Rocky Mountain High on REALTOR® Spirit
Making the trek from Columbia, South Carolina and climbing more than 5,000 feet in elevation to Denver, Colorado, the Riding with the Brand motorcoach pulled into Denver’s bustling downtown to the fanfare of more than 220 Colorado REALTORS®. REALTORS® from across the state – professionals who serve Colorado’s high country, the beautiful plateaus of our western slope, the open countryside of our fruitful plains, and our bustling urban areas – descended upon our capitol city to engage with their lawmakers and learn about what the economy has in store for our industry at the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Economic Summit and REALTOR® Day.
Day one started on a high note with a Riding with the Brand welcome message from VIP Kristy Hairston, NAR’s 2023 RPAC Fundraising Liaison, followed by an economic keynote presentation provided by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting for NAR, and Patty Silverstein, Colorado Economist and President of Development Research Partners. The day continued with a market trends analysis and attainable housing discussion facilitated by Boulder REALTOR® and CAR Spokesperson Kelly Moye, who engaged with industry experts on ways Colorado is leading the nation in affordable housing development and credit building programs. The Colorado Young Professional’s Network partnered with CAR to bring in New Jersey REALTOR® and 30 Under 30 winner Kyle Kovats, who explored how seemingly unrelated consumer trends can help REALTORS® predict house buying activity.
Throughout the day, Colorado REALTORS® had the opportunity to meet and greet with Kristy Hairston and CAR 2023 President Natalie Davis and interact with the Riding with the Brand motorcycle and motorcoach. The motorcoach attracted a lot of attention from both REALTORS® and Denverites alike as it was positioned only a block from the capitol building and steps from 16th street mall. Many photos were taken as Colorado REALTORS® were challenged to post to social media and talk about why they are proud to be a REALTOR®. Within the hotel, attendees enjoyed networking and playing a friendly game of cornhole.
Left to right: CAR CEO Tyrone Adams, Kristy Hairston, CAR Treasurer Dana Cottrell, CAR Appointed Past President Greg Zadel, CAR Member Services Division VP Pam Cass, CAR Legal and Risk Division VP Sean Dougherty, CAR Metro District VP Laura Ruch, CAR Immediate Past President Matthew Hintermeister, CAR AE Representative Amanda Erickson, CAR Western District VP Marjorie Genova, CAR 2023 President-Elect Jason Witt, CAR Government Affairs Division VP Sunny Banka, CAR Southeast District VP Hank Poburka, and 2023 CAR President Natalie Davis.
Colorado REALTORS® raised more than $53,000 for RPAC at the REALTOR® Day Reception, thanks to a room of dedicated Colorado REALTORS® who continue to fight for property rights while keeping their eyes on affordable housing solutions to make homeownership more attainable for more Coloradans.
Day two started bright and early with attendees returning to enjoy breakfast with their legislators, as we were joined by Colorado lawmakers from both the House and Senate. Eleni Angelides, Deputy Legislative Director for Colorado Governor Jared Polis, spoke to Colorado REALTORS® about the importance of housing policy in Colorado. Senator Roberts, Representative Bird, and Representative Mabrey also took the stage to discuss current housing-related bills being considered this session.
The event concluded with an inspiring fireside chat with 2023 CAR President Natalie Davis, NAR’s 2023 RPAC Fundraising Liaison Kristy Hairston, and CAR CEO Tyrone Adams. This powerful trio discussed how the REALTOR® brand impacted their careers, embracing and preparing for change, how to balance work, leadership, and life, and how to make a difference in the real estate industry.
“Colorado’s Riding with the Brand event was a tremendous success as we created an opportunity to showcase the value of a REALTOR® with our members as well as with our local elected officials and community partners. One distinct difference of working with a REALTOR® can be found in our advocacy work, and this year we had the opportunity to identify proposed bills that could directly impact homeownership and property rights for Coloradans.
When it comes to Riding with the Brand, REALTORS® are the brand, and the brand is us. Together, we are working to protect private property rights and advocate for housing availability and attainability,” said 2023 CAR President Natalie Davis.
“Our entire association was honored to be one of the early cities on the Riding with the Brand tour. It was an absolute honor to welcome Kristy Hairston to Denver and our Economic Summit and REALTOR® Day as we came together to share perspectives, gain insights on our state and national economy, meet with our state’s elected leaders, and celebrate the strength and power of the REALTOR® brand and our work on behalf of consumers across the country,” said CAR CEO Tyrone Adams.
CAR’s 2023 Leadership Council kicked Riding with the Brand to the next stop on the tour, Oklahoma, by “kicking it” with the Riding with the Brand motorcoach. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjBhF7I4riM
See event photos here: https://coloradorealtors.smugmug.com/2023/2023-Rday