Many times, I’ve told anyone that would listen that I love my job.  

It’s my dream job. I’ve been fortunate to have the honour of contributing as CREB^® President & CEO for just over 11 years. Every single day has brought new challenges and opportunities to serve the needs of Calgary and area REALTORS^®. 

So, why would I be happy about the merger with AREA ending my role? Is it because I’m somehow tired or fed up with this incredibly challenging job? Nope and nope. 

Do I secretly hope this doesn’t get approved on March 15. Same answer – Nope!

Is this such a compellingly good idea that I can’t help but jump out of the way and do everything I can to demonstrate that dissolving CREB^® and me ceasing to be President & CEO is the right thing for our membership? Yep! 

A member recently asked me for my elevator speech on why CREB^® members should vote yes on March 15 and approve the merger with AREA. Here’s how I summed it all up: 

CREB^® was formed 80 years ago. A few years later, those same founders formed the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA). Both organizations had a simple and unique mandate. 

As the world advanced and member expectations grew, the value that each organization provides to members also expanded. Today, with the rapid advancement of technology innovation, we have a situation where there is a lot of overlap in our value propositions, competition between organizations and defence to mitigate external threats. 

This is a systemic problem that only gets worse because boards of directors have an obligation to serve and protect their organization. Collaboration and sharing are not reflexive in this environment and, at the end of it all, every member pays for it all. 

As we arrive at our floor, I’ll close out by saying this proposal started from the operational level where the two CEO’s have developed a clear vision on how CREB^® members would be better served as an integral part of AREA. The decision is now up to you.