Chair Matt Giacalone called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m and welcomed the committee to their third and final meeting. He reminded the members that the Golden R Reception was to be that night (Thursday, October 11, 2007) at 6:00 p.m. in the Marriott Hotel, Platinum Room 5.
2007 FUNDRAISING RECAPChair Giacalone reported that C.A.R.’sRAF fundraising numbers have dropped dramatically in 2007. In the fall of 2006, C.A.R. had reached their RAF goal of $5.5 million…that’s a drop of roughly $1 million. To set the stage for a successful fundraising campaign 2008, with the funds that were recommended to PAF in June, C.A.R.’s short-term plan is to couple targeted compelling direct mail with a vigorous grassroots campaign to persuade non-givers to contribute before the end of 2007. The plan envisions a strong partnership between C.A.R. and local associations to achieve this goal.C.A.R.’s goal: To increase RAF contributions by 5% by the end of 2007.The Plan:Direct Mail (two to three pieces):1. REALTORS® who contributed in 2006, but not in 2007. 2. REALTORS® who contributed something in 2007, but not the full $197.Partnering with Local Associations: What C.A.R. is asking from local associations:
Order dues billing inserts to use with your statements or link to our online insert if using electronic billing.
Send a letter to non-contributors from your president (online and ready to be used)
Place articles in your various member communications between now and January. Use newsletter inserts (to be provided by C.A.R.) or link to online insert.
Send a follow-up e-mail to non-contributors asking them to contribute online.
Work with C.A.R.’s field staff to outreach to your members offices.
Ongoing: Outreaches to local REALTOR® offices
Thank you communications to contributors.
Articles in C.A.R. and local association communications vehicles
Updates to the Campaign website
Chair Giacalone stressed that the program can only be successful with the help and full participation of ALL local associations.2007 RAF Contest Update-Bobbie Nelson reminded the members about the contest:Part 1. The Association that collects the most dollars collected by aPetite (1-200 membership) Small (201-500 membership), Medium (501-3000 membership), Large (3001-6000 membership) and Jumbo (6001 and up membership) Associations will receive a check in the amount of $5,000 to be used at the local association discretion,as well as, an exquisite award that can be displayed at the local association.Preliminary Update: Petite-Ojai, Small-Alameda-Medium (tie) Glendale & Monterey-Large-Central Valley-Jumbo-Pacific West Part 2. The Association that shows the greatest improvement in their RAF participation within their category (petite, small, medium, large and jumbo) will receive a check in the amount of $1,000 to be used at the local association’s discretion,as well as, a stunning award that can be displayed at the local associationPreliminary Update: Petite-SE Kern, Small-Kings Cty-Medium-Delta-Large-Inland Valley -Jumbo-Orange CountyPart 3. The Association that recruits the most Golden R’s will be recognized with a magnificent award that can be displayed at the local association.Preliminary Update: (4GRs) Corona Norco & Rancho Southeast: (3GRr)-Orange County-Santa Clara-Silicon Valley: (2GRS)-Bay East, California Desert, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Diego & SW Riverside: (1 GR)-Arcadia, Beverly Hills/LA; Citrus Vly; Coronado; Downey; Montebello District; North Bay; No. San Diego; Pacific SW; Palm Springs; Sacramernto; San Mateo; Santa Cruz; Southland Regional; Tri Counties &Yosemite (1GR)Part 4. $5,000 Club, which we hope to have lots of participants!This club is for thoseAssociations that raise $5,000 in new money from members who have never contributed before!Each association will receive an award to commemorate this achievementPreliminary Update: Bay East, Beverly Hills/Greater LA; Inland Valleys; Orange County; No. San Diego; Pacific West; Southland Regional; San Diego; Santa Clara; Sacramento2007 Local Association Incentive Program –Les Fishman
Reminded the members that C.A.R. created the Local Association Incentive Program to help raise awareness among local association staff regarding the importance of our members’ contributions to RAF. The program will reward local association staff who encourages their members to become actively involved in the RAF. Even though RAF is a voluntary contribution, it is critical that we educate the local staff about the importance of a members’ RAF contribution so they, in turn, encourage members to pay atthe least the minimum of $49.
Local Association Success Stories:President Michael Caruso on behalf of Orange County reported on their fundraising program that was very successful. Mr. Caruso reported that the Orange County created a contest that started April 16-through July 4, 2007 called “Savings REALTORS® Independence”. Gene Lentz from Silicon Valley reported that they ran a contest called “Do You Want To Know How To Be Cool and Attractive?” The contest began on July 18th and ended on September 28th 2007and the winner won a 50 inch Plasma 10890 P Flat screen Hitachi HDTV! It was a simple contest and he indicated they had a lot fun with it and it was successful!Announced new 2008 Leadership:Rick Violett, Chair, Sharon Bowler, VC, John Cribb, VC and John Scarborough, Committee LiaisonThere being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
