2012 Annual Report

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[ANNUAL REPORT 2012]

Dear Members,The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is known for saying “Nothing endures but change” and this statement rings especially true for our industry: laws, buyer behavior, lockbox products, versions of software, new services, market conditions, and so much more are constantly evolving.

In 2011 the Pinellas REALTOR® Organization faced the challenges, threats and opportunities created by today’s unique economic, regulatory, and legislative environment. The leadership of your organization sought to make improvements that would enhance your ability to succeed in this new environment. We are looking to innovate at every opportunity as we have in the past with programs, products, and services that will provide high value to your membership experience.

In the middle of this changing industry we are all faced with a choice – a choice between mediocre and outstanding, between winning and losing, between being at the top of the mountain or somewhere in the valley. Whether it is in the daily servicing of your clients or agents, or better educating yourself to cope more professionally in a constantly changing marketplace, you must be able to rely on your association for tools and support.

Take advantage of all of the things that your membership affords you. Use the website to find important information. Call on staff for personal assistance. Communicate your thoughts to the Board of Directors. A great way to stay on top is to be educated. PRO’s vision for the future is to be your one-stop-shop for all of those needs: pre- and post-licensing, designations, technology, ethics, and other ways of obtaining knowledge necessary for you to be the best REALTOR® you can be.

At the retirement of our former President & CEO, Ann Guiberson at the end of 2011, we had a great opportunity to hire an individual that would further the mission of PRO and provide the leadership that it will take for us to be successful over the next decade. We had a remarkable young association leader that had the qualities and skills to forge our new association path for the next generation. David Bennett has already proven us right by engaging members at levels that we have not experienced in years. I am confident that he will provide solid financial and visionary leadership for the future.

Tomorrow’s journey must begin with a new level of energy, and a new degree of intensity. As real estate professionals, we will adapt to change to keep moving forward. Our 100 year history proves that! PRO’s mission for the coming year is to continue to serve our members by providing all that we can to make your future in our ever-changing industry as bright and successful as possible. I invite you to join us in celebrating all that we and our predecessors have achieved at an exciting all-day event on October 12 - Food & Wine Festival...A Celebration of PRO’s Centennial. The festivities end in the evening with great giveaways (iPads and cash), live music, food, fun, and merriment. Hold this date on your calendar and help us celebrate 100 years of real estate presence in Pinellas County.

Sincerely,

Leon S. Sarkisian, CRB, CRS, GRI 2012 Chairman of the BoardPinellas REALTOR® Organization

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PRO by the NumbersRealtor® Membership MLS Participants 2011 | 5,004 2011 | 4,9552012 | 5,013 2012 | 5,009

Affiliate Membership2011 | 1462012 | 324

ActiveKEY Users eKey Users2011 | 2,872 2011 | 1,2292012 | 2,550 2012 | 1,595

Social Media SitesPinellas Realtor® Organization 2011 Facebook ‘Likes’ | 702 2012 Facebook ‘Likes’ | 894 2011 Twitter ‘Followers’ | 932 2012 Twitter ‘Followers’ | 1,045Pinellas International Council 2011 Facebook ‘Likes’ | 24 2012 Facebook ‘Likes’ | 143Young Professionals Network 2011 Facebook ‘Likes’ | 62 2012 Facebook ‘Likes’| 128

Ethics Complaints Hearings2011 | 12 2011 | 32012 | 14 2012 | 8

Arbitration Cases2011 | 5 2012 | 4

Association Telephone Activity Sept. 2011 - Sept. 2012

Calls Accounting 1,216 General/Admin 288 Affiliate Membership 252 Education/Events 827 Membership 4,902 Products/Services 113 Realtor® Store 365 Statistics 61 Supra 6,278 FR (Legal, Tech) 46 PROTech/IDX 695

Total 15,043

Generation DemographicsGen ( # / % / % change )

GI (11 / 0.2%/ -60%)Civics (804 / 16%/ -14%)

Boomers (2,760 / 55%/ -5%)GenX (1,188 / 24% / 5%)

Millennial (250 / 5% / 20%)

Mem

bers

hip.

..5 y

ear

hist

ory

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2012 - 2013 Goals & Objectives

Be the most reliable and accessible source of

real estate education and training. Strategies: a. Develop a new member track for baseline real estate business knowledge with a focus on risk management and contractual training with a goal of training 50% of the new member. b. Targeted communications to the new or newer members of the organization. c. Continue to develop the real estate school and the infrastructure to allow for a 20% growth in revenue. d. Be the leader in providing enhanced designations and certifications and increase member designations and certifications by 600 over the next five years.

Develop targeted and relevant communications with members to reflect the preferences of a diverse generation of Realtors®. Strategies: a. Prioritize all external member communications with a goal of increasing open rates by 10% from our benchmark rates b. Develop formal new and continuing member touch campaigns with a goal to connect members to a PRO resource. c. Develop marketing strategies to effectively promote all programs, products and services offered by PRO d. First Deal of Your Career Campaign – Increases your chances to succeed by enhancing your training, getting the right tools, IDX, consumer friendly website, networking, etc. e. Perform a communications audit and create a benchmark of the past performance of all member communications, effectiveness and penetration. f. Develop an “I Belong” campaign to articulate the association’s value proposition. g. Non-renewal member survey (Realtor® and Affiliate).

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2012 - 2013 Goals & Objectives

Enhance the governance and leadership process within the Realtor® Organization and in the community.

Strategies: a. Develop steward leaders for the future by an ongoing engagement of the current leadership and potential new leaders b. Develop special interest group leadership for future association service c. Remain committed to a strong governance process d. Explore the development of a regional Leadership Academy Program

Increase member participation at all levels of the Realtor® organization. Strategies: a.Increase membership/participation by 20% in the special interest groups (International, YPN, Affiliates, and Property Management) and all volunteer opportunities within the organization.

Increase Realtor® Party awareness and Realtors® PAC member participation.

Strategies: a. Enhance Realtor® Party communications b. Recruit 50 new Broker Involvement Program participants c. Increase Realtor® Party awareness and RPAC donors at all levels with a goal of reaching 37% participation and achieving 10 major donors. d. Benchmark prior years RPAC participation and contributions: 2009, 2010, 2011 e. Develop a donor recognition plan for all levels of participation (General donors, 99 Club $99, Capital Club $250, Statesman Award $500, and the major donors Sterling R $1,000, Crystal R $2,500, Golden R $5,000 and President’s Circle)

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Financial HighlightsIn 2011 the organization made great strides to maintain a healthy financial picture with the loss of over $970,000 in MLS revenues. Thanks to aggressive saving over the past five years, the mortgage balance on the Realtor® building was paid in full in late 2011, ten years ahead of schedule. Vacant space was also put to good use with three tenants, who leased over 6,600 square feet at market rates, which insulated over 90% of the building costs (maintenance, taxes and insurance). With the significant reduction in revenue due to the consolidation of the association owned MLS with My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MFRMLS) we also realized almost an equal amount of expense reduction. Management also completely re-structured operations and gained many efficiencies. We maintained and even grew some of our non-dues revenue sources while investment income declined during 2011.

* PRO increased its unrestricted net assets by $460,305 in 2011 over the prior year

* Membership dues and services remained flat for 2011 at $1,060,246

* Program expenses were reduced in many areas of the Organization to make up for the loss in MLS revenue

* An increased amount of revenue was received that was not taxable to the Organization that allowed us to use the resources on additional member services

We had 454 new Realtor® members join during the year, which was just slightly above our budget and just above the 413 in 2010. We also added 68 new Designated Realtors® to our firm roster. All other areas of the membership also grew - Affiliates, Young Professionals Network, Pinellas International Council, and Leasing & Property Management Council.

Key facts:

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Financial Highlights

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PRO and PRO Biz Board of Directors

Chairman ElectAmy Seeks, CRB

Smith & Associates Real Estate

TreasurerTom Shelly

Sunshine Home Sales

2012 Leadership

Chairman of the Board

Leon Sarkisian, CRB, CRS, GRIPrudential Tropical Realty

DIRECTORS:

Past ChairmanJan Bruzas, CRS, GRI

Realty Executives

SecretaryJennie McCoun, GRIPlacido Bayou Realty

PRO Biz Board:Chairman of the Board

Alan Riley, CRS, GRIRE/MAX Realtec Group

Vice ChairmanVictor Adamo, CRB, CRS, GRI

Realty Executives Adamo

Secretary/TreasurerCarolyn Kling

Tierra Verde Realty

DirectorMichael Bindman, GRI

Realty Executives

Jo-Ann SloanColdwell Banker

Residential

Mindy RovilloIMAPP Realty Group

Brandi GabbardSmith & Associates

Real Estate

Scott HumphriesColdwell Banker

Residential

Heather FoderinghamAmorose & Associates

Realty

Tracey StrubeKeller Williams Realty

South Tampa

John RurkowskiCharles Rutenberg

Realty

Debra GregoryClearwater Harbor

Realty

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PRO Staff

ACCOUNTING

Kathy DispenzaDirector of Accounting

Lisa RabonAccounting Clerk

COMMUNICATIONS EDUCATION

PUBLIC AFFAIRS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Matt SimmonsDirector of Information

Technology

Dan CotePRO Sites/Webmaster

MEMBER SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS PROTECH

DeWayne CombsPROTech Manager

Daniel FlynnTechnology Specialist

BUILDING MANAGER

Kim SonefeldCommunications and Marketing Manager,

Affiliate Liaison,and

YPN Liaison

Jan DeanDirector of Professional

Developmentand

Leasing and Property Mgmt Council Liaison

Brian ShufordDirector of

Governmental and Public Affairs

andRPAC Liaison

Evelyn SatrianoProfessional Standards

Administratorand

Executive Assistant to the CEO Tim Stanley

Cherie DarrochMember Liaison

andSupra Liaison

Shannon WadeMember Liaison

andRental Coordinator

David B. Bennett, CAE President & CEO

Tammy BaureisMember Liaison

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Committee ReportsAffiliates Chair: John-Paul Mario, ASIDFifteen months ago the Affiliate program took on a renewal. In early 2011 there were just a few dozen members and no formal “pro-gram” in place. John-Paul Mario was voted in as Chair, and together with the ‘Founding Sisters’ (Denise Drews, Linda Goldfarb, Robyn Fiel, Jeanene Soltis), goals were established that helped re-build the program. The membership grew not only in numbers, but in their contributions to the Realtors® and the community. They joined forces with the Young Professionals Network to reach larger community service goals. Within the past 15 months, over $5,000 has been raised to benefit All Children’s Hospital. Together the Affiliates have built themselves into a team of professional business partners. Highlights:* Established PRO Connect - 3 monthly networking events* October ‘11 - The first Wine & Food Festival - raised over $1,400 for All Children’s Hospital* January ‘12 - The first Affiliate Directory was printed and distributed to PRO members* May ‘12 - Volunteered over 340 hours at Taste of Pinellas; donated $1,000 to All Children’s Hospital* July ‘12 - The first Realtor®/Affiliate Retreat - a 4-night cruise to CozumelChair John-Paul Mario, ASID is proud to report that just months after ‘renewal’, membership consists of nearly 350 individuals representing 221 companies. They will continue to build relationships with the Realtor® membership of PRO in 2013.

Grievance Committee Chair: Diane Shapiro | Vice Chair: Claudia RivaThe Grievance Committee’s job is to safeguard the Realtor® Code of Ethics. Their goal is to educate members and remind them that the Code imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by the law. During their monthly meetings, they handle cases that involve ethics complaints from the public against agents and agents against agents, as well as commission disputes. They strive to handle each case on its merits, discussing it thoroughly before they render their decision on whether to move the case forward to the Professional Standards Committee for a full hearing or arbitration. Chair Diane Shapiro encourages PRO members to volunteer for this Committee next year - you’ll serve the membership AND increase your knowledge!

Leasing & Property Management Council Chair: Betsy MorganThe mission of the Council is to stay on top of industry changes, legislative issues effecting the single family investor and the man-agement service providers, and to offer two to four educational seminars for the members of PRO who have a need for knowledge about this specialty field of rentals and management. This year the Council developed a series of “Best Practice” symposiums with the goal of helping Realtors® become more professional in the leasing and property management field. Topics covered included legal issues, risk management options, contract updates, insurance, and owner management advice.

Pinellas International Council Chair: Annalisa Weller | Vice Chair: April Gayle GausmanThe mission of PIC is to enhance the professionalism of Realtors® serving foreign and U.S. customers engaged in international real estate transactions by providing information, networking, and marketing resources. The hard work paid off in 2011 when they were named a “Gold Council” by the National Association of Realtors. Just 7 other international councils achieved this! Highlights:* Brought in Dr. Ted Jones, PhD to speak on the 2012 economic forecast* Brought in the Resort and Second Home Specialist (RSPS) and Local Markets (CIPS) courses* Held the West Coast Global Real Estate Symposium that included education and technology sessions* Participated in the International Networking Trade Exhibition at FR Convention* Oktoberfest (Cafe Vienna), Panama seminar (Panama Canal Museum), cultural awareness dinner (Taste of Punjab)International real estate is very much relationship-driven and takes time to develop. With preparation and commitment, one can cre-ate long-term value in this $82 billion sector of the real estate business. Chair Annalisa Weller encourages interested PRO members to reach out to PIC as a resource and also attend the upcoming NAR Convention in Orlando this November to meet real estate professionals from around the world.

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Committee ReportsProfessional Standards Committee Chair: Heather Smith | Vice Chair: Roseanna Martin-Hardy

Public Policy Committee Chair: Tom ShellyThe primary goal of this committee in this extremely busy election year was to focus on efforts that stimulate, stabilize, and strengthen the real estate market while also protecting the business interests of members. They worked closely with Florida Real-tors® and have made significant progress on both legislative and regulatory fronts. Highlights:* Prohibit cities and counties from charging individual real estate agents a business license fee* Protect commercial commissions through the foreclosure process* Fought and won a battle against a 100% increase in real estate transfer taxThe Public Policy Committee had a hand in screening candidates up for election this year. Members devoted much of their time to meet, interview, evaluate, and compare each of the candidates. Chair Tom Shelly encourages all PRO members to contact their elected officials regarding real estate issues. The committee will continue to advocate policy initiatives that benefit Realtors® and the industry.

RPAC Fundraising Committee Chair: Brandi GabbardSince November 1, 2011, over $50,000 has been contributed to RPAC by 990 PRO donors, which is 20% of the PRO membership.

Women’s Council of Realtors®

Chair: Jim McConnell | Vice Chair: Eve SawickiIn today’s changing marketplace - with demanding customers and tough competition - you can’t do it alone. Not only do you need to be connected to other professionals in the industry, but also to cutting-edge training, industry information, and wealth-building strategies. During their monthly meetings, WCR brings in industry experts to educate members on these topics of interest. They also host fun networking events including their annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, bowling tournament, and golf tournament. Chair Jim McConnell invites PRO members (Realtors®, Affiliates, males, and females are welcome!) to join them at their monthly meetings and promises it will open a whole new world of networking opportunities and learning experiences!

Young Professionals Network Chair: Bernardo Piccolo | Vice Chair: Stephanie SeeIn the last year the Young Professionals Network (YPN) focused very much on contributing to the community and educating the membership. They also made strides to grow their membership and worked with the Affiliate members to meet and exceed their charitable efforts. Highlights:* Fed 35 families during Thanksgiving ‘11, provded gifts to 25 children during Christmas ‘11, provided 108 backpacks stuffed with school supplies and uniforms in August ‘12* May ‘12 - Organized a pre-game social and Tampa Bay Rays outing in which nearly 150 members and their families attended* May ‘12 - Volunteered at the Taste of Pinellas, benefitting All Children’s Hospital* Brought in Dave Ramsey’s debt management course * Brought in Dep. Rafael Navarro for a realty safety seminarYPN hopes to finish out the year by exceeding their goals of assisting local families during the holi-days, putting on a ‘part two’ of the safety seminar, and continuing to increase membership numbers.

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Centennial2012 is PRO’s Centennial YearThe St. Petersburg Real Exchange was established on June 5, 1912 (chartered on October 3). The Clearwater Realtors® Association was established in 1921. The Pinellas Suncoast Association of Realtors® (PRO) was formed in 2002 by a merger between the two associations, named at the time the St. Petersburg Suncoast As-sociation of Realtors® and the Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors®.

The Year That Was 1912...

$2,135

$790

$564

7 cents

40 cents

32 cents

5 cents

2 cents

The Year That is 2012...

$232,600

$30,748

$41,674

$3.60

$1.67

$3.40

$1.40

45 cents

Median House Sales Price

Average Car Price

.........Average Salary - year........

................Gas - gallon................

...............Eggs - dozen................

................Milk - gallon...............

................Bread - loaf.................

.....................Stamp.....................

PRO also shares a birthday with... Pinellas County, Oreo cookies, Girl Scout’s of America, Hellmann’s Mayonnaise,

New Mexico and Arizona, Universal Pictures, and L.L. Bean

PRO: Past...to Present Just 4 short years after the National Association of Realtors® was established, a local association was estab-lished in Pinellas County, with A.P. Avery as the President. Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and the advance of technology, local Realtors® have remained champions of the American dream. Over the past 100 years, PRO has played an important role in many of the defining events of the century, both nationally and locally.

Today, with President David Bennett leading the way, PRO represents a diverse mix of nearly 5,000 men and women, ages 18 to 100. It is exciting to think that we are about to embark on our second century. As mostly self-employed entrepreneurs, PRO members, past and present, are firm believers in the American spirit of free enterprise.

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CentennialWhat’s in a name?Real estate has been alive in Pinellas County for over 100 years, and formal real estate associations have been estab-lished, dissolved, and merged throughout. Take a look at the timeline to see how PRO came to be:

1912 - Pinellas County officially separates from Hillsborough County. St. Petersburg Real Exchange was established with A.P. Avery serving as President.1921 - Clearwater Realtors® Association is established1925 - Clearwater Realtors® Association changes name to Clearwater Real Estate Board1926 - Clearwater Real Estate Board changes name to Greater Clearwater Real Estate Board1928 - Clearwater board is dropped from national membership for delinquent dues payment and dissolves1930 - Clearwater Real Estate Board reorganizes and is reinstated to National Association membership1939 - Gulf Beach Board of Realtors® is founded1940 - Gulf Beach Board of Realtors® is chartered as a National Association member board1941 - Clearwater Real Estate Board changes name to Clearwater Board of Realtors®

1943 - Gulf Beach Board of Realtors® dissolves1945 - Tarpon Springs Board of Realtors® is established1948 - Dunedin Board of Realtors® is established1954 - Gulf Beach Board of Realtors® is reorganized and reinstated to National Association membership 1962 - Clearwater Board of Realtors® changes name to Clearwater-Largo Board of Realtors® 1966 - Dunedin Board of Realtors® merges with Clearwater-Largo Board of Realtors® to form Clearwater- Largo- Dunedin Board of Realtors®

1969 - Gulf Beach Board of Realtors® changes name to Gulf Beach-Seminole Board of Realtors®

1973 - Tarpon Springs Board of Realtors® merges with West Pasco County Board of Realtors® to form the West-Pasco- Tarpon Springs Board of Realtors®

1985 - Clearwater-Largo-Dunedin Board of Realtors® changes name to Greater Clearwater Board of Realtors®

1987 - The St. Pete Board merges with Gulf-Beach Seminole Board of Realtors® and changes name to St. Petersburg Suncoast Association of Realtors®

1992 - Greater Clearwater Board of Realtors® changes name to Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors®

2001 - St. Petersburg Suncoast Association of Realtors® merged with Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors® to form Pinellas Suncoast Association of Realtors® (dba Pinellas Realtor® Organization)

The First PresidentMr. A.P. Avery was a powerful leader in the business and finance world of St. Pete. Some interesting tidbits about PRO’s first leader:

* Avery, along with William Lincoln Straub and A.H. Lindelie buy the St. Petersburg Times from the Gore family for $1,300 in 1901* Lead a group that dredged a channel known as Little Coe Channel between Central Ave. and First Ave. N. to compete with Tampa’s channel* Organized the American Bank and Trust Company in 1910* Organized the Avery and Roberts Company in 1915* Organized the Streeter Cigar Company in 1918

He was known for being responsible for the development of important public utilities and services in St. Petersburg

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Pinellas Realtor® Foundation

In it’s 11th year, the Foundation focused on the local community by contributing tens of thousands of dollars and count-less man hours to a wide variety of charitable organizations, individual residents, and PRO’s own Realtor® members.

All Children’s HospitalOver $6,000 has been raised and donated to All Children’s Hospital. Patients and nurses were given gifts during the holidays and baskets and toys during Easter. Affili-ate members volunteered alongside members of YPN at the Taste of Pinellas.

Big Brothers Big SistersToys were gifted to 25 children in the B.B.B.S. program during the 2011 holiday

season, an increase of 10 children over 2010. The goal in 2012 is to make 40 kids’ holiday’s merry and bright.

Downpayment Assistance ProgramThe Foundation is formulating a strategy to develop relationships with consumers by providing assistance to first time home buyers and disadvantaged individuals to make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Realtor® Professional Development Scholarship (RPDS)New in 2012, the program’s goal is to provide financial awards to help PRO Realtor® mem-bers cover the cost of NAR approved designation and certification courses taken at PRO. “I am a new agent and want to learn as much as I can. I felt that taking the short sale course and becoming certified would better help me service my clients. Thank you PRO for the op-portunity to continue my education.” - Kathy Shutler-Johnson, Century 21 R.E. Champions

Pinellas Opportunity Council108 kids (an increase from 40 in 2011) in the POC system started the 2012 school year off on the right foot - they were provided with backpacks stuffed with school supplies

and a uniform. In 2011, 35 POC families were given a turkey with all of the trimmings. The goal for 2012 is to help 50 families have a memorable feast.

YWCAThe Foundation was successful in obtaining community grants from the National Association of Realtors® and Florida Realtors® to assist individuals and families into perminiate housing solutions.

Christmas 2011 at All Children’s Hospital

Christmas 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

Families of Fallen OfficersPRO was the first to assist the wives and families of our local police officers that were

killed in the line of duty in 2011 with direct financial support.

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Education & Events at PRO

Lots of new exciting programming was developed in the past year with PRO members and the everchanging real estate industry in mind.

26 continuing education courses were attended by 1,182 individuals.

54 non-CE and other knowledge-based events garnered 3,421 attendees.

Affiliate members put on 13 seminars attended by 1,001 Realtor® members.

The REALTOR® Professional Development Scholarship (RPDS) program was formed in 2012 by a partnership of the Pinellas REALTOR® Foundation and the Affiliate Members of PRO. The program provides financial awards to help PRO members cover the costs of NAR approved designation and certifi-cation courses taken at PRO. 48 scholarships have been awarded thus far.

“As a new Realtor® there are a lot of expenses and so much to learn. My scholarship from PRO alowed me to get my SFR designation. It couldn’t have been easier to apply and I appreciate the help!” - Mindy McCortney, Beggins Beach Properties

“Being a newer agent, the RPDS enabled me to increase my industry knowledge and confidence.” - Tracy Sinopoli, Keller Williams Realty

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Public Policy UpdateMany achievements have been made for Realtors® in the past year. Here are highlights of what PRO has been working on that benefits the membership, real estate industry, and community:

Promoting local rental properties through My Florida Regional MLS during the Republican National Convention

PRO was one the first associations to raise the idea of marketing short-term rentals during the RNC. Thanks to the PRO members on the board at MFR and with help from numerous other partners, we were able to create a new section in the MLS for short-term rentals that will be part of the MLS even after the RNC has packed up and left town. This is a huge win for our property managers!

Assisted St. Petersburg in organizing first housing summit

PRO encouraged the City of St. Petersburg Housing Services Committee to think outside the box. With the hard work of City Councilwoman Leslie Curran, the City of St. Petersburg held their first meeting in many years of local housing leaders at Sunken Gardens. This meeting enabled Realtors®, property managers, and mortgage brokers to bring real world knowledge, ex-perience, and concerns to government - something that can be sorely lacking.

Awarded NAR grantsPRO received nearly $30,000 in grants from the Nation-al Association of Realtors® for several different housing programs. PRO has been using the grant funds to advo-cate for light rail in Pinellas County, which could bring billions of dollars into the local economy. PRO has also partnered with local housing groups and provided the seed funding to create a county-wide program that will help get under-employed people out of our local shelters and into rental units. The program should save local governments thousands of dollars each year and help our local citizens to regain financial stability.

Helped exempt real estate signs in Clearwater from burdensome regulation

PRO ensured real estate signs were not unfairly penal-ized by the City of Clearwater. Clearwater has some of the strictest sign ordinances in the area, however, they know how important real estate is to the economic re-covery and understand the influence that Realtors® have in the community. Because of that, the city made sure real estate sign regulations were fair, flexible, and not a hindrance to the local real estate market.

Education referendumPRO has been working to renew the ½ mil property tax for education funding. These funds are critical to the future of education in the county - we all know that good schools mean higher property values. PRO has also con-tributed $10,000 to the referendum campaign thanks to a NAR issued Mobilization Grant.

Changed non-conforming use ordinance A local Realtor® made PRO aware of an issue that prevented properties from selling that didn’t meet cur-rent zoning laws but were grandfathered in. Since they didn’t meet current zoning laws, they couldn’t be rebuilt as they currently were, and this prevented them from getting insurance, and thus prevented them from getting a mortgage. Thanks to significant lobbying and educat-ing County Commissioners on the issue, PRO was able to change the county ordinance. This paves the way for hundreds of homes in Pinellas County to get insurance and a mortgage.

Broker Involvement Program and RPACPRO has added over 20 new brokers to the Broker Involvement Program, and these participants will reach an additional 400 agents. This is an incredible achieve-ment because just 12 months ago, only 8 brokers were participating.

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RPAC ContributorsPRO wishes to thank the following individuals for recognizing the power that RPAC has on the real estate industry:

Golden R Members ($5,000+)

Nancy Riley* David Bennett*Nancy is also a Hall of Fame Member, as she has contributed over $25,000 in her lifetime.

Crystal R Member ($2,500+)

John Rurkowski*

Sterling R Members ($1,000+)

Capitol Club Members ($250)Victor Adamo Heather Foderingham April Gayle Gausman Linda Goldfarb Peggy Naruns

Jennie McCoun

Amy Seeks

Leon Sarkisian

99 Club Members ($99)Haike AbrahamVictor AdamoPamela AndersonTheodore AndersonBrian AndrusPhyllis AponeRichard AvisMichael BaggsMatthew BaileyKenneth BaxendellSalvatore Belloise IIIRichard BlakeAnn BlumencranzRosemarie BonningtonDebra BonomoRichard BunchLucile Casey

Joseph CavaleriPeter ChicourisJudy ClarkDanielle CooneyJohn CorlRobert DePughKathy DispenzaRichard DoyleWilliam DruyorDenise EnnisSandra FerreraDiane FlaggBrandi GabbardJulia GalpinDeborah GarriganJoyce GerasRobert Graviss

Thomas HallisSue HandsHarold HandsTerri HockensmithWilliam HofackerJeanne IgleheartConnie JessupSandra JonesTerry KayeDonna LarsonRichard LaneEllen LebohnerSusan LittlejohnJill LongLinda LoweJohn MalottPeggy Mateer

Steven McAuliffeWilliam MilesJames MillerDoreen MooreLinda MooreTheresa MorrowLora MurphySabine NiehausJohn NoellEvangelia PanoutsakosAlla PanteleyevaNancy Lee PitneyAlan RileyJames RobbinsMelinda RovilloEduardo San RomaStephen Scherpf

Lucy ScheuingerBob SchmidtBenjamin SchwabJohn SeeStephanie SeeKaren SelbyCynthia SerraDiane ShapiroJohn SheaWalter SiegGerald SiglerHeather SmithJack SmolkoMarius SmookPatricia StantonKatherine StangeLisa Talmo

Peter TibmaL. Duke TiemanWilliam TomlinsonJim WhitePaul WikleJames Wilson

* Indicates President’s Circle member who contributed an additional $2,000 directly to candidates

Tom Shelly

MichaelBindman Jan Bruzas

FrankGregoire

DebraGregory

BrianShuford

Looking AheadPRO always has an eye on the future in this ever-changing industry. Here are some notable events coming up before the new year that we hope you’ll join us for:

Wine & Food Festival...A Celebration of PRO’s Centennial October 12, 2012 We’ll be celebrating all day, with a cookout at lunch and the evening portion getting underway at 5:00 p.m. Live music, tons of food and wine, raffle prizes, a showcase of real estate history, Affiliate booths, games, and a silent auction benefitting All Children’s Hospital. Register on PinellasRealtor.org for additional entries in the iPad2 and $250 cash drawings!

Affiliate Expo and Fall Festival November 1, 2012 Learn how our Affiliate members can help you do business. We’ll also have educational sessions on the latest technology, networking skills, and more.

Installation December 7, 2012 Join us as we recognize and install the new leadership team of PRO.

2013 Board of DirectorsChair: Amy Seeks, Smith & Associates Real Estate

Chair Elect: Brandi Gabbard, Smith & Associates Real EstateTreasurer: Jennie McCoun, Placido Bayou Realty

Secretary: Tom Shelly, Sunshine Home SalesPast Chair: Leon Sarkisian, Prudential Tropical Realty

Directors: Graham D’Amico, Charles Rutenburg Realty; Heather Foderingham, Amorose & Associates Realty; Debra

Gregory, Clearwater Harbor Realty; Scott Humphries, Coldwell Banker Residential; Mindy Rovillo, IMAPP Realty Group; John Rurkowski, Charles Rutenburg Realty; Jo-Ann Sloan, Coldwell Banker Residential; Mary

Smedley, Keller Williams Realty Suncoast

2012 Annual Report -...

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