Greetings friends!
Yesterday proved to be a fun-filled and adventurous day for me and several of my peers, as we did a trek to the State Capital building in Austin.
The State Legislature named March 27, 2007: Texas Realtor Day, and I can assure you hundreds of Realtors showed up to show our support. A group of ten of us flew down to Austin, leaving Midland at 7:00am sharp. SouthWest Airlines got us to Austin ahead of schedule and we were on our way. Now, how we managed to fit nine people into a seven passenger van is beyond explaination, but quite funny! No, I can't post any photos of the event. Suffice to say we all know each other much better and the term "bonding" has taken on new meaning. (*Sardines anyone?*)
Seriously though, the event was a huge success and quite the learning experience. We met with Drew Darby of San Angelo, Kel Seliger of Amarillo, Buddy West of Odessa and Speaker of the House Tom Craddick and his beautiful and gracious wife, Nadine Craddick. Mrs. Craddick knew a couple members of our party personally, and was generous enough to invite us back for a tour of the newly renovated residential space of the Speaker. For those who do not know, millions of dollars were raised and spent for this renovation process, and I'm happy to report it was well worth the resources. The new space now has the Speaker's office, conference room, living room and dining area, all of which is used to welcome and accomidate delegates and dignitaries from near and far. Texas is a far more welcoming place with this new space at the ready.
The Texas Association of Realtors put together a very well organized and fruitful day. Every member, as far as I can tell, of the Texas Congress, has been met with and visited with on behalf of every home owner, as it is our highest priority to protect home owners and all real estate owners in the state of Texas. One photographer, whom I found myself following all day, said that she was indeed following the Midland group around. "You all are organized, you know where you are going. You're a good group! You can pretty much count on being in the next magazine." Awesome! Now if I had only asked her which magazine she worked for?? ;) I'll report back when I know for sure, but more than likely the Texas Realtor mag. We'll see.
Anyhow, it was a great time! Permian Basin Board of Realtors was well represented and I'm proud and glad I was able to join in with them, and everyone we had worked with yesterday. Thanks go out to Carolyn Arnold of PBBR, Laura Lyons President 2007 PBBR, and everyone else in attendence. Special shout-out to Skeet Doss and Kay Sutton for their close friendship with Mr. & Mrs. Craddick, and the opportunity to visit with them and get the extra guided tour. What a rare opportunity that was, and so much fun!
Take care,
John B.
