Centennial Photo of the Week: Ringing the Bell

Ringing the bell at Ed French's annual stag party was a time-honored tradition for that year's president. Having the first female president do the honors caused a stir, but Helen Hirt was up to the task. www.mibor100.com

Building Stronger Communities...

Cinda Kelley-Hutchings

Today's blog post comes from a guest blogger, Cinda Kelley-Hutchings  who is the Executive Director of the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership. 

As local REALTORS® work every day to help families find the best homes in healthy neighborhoods, MIBOR is helping to build stronger communities. MIBOR and the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP) also work together to strengthen communities through a highly targeted approach that helps companies create jobs.

While the nation has struggled economically over the last five years, Hendricks County has enjoyed a net job growth. Like the nation, Hendricks County is primarily made up of small businesses, and HCEDP’s public entities and private partners such as MIBOR have developed programming to support these local employers. Locally based companies make up 61 percent of the Hendricks County businesses community, with 38 percent employing between 10 and 99 people (41 percent employ fewer than 10, and 9 percent are sole proprietors). Those three categories account for nearly 88 percent of jobs in Hendricks County.

In 2010, MIBOR asked HCEDP to implement the Edward Lowe Foundation program in Central Indiana, providing critical expertise to Stage II companies that are facing barriers to growth. Several companies have already been able to take advantage of no-cost expertise that helped them grow, create jobs, and make new investments in their communities.

HCEDP and the REALTORS® working through MIBOR are helping to create opportunities that will strengthen our communities and provide better lives for local residents today and for the next 100 years. We congratulate MIBOR on 100 years of community engagement and service, and are excited to work as your partner for many years to come. 

Looking Forward...on Public Education

This year, as we celebrate our centennial, we have had the opportunity to look back on our years of service, on the evolution of the real estate industry, on economic development, neighborhood development and the overall growth of our region.  Through this blog, we have reflected on our achievements, on the challenges we have faced and on the role we have played in our communities.

However, we aren’t just looking back this year – we’re also looking forward. What will the next 10, 50 and 100 years bring? What will our role be as our region continues to grow and change?

A few days ago we launched the MIBOR Membership Survey, which is conducted twice a year and provides valuable member feedback on the services provided to members. We use the results to evaluate performance and guide resource allocation for each budget cycle. For the current survey period, we have streamlined the questions and have for the first time we’ve included questions about an important and timely issue – public education. The questions are focused on member opinions related to public education and MIBOR’s role in advocating in this area. We know that education is critically important to your customers and their housing decisions, and we are eager to know your thoughts.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take the time to fill out the membership survey, which has already been sent to your inbox.

We also welcome you to share your thoughts by posting a comment on this blog. Below are two of the questions that are included in the survey.

1) On which sources do you believe buyers rely for information about schools? 

               1.  REALTOR®           4.      Co-workers / Employers

               2.  Family members     5.      Other sources

               3.  Friends                6.      DON’T KNOW

2) To what extent should MIBOR be involved in the area of education policy?

            1.      Extremely involved     4.      Not very involved

            2.      Very involved            5.      Not at all involved

            3.      Somewhat involved    6.      DON’T KNOW

Answer these questions and provide any other thoughts by clicking “comments” below!

Then and Now...

With the release of the iPhone 5 today, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at one of the first ‘mobile’ phones. 

Remember this?

Wow, we've come a long way, haven’t we?

From paper listing cards to the BLC® Listing Service, from bag phones to smart phones, and so much more - REALTORS® have embraced the many changes in the technology world over the years. 

Did any of you carry a bag phone with you in your early years in the industry? What other changes in technology have impacted the way you do business? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Looking Back at the Evolution of Giving Back

In 1984, the REALTOR® Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR) to provide real estate professionals in central Indiana opportunities to give back to the community that has continuously supported our industry.

Last week’s REALTOR® Foundation Awareness Week gave us an opportunity to look back at the impact so many dedicated volunteers have made. It’s inspiring to think about the individuals and families who have been helped — and in turn helped themselves — to achieve a better life through assistance from organizations like the REALTOR® Foundation. A culture of giving back defines central Indiana, and the real estate community is honored to be a small part.

The foundation’s early efforts focused on neighborhood revitalization and beautification, including an annual event remembered fondly among area REALTORS® called Brighten Up Indy. We also worked with Indy Parks for several years rebuilding and revitalizing neighborhood parks throughout the city. But it was a conscious choice made a decade ago that has created lasting impact.

By 2001, the foundation had reached a plateau, both in fundraising and member engagement. We knew then we had to find a new mission that would re-energize and engage real estate professionals to make an even greater impact in the community.

A United Way presentation on homelessness came at just the right time. We were all touched after learning about the many different segments of the homeless population, especially children aging out of the foster care system. Around that same time, then-Mayor Bart Peterson released the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention’s “Blueprint to End Homelessness,” and a concentrated effort to end homelessness in Marion County solidified.

Our new mission was clear.

A decade ago in the fall of 2002, we dedicated our fundraising efforts solely to the issue of homelessness and began educating ourselves on the complexities of the issue and the needs of the homeless population.

That same year, we gave our first two $25,000 grants to organizations that were — and still are —impacting the homeless population in Marion County, Sheltering Wings and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Organizations like these have been our greatest resource in learning about homelessness. It’s easy to believe that we see the face of homelessness every day in the men and women on the street. The truth is we don’t see the full picture.

One of the largest segments of the homeless population over the last few years has been families. Just a few months ago, the Foundation celebrated its most successful fundraising effort, one with truly lasting effects. The Building a Living Legacy project, in collaboration with the Super Bowl Host Committee, provided homes in St. Clair Place to 32 homeless families.

While an amazing achievement, it only launches us into the next question: What more can be done to transform neighborhoods and help families on their journey to escape homelessness? As we look to the next decade, we’re excited to continue to be a partner in diminishing homelessness in central Indiana.

Bill Hacker
REALTOR® Foundation Board of Director
Chair, Building a Living Legacy Campaign

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? 

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

We don't typically use this blog to promote events, 

but this one is HUGE!

In celebration of our Centennial, we are bringing back REALTOR® Night with the Indians! In years past, REALTORS® would gather and nearly pack the old Busch Stadium for REALTOR® Night. 

We are bringing back the fun, the celebration and the camaraderie! - We need YOU to help us fill seats and participate in the first pitch and on field games!

July 26 is OUR Night!

BUY NOW! These tickets are not going to last long! At $5 each, you can easily buy in bulk and distribute them to your clients, families, friends and colleagues! Let's fill the stands and celebrate 100 years together!

Learn more about our 'First Pitch Auction' and how to get a chance to participate in the on field games by visiting our Centennial website - here. 

Purchase your tickets at the REALTOR® Store, online or in person!

Play Ball!!!

19 Years and Counting...

Who is getting excited for the 19th Annual REALTOR® Foundation Golf Outing on July 19?  Everyone’s hands, or clubs, should be in the air! We’ve got our sights set on blue skies, green grass, friends, golf, prizes, raffles, a silent auction, food, drinks and FUN!  


So, how did we get to 19? For me, it is the second year I have been the staff liaison for the Foundation Golf Committee. While looking through notes, budgets, player lists and more, I started thinking about how this outing has evolved over nearly two decades. Clearly, I thought it could make an interesting blog post, so I reached out to MIBOR’s CEO, Steve Sullivan, to get some insight on the evolution.


Did you know the Foundation golf outing grew out of an annual golfing event that MIBOR held for years? 


“It was actually a series of outings held once a month and culminating in a September event, called ‘The Calcutta’,” said Sullivan. “The MIBOR event drew interest from REALTORS® and affiliates alike and usually about 30 foursomes filled the field. It was primarily a male-dominated event at the time.”


According to Steve, in the early to mid-nineties as the REALTOR® Foundation was getting resurrected, the idea of combing the “Calcutta” with a fundraiser was floated and eventually led to what is now the annual Foundation outing.  


“Initially, the event attracted a similar number of players.  However, as the Foundation became more visible, the outing became more successful and visible itself,” said Sullivan. “Benefitting charities through the Foundation became the goal.  More female members became involved, the committee became more engaged and it has flourished since.”


In the early days, courses were selected around the MIBOR market area, playing at some of the best public and private courses.  For several years, the Foundation held the event at Highland Country Club, Broadmoor Country Club and Country Club of Indianapolis. As the leaders of the event pushed to make more money for the Foundation, and as it grew in popularity, the outing was moved to Eagle Creek.  With that we saw a huge increase in the number of players.  The move to Eagle Creek made it possible to expand the field to two full courses. Both are still used today.  


“There have always been fun contests and efforts to raise additional monies for the Foundation and its homeless mission,” said Sullivan. “Several ‘celebrities’ have been dunked in the name of homelessness.  One of the most memorable was Fred Tucker ‘going down’ in his tuxedo on a sultry afternoon in July.”  


As we approach the 19th year of this event, there are both similarities and differences. Our mission is the same - to transition central Indiana individuals from homelessness or inadequate or unsafe housing to permanent solutions that will positively change their lives. 


Support continues to grow each year, and we continue to work on engaging more members so they can learn more about the Foundation, and help us raise money for our grant recipients. 


The format of the game has changed to a Florida scramble with ‘second chances’ available on one course, and straight play on the other so we appeal to both crowds. We’ve also built up friendly competition with ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Beat the CEO’ contests and hole-in-one prizes. If you get a hole-in-one this year you could actually win a car!


If you haven’t registered to play yet, now is the time! If you aren’t a golfer, there is still an opportunity to be involved. Volunteer for the event or purchase a dinner ticket and come join us for the closing ceremonies, silent auction and dinner! 


We are proud to continue our commitment to the fight against homelessness -  won’t you join us?  




Lacey Everett
MIBOR Communications Specialist
laceyeverett@mibor.com 

MIBOR in the MINI...

Congratulations to all of our members who completed the One America Mini Marathon on May 5! We have received several pictures from you, wearing your commemorative MIBOR 100 t-shirts. We will hold our drawing for the $100 BlueMile gift card on Thursday, May 10. Keep sending your photos in today to be qualified! 

Here are a few of the photos we have received so far! E-mail yours today and you could win!

  


   

  

Our History In Photos...

Every week, we post a 'Centennial Photo of the Week' on our social media pages. When working on the book, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years, we accumulated all types of photographs and artifacts that helped tell our story - the story of this industry and this region. This week, we posted this photo of Robert F. Kennedy giving a campaign speech before the Indianapolis Real Estate Board in May 1968. It was the largest gathering of REALTORS® in Central Indiana at that time. 


"Kennedy had just entered the presidential contest. While other candidates had already gained momentum in the Democratic primaries earlier in the year, Indiana would be the first true test of Kennedy's fledgling campaign. His appearance before the Board would be critical to the fight for enhanced civil rights in Indiana. During his talk at the Howard Johnson Downtown Motor Lodge on West Washington Street, Kennedy spoke about various human rights issues, including support for the new Fair Housing Act, which had just been signed into law by President Johnson earlier that spring. he new mandate outlawed racial discrimination in the rental or purchase of homes and a broad range of other housing related transactions, such as advertising, mortgage lending, home owner's insurance and zoning restrictions. His speech was well received among a packed house of Indianapolis real estate and business executives....Later that same week, during the Democratic primary in Indiana, Kennedy captured his first national victory as a Presidential candidate." -- Excerpt from  REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years. 


Do you have your copy yet? www.mibor100.com


Keep a look out for more photos posted on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MIBOR! 

Calling all Mini Runners and Walkers!

Attention Runners and Walkers!

The MIBOR Centennial Celebration is alive and well and will be on full display during the upcoming One America Mini Marathon in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 5th. We are looking for 100 MIBOR members – and their friends, family and running and walking partners – to pick up a MIBOR centennial shirt and wear it somewhere in the race scene. 


Wear your shirt in the starting corrals, or at a hydrating station after the race. Wear it to packet pick-up and during your warm-up prior to the race. Take a photo of you and your group wearing the shirt and send it to clairebelby@mibor.com. We’ll reward you by putting your name in a drawing for a $100 BlueMile giftcard. More than 50 members have already replied “yes” and supplied their shirt size. 


Let us know you are part of the fun and help Bring awareness to how REALTORS® have been opening doors for 100 years! Please note, shirt is a standard cotton t-shirt not one made of moisture-wicking fabric. This effort is about awareness; the shirt is not intended to be your race gear.


Let us know you are “in”! Email clairebelby@mibor.com. We look forward to posting a collage of shirt-wearers to the blog later in May.

Here is a look at the FREE T-SHIRT you will get if you e-mail
clairebelby@mibor.com and say you are 'in'!

Congratulations from NAR President Moe Viesi

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) President, Moe Viesi, recently sent us a video message to congratulate MIBOR on 100 years of service. Mr. Viesi was unable to make it for the Centennial Celebration in January, but was kind enough to send us his greetings. Beyond saying congratulations, he also recognized the Building a Living Legacy: Centennial Project and the commitment YOU made to lift up a neighborhood and help reverse homelessness in central Indiana.


Here is Moe Viesi's message



The celebration is far from over. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate our 100 years of service in central Indiana. This is truly a special time. However, we're not just looking back...we're looking forward. And the best is yet to come.


Visit www.mibor100.com today to join the celebration!

Local REALTORS® Award $500 to Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation

As you know, from our post earlier in March, REALTORS® throughout central Indiana volunteered at local service organizations on Leap Day for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR) Day of Service.

Monika Mueller, Sara Beth Skidmore and Tod Richardson from RE/MAX Metro helped the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) move their food pantry to a new location. HVAF was also the winner of a $500 cash drawing, organized by MIBOR.

“We were so excited to have this opportunity,” said Mueller. “Since they’re located only a block from our office, it’s nice to be able to make a difference on a hyper-local level. It is additionally rewarding to have the opportunity to present HVAF with a $500 check, to further support the services they provide to veterans in need in our community.”

HVAF is a United Way non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating homelessness for veterans and families through prevention, education, supportive services and advocacy. HVAF provides supportive, structured housing to Indiana veterans with the assistance necessary to ensure successful independent living in the community.

“We are very grateful for the help Monika, Sara and Tod provided in helping us relocate and organize our food pantry,” said Debra Des Vignes, marketing coordinator at HVAF. “We are equally grateful for the donation from MIBOR. Each gift we receive is an investment in helping to eliminate homelessness for veterans and their families.”

It's YOUR turn - share ways that you give back to our community by commenting below! Register for our Volunteer Day on June 8! Get Involved this year, visit www.mibor100.com for opportunities.

CEO Chat Enlightening, More Work to Be Done...

I recently hosted a sit chat with some eager new members to MIBOR. The 'CEO Chat' was a great intimate yet candid discussion about the new member perspective on our industry. What I found intriguing about those in attendance was their drive to learn and to become involved. Not just involved in the real estate market but as advocates of change and standing up for what’s right.   

What else did I learn?

Professionalism and courtesies to peers were topics they felt needed addressing.  It struck me that  the recent courtesy campaign we have unveiled needs some more energy and repeat sharing.

There may be some misunderstanding of how involved the younger generation wants to be.  We all need to figure that out and maximize the collective power of learning together.

This small group of professionals outlined their readiness to  meet the challenging pace of this ever-changing industry and provided some insight on their “feel good” moments. While every industry has room for improvement, these members discussions let me know that MIBOR as an organization still has work to do – in the areas of Professional Standards, technology advancements and education.  

I look forward to the tasks that were left with me after this discussion. And I sincerely thank those who attended the CEO Chat. 

Steve Sullivan

MIBOR CEO

MIBOR Beyond 100…

Setting the Stage for 100 More Years

On Jan. 3, 2012 your organization had a Birthday. A milestone birthday! We turned 100! While we have been preparing for this celebration for some time, we are now relishing in what it means to be 100 years young. 

Not many organizations or companies make it this long, but I say 'young' because we still have work to do. And while none of us will likely see the organization's 200th birthday, we are destined to ensure that the generations to come are well equipped when that next milestone approaches. 

MIBOR’s Board of Directors has set goals that we know have relevancy beyond 100 years. Number one of those simple goals is to ensure a healthy, vibrant real estate market exists throughout the central Indiana region. That entails a lot of variables coming together. One way is to maximize the effectiveness of organizations whose missions it is to increase jobs, wages and labor force. 

MIBOR is not just talking the talk, we are walking the walk as well and maximizing the ability to create and maintain jobs. REALTORS® have seats on the Boards of those organizations to help forge direction and strategies for success.  Investments are made in issues and projects that will be catalysts for improving the quality of life, the assets of our region. Investments in ensuring that planning for our communities is deliberate and inclusive. 

Stay tuned to this blog to see what MIBOR has been doing to reach goal No. 2 and what you can do to help!

Steve Sullivan

MIBOR CEO

Honey...Stop the Car! - MIBOR Joins St. Patrick's Day Parade

For the first time in our 100 year history, REALTORS® marched in the city's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Friday, March 16.

Dressed in green, we joined more than 80 other units made up of school bands, floats, Irish dancers, bag pipe and drum bands, Irish organizations, law enforcement, local media and celebrities marching through downtown Indianapolis. Members held sign riders, open house flags and bags of candy to pass out to children along the route. 

MIBOR Member, Kurt Simmons, talks with Channel 6
about his choice of attire, and MIBOR's
involvement in the parade.

Some members went an extra step in St. Patrick's Day spirit...enough to grab the attention of the local media!


“Throughout our centennial year, REALTORS® are celebrating the role we’ve played in the community for the last 100 years,” said Debbie Morris, 2012 MIBOR president. “We are excited to be part of such a fun and festive event alongside so many of our community partners.”


Be sure to check out our photos from the event! 


Want to join the Centennial fun? Visit www.mibor100.com for more information!

Progress, and Leading the Way...

As I looked through and read MIBOR’s centennial book and watched the DVD, two thoughts kept coming to mind.  The first was how from 1912 to the present, the ever-present theme has been how to help real estate professionals, REALTORS® , do a better job and better serve their clients and the community.  Sometimes MIBOR has been on the very cutting edge and sometimes it has had to be pushed and pulled by visionaries, but over the decades it has made progress and more often than not, has led the way.

The second thought was my profound sense of gratitude and humility that for a short time I was blessed to be a part of this great organization we know today as MIBOR -  the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS®.  Even more important to me, are all of the wonderful, talented and dedicated individuals who shared a part of their lives with me and who enriched my life. There are too many to name, but I am the richer for having walked with them.

Dick Nye

Dick Nye served as MIBOR Executive Officer for 10 years (1980 - 1990) before moving on to lead the Indiana Association of REALTORS®


You can learn more about our industry's history by purchasing your own copy of REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years at www.mibor100.com, or in the REALTOR® Store at 1912 N. Meridian St.

More Than Just Opening Doors...

The official Centennial Celebration, i.e. The Ball, is over but the celebration and remembrance of the past 100 years continues.

  

I love MIBOR’s Centennial slogan, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 years, however, our members have been doing so much more than just opening doors.  They’ve been appraising, inspecting, mortgaging, insuring and cleaning them.  They have built and supported communities and continue to strive to make Central Indiana the best place to call HOME.

The real estate industry has experienced a lot of change in 100 years from wars, depressions, recessions, civil rights and more.  We have faced our own challenges and will continue to do so.  

The “.com era” has brought with it new technologies and opportunities that have enabled the real estate industry to be more efficient than those before us ever dreamed possible.  This era has also brought along new competitors and business models…also challenges that those before us never dreamed of.

As I said in my speech at the Centennial Ball, 'change often breeds fear, however, it also brings opportunities…opportunities to challenge us and force us to be better.  When we embrace change and challenge ourselves, life really begins!'

As leaders of our companies, communities and industry, I urge you to not be afraid of change, but rather embrace it and the opportunities that come with it.  

Get involved. Take pride in where we've come from and embrace the fact that YOU are a part of our industry's future, and the future of our region. 

Together, we will make 2012, our Centennial Year, a year to remember!

Debbie Morris

MIBOR President, 2012

www.mibor100.com

www.facebook.com/MIBOR

www.twitter.com/MIBORBoard