Years ago, North Florida dominated the state. It had the biggest city, it was the gateway to the rest of the state and it had a livable environment — remember, mosquito spray wasn’t exactly a staple in the 1920s.
The area had the power in the legislature and controlled most of the state associations. Look back on the list of past Florida Association of Realtors and Florida Home Builders Association presidents, and you’ll see a lot of familiar names.
Then the rest of the state caught up and things dried up for North Florida.
Now, we’re back.
You see indications everywhere. Cathy Whatley was a state power, now she’s president of the National Assocation of Realtors. Russell Grooms soon will become FAR president. Ron Coppenbarger is a recent builders’ president.
It’s elsewhere, and in areas that affect our industries.
Jim King was a backbench state representative, now he’s president of the Florida Senate. M.G. Orender, whose company here is part of LandMar, is president of America’s golf professionals.
(We also have the president of the American Medical Association, Jacksonville’s Yank Coble, but I can’t fit that into real estate or construction.)
Does this matter?
Sure, it does. It matters because we have recognized leaders close at hand, people who are great resources for information. These are — and will be — people who have access to the highest levels of government and business.
It also indicates to every person reading this that the highest levels of volunteer service are available. Granted, it takes the blood, sweat and tears that Whatley, Coppenbarger and Grooms have spent in real estate and construction, and that King and Orender have spent in politics and golf.
But you can be there. It starts here, at NEFAR or NEFBA or the St. Augustine or Fernandina Beach real estate associations. I’ve been to meetings of most and there’s plenty of opportunity to stand up and stand out.
Of all the associations, only the Sales and Marketing Council seems to have a depth of leadership, so much that some who are in the wings will never get out.
The rest? Go to a meeting and see for yourself.
It will help you, it will help your company, it will help your association and it will help your industry.
— Fred Seely is editor of Realty/Builder Connection and editorial director of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc., which also publishes the Financial News and Daily Record, Golf News and Focus on Jacksonville Business. He can be reached at [email protected] or by fax at 904-353-2628.