The Council: The council is an affiliate of NEFAR. It serves Realtors and invited affiliates in Ponte Vedra Bach with caravans and networking meetings.
What he’ll do: As NEFAR Ponte Vedra Council chair, Newberry will hold quarterly meetings for members and affiliates, find speakers that will educate or speak on a subject of interest and find suitable locations for the meetings.
How was he selected/elected: “The board asks for volunteers and I volunteered. I felt it would be a good tool for me to network with other agents, brokers and affiliates. We have a great board and I encourage participation at any level.”
When are meetings and what happens during them? The meetings are usually a breakfast or lunch and are held at the end of each quarterly period. The meetings serve two important functions; to educate and to serve as a platform for networking with other agents and the affiliates.
His business: He is manager of the Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty office in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Goals for 2008 as chair? “One of my primary goals is to counter the constant negative comments about our real estate market. My reply to market questions is ‘The market is improving!’ Sales are up so far this month, the phones are ringing, we have the best selection of homes in years and interest rates are good. If our members can help communicate the positive aspects of our market it will help bring the buyer back.”
How does the council have an impact on the industry? “There is reward in being apart of the community of Realtors and affiliates. I think coming to the meetings, making acquaintances, going on caravan and supporting luncheons help build and strengthen that community. We also bring professionalism, a high ethical standard and a desire to serve our customers.”
What does the council offer members that is unique? “I would think our council is very similar to others. I can speak to the fact that we are a family of Realtors and we all know one another. We want to represent the highest level of service to our customers as well as our contemporaries. Not to mention we get to do our work in a resort setting.”