Illinois REALTORS® breakfasted with members of the state’s delegation to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Monday, July 18, 2016. Left to right are: Immediate Past President Jim Kinney, state Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider, President-elect Doug Carpenter, President Mike Drews, Director of Governmental Affairs Greg St. Aubin and Illinois Republican National Committeeman Richard Porter.

Members of Illinois REALTORS® delegation to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland started their day with a breakfast attended by state policymakers.

Illinois REALTORS® Immediate Past President Jim Kinney poses next to a row of bikes used by security officials at the Republican National Convention. Photo: Greg St. Aubin.

The breakfast is a tradition at the event, and kicks off a week of festivities for those attending the convention.

The attendance at the Republican event will be followed next week by Illinois REALTORS® going to Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention.

Illinois REALTORS® sends a delegation to the conventions each presidential election year because of the access that members have to policymakers in a more informal setting.

The Illinois REALTORS®’ delegation meets with U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis in Cleveland.

According to Greg St. Aubin, director of governmental affairs, the association is one of the few lobbying groups to send representatives to the conventions.

The association’s members are expected to get some access today to the arena where the convention is being held.

Tonight, the association is scheduled to hold a reception for Illinois officials attending the convention.