Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
Successful business leaders of the future will build relationships with mentors, outwork competitors and volunteer generously in their communities, said Gary Clayton, CEO, Illinois REALTORS® during a special event at the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) this spring.
Clayton shared his message with new members of the University of Illinois-Springfield Beta Gamma Sigma scholastic honor society after receiving the 2018 Chapter Honoree Award. The award is given to individuals who support the UIS College of Business and Management and exemplify the qualities Beta Gamma Sigma values most.
A commitment to outworking others, helping the community improve and learning from mentors also played important roles in Clayton’s own career path, he said. Since mentoring played such an important role in his own development as a leader, he encouraged students to do the same for others someday.
“The key is to share with others as my mentors did with me,” he said.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch presents Gary Clayton with the Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter Honoree award.
Beta Gamma Sigma annually admits the top 10 percent of the undergraduate class and the top 20 percent of graduate students. A total of 39 students and one faculty member joined the society during the UIS ceremony.
Beta Gamma Sigma members commit to helping each other throughout their professional lives. They recognize leadership and excellence. They value integrity, honor, earnestness, service and wisdom.
History and Mission of Beta Gamma Sigma
Beta Gamma Sigma honors academic achievement in the study of business, celebrates leadership and professional excellence and advances the values of the society to serve lifelong members. The society was founded in 1913 and is present at the top five business schools around the world. Members serve in corporate, entrepreneurial, government, non-profit and academic sections. Members reside in all 50 states and more than 190 countries.
Learn more about Beta Gamma Sigma.
About Gary Clayton
Clayton has served as the association’s official lobbyist and spokesperson since 1987. He served on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Board of Directors and is the association executive appointed to the NAR Executive Committee. He is vice chair of the Realtors Property Resource Advisory Board and past chair of the NAR Association Executives Committee.
In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious national William R. Magel Award of Excellence, which honors an individual who has truly excelled in his or her role as an association executive of a local or state REALTOR® association. With this honor, he joins the elite membership of the Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society.
He holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership as well as the REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of REALTORS®.
