For the past year, I've been honored to address you in these pages regarding our wonderful county as Prince George's County Association of REALTORS^® President. And what a year it was.

This year, our membership grew to more than 5,200 members, helped in part by a surge of newly licensed agents. To help these new agents flourish, we started a Rookie REALTOR^® Society aimed at educating them and making them superstars in the real estate industry.

PGCAR flexed its political muscle again this year. In March, REALTORS^® turned out in droves in Annapolis to protest HB 448, a bill to expand the list of businesses taxed on services to include real estate. Prince George's County had the largest number of REALTORS^® present at the protest.

We had the honor of having several acclaimed speakers at this year's General Membership Meetings, including David Lareah, NAR Chief Economic Advisor; Dr. John Deasy, Superintendent of Prince George's County Schools; and Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey.

Our Board of Directors and committee members were hard at work this year. The Education Advisory Committee helped to coordinate three successful Education Days and three GRI designation series in addition to many continuing education classes. We offered agents classes to complete the new Workforce Housing and At Home with Diversity certification programs. And, in conjunction with the Cultural Diversity Committee, several "Spanish For REALTORS^®" classes were offered so that agents can extend their services to multi-lingual populations. The Cultural Diversity Committee also co-sponsored a Cultural Diversity Day with the local chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS^®.

The Community Service Committee created opportunities for member involvement in community affairs by holding as a successful Blood Drive, setting up a scholarship fund for county high school students in, and participating in the local Christmas in April projects.

Most recently, several of us attended the Maryland Association of REALTORS^® Annual Conference & Trade Show in Ocean City earlier this month. We had the opportunity to learn about the latest technology, legislation and best practices to help you, the home buyer or seller, with your transaction.

During the Annual Convention held in Ocean City during the 2nd week of September, PGCAR Past President Iona Harrison of Realty Executives Main Street USA was installed as President-Elect of the Maryland Association of REALTORS^®. Also during the Convention, several of our members were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the real estate community. Judy Blowe of Exit First Realty was named as Women's Council of REALTORS^® Member of the Year for Maryland. John Allen of Neighbors Realty and Orlando Treadwell of Trinity Realty Group received Shining Star Awards.

The most bittersweet moment of the convention was the announcement that former PGCAR President David Maclin was selected as Maryland REALTOR^® of the Year for 2007. David was recognized for his many contributions to the real estate industry, the REALTOR^® Associations and especially his community and charitable contributions over the years. David was deeply involved in working with government and community leaders to make Prince George's County and Maryland a great place to live. Sadly, after losing a battle with cancer this spring, David was not able to accept his much-deserved award which was presented to his wife of 38 years, Juanita. He was a shining example of an exemplary leader and we hope he knows how much we appreciated our time with him.

On September 20, Linda Simpson was installed as PGCAR President at Martin's Crosswinds. Linda and the new Board of Directors' terms begin on October 1 and I am confident that the association is in very capable hands.

I'd like to thank everyone who has helped to make my year as PGCAR President to be one I will treasure and remember always. As David used to say "Each of us is given a brief moment in time. Cherish the moment."

Sincerely,
Donald Frederick