In the first training of its kind, four associations from Iowa and Illinois met in April to receive instruction from Bryan Wahl, NAR political consultant, on how local associations can tap into the wide array of resources available through the My REALTOR® Party (MRP) program.

“Many locals have no idea where to begin,” says Shane Johnson, CEO of organization host Quad City Area REALTOR® Association. “Bryan’s half-day training included basic information about specific MRP programs, a suggested starting point for locals, and then follow-up where he matched national programs to the needs of the locals, depending on priorities.”

For those with education on the agenda for the coming year, the training session is a treasure trove. “Much of what we’ll be doing this coming year is education,” explains Bill Malkasian, NAR vice president, political strategic planning. “The Quad City training provided us with a great chance to pilot a local training program and we’re excited to see the results. We’ll be using this as a model for training in the future.”

REALTOR® leaders and staff representatives alike attended from the Iowa City Area REALTOR® Association, the Lamoine Valley Board, the Cedar Rapids Association of REALTORS®, and the Quad City Area REALTOR® Association.

“The national program has a lot of available options,” remarks Pam Jaben, association executive, Iowa City Area REALTOR® Association. “Thanks to the regional training, we’re working through the training materials and the draft plan the Quad Cities put together, shaping them to our local needs. We plan to start small and build from there.”

If you are interested in arranging a similar training, contact your NAR My REALTOR® Party representative at www.MyREALTORparty.org.

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