To many people, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is just a name and a pretty new building on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach, but in reality, the organization plays a major role in the local community.
Plans are being made to increase its infl uence with the installation of ECAR’s new president for 2007, Harry Millsaps.
“When you have a new president-elect, that person gets involved and continues to move the association forward,” said Millsaps, who officially begins his yearlong term Jan. 1.
At 3,300 members strong, ECAR is one of the larger boards in Florida and is expected to continue to grow.
“With the continued growth in the north end of the counties, I think we’ll see 4,000 (members) by the end of 2007,” Millsaps predicted.
One of Millsaps’ goals is to implement a two-tothree year strategic plan that will include making use of technology that, among other things, will allow members from the ever expanding tri-county area to conveniently meet via teleconferencing rather than assembling in person.
He also aspires to educate the public as to “just what it means to be a Realtor.” Agents are required by the State of Florida to complete educational requirements and pass a sales associate’s exam in order to be licensed. Then ECAR takes those requirements one step further with its own tough requirements that includes a strict code of ethics Realtors must adhere to.
Millsaps said another of his goals is to get the word out about the good works these Realtors do.
“Our Realtors are so involved in the community,” he explained. “This is where they live, this is where their hearts are and they are dedicated to giving back and making it a better place. So, I would like the public to understand just what it is that they do.”
Some of the local charities ECAR supports are Shelter House, the Sacred Heart Foundation, Kids for Condos, Buddy Walk Local Camp, Cystic Fibrosis, SOCKS and RUFF.
Although Millsaps’ long range plan extends for at least two years while his term only lasts one, Cliff Chaplin, president-elect for 2007, is ready to take the baton when it’s passed to him in 2008 and pick up where Millsaps leaves off.
“Harry has a lot of the same goals I do,” Chaplin said. “And I’ll take them further when my turn comes.” Chaplin is currently the secretary-treasurer of ECAR for 2006.
Both Millsaps and Chaplin are optimistic about the future and see the market gathering momentum.
“Both October and November were good months. In fact, sales for November 2006 were better than last year,” Millsaps said. “And I think it’s only going to get better in the new year – 2007 is going to be a very good year.”