Congresswoman Robin Kelly and IAR GAD Tom Joseph

More than 375 people – including members of Congress and the Illinois General Assembly – attended biennial local REALTOR® association government affairs forums in mid-October.

On Oct. 15, the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MORe) thanked 40 south suburban community officials for their public service at a dinner at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park.  Two days later, the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® held a breakfast event at the Bolingbrook Golf Course in Bolingbrook and honored 40 more government representatives.

(l to r) Shorewood Mayor Rich Chapman, Will County Board Member Jim Moustis, REALTOR Judy Panozzo (Past Chairman GAC), Zoning Commissioner Hugh Stipan, Will County Board Member Bob Howard

Tom Joseph, an Illinois Association of REALTORS® governmental affairs director, said the gatherings allow REALTORS® to explain some of the real estate issues facing their communities and what our advocacy means.

 

Palos Hills Mayor Gerry Bennett (left) and Flossmoor Mayor Richard Hofeld

Joseph said more than 220 REALTORS® attended the MORe dinner. About 80 came to the Three Rivers breakfast. At both events, the Illinois Housing Development Authority provided an update on programs to help first-time homebuyers, veterans and others get affordable financing in Illinois.

“Having IHDA really helps demonstrate to municipalities the importance of our relationships and the need to work with the real estate industry,” Joseph said. “Our local associations are unique in their ability to attract elected officials to their forums.”

Greg Faulkner, IHDA

Joseph said the events attracted U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster and U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, as well as 40 mayors, numerous county board members and state legislators.

“The events are great demonstrations of grassroots advocacy and RVoice,” Joseph said.

(l to r) State Rep. John Anthony, Tom Joseph and State Rep. Emily McAsey

Joseph said the associations have conducted a total of 22 government affairs forums over the last 13 years.