Letter to the Board: October 8, 2024

Letter to the Board: October 8, 2024

Dear AAR Board of Directors, 

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the cooler weather. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting of the 2024 AAR Board of Directors on Wednesday October 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be at the Alabama Association of REALTORS® Building (522 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL). Sign-in will begin at 8:30 AM. 

The purpose of the meeting will be to consider governance proposals from our Governance and Elections Presidential Advisory Group (PAG) that has been meeting for nearly three years. The PAG’s recommendations will include updates to the Association’s Policies and Procedures, to be considered by the Board of Directors, and proposed changes to the Bylaws, to be considered by the Membership. The proposals will reflect the dedication of many members who have generously contributed their time away from their businesses and families for the betterment of the state association and its members. We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this process. The resource page for the 2024 Board of Directors can be found here. 

Governance Proposals and Recommendations: Here is an overview of the governance proposals and recommendations: 

  • Motion 1- Articles of Incorporation: This proposed update to the Articles of Incorporation aligns our organization with recent changes to state law. Our Articles of Incorporation were originally filed in 1949 and last updated in 1969. Since then, state laws have changed significantly. In response to the Alabama Legislature’s updates to the Non-Profit Statute (2023) and the creation of the Statewide Trade Association Act (2024), the proposed update to the Articles of Incorporation would bring consistency with the new laws. The proposed update would reflect our existing practices as outlined in our bylaws and policies, without altering our current operations. Additionally, the proposed update will remove outdated references, such as AAR being a male-only organization, and update the name of the National Association to its current name. (Motion 1 can be found on the BOD Resource Page) 
  • Motion 2 – This proposal would update director terms, definitions, and standardize the vacancy process. (Motion 2 can be found on the BOD Resource Page) 
  • Motion 3 – This proposal would update the credentials and elections committee, establish a new candidate qualification process with background checks for officer candidates, and introduce campaign rules, including a complaint and violation process. (Motion 3 can be found on the BOD Resource Page) 

Please let us know if you are unable to attend the Board of Directors meeting. The Meeting is for the 2024 AAR Board of Directors. Space and overflow seating is limited. Parking will be available in the Association’s parking lot at 502 Washington Avenue. The attire for the Directors Meeting is business casual. 2 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Given the early start time, AAR has secured a room block for Directors who wish to arrive the night before the Meeting. Rooms are reserved at the SpringHill Suites in downtown Montgomery for the night of Tuesday, October 29. Our AAR staff will need to book the room on your behalf. If you would like a hotel room, please fill out the request form here. A confirmation email will follow once your room is booked. The deadline to request a hotel room is Friday October 25 by 12:00PM. 

MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The Membership Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM or immediately following the AAR Board of Directors Meeting to consider the PAG’s recommendations. Your participation is essential, so please make plans to stay. We expect both meetings to conclude by noon. Lunch will be provided for all attendees after the Membership Meeting. (More information here

Please reach out to myself, CEO Jeremy Walker, or Melissa Williams prior to the meeting if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. 

Thank you for your leadership, support, and service on the Board! 

Warm regards, 

Senia Johnson Signature

Senia Johnson, 2024 President

Alabama Association of REALTORS®

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