2016 Leadership Conference: The Power of Connection

The Power of Connection was this year’s Leadership Conference theme and it was apparent from the start.

Arizona REALTORS® (AAR) 2017 President Paula Monthofer opened with a fun, interactive exercise that explored strengths and defined 2017 goals; participants shared how they can help each other achieve them.

A powerful general session followed with three keynote presentations:

  • Terry (AHA guy) Watson. Key takeaways included What is My Better Process? – when you are working with a team, give better direction than I would or I wouldn’t; What Happens in Vegas, Stays on YouTube – we are always on camera and on social media, so act accordingly
  • NAR 2009 President Charles McMillan inspired everyone with his “Heart of a Leader” presentation; two key points were a leader is the first among equals, and true leadership is not from above on a pedestal, or bestowed with a title; it’s working together, shoulder-to-shoulder, moving forward together
  • NAR 2017 President-­Elect Elizabeth Mendenhall emphasized that we are all NAR, you are a brand ambassador of why having a REALTOR® in the transaction is crucial, and professionalism is an attitude not a title.

During lunch, AAR 2016 President Paula Serven was honored for what Arizona REALTORS® CEO Michelle Lind called, “an incredibly successful year, full of accomplishments.”

Lind went on to quote Serven’s broker, Dominic Scappaticci, who said, “Paula has always demonstrated an extremely high level of customer care and professionalism. She has continually devoted herself to the greater good of her clients, industry and agents alike.”

This year’s Community Outreach Award winners were also announced — REALTOR® Doug Groppenbacher for his work with Casa Franciscana Outreach in Guaymas, Mexico, and Local Association SEVRAR for its 2016 Leadership Program class that remodeled a home for House of Refuge.

As if that weren’t enough, the afternoon was chock-full of insightful breakout sessions that included Communicating Your Association’s Unique Value (Paula Monthofer), Untitled Leadership (JT Tsighis), Who’s Taking Care of Business? (Kenny Parcell), Dimensions of Leadership (Sindy Ready) and The Road to Community Involvement (moderator Mandy Neat with panelists Nick Bastian, Gary Cordell, Carl Giordano).

Immediately following a RAPAC Major Investment reception, the installation dinner began with a live musical performance by Jasmine Chamblin. After dinner, Paula Serven presented the 2016 Tyler Strout Vision Award to AAR 2015 President Jim Sexton and the Arthur Crozier Distinguished Service Award to Jan Leighton.

AAR’s 2007 President Holly Mabery installed 2017 leadership during a two-part ceremony that was highlighted by a ceremonial gavel passing to 2017 President Paula Monthofer.

See more memories here.

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