Congratulations to VLA Class of 2009

You came back?! Wow, I lost that bet - but glad you're here!

A quick aside from real estate, for a moment … well, given the infrequency of postings to the blog lately, I guess it’s not much of a deviation at all!

For the past year, I’ve been attending sessions around the state for a program called the Virginia Leadership Academy. From VAR’s website:

VAR challenges REALTORS® to invest in themselves and their associations by participating in the Virginia REALTORS® Leadership Academy . Through this program, VAR identifies and trains emerging REALTOR® leaders from all around the Commonwealth. Approximately 20 applicants are accepted each year, and each class of participants builds their leadership skills through a series of retreats and a major class project. Graduates are groomed to take on leadership positions in their local associations, at VAR, or in other organizations.

Not only do the participants develop strong leadership skills to put to use in their communities and professional lives, they also nurture strong relationships with their class members that turn into rewarding business and personal connections.

The program consisted of multi-day retreats, held around the state, throughout the year, where we studied and discussed leadership, talked with local and state association officials, and were instrumental in the design and direction of the Virginia Homeowners Alliance. Challenging as it was to balance all of my responsibilities and appointments around the program, as well as the frustrations and hurdles that arise when you bring 22 driven professionals together, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Will I be a leader in my community and associations? I don’t know – I’d like to be, certainly. Whatever happens, I’m grateful for the friendships and connections I made with some amazing individuals. Thanks, guys.