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!