Our Final Centennial Blog

After many years of planning, anticipation, excitement and hard work we are about to bring our MIBOR Centennial year to a close. Projects like the Centennial Celebration don't just happen; they are the result of many hours and in this case, years of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers. As chairman I would personally like to take a moment to acknowledge the core committee of MIBOR members John Creamer, Brad Osborne, Amy Englert, Kurt Simmons  Sue Applegate and Pam Aguirre. Without their leadership, dedication and hard work the Centennial projects would not have been possible. Also special thanks to the members who turned out for various events and volunteer days throughout the celebration year.

The year began with the Super Bowl which spotlighted the city as well as a tremendous opportunity for MIBOR's Centennial Cabinet, lead by Bill Hacker to work together with the city and the Boner Center as part of the Building a Living Legacy project. This philanthropic component of the centennial year raised $500,000 specifically for the project which included a commitment for over 30 homes in St. Clair Place. This commitment was over and above the monies pledged by the REALTOR® Foundation to raise awareness of the homeless in our community. Job well done!

The other major part of the centennial year was the production of the centennial book, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years, and its companion DVD. With the help of our author, Todd Gould, WFYI and the history committee we were able to produce a beautiful and informative history of our industry. In addition the book illustrates our profession's role in the development of central Indiana, various neighborhoods, industry growth, how we overcame some of our prejudices of the past, and the inspiration to better our industry by giving back to the community in which we live and work. REALTORS® have always played an important role in strengthening communities and now through the development of the REALTOR® Foundation we are focusing on the true meaning of what Bud Tucker always called "paying our civic rent." If you haven't added this book and video to your office or home library, its not too late. Call today to reserve your copy while they are still available. 

Because the Centennial Celebration lasted throughout 2012 the committee opted for several events beginning in January with our book launch party at WFYI and the celebration kickoff at the MIBOR ball. February brought about the day of service to our communities by MIBOR members. March included the Central Indiana Housing Summit and the St. Patrick's Day parade. May showcased several "Centennial" runners in the One America Mini Marathon followed by another volunteer day in June. Also in June we participated in the Medallion Block Party Celebration held on site at the Building a Living Legacy Project near the Boner Community Center at 10th and St. Clair. The block party consisted of self guided tours of restored properties and some newly constructed homes, remarks from the CEO of the Boner Center and Executive Director of the Indy-East Asset Development and testimonials from residents. REALTOR® Night at Victory Field was held in July to a capacity crowd which included over 600 REALTORS®. A good time was had by all including the Indians who won the game!

As you can see MIBOR celebrated its 100th birthday in true REALTOR® Fashion. None of these special events would have been completed if not for the time and talents of many MIBOR members under the leadership of a talented and dedicated staff led by Claire Belby and CEO Steve Sullivan. 

We hope that you have been able to participate in some of the centennial festivities and that you enjoyed learning more about your industry and your city and its progression over 100 years. Happy Birthday!

Accomplishments...

During this time of year, many like to reflect on past accomplishments and look forward to new beginnings. Our CEO, Steve Sullivan, took time to reflect on his tenure at MIBOR and came up with this short list of accomplishments that he is most proud of: 

• That the overall quality rating of our service by members has improved so dramatically over the years.
• That over 90% of members in 2012 think that MIBOR is headed in the right direction
• Control of expenses over the last decade, including the resulting minimal increase in dues/fees.
• Broker Listing Cooperative® - re-establishing and re-branding the culture of a cooperative. Secondarily obtaining trademark protection for the BLC® Listing service.
• BLC® Policy Committee - the deeper inclusion of brokers in the decision making process.
• Staff Reorganization in 2010 – focused on business services and solutions. Resulted in improvements including response rate and quality of service. 
• Quality of the management team.
• Restructuring of BOD with addition of specialty seats, which ensures not only voice but diverse viewpoints.
• The Building a Living Legacy Project.
• MIBOR.com public website in 1996 – putting listings online which was unheard of at the time.
• The success of the REALTOR® Community Investment Initiative (2006-2010).
• Recreating the for-profit subsidiary resulting in significant annual tax savings.
• Seamless transitions of surrounding local associations and subsequent creation of geographic divisions.
• MIBOR’s second lockbox conversion (approx. 8 years ago) – how smoothly it went.

It’s your turn! What are you proud of this year?

Guest Blog: Scott Miller "Partners in Progress"

Wow, what a year it has been! We at the Indy Chamber have been doing a little reflecting on some of the major wins from the past year and we are very excited to have been a part of some of our Region’s biggest moments.

Of course, one of the things that has made 2012 so memorable is the outstanding celebration of MIBOR’s Centennial. One hundred years of working with a true passion for the success and wellbeing of the Greater Indianapolis community – that is something to be proud of.

The Indy Chamber shares that passion and as you may know, we have undergone a few structural changes of the last year as we have merged with three fellow business-oriented economic development organizations: Indy Partnership, Develop Indy and Business Ownership Initiative. Among other things, this merger has intensified the Indy Chamber’s mission to increase our economic attractiveness to business and top talent from around the world.

Bringing our four organizations together to work in unison to increase jobs, bring in more capital investment to our communities, advocate on behalf of businesses and grow our member network will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the economic wellbeing of Greater Indianapolis.

That is why we are so proud to have the support of MIBOR and your membership as we all work toward the goal of making our community a great place to live, work and play.  We’ve all come a long way, but there is still much to be done.

Remember the great words of Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” On behalf of all of us at the Indy Chamber, we congratulate you on this milestone and are excited to be your partner in progress for 100 more years!

In relentless pursuit,

Scott W. Miller
President & CEO
Indy Chamber

Guest Blog: Tamara Zahn "We Have Much to Celebrate."

Three cheers for MIBOR as you celebrate 100 years.  Thanks for all you've done – collectively and individually - to make Central Indiana a better place to call home.  You have made a difference. 

We've come a long way.  We have much to celebrate.

I vividly remember just twenty years ago when Indianapolis Downtown Inc. was being formed to develop, manage and market Downtown Indianapolis.  There were huge craters Downtown where the development of Circle Centre had stalled.  More businesses and residents were moving out of Downtown than moving in.  

Thankfully, an “army” of public and private sector civic leaders, active advocates, resident pioneers and a handful of brokers shared the belief that a strong heart was vital to the success and well-being of the entire region.  

Over the years, many worked tirelessly to develop and market compelling Downtown residential options and an irresistible package of cultural, entertainment and dining options, especially to empty nesters and young professionals, within a safe, convenient and very walkable environment.   We put a face on urban living. 

The result is Indy’s largest and most diverse neighborhood.  More than 20,000 residents now call Downtown home.  Equally as important, Downtown’s success generated positive momentum for the surrounding neighborhoods.  In fact, Indianapolis was second only to St. Louis with the largest percentage increase of young professionals who chose to live Downtown or the neighborhoods around Downtown, according to research conducted by CEOs for Cities.  There’s still more to do.  

If we work together, the future is bright!

I am excited for Indianapolis and Central Indiana.  I don’t recall a time, at least in the last two decades, that our community was more open to and engaged in embracing new leadership and new ideas.  The possibilities are endless.  The passion and energy of our own neighbors to build a better community is truly inspiring.  Examples of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things are everywhere…in business, in the not-for-profit world, in neighborhood, community and economic development.

Now is the time to stand on what Indianapolis does best.  Reach for the inconceivable, put agendas and egos aside, break down boundaries and work together to build powerful relationships, collaborations and results. 

Together we can continue to make Indianapolis a special place that we all are proud to call home.   

Tamara Zahn is the former president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. from 1993 – 2012. She is also the daughter and sister of residential real estate professionals. While an undergraduate at Indiana University, Tamara was the recipient of the F.C. Tucker Real Estate Award.      

Just 3: Featuring Regina Jones

Today’s “Just 3” features thoughts from former REALTOR® Foundation President and current Carpenter, REALTORS® agent, Regina Jones:

Question: Tell us three jobs you had before being a full-time REALTOR®. What are a few lessons you learned from those positions you bring to real estate?

Answer: I had three jobs I had before real estate. I worked in the restaurant industry as a server, bartender, as a hostess and in management. I worked as a salesperson in the retail industry and I also danced professionally with dance companies and for NBA and NFL teams. When I danced professionally, I usually had a part-time job somewhere else. So that part of my life really taught me time management. The retail and restaurant industries really gave me insight into the importance of providing the best client/customer service possible.  

Question: You are in REAL this year, what has been the coolest part of being part of the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (REAL) so far?

Answer: The coolest part of being part of REAL has to be the opportunities we have been given to meet the people who are shaping central Indiana. I am really learning so much...much more than I ever expected. And of course it is wonderful to learn leadership skills when I’m with other real estate professionals.

Question: Lastly, what was the best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President?

Answer: The best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President was working with amazing people. To be able to work with people who give their time and talent to help communities and families in need is really wonderful. There is the Board of Directors, MIBOR staff, volunteers, committees and the service providers (grant recipients). They all come together with a common goal of helping those in need. I know I may sound sappy, but it was truly humbling and I am proud to have served as the 2010 REALTOR® Foundation President. 

REALTORS® Honored by Historical Society

Last night, MIBOR was among the 21 organizations recognized by the Indiana Historical Society for reaching its centennial year. The Historical Society hosted its annual Founder's Day dinner to recognize organizations throughout the state. They began this tradition in 1992 by creating a registry of century-old Indiana companies. 

More than 300 companies now hold a place on the registry and MIBOR is now among them. It was a lovely evening of awards, dinner and music all against the backdrop of the stunning Indiana History Center along the canal in downtown Indianapolis. 

The closing remarks for the evening were even offered by James Madison, the Indiana historian who appears in MIBOR's documentary REALTORS: Opening Doors for 100 Years. It was a fitting end to a night that proved the REALTORS® hold an important place in our state's history.

John Creamer holding our recognition award and a copy
of REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years