By: Guest Author, Vice President of Political Operations, Anthony Reedy

This week, nearly 10,000 REALTORS^® from around the United States converged on Washington, D.C. for the annual NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Show. The conference’s packed agenda included governance meetings, educational session, inspirational speakers, RPAC celebrations, and Capitol Hill Visits.

Thousands of REALTORS^® traversed Capitol Hill on Wednesday and Thursday, carrying information packets with the classic R^® logo, to spread that message with Members of Congress. The advocacy message also included a push for a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program with much needed reforms, finalizing the rules for Qualified Opportunity Zones with an extended application deadline, and passing a law to codify Fair Housing protections for the LGBTQ community.

The overarching theme of the week was a focus on the REALTORS^® “That’s Who We R^®” campaign, a new public relations effort to remind consumers and policy makers about the value of REALTORS^® to the consumer and the community.

The work of 1.3 million REALTORS^® across the country drives approximately one-fifth of our nation’s gross domestic product, boosting local economies and providing a path to prosperity for families.

NAR celebrated REALTORS^® who have invested much in these advocacy efforts that the RPAC Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. NAR recognized a dozen Virginia REALTORS^® who reached either $50,000 or $25,000 in lifetime giving to RPAC. The Virginia Inductees who reached this milestone in 2018 are:

$50,000 RPAC Hall of Fame Level

Tom Jefferson – Richmond

 $25,000 RPAC Hall of Fame Level

Robert Dawson – Lynchburg

Claire Forcier-Rowe – Short Pump

Lynn Grimsley – Newport News

Margaret Handley – McLean

Shane McCullar – Alexandria

Susan Mekenney – Springfield

Denise Ramey – Charlottesville

Zinta Rodgers-Rickert – Chantilly

Karen Smith – Richmond

Suzy Stone – Fredericksburg

Mack Strickland – Chester