Real estate professionals and community members gathered Tuesday to celebrate the retirement of former Rockford Area REALTORS® CEO Steve Bois, who led the local association for the past 10 years.

Guests described Bois as a dedicated leader who focused his efforts on economic development as well as member professionalism and engagement. He thanked attendees for their belief in him and his unique vision for the local REALTOR® community. During his time with the Rockford Area REALTORS®, he initiated a regional collaboration with politicians and economic development groups that resulted in the involvement of REALTORS® in key community-building initiatives.

As a result, area REALTORS® have been involved in key economic development initiatives across the region over the last decade, including:

  • passing of the City of Rockford Roads Referendum (a 1% sales tax funding local street and infrastructure repairs);
  • the successful RPS 205 Schools Referendum, a $250 million buildings plan adding two new schools and 13 major facility additions;
  • the Rockford Homebuyer’s Property Tax Refund Program, giving a three-year property tax rebate to purchasers of a distressed or foreclosed home in the City of Rockford, in which a total of 51 properties were redeveloped in the program’s first year; and
  • a campaign to land a third campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Rockford, which delivered other tangible benefits to the regional aerospace business cluster.

“Over the last decade, we’ve created a new role for Rockford Area Realtors®,” said Rockford President Shane Van Sickle, “that has helped improve the economic climate of the Rockford region, while simultaneously building the involvement and visibility of REALTORS®. This is a novel approach for REALTOR® associations across the country.”

Current Rockford Area REALTORS® CEO Conor Brown said, “I would like to thank Steve for his commitment to the Rockford Area REALTORS® for the last decade. Steve’s leadership and direction boosted our public profile significantly, while also stimulating member participation and involvement within our association.”