Let’s again become transportation leaders...

Indy Connect Day was Aug. 17 at the Indiana State Fair. Visitors could experience the future of Central Indiana transportation through stations that included bus rapid transit, light rail and commuter rail. The crowds responded enthusiastically.

Mass transit is a hot topic in Central Indiana. The current Indy Connect comprehensive transportation plan includes a regional bus and rail network, roadway improvements, and bike and pedestrian walkways.

In 2012, REALTORS® in Central Indiana are celebrating their centennial anniversary. During this milestone, we are reflecting on the changes we've witnessed in the real estate industry and Central Indiana’s evolution during the past 100 years. The current momentum behind stronger transit systems brings to mind that Indianapolis was once a regional transportation hub, home to America’s first Union Station. Now, the station serves as a historic home to the Crowne Plaza hotel and several restaurants. A noble use certainly, but one that reminds us that — as a region — we are no longer among the transportation innovators. Where we were once a leader, we’re left lagging behind other major cities that have modernized and expanded their transit systems.

As transit supporters across the state are rallying state lawmakers and officials, we must not forget that what comes next — the public referendum — will seal the deal, which is why the Indy Connect Day was so important.

Residents are realizing that transit is an essential solution to our economic, energy and environmental challenges. Attitudes in Indiana, once the nation’s top auto producer, are shifting toward alternative transportation options.

As a REALTOR®, I know the huge impact transportation has on real estate and communities. In talking to potential homebuyers, I’m aware of the concerns for connectivity. Potential homebuyers want to be assured that they’ll have easy access to work, shops and restaurants and entertainment. Transit would set our region up for neighborhood growth and development and undoubtedly make Indianapolis and our entire region more livable.

John Creamer

Past President, Co-Chair, Metropolitan Board of REALTORS® Centennial History Council

(Published in The Indianapolis Star, 8.21.12)

Women in Real Estate...

When the Centennial History Council was planning the MIBOR book and video – REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years – they devoted quite a few meetings to discussing the integral people and events that have shaped MIBOR’s history. 

What resulted was pretty thorough coverage of the key players and events over our century-long presence in central Indiana. 

One of the coolest parts of the project is how social changes impacted, and where impacted by, REALTORS®. For instance, civil rights and women’s rights are covered in good detail in the book and video. Check out this clip from the video about the role of the women’s rights movement on your association’s history. 

If you know anyone who doesn’t have their copy yet, make sure you forward this post to them so they get a real feel for what they can learn about their industry through the book and video. 

www.mibor100.com 

Back in the Day...

Take a look at this typical master bedroom in the 1920s - check out those twin beds. This photo was taken at the Indianapolis Home Show, an event the Board helped found in 1922.

More great photos from our industry's history can be found in REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years. 

Visit www.mibor100.com to get your copy today!

Video Blog: A Glimpse at Your History

You’ve heard about the MIBOR centennial book REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, chances are you are the proud owner of the book. Some of the best reaction we’ve received about the project is the video documentary that is secured to the inside back cover. Members say the video makes them think about the industry in a way that hadn’t occurred to them before and are proud to recognize what an important role real estate has played in the success of central Indiana. Plus it’s just fun to see their friends and colleagues shining on camera. If you haven’t seen it in awhile, here’s a quick glimpse at the video introduction. 



If you know anyone who doesn’t have their copy yet, make sure you forward this post to them so they get a real feel for what they can learn about their industry through the book and video. 

www.mibor100.com 

"Take me out to the ball game..."

"...take me out with the crowd...buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks..." 
You know the rest!  Who doesn’t enjoy a warm summer evening enjoying one of America’s favorite pastimes….a baseball game.  Better yet, an Indians baseball game.

Over 1,000 MIBOR REALTORS® and Affiliates filled the stands recently to enjoy “REALTOR® Night” and celebrate our Centennial year.  It was a fun-filled evening starting with the first pitch thrown by Adam Roach with Keller Williams who won the “highest bid” contest benefiting the REALTOR® Foundation, and ending with a 5-1 win over the Pawtucket Red Sox with lots of fun for all in between!

I am continually awed by the support we receive from our REALTOR® and Affiliate members and this night was no different!  I was proud to represent MIBOR while giving the pre-game announcement and to share with the crowd that MIBOR has been “Opening Doors for 100 Years” and that we’re proud of the communities we serve and our city.

It was a fun evening and a great way to continue the celebration of our Centennial year. Looking out over the beautiful skyline of Indianapolis gave me a true sense of pride for how far we’ve come as a city….as a region….and the significant role we have played in that development.

- Debbie Morris, 2012 MIBOR President


View more photos from the evening on our Facebook page, here!

Meeting the State’s Top Guy...

Monday was my first day back from vacation. Refreshed from a week of a blissfully slower pace, I was ready to tackle the unanswered emails, urgent voice mails, the unopened mail, you get the picture.  Much to my delight, the first thing that popped up on my calendar was “9:00 a.m. Governor’s Office”. Then I remembered, today is the day MIBOR had been invited to Gov. Mitch Daniels office. Not my typical routine, but hey I’ll take it!

Our task was simple. MIBOR Centennial Chair Beth Blake and MIBOR President Debbie Morris had been invited to meet the Governor, thank him writing the forward to the MIBOR Centennial book and present him with a copy of his own. As staff, Lacey Everett and I tagged along. Why not, right?  The more the merrier.  So off we went down to the State House. Parking was a breeze, security was a snap and in minutes we were comfortably inside the rather large waiting area waiting for our turn to meet Mitch.

After only a few minutes, an assistant appeared and ushered us into the equally large and impressive Governor’s office where Gov. Daniels greeted us warmly. Our visit could not have been more pleasant and he could not have been more gracious. Yes, he signed a book and we took the requisite photos, but not before we all sat with the Governor for an effortless conversation. He wanted to know all about the book and video project. He leafed through the book and was impressed, particularly interested in the neighborhood sections and personal profiles.  We talked about his departure for Purdue and what he feels most proud of during his tenure in the Governor’s office. He asked us about the housing market and specifically how you as REALTORS® are doing. It was a delightful and surprising visit. His message to all of you in the industry…”Thank you for all you do.”

Today is Friday; I wonder what’s on my calendar for Monday?