Joan and I attended the National REIA Mid-Year Leadership Conference June 23 – 26, 2009, in San Antonio. While the temperature (100° – 105°) and humidity (90%+) were close to unbearable the conference was great. I always return with several ideas to make AZREIA even better. More on one great idea we implemented soon after we returned later in this article.
AZREIA was again fortunate to receive several awards recognizing the value we provide our members. There are over 200 REIAs across the country and AZREIA swept six of eight national awards recognizing us with the Award of Excellence as the best REIA in the country in the following categories:
- Best Professional Education
- Best Government Affairs
- Best Convention & Trade Show
- Best Community Program
- Best Membership Development
- Best Printed Communication
But wait, there’s more! AZREIA, along with a small handful of other groups, was the first to receive the Circle of Excellence designation. This designation recognizes any group that achieves a high level of achievement across several key areas. Not every group will win an Award of Excellence, but any group that puts in the effort can qualify to receive the Circle of Excellence designation. We are proud to have qualified.
Yes, it was a little odd walking up to the stage seven times to receive each award and the Circle of Excellence, but it didn’t get old.
I want to assure every member AZREIA will not rest on its laurels. The national conference is all about the REIAs sharing ideas. Every year I share everything I can think of that AZREIA does in hope of helping other REIAs. At the same time I always get ideas from the other groups.