Champaign County-area REALTORS® and some of Illinois REALTORS®’ leadership team welcomed the National Association of REALTORS® “Riding with the Brand” bus as it made a brief stop at the University of Illinois campus on Wednesday. The bus has been crisscrossing the country on a national road trip, raising awareness of the value REALTORS® bring to homeownership and communities.

During the REALTOR® Team Tailgate, attendees were able to take photos with the bus and tour the customized interior. Jeff Kolbus, the 2024 Illinois REALTORS® treasurer nominee, said the event represents the unity of the three levels of the REALTOR® association family: local, state and national. The Champaign County Association of REALTORS® hosted the tailgate.

The Riding with the Brand campaign also seeks to raise awareness and support of the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, which provides housing-related assistance to victims of disaster. Michael D. Oldenettel, a former Illinois REALTORS® president, spoke of the important role of providing relief, including the Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation, which helps Illinois residents, including those affected by the June 29 storms in Central Illinois.