarded the Trina Ripley Award for Excellence in Education in 2007 and past national President of the Institute. Jean is very active in the Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Council of REALTORS®, serving as the 2009 President, on numerous local chapter committees and national leadership forums. Jean also received her local Chapter's 2009 EXEL Award (Excellence in Cooperation, Education and Leadership) and 2010 Member of the Year. Jean volunteers her time to the Junior League of St. Louis and other community service projects.
Elizabeth Robb, Past President-2010
2011 Leadership Series - Off to a Great Start
Please welcome our 2011 Class Participants: Brittany Brinkmann, Liberty Mutual Insurance; Nicole Graham, RE/MAX Results; Marc Levinson, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty; Beale Luebben, BPG Home Warranty; Rebecca Meier, Continental Title Company; Heather Patterson, RE/MAX Results; Jen Ross, Upper End Properties; and Ryan Shaughnessy, PREA Signature Realty.
Special thanks to 2011 Facilitators for their highly anticipated hard work and dedication: Co-Chair Jane Martin, Coldwell Banker Gundaker-South County; Co-Chair Elizabeth Robb, Robb Partners-An Affiliate of Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty; Michelle Silies, PREA Signature Realty; and Vivian McBride, Insight Title Company.
And Special thanks to 2011 Facilitator Advisors for their invaluable input and guidance: Jean Ewell, Keller Williams Southwest; Jan Thomas, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty; Carolyn Mantia, RE/MAX Results; and Liz Connolly, INhance IT! Home Staging.
2011 LEADERSHIP SERIES FIRST CLASS MEETING
The first Leadership Series Class of 2011 was held on Monday, January 24th at the Plaza Executive Suites in Chesterfield. The class began with introductions of the facilitators and participants, as well as an overview of the Leadership Series. The participants spent time completing a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® personality inventory (a profile to understand and appreciate differences between individuals), a team-building Desert Survival simulation exercise, and a thorough discussion of the assigned reading Good to Great by Jim Collins. A class evaluation was completed at the end of the session and lunched served. From their observations during this first class, the Facilitators are expecting great things from this group of talented individuals for 2011 and beyond.
2011 LEADERSHIP SERIES CLASS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Each month, the Leadership Series Facilitators will highlight the background and accomplishments of the members of the 2011 Class. This month we are honored to introduce Marc Levinson and Ryan Shaughnessy. We expect great things from these two gentlemen.
Marc Levinson is a REALTOR® Associate for Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty. Marc holds the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and e-PRO designations. Marc is very active in the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® by serving on the Public Relations Committee 2003-Present, Chair 2008; Grievance Committee 2009-Present; RPAC Events Committee and RPAC Trivia Night M.C. 2010-Present; "Sold On St. Louis" Committee 2003-2009; and RHAF Committee. Marc is also immensely involved in the Missouri Association of REALTORS® by serving as a State Director 2009-Present; Leadership Academy Graduate 2010; Standard Forms Committee 2010-Present; Professional Standards Forum 2009; Governmental Affairs Forum 2009; Communications Committee 2011; and Leadership Academy Steering Committee 2011. Marc joined the Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Council of REALTORS® in 2010 and is also active in YPN, United Way of Great Saint Louis Membership & Allocations Panel 2002-Present, and the Ladue Horton Watkins High School Alumni Association Board of Directors 1990-Present.
Ryan Shaughnessy is a licensed real estate broker and attorney offering comprehensive real estate. sales managements, marketing and technical assistance to owners, developers and investors for the acquisition, development and sale of properties in the historic neighborhoods of the City of St. Louis. Ryan is very active in the Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Council of REALTORS®, serving as the 2010 Technology Task Force Chair, the 2011 Programs & Education Committee Chair, Co-Editor of WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine, Producer/Co-Host of WCR Live-The Brokers Conference Call (2010-2011), as well as Technology Task Force Chair for Missouri Women's Council of REALTORS® (2010-2011). Ryan also volunteers his services to numerous non-profit organizations and other community service projects and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Kids' Place (after school programs for at-risk students K-12), World Bird Sanctuary (wildlife refuge, wild bird propagation and conservation), Willows Way (independent living for the developmentally disabled) and the City Hospital Community Improvement District (tax increment financial board). He also currently serves as the Assistant Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Pagedale and has previously served as City Attorney and Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Normandy, Special Lead Litigation Counsel for the cities of Potosi, Velda City, Moline Acres, Berkeley and Kinloch, Eminent Domain Counsel for the City of St. Louis (Lambert St. Louis International Airport and St. Louis Development Corporation), Legal Advisor for the Potosi Municipal Court and the Washington County Senate Bill 40 Board, a hearing officer for the St. Louis County Board of Equalization, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri Oil and Gas Council, appointed condemnation commissioner in St. Louis County and Special Investigative Counsel for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. His awards include: Distinguished Bar Fellow, St. Louis Bar Foundation, Dedicated Service Award, Neighborhood Housing Services and Community Volunteer Award, City of Velda City.
2011 LEADERSHIP SERIES CLASS TO ATTEND NATIONAL WCR LEADERSHIP SKILLS WORKSHOP
On May 12th, the 2011 Leadership Series Class and Class Facilitators will attend the National WCR's Leadership Skills Training Workshop at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. held in conjunction with the 2011 Midyear Meeting; this dynamic day-long leadership skills event will include training, practice and take-away tools in important leadership areas. The Leadership Skills Training Workshop is designed to prepare individuals to take themselves, their volunteer participation and their businesses to the next level.
The Leadership Skills Training Workshop will also count as a course credit toward Women's Council's Performance Management Network Designation (PMN). The Performance Management Network is a REALTOR® designation built from the ground up to develop the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep REALTORS®' businesses out front and on top of an evolving market. The PMN's professional performance training courses are taught by recognized experts on topics that are driving the marketplace. Why earn the Performance Management Network Designation? By becoming a PMN Designee, you'll show your clients that you are committed to ongoing education and professional excellence, and you'll show your colleagues that you understand and value the importance of a powerful network of business connections. Enhance your career. Grow your business. Expand your sphere of influence. For more information regarding the PMN designation, requirements and classes, visit www.wcr.org.
SO WHAT IS THE LEADERSHIP SERIES?
In 2009, the St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS® launched a three-year program identified as The Leadership Series. Each year's Leadership Series has four facilitators and eight participants. The purpose of the program is to provide yet another benefit to our members and further develop strong leaders for our organization and community. Completion of The Leadership Series requires a blend of coursework, assigned readings outside of class sessions and a planned discussion of those materials during class sessions. There are also team projects on which to work during the year and optional programs to attend such as the Leadership Skills Training Workshop, St. Louis Women in the Boardroom and more. The sessions are held in various locations around St. Louis to allow participants to meet and experience leaders of women-led businesses and community leaders speaking on improving leadership skills. The Leadership Series also provides a fun-filled group trip to the WCR National Summit on Leadership.
Being a participant in The Leadership Series requires a commitment to learn and hone your leadership style, enhance your career, expand your sphere of influence and improve your ability to network. There is also the opportunity for Leadership Series graduates to move into Facilitator positions the following year. The goal of the program is to assist its participants in developing and honing their leadership skills and to provide encouragement to move into leadership positions at the local, state and national levels in our REALTOR® organizations and in community leadership.
The Leadership Series Facilitators and Participants are especially grateful to USA Mortgage for again graciously sponsoring this year's program.
If you are interested in applying for WCR-Metro STL's 2012 Leadership Program, get involved today and get your applications in early for next year's class. The deadline for 2012 applications is October 30, 2011. Please contact The Leadership Series' Co-Chair and founding member JANE MARTIN at jmartin130@charter.net to learn more about the requirements and opportunities of this outstanding program.
***LEADERSHIP SERIES TO BE PRESENTED AT 2012 MIDYEAR MEETING***
The Leadership Series Facilitators are honored to announce that Leadership Series program has been chosen by WCR National to be presented at the 2012 Midyear Meeting. The Facilitators are looking forward to finalizing their program model in 2011 and presenting the Leadership Series' design, funding, operations, expectations and accomplishments to other chapters in 2012.
Jane Martin and Elizabeth Robb, 2011 Leadership Series Co-Chairs
Missouri WCR Fundraiser - Tuscan Villa Getaway Raffle!
The Grand Prize Winner will receive 7 nights for 4 adults at one of six villas in Manciano, Italy and $3,500 in CASH! There is no expiration date on the villa, and the winner may postpone travel until any year in the future. Manciano is located 1-1/2 hours North of Rome and is a small town on the Southern edge of Tuscany. Visit www.tuscanresort.com to view more information about the villas and the area.
Tickets are on sale now and only $25 each. Ticket sales end on June 23, 2011. The Winning Ticket will be drawn on June 24th at the MAR Business Meeting in St. Charles, Missouri. Winner does not need to be present to win.
If a minimum of 500 are not sold, this drawing will convert to a 50/50 Drawing. See any of the Metropolitan St. Louis Governing Board members to purchase a ticket. Good Luck!
Michelle Silies, 2011 President-Elect and 2011 State Secretary
A Word from Our 2010 & 2011 Newsletter Sponsor
The availability of technology has certainly increased the accuracy and improved the appearance of closing documents and made it possible to make changes more quickly, when necessary, at the closing table. Likewise, title and property information is easier to obtain. These advances for our industry have come later than for real estate agents and lenders, but a good deal of progress has been made in recent years and they have made a positive difference for us and the clients we serve. On the other hand, transactions are harder and more time consuming to close because of increased documentation, shorter time frames, and more complicated funding procedures. Likewise, new challenges have arisen as a result of tough economic times and new regulations (new HUD-1, GFE, TIL, short sales). All of this puts added pressure not only on title company closers, but also on real estate agents and lenders, and are business realities with which we have all had to deal.
Perhaps in the future, the technology will reach a point that will enable a title company closer with a minimum of experience to successfully close a transaction even given the increasing demands and expectations of the real estate industry. Until that time there will continue to be no magic about getting a deal closed. It is hard work and the people that do closings need training, knowledge, and support. Title companies, like agents and lenders, have to juggle many different tasks and get a number of people to work together to make a deal happen even when those people do not want to cooperate. In the end, getting a closing done properly, especially a difficult one, requires flexibility, problem solving, patience, and a willingness to help.
Do the closer and title company you work with exhibit these qualities? It is so important for your business that they do. Why work with someone who does not care about you, your clients, or your business? Why take a chance working with someone who may not be competent or who works for a title company whose strength and stability you are not sure of?
The moral of the story is, be wary of title companies who do not know your business. Be wary of title companies who do not know their business. Closings are going to get more difficult in the future, not easier and no technology will change that.
Investors Title Company has been training closers, title examiners, support staff, and closing deals for 39 years, and our people are some of the best in the business. If you are currently one of our customers, thank you. If not, examine the level of service you and your clients are getting. Ask questions about your title company's strength and financial soundness. Inquire as to the experience of the title and closing personnel and whether there is an attorney on staff that they or you or your clients can go to for help and support. These questions are more important than ever. You would be happy with the answers you get from Investors Title Company.
WCR Newsletter Sponsors
Craig Kaminer founded TWIST (formerly Kaminer & Co.) in 2002 to provide full-service branding, web and marketing programs to clients interested in building a relationship with influential audiences. Prior to founding TWIST, Craig was CEO of a high profile e-business development company and senior management of leading public relations firms WeberShandwick and Fleishman-Hillard.
