The Inaugural Celebration has already begun, so I’ll have to keep this post short. This morning’s general session was, as Dave mentioned earlier, a touching tribute to 2007 VAR President Melanie Thompson, and a warm welcome to 2008 VAR President Pat Jensen. Demonstrating that REALTORS have perhaps the best collective sense of humor of any profession, the general session was filled with jokes, spoofs, pranks and plenty of laughter. A vocal sextet of VAR members performed a variation of The Sound of Music’s “So Long, Farewell…” for Melanie Thompson, the dress rehearsal of which can be seen below (that’s VAR’s CEO, Scott Brunner, coaching).
VAR’s incoming officers were sworn in by incoming NAR president, Charles McMillan, with the exception of Pat Jensen, who had Ann Palmateer, VAR’s 2002 president, do the honors.
Once the swearings-in, send-offs and speeches were done, Quality Service Certified president Larry Romito delivered a convincing keynote address about how providing the best service is the key to higher profit and lower risk. His QSC training seminar was sold out today, adding several dozen new QSC certified REALTORS to Virginia’s ranks.
The trade show floor was packed once again today, and our Social Media Lab techs added at least another five REALTOR bloggers to the online community.
As I departed the successful Virginia Real Estate Bloggercon, the RPAC major donors reception was in full swing. And now that I’ve posted this summary of today, as I saw it anyway, I’m going back out to work! I’ve already missed the first 23 minutes of the Inaugural Celebration.
October 3, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Those six gals singing that farewell song will not be soon forgotten. The coordinated standing and waving of the VLA classes along with the sestet (which is what I think you call six singers) was a sign of humor but also an example of the support structure that goes with our leadership model in the REALTOR family. As fun as that was, it’s reassuring to know that Mel isn’t going anywhere. Her wisdom, inspiration and heart are going to be around for awhile. Thanks Melanie, for all you’ve done for REALTORS!!!!!
October 4, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Well, I returned to Winchester tonight all fired up, but who wouldn’t be after spending two sessions with Terry Watson at the helm. Who didn’t just have tears in their eyes at the 800k and 28mil $ counteroffers – and I want to hear from every one who puts fridge magnets on their vehicles. My husband, Mick, has been so good to listen to my Terry Watson stories tonight. He has no idea he has yet to listen to me go on about Zan Monroe, Larry Romito & Lem Marshal, Jim & Ben, and all the wonderful personalities I ran into who made an impression on me, and who I hope to see next year! I like Matthew’s challenge. I’ll do my best for next year. Congrats, Matthew, and the rest of the class of 2007! I know both my clients and myself will benefit from all of your hard work and the contributions you’ll continue to make as your careers progress.