Note From Our President

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our first newsletter of the new year! Our year has started off in an exciting, informing, entertaining manner with our first Business Resource Meeting about Short Sales and the view from the Asset Managers perspective. Over 100 people attended the first of what will be many cutting edge information and learning meetings for the Women's Council of REALTOR'S. In February we also had tremendous attendance at our "State of the Economy in Monterey County". We heard that despite the grim news that our economic gains have not rebounded fully - that the belief is that we have hit the bottom and will begin a slow climb back up. It was apparent that all of us need to be working through the 'tough times' and working together in any way we can to sustain our livelihoods as we slowly build back our residential and commercial business opportunities.

With that idea in mind, we have planned an exciting year of opportunities for Women's Council Members and we hope many others will join us! In March we will have a timely meeting in which we will learn tax tips and tax impacts on ourselves and our clients, in order to serve our clients better. We must be an information resource that helps people see clearly what their options are, and how we can assist them.

In April we will have a Joint Meeting with four other chapters in the area. It is called the Forum V (Region of WCR) and we will be presenting a program that was recently held at the National Association of Realtor's Conference in New Orleans. This program will enlighten us on the skills we have learned in WCR, and how they apply to being involved in our communities by considering running for political office. That may sound far reaching to some, but this program will show all of us how easy it is, how rewarding it can be, and what impact any or all of us can have on the larger community around us,within the political realm.

We will also have programs on Diversity,A Mayoral Look at our Cities, as well as Business Planning. We will also be eagerly anticipating our Yearly Fund raising Event, with our Fashion Show in September. This year promises to be even bigger than ever before, and the Theme of "An Evening in Paris" which will again be held at the Inn at Spanish Bay - and will help us to raise even more money for our designated charities - and in so doing help our local communities - in the support of programs that help so many women suffering from domestic violence or needing a helping hand to start over. From the streets of our local cities, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Carmel, Seaside, Marina and Big Sur- to the halls of Sacramento and even to the White House in Washington DC, we often do not see the bigger picture that we impact, by helping in our local communities. We have little knowledge of the potential promise that may come to fruition by helping those whose lives we can and do impact in such small ways such as clothing, dishes, bedding and shelter, which we take for granted, but which mean so much to those in need.

We heard last month that this is the Year of the Rabbit, and prosperity and happiness should flow. Let each of us take the time to learn, grow, help others, have fun, be a fountain of knowledge for others, and a support system for all the women in our lives. I say this not only to Women - but to men as well, who see and understand our vision in WCR about empowering women to become stronger, to be self-determined individuals, to be accountable for their life choices and to create their own success. We can see this vision at work in all we do in Women's Council of REALTOR'S. Lets all join hands this year - and make a difference in our World! I look forward to the work we can accomplish,

With my highest Regards,
Judi Hartwell

President Elect

The 2011 Line Officers Trip to San Diego

Judi Hartwell President, Lori Jakubowski President Elect, and Katie Linares VP of Membership attended the first State Meeting of the year for Women’s Council of REALTORS Jan 24-25, 2011 in San Diego, California. Our two days were filled with lectures, discussions, and some fluff.

We heard two great speakers. On Monday Colette Carlson spoke on, “Ask and You Shall Succeed”. Colette is the author of the book “Speak the Truth”. She shared with us the truth of gender communication and leveraging our language for maximum results. Emphasizing how we as men and women communicate differently, her points included:

*Harnessing the power of non verbal communication.

*Recognizing the difference between venting and fixing.

*Speaking clearly and directly in your business and personal life.

*Gracefully accept compliments and criticisms.

She ended her speaking engagement with a funny skit about how women multitask. She had our newly elected State President Sherri Souza , wearing all sorts of crazy props to demonstrate her ideas and it was super funny.

On Tuesday, our speaker was Jim Suth, the Sales Trainer for D. R. Horton Homebuilders, which is considered one of the largest home builders in the United States. He uses humor to both motivate and encourage his sales staff. He emphasized that their business model is different from many home builders, in that their new homes sales staff is encouraged to work with the Realtor community. They see the relationship as one of cooperation and they welcome all Buyers Agents to come to their communities. They believe in always paying a commission to the realtor who brings a buyer. He spoke about the stresses of being in real estate in today’s market. He was extremely entertaining and funny. He really knew how to use humor to reach his audience.

Some other highlights were the breakout sessions that we attended giving us ideas on how to fund –raise for our chapters. There were a variety of ideas tossed about to include an American Idol contest, Calendar sales, teas and fashion shows. Some chapters have been very successful with their events.

The other breakout session was about Membership, Retention and Recruitment. We learned that the first quarter is a National Membership Drive and we can earn points for our chapter by retaining our old members and by recruiting new Realtor members. So please renew your membership today. To those interested in joining… we welcome you in becoming new members.

Our last evening culminated with the Installation of the 2011 New State Leadership. Sherri Souza our State President’s theme for the year is the “Power of Pink”. Her message was one about women and their power. We think of little girls and we think of the color pink…the mixture of powerful Red and White. Pink the color associated with the brave fight against breast cancer…she sees the color as both powerful and feminine all in one. Sherri is a very vibrant, successful woman and realtor. She will make a great leader and President for our organization heading into 2011.

W e had a busy time networking with many other realtors across the state. I can truly say that Women's Council of REALTORS is an organization filled will some wonderful men and women.

Synopsis of February Business Resource Meeting 

Women's Council of REALTORS, through their monthly Business Resource Meeting in February, focused on the Economic State of Monterey County. Panelist included; Dewayne Woods, Monterey County Budget Director, Michael Schoeder, Managing Partner of Cassidy Turley BT Commercial, Mary Ann Leffel, President of Monterey County Business Council andAnn Love McPherson served as Facilitator, Owner/Commercial Broker of Love Realty.

The Panel offered important information about the County budget, commercial property values leasing rates and potential new businesses coming into our County. Michael Schoeder expects this year to be a much better year for commercial property owners. Some companies sitting on the fence have made commitments to go forward with their business plans this year. He also reported there have so far been very few short sales or foreclosures in commercial properties. Dewayne Woods explained how the county is working to get costs down to match up with expected revenue through 2013. This is a challenge but the determined efforts by the County hopefully will achieve their goals. Mary Ann Leffel, President of Monterey Business Council explained how her organization works to stimulate new businesses to locate in Monterey and to help keep existing businesses strong and positive as they maneuver through the downturns they have experienced. The Business Council's goal through a number of avenues both public and private is to balance County-wide economic development, diversity employment opportunities, achieve economic sustainability and make infrastructure improvements to help maintain and sustain a healthy business community.

Forum V Meeting

Please join us for what’s certain to be an exciting event:

The 2012 Project at Rancho Canada, Carmel, CA

The Women’s Council of Realtors (WRC) mission statement reads:

"We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.”

With that statement in mind we would like to encourage all our members, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and interested citizens to attend a presentation entitled:

“The 2012 Project: A Year of Opportunity for Women in Real Estate — Don’t Get Mad, Get Equal”.

The presentation will be held at Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel, CA on Wednesday April 20, 2011 from 11am-2:00 pm and is sponsored by the WCR Forum V – Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Yosemite Chapters.

The event – which will enhance network opportunities as well as encourage women to pursue public office opportunities, costs $30 and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required as we need to plan the luncheon.

Please visit our website www.wcrmonterey.com for tickets and information.

The 2012 Project’s nonpartisan national vision is to encourage women with expertise in real estate, science, energy, technology, and certain other targeted sectors to pursue public office. The objective is to expand the breadth of knowledge among U.S. policymakers by ensuring a woman’s point of view. The presentation promotes women’s leadership and suggests new dimensions for women’s careers.

The percentage of American women holding public office has not increased over the last decade. Today, women hold 24 percent of legislative offices, and 17 percent of U.S. Senate and Congressional seats. The 2012 Project targets women with certain expertise and knowledge in various critical fields, and connects them to political resources.

New electoral opportunities will be available in 2012 and now is the time to prepare to fill them with women.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this important and informative event.

Membership Corner

In January I attented my first State Board Meeting  and installation in San Diego along with Judi and Lori.  Sherri Souza our 2011 State President and her leadership team were very impressive. I attended Leadership Development and Chapter Effectiveness meetings which addressed the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining members on the local level.  It gave me the opportunity to hear from some of todays top leaders in our industry and bring back to our chapter a wealth of information to share .

As the new VP of Membership, I look forward  to serving and participating in growing our chapter. If you know of someone who would like to become a member of this fine organization, please give me a call or drop me an email. I appreciate everyones patiece as I learn the ropes in this new position.

Katie Linares

We currently have 68 National Members and 38 Affiliate Members.

2011 Women's Council of REALTOR® Board And Committees

Standard Committees
Parliamentarian - Danette Roberts
Bylaws Chair - Gloria Reese 
Education & Programs Chair - Karen Calley
Finance & Budget Chair - Katie Linares
Nominating Chair - Gloria Reese
Ways & Means Chair - Lori Jakubowski

Special Committees
Communications Chair - Kathleen Randazzo
Fashion Show Chair - Sarah Fontecchio
Historian & Phtographer - Doree Hyland
Hospitality Chair - Tina Adams
Technology Chair - Noni McVey
Liaison to Charities - Arleen Hardenstein
Newsletter Chair - Noni McVey
Sponsorship Chair - Gloria Reese
Annual Report - Elizabeth Williams

Strategic Partners

First Governing Meeting

2011 State Chapter Meeting San Diego

Asset Managers Resource Meeting

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