Suncoast Realtor Association To Debut.
The members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) and Manatee Association of Realtors (MAR) voted to merge the two organizations. The new group will be called the Suncoast Realtor Association, pending the approval of the National Association of Realtors. The vote was held at the SAR Annual Meeting and a specially convened MAR meeting.
The merger, which will take effect January 1, 2015, will combine the membership of both associations, which currently stands at around 5,250 Realtors and 489 business partners. The boards of directors of both associations will continue to serve out their terms through December 31, 2014.
“The overwhelming approval for the merger indicates that this is a move whose time has come,” said SAR President Peter Crowley. “Members understand that Sarasota and Manatee counties operate as one market and that it makes sense to pool our resources. Our community can be proud of the forward-thinking action taken by Realtors today.”
“Our next steps are to work together to begin a strategic planning process, prepare a budget for 2015 and appoint volunteers to serve on committees,” said MAR President Sherry Grooms. “We will also be creating a new logo and developing a new website. There is a lot to do between now and January 1.”
As part of the merger vote, members also approved a slate of officers and directors for the combined group, to be led by President Stafford Starcher. “I am honored to be the first President of the Suncoast Realtor Association during this historic time,” said Starcher. “I look forward to working with the combined talent of both organizations.”
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