I am a firm believer that as REALTORS we should be invested in the community. That includes giving back to the community wherever you can. Over the years I've gotten involved in a lot of different ways of giving back to the community.
Several years ago I was asked to serve on the State College Area School District's Community Advisory Committee for Facilities. This committee helps the facilities director make recommendations to the local school board regarding the buildings and facilities of the school district. Most recently we helped the district work through the referendum process to do a a $115 Million renovation to our high school. We were only the second school district in Pennsylvania to pass a referendum of this sort since they became required. Currently we're working on three elementary school renovation/replacement projects as well.
Another area where I serve is on my local Township's planning commission. This is also beneficial to my real estate career cince I tend to know what is going on with local regulations, zoning, and development in the works. This lets me become a source to my clients not only when I'm working with them but afterwards as well. We meet twice a month and not only make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding developments but we also help shape the regulations and ordnances of the township. I served 2 years as Secretary, 2 years as Vice Chairman, and 2 years as Chairman.
I'm currently the local Association of REALTORS President for the last 2 years. Serving on the Board of Directors is a way to help guide the way Realtors serve their clients in a professional manner.
I think that every real estate agent should take it upon themselves to find a cause that they believe in and find a way to give back to their community. The people you help on those committee may someday wind up being your clients. All our of customers and clients can benefit from the time that we put in giving back to the community.
