A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Ceci Osburn

Dear Member,

As I begin my year as President, I am reminded of when I first became involved with the Cobb Association of REALTORS. It was so refreshing to see how the Cobb REALTORS had developed true friendships and meaningful working relationships. Over the years as the attendance of General Meetings and events began to dwindle and some annual occasions were discontinued altogether, I tried to rationalize that it was all apart of growth and change and that nothing was at risk. But lately I have thought differently. You see I have a theory; I believe that knowing of or knowing well your cooping agent helps to promote a smoother transaction. And when you have meaningful working relationships with lenders, closing attorneys and other vendors there is more of a willingness to cooperate and there is more control of the outcome. I have heard agents say that the business isn't as much fun as it use to be. Well, I believe that is due to the fact that we have stopped developing those relationships that made our work easier and fun. Those relationships are established through everyone's participation in the association. The association is the one place where we can all come together regularly to learn and share with each other and work in the spirit of cooperation to accomplish great things in our community and our industry. It is by virtue of your membership in your local association that affords you the title REALTOR. I am sure that we all realize the importance of the Association; I just think that many of us underestimate one's individual value to the whole. It takes everyone's participation to accomplish anything of significance. It is amazing the level of support and reaching out that takes place when we have a crisis. What we need to realize is that we are in crisis daily. Banks want to take over our livelihoods, technology is changing the way we do business and the world economy is affecting people's buying power. If ever there was a time that we needed to reflect on what strengthens us and makes our work more rewarding, it is now. Working in the spirit of cooperation is what the REALTOR is all about. It is through the co-op or sharing of a transaction that provides the paycheck. It is through developing relationships with homeowners and sellers that makes what we do possible. No one can do this job alone. Together we can do great things, we have done it before.

While I remember my Cobb Association experiences so fondly, I worry about what the new REALTOR sees. Do they attend orientation to find out what should be happening in our association or do they see what is happening through us? Do they learn the code of ethics by our example or simply by memory? Later in there careers, will they only remember the money they have earned and spent or will they remember how they have earned it, working in cooperation, developing lasting relationships, and supporting and protecting our industry through participation in our Association?

I am so fortunate to be supported by a dynamic Leadership Team in 2003. They are so talented and enthusiastic and committed to making a difference. We want our enthusiasm to be contagious and for you to make a commitment to participate in our Association. We are committed to bringing value to your membership.

I had the privilege of hearing Kathy Whatley, NAR's president for 2003. She made a statement that I have thought a lot about as I step into this leadership position. She said "Why this Leader, Why this time?" referring to herself. I have asked myself the same question, only to conclude that "This Leader" because I care about you, the member, and the future of this association. I want us to join together so we can experience the "Power of One" and "This Time" because with this leadership and your participation everything is possible Now!

I thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve you and our association. I look forward to the upcoming year and the time we will spend together "working in the spirit of cooperation" to make a difference.

Ceci Osburn

2003 Cobb Association of REALTORSŽ President