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.
The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) hosted a virtual discussion between Peoria-area CEOs and members titled, “COVID-19 Impacts, Initiatives and Recovery.” The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Council also partnered in the event.
Outcomes are improved when we work together toward a common goal, whether that is fighting a global pandemic, achieving RPAC fundraising goals or supporting sound policies which enhance economic growth and neighborhood vitality. PAAR provided a platform for its membership to engage in a meaningful, in-depth discussion about the current economic condition of the Greater Peoria Region in the COVID environment.
Retaining people and supporting small business were common themes in the messages from the GPEDC and the Chamber. According to Chris Setti of the GPEDC, “The best COVID recovery strategy we can have is to diversify economically so that we are more resilient to economic shock. We need to increase the development of scalable businesses that can develop and grow into bigger businesses – businesses that aren’t just born here, but grow up here.”
The Region’s real estate market has been a bright spot, economically. According to PAAR member Jeff Kolbus, “Consumer confidence is higher than we could ever have imagined. That has helped our marketplace. There are so many positive signs that the community is starting to feel it.”
Impacts
REALTOR® Pat McCarthy asked about the biggest challenges facing the EDC and Chamber memberships. Both responded that job loss is the greatest challenge encountered by their members. However, the Region’s job loss didn’t start in March with COVID. The Region suffered some earlier hits from larger employers shifting their workforce elsewhere. Echoing the need for economic diversification, Setti said, “We need more companies that employ 500 or fewer workers, and fewer companies employing 10,000 or more.”
Initiatives
The GPEDC has a goal to better track Regional economic data. To that end, it has created a COVID Recovery Dashboard with PAAR providing the latest housing data. The COVID Recovery Dashboard will not only tell the story of where the Region stands economically, but can also serve to influence policy.
According to Joshua Gunn, Chamber CEO, “Economic development has flip-flopped. It used to be that large companies would set-up shop and employees would follow. Today, companies are following where the talent is, so we have to do more in the way of talent attraction.”
Recovery
PAAR President, Kendra Sipes, emphasized that REALTORS® are champions, cheerleaders, and advocates for the communities in which they live and work. Sipes stated, “REALTORS® are passionate civic advocates. Even in the most turbulent of times, we work to fulfill our clients’ dreams, build businesses, and cultivate strong communities. We need to remain positive on the stories we share with our clients about the Greater Peoria Region.”
The PAAR was pleased to host this “State of the Region” event and looks forward to working with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to achieve what is best for the residents and property owners of the Greater Peoria Region.
PAAR is led by CEO Reginia Tuttle, President Kendra Sipes, President-elect Jason Catton, Treasurer Jennifer Hamm and Immediate Past President Suzanne Miller. The association serves more than 760 members.
