President’s Perspective: Fall 2017

 “One friendship in a lifetime is much, two are many, three are hardly possible,” said Henry Adams. I write my final message to you with great hope and excitement for our association and to say thank you to my many friends and the new friendships I have made along the way. I start with a hearty thank you to our CEO, Ginger Downs, who has been a fantastic partner during my presidency and has served our association with foresight and fortitude, elegance and grace. Thank you to the incredible staff at C.A.R. — they are extraordinary in their positions and dedicated to the well-being of our association. To my outstanding Board of Directors, thank you simply isn’t enough. Their time, dedication, care and concern for you, our members, is unmatched. We had difficult discussions and came out stronger than before. I am forever grateful. Making myself accessible to you, our membership, your concerns, your successes and even your failures has enabled us to benefit from your voice. We have tackled issues that plague our communities and our businesses, and we have been a voice to so many, who have previously felt unheard. We are shining the light on many of our communities, some for the first time, and helping to revive their hopes and dreams. In stark contrast, our thriving communities remain so and have benefitted from the dedication and voice you put forth to ensure that all our communities and neighborhoods are looking to the future. I wanted to inspire many of you to get involved — in committees, your community, your favorite charity. You have responded in spades. We are better for the time you have given, the commitments you have kept and the financial and emotional investments you have made. It is my hope that our diverse membership will continue to rise up and join the ranks of our many committees, embrace leadership and break down any remaining gender barriers. We have done so much, yet there is still much to accomplish. We are an incredible and motley crew of critical thinkers and devoted community stewards, and I have thrived on your passion and diverse dispositions. Thank you, my friends, for a life-altering ride and a foundation sturdy and strong in which we, as the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, will continue our prominent status. Wherever you are it is your own friends who make your world. Matt Silver 133rd President, Chicago Association of REALTORS®