Over 250 Alabama REALTORS® recently gathered in Montgomery to attend 2023 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. Members enjoyed networking with fellow REALTORS® and political leaders from all three branches of government while advocating for REALTOR® issues. This year was exceptionally special as Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation declaring March 14, 2023  as “REALTOR® Day” in Alabama.

The morning session was held at The Renaissance Hotel and included a warm welcome from AAR President RaJane Johnson, panel discussions with legislative leaders, a luncheon featuring Dr. Tanjula Petty and Dr. Kimberly Robinson, a legislative briefing from CEO Jeremy Walker, and the presentation of the 2022 ARPAC Awards.

The first panel of the morning was a Political Panel moderated by Alabama Daily News publisher Todd Stacy featuring Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton. The panel focused on the 2023 Legislative Session and walked members through several topics that will be of importance to REALTORS® and communities across Alabama.

The second panel was an Economic Development discussion moderated by Alabama Media Group's Liz Laurie Bogie featuring Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. Secretary Canfield praised the hard work of REALTORS^®, including them among the best champions of economic development in the state. Members were able to hear the latest on economic development in Alabama and left the discussion feeling inspired to sell their communities and the lasting economic potential of each part of the state.

The third and final panel of the morning focused on lawsuit abuse, specifically frivolous lawsuits that hurt small businesses in Alabama. Mecca Musick of Yellowhammer News and 256 Today moderated the panel and was joined by Russell Davis, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Alabama, and Paul Pinyan, Executive Director of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Members were informed about the importance of Alabama’s court system and the negative impact bad rulings can have on small businesses and the economy.

Before making the trip over to the State House, President-Elect Senia Johnson and ARPAC Chair Timothy Mills presented the 2022 APRAC Awards to the local boards that met - and exceeded - our 2022 ARPAC goals. 

This award recognizes the Associations that went above and beyond in recruiting Major Investors in 2022 and had the highest Major Investor Goal in each board category:

Mobile Area (Large Board)
Tuscaloosa  (Medium Board)
Covington (Small Board)

In addition to the winners, the following boards reached 100% of the Major Investor Goal in 2022:

Morgan County
Athens Limestone 
East Alabama 
Wiregrass 
Southeast Alabama
Lee County 
Lake Martin Area 
Marshall County 
Shoals Area

The Governor’s Cup focuses on success in three major fundraising indexes – Major Investors, Participation, and Overall Fundraising rankings. 3 Associations met this challenge and were recognized:

East Alabama
Southeast Alabama
Covington

This award recognizes the local boards that aggressively defend and promote REALTOR® legislative interests, maintain favorable communications with elected officials, and surpass all others in ARPAC support.

Medium Board Winner - Tuscaloosa
Large Board Winner - Baldwin

Following the morning session, REALTORS® spent the afternoon advocating at the State House and meeting with their senators and representatives from across the state. Members in the Senate gallery were also recognized by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth.

The day concluded with REALTORS®, elected officials, and members of the Legislature gathered outside of the AAR building for the annual legislative reception. Attendees enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres, live music, and the opportunity to further discuss issues facing the real estate industry amongst their peers and lawmakers.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. It is because of you, that our presence is felt in our Capitol. We are proud to serve you and to be the voice for real estate in Alabama.

To view more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page here.