Over the last 20 years, the Houston Association of REALTORS® has earned a reputation as a leader in the real estate industry. From technology to education, HAR is known for blazing trails and setting precedents. Our political advocacy efforts are no different.
Coming off of a record-setting fundraising year in 2015, the HAR TREPAC leadership and staff set a very large goal for this year. Beginning October 1, 2015, we launched our Mission 1 Million, a campaign to become the first local REALTOR® association in the United States to raise $1,000,000 for our Political Action Committee. In what was supposed to be a down year for REALTORS®, we decided to stick with HAR tradition and blaze a trail where none had been before.
This year’s fundraising efforts have been a testament to the strength of our members, affiliates, and sponsors to come together and further the culture and growth of TREPAC at HAR. Starting with the Montgomery County Field Day, a new event that was incredibly fun, and finishing with Bay Area Casino Night, honoring long-time TREPAC supporter and former Trustee, Billy Burt (and raising more money than any event we’ve ever done), this has been an amazing year! We increased our number of Major Investors by nearly 150% and had the largest Major Investor Appreciation Event ever, with guests from all over the country attending alongside several of our local elected officials. It was a very special night.
So, it is with gratitude, appreciation, and nearly uncontainable excitement that I announce that the Houston Association of REALTORS® has become the first local REALTOR® association to raise $1 million for our PAC. Mission 1 Million – Accomplished!
Thank you to every Houston REALTOR, affiliate member, and sponsor who invested in the future of the real estate industry this year. This achievement would never have happened without you and your support of the REALTOR® Party. You continue to prove that the Houston real estate family is willing to step up when called upon.
And, boy do we need you to step up now. This year’s legislative session will be one of the most important sessions we’ve been involved in. After a resounding legislative success two years ago, where we saw the passing of bills that raised the homestead exemption, banned transfer taxes on real estate, and lowered license renewal fees for Brokers, this year we will attempt to tackle the property tax issues plaguing our state. If you haven’t had a chance to familiarize yourself with this campaign, please visit www.hidddenpropertytax.com today.
On a personal note, I would like to thank a few people. First, thank you to Chairman Mario Arriaga, also a former TREPAC Trustee, for allowing me to be a part of his leadership team. Vicki Fullerton, our TAR Chair for 2017, has been a constant force and supporter of TREPAC for the past 15 years and none of this would have been possible without her. Our current TREPAC Trustees and the members of the HAR TREPAC Advisory Group are some of the hardest working volunteers out there and are directly responsible for this achievement. We are also extremely fortunate to have leaders like Bob Hale and Rene Galvan in our association. Without them, the culture of political advocacy at HAR would not exist. Finally, we are blessed with the very best fundraising staff in the country in Karen Driscoll and Aracely Arrazolo. These ladies work tirelessly to put together events, coordinate volunteer activities, and keep everything on track and moving towards our goals.
It is has been my privilege to serve you this year as Chair of the HAR TREPAC Advisory Group. Thank you for your support. Remember, if real estate is your profession, politics is your business. I look forward to working with you for years to come to ensure that the REALTORS® and property owners in Texas are protected from overreaching government regulation and interference.
With gratitude,
Chance Brown
2016 HAR TREPAC Chairman
