Local Real Estate Association Announces Merger Plans

Over the past 10 years I have had considerable involvement with the organized behind the scenes aspect of real estate serving in a number of positions with The Georgian Triangle Association of REALTORS® including that of President in 2008. As such I have some very good insights into the inner workings of the real estate community, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) and the changes that have and will continue to take place affecting the industry.
  After several months of investigation and dialogue, members of the Georgian Triangle Association of REALTORS® and the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Association have announced their intent to  merge, following a membership vote on Wednesday April 17, 2013.  The following is an excerpt from a press release that was issued by both parties.
The merger discussions were initiated by both local real estate associations with the assistance of the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Centre for Leadership Development.
According to the Georgian Triangle Association of REALTORS® president, Andres Paara, the goal of the merger is to assist in accomplishing shared objectives by pooling resources, tools and expertise.
“By combining our assets, we will be able to provide more valuable services to our members and most importantly, to the communities that our members serve – communities in which we live and work and want to see thrive.”
“There’s strength in numbers,” adds Paara. “This merger will elevate the level of professionalism and service from our local REALTORS® throughout the Southern Georgian Bay area.”
To Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Association president, Gray Watters, “The merger is a perfect fit from a demographic (and geographic) perspective but more importantly, we have a shared ethos and that is supporting our neighbours and building our communities.”
The proposed new name is the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® with a membership of over five hundred REALTORS®.
  In my opinion this is a win, win, win scenario. It certainly strengthens the resources of the two associations not only financially, but more importantly from the perspective of providing added education, support and  broader services to REALTOR® members and the brokerages they work under.  Consumers will in turn benefit from this merger.  As a result of this merger, local REALTORS® will have at their disposal, a broader range of information covering an increased geographic market stretching from Meaford in the west, south to the Creemore, Mulmur Hills area and around Georgian Bay including Midland and Penetang.  Changes have an will continue to impact both our profession and the real estate market as a whole including, the advent of new technologies, regulatory changes not to mention economic factors.  By providing a greater level of service, tools and support to the local REALTOR® community, we too will be able to adopt and transfer these benefits while serving consumers
  Our goal at Royal LePAGE Locations North is to provide Personal, Professional and Progressive real estate services.  The merger of the two associations that currently serve the southern Georgian Bay region will assist us with meeting this goal in serving our valued clients now and in the future.
  If any of my readers have questions or comments about this change, please do not hesitate to Contact Me.