CR Magazine - Spring 2017 (Sales Awards)

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
In my Inaugural address, I challenged each of you to be
uncommon. In this, the Sales Awards issue of Chicago
REALTOR ® Magazine, we honor many of you who have
responded overwhelmingly to that challenge. I am so
proud of all your accomplishments — both in your sales achievements
and your benevolence.
My goal as president is to have our membership lead productive,
stable and financially sound lives. We are definitely on track.
Sales Awards is an annual celebration of our individual successes,
collectively as an industry. As REALTORS ® , our depth goes beyond
sales, leasing, and management. Success is not an easy road — we
work incredibly long hours, sacrificing family and friendships, while
remaining stewards and pillars of the communities we live in and
serve. We are generous and giving individuals. We give our time,
talents and expertise, including financial and emotional support.
I have had the opportunity to engage with so many of you and
discuss your achievements in this regard. The outpouring of initiatives
coupled with increased sales volumes from last year insinuates the
outstanding efforts generated by you, our membership.
Your stories of charitable endeavors include assisting the homeless
in finding shelter and warm meals, helping those without families
to engage at ministries, and raising ongoing awareness to our
industry causes, including All Chicago, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and REALTORS ® to the Rescue, and many of your
own personal causes, including Cystic Fibrosis, Make-A-Wish, and so many others. I'm in awe of you and your outpouring of
financial and time-dedicated energies — all the while running successful practices and helping to solidify our position in the
communities we live and serve daily.
Often, we make the difference in our communities and help to create opportunities for growth. Take a moment to learn
more about how you can enact change — this year, for the first time, a second panel at our Market Outlook event discussed
REALTOR ® involvement in economic development. Alderman Brian Hopkins and Alderman Raymond Lopez, along with
developer Keith Lord of the Lord Companies, share their perspectives on page 37.
I want to give a very special thank you to our RPAC Industry Champions, who are recognized in these pages for putting their
money where their mouth is — ensuring private property rights are protected. I have repeatedly mentioned probable and
significant changes to the tax code that are on the table as we face a swiftly-moving Congress. These RPAC donations enable
our voices to rise above the chatter and forge a strong and reputable position on this and many other potential regulations.
Our industry and our communities continue to rely on us and we can help preserve their longevity. I thank you for your
support. I thank you for your incredible dedication to our industry and the many causes you deem worthy. I wish you continued
and abundant success this year and for years to come. The seeds we plant today take root and become our desired futures.
30 Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine
MATT SILVER
2016-2017 President
Chicago Association of REALTORS ®