by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It was bittersweet for Northeast Florida Realtors as two of their own had opposite results in the 2008 Florida Association of Realtors elections last month during the FAR Convention & Trade Expo in Orlando.
Former Realtor of the Year Russell Grooms of Watson Realty’s Ortega office was elected as a regional vice president for the National Association of Realtors beginning in 2009. He will serve on national committees and represent the region that will cover parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi as well as The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
“I’m happy to do it but that’s it for me,” said Grooms, referring to decision to not pursue further things within the national association.
Grooms was also reappointed for three additional years to represent Florida as a NAR Director, one of the 66 that will represent the state.
Noticeably missing from the list of newly-elected officials was Northeast Florida stalwart Wendell Davis, who was running for FAR president-elect.
Davis, Watson Realty’s head of property management division, served as FAR treasurer in 2007 and secretary in 2006. He wasn’t nominated by the FAR Nominating Committee but was in the running after being nominated on the floor by his boss, Bill Watson, during the election proceedings on the final day of the convention.
Initial voting resulted in no winner by majority. Davis collected the least number of votes against Maggie Morris of Ft. Myers, the FAR Nominating Committee’s choice for president-elect, and Cynthia Shelton, a commercial Realtor from Lake Mary. After the initial vote failed to advance him past his two competitors, Davis was dropped from the ballot.
Shelton eventually defeated Morris but Davis doesn’t have hard feelings toward the results or the process.
“It was disappointing to lose but it’s a good process and I wish Cynthia the best,” said Davis. “I also want to express my appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all my friends throughout the years for the support.”
Davis said he planned to take time to relax and get back to work for Watson before making any decisions on running again in the future.
Also elected was Jeff Taylor of Century 21 Jackie Taylor & Associates in Lake City as District 1 vice president and he’s enthusiastic about his new role.
“I’m looking forward a wonderful year,” said Taylor, “and I really look forward to serving everyone in District 1.”
The convention wasn’t just for elections, though, and many area Realtors made the trip.
“I’ve been going for 20 years so I have a pretty good routine down,” said Beverly Garvin, manager of Watson Realty’s Hidden Hills office.
She said the majority of her time during the trip was spent in various committee meetings, but she tries to make it to one educational seminar each year.
She did manage to attend crowded functions that had a couple of recognizable guest speakers: Governor Charlie Crist and Les Brown.
Governor Charlie Christ thanked the crowd for their work and the benefits that Realtors bring to Florida.
Les Brown, an award-winning motivational speaker and best selling author, was the speaker during the Super Sales Day luncheon, one of the most anticipated events during the week. In the crowded convention room where every seat was filled, people were scattered along the walls to see the award presentations and Brown’s motivational speaking.
“Tough times never last but tough people do,” said Brown to the crowd during his speech “How to Shake Off Mediocrity and Live Up to Greatness.”
Brown is a past recipient of the Council of Peers Award of Excellence, which is the National Speaker’s Association’s highest honor and was named one of the “World’s Type Five Speakers” by Toastmasters International in 1992.
The presentation was met with many laughs and much applause during Brown’s message to Realtors of staying motivated, focused and positive in the sluggish market.
“It was a blast,” said Garvin of Brown’s motivational speech. “It was very positive and uplifting.”
The day-long trade show was another popular choice among area Realtors in attendance.
“I absolutely love the trade show,” said Millie Kanyar of Watson’s Fort Caroline office. “You get to see all of these new products, the updated Multiple Listing Service and other things that are going to help us in the industry.”
Over 130 exhibit booths were displayed and some exhibitors gave presentations on their products and services that benefit Realtors and the real estate industry.
The convention was also a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones in the all important industry aspect of networking.
“We have a great Realtor family,” said Kanyar. “I don’t see how anybody can’t attend. I think it’s such a valuable tool that can’t help but benefit Realtors.”
Another aspect of the convention is the numerous educational courses that FAR offers throughout the day. With as many as six going on at once and courses ranging from improving sales in shifting markets to helping Realtors create a brand for themselves, the chance for participants to learn a thing or two is valuable.
“If you’ve never been, there’s so much education out there,” said Garvin. “Combine that with the trade show and it’s worth the price of admission alone. The things you learn help you in the long run and end up paying for themselves.”
The 2008 FAR Convention & Trade Expo will return the Buena Vista Palace and Spa in Orlando next September.