We are Realtors. We are Americans. Today there is not one amongst us who is the same as before September 11. We have been transfixed and transformed by the most inconceivable of realities. And yet, we are still Realtors, and we are still Americans. As Realtors we are gathered together here in Myrtle Beach to learn how to conduct our business better, to plan for a future that is uncertain and ever changing. Little did we know a few days ago just how uncertain. And we gather to mourn and to celebrate at the same time, and there is good reason for both mourning and celebration. After all, we are Realtors. And we are Americans.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I will never again read the Preamble of our Code of Ethics without thinking of the wrenching images of New York and Washington, DC and the task that lies before us, for it is our Code that reminds us that “the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization… require the highest and best use of the land…. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.”

We are further admonished that, as Realtors, we have a “grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty… for which [we] should be diligent in preparing [our]selves.” This is why we are here. This is what makes us Realtors. And it is at the heart of what makes us Americans.

Our Realtor family, like virtually all organizations and businesses across the nation and around the world, has stepped up to the plate to provide a small measure of assistance in this trying time in the form of the “Realtors Housing Relief Fund.” I know that every person in this room has found some way to help the victims and our nation grow past the horror. And grow past it we shall, for it is our calling as Realtors to ensure that those displaced have a roof, that those who have lost a bread winner don’t lose their shelter. And I have no doubt that Realtors will be on the front line providing aid and comfort where possible, guidance and expertise when asked. We do it every day in our business without thinking about it. It’s what we do. We are Realtors. And we are Americans.

You will be hearing inspired words from many peers today, each of whom could make us proud. And, whatever my role may be in the future leadership of this organization, I can say with the utmost confidence that I am extremely proud to be a Realtor. And prouder still to be an American.

Inns for Sale | Services | About Us | Referrals | Seminars | Articles  | Links  | Home
The Innkeeper's Resource™

The B&B Team, Inc.
Inn Consultants and Brokers Since 1993
With Offices in Virginia and Maine
Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Maine

PETER SCHERMAN    ~    P.O. Box 399    ~    Scottsville, VA 24590    ~    434-286-4600    ~    bbteam@bbteam.com
RICK WOLF    ~    35 Western Avenue    ~    Kennebunk, ME 04043    ~    207-967-1995    ~    rick@bbteam.com

www.bbteam.com
The Innkeeper's Resource^tm

Copyright © 2001-2008 The B&B Team, Inc. All rights reserved
Website architecture and hosting by Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc
"The B&B Team" and the pineapple logo are registered trademarks of The B&B Team, Inc.
Click here to see The B&B Team's Privacy Policy