The Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® (SAAR) 2020 Strategic Plan began with discussions in June 2019 and met with final board approval on December 18, 2019.
“We started with input from a cross-section of stakeholders,” said SAAR CEO Rebecca Grossman. “In addition to surveying dozens of new and seasoned members about trends, concerns, benefits, leadership, volunteerism, programs and events, we also asked industry and community leaders for their expertise.”
The 2020 Leadership and Strategic Planning Group included Grossman, 2020 SAAR President Sindy Ready, 2019 President David Schmid, past presidents Holly Eslinger, Patrick Lewis, Becca Linnig and Paula Serven; Paul Baker, Lee Cooley, Jim Dunning, Jan Green, Stacey Krolak, Kathy Laswick, Laura Kovacs, Sandy Lunsford, Louis McCall, Peggy Neely, Jessica Noble, John Nugent, Joan Pike, Robert Rogers, Gary Shapiro and Mary Slakey.
Survey answers were compiled and categorized by nationally-known consultant and former SVP of the National Association of Home Builders James DeLizia. “Jim has worked with the National Association of REALTORS® and Women’s Council of REALTORS® among many other organizations,” added Ready who recruited him for this project.
DeLizia moderated the strategic planning process, then delivered a framework and plan capturing decisions made in that initial meeting. A smaller group was then convened for developing milestones and deliverables that were concise and achievable.
The 2020 Strategic Plan includes long-term goals under four categories:
- Value to Members
- Advocacy & Influence
- Member Engagement
- Organizational Development
Among several key deliverables are for SAAR to:
- Establish a structure that allows for flash engagement, more accessible opportunities for involvement and promotes volunteerism within the organization
- Develop a systematic approach to analyze each proposed program or project to assess resource allocation vs. benefit.
The first of these deliverables is being addressed with a Program/Event Proposal form. On behalf of current SAAR members, these forms will be filled out by member advisors/staff.
Submissions will then be evaluated by a special board of directors task force based on relevance to the Strategic Plan and other criteria.
Members are encouraged to submit ideas to marketing@scottsdalerealtors.org.