As a Member of the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of REALTORS®, the doors of active participation are open to you. Committee involvement allows you to be an active decision maker in the things that affect your daily business and direction in the community.

• Affiliate Committee: To increase awareness and membership of Affiliate Members; increase profitability of events for charity and create marketing opportunities for B.E.A.R. Affiliate Members to promote their services to the REALTOR® Members and the general public.

 

• Brokers’ Roundtable: Avenue for Brokers to come together and help each other. To provide input, share ideas and experiences with regard to the real estate market and our community in general. Opportunity to make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

 

• Bylaws Committee: Reviews the B.E.A.R. Bylaws, the Standing Rules, the MLS Bylaws and the MLS Rules and Regulations on an annual basis. Makes necessary Amendments and sends changes to the Board of Directors for approval. After BOD and Attorney approval, ensures that the Amendments and a complete copy of the Bylaws are sent to NAR for approval. NAR to receive a copy of Bylaws every two years if no amendments have been made.

 

• Education Committee: Creates, schedules and promotes education classes for the Members including Continuing Education and Designation courses. An excellent committee for former educators and teachers.

 

• Global Committee: The B.E.A.R. Global Committee ( a sub-committee of the Education Committee) has been committed to educating REALTORS® about the opportunities of expanding their business with foreign nationals in Southwest Florida. Their education programs consist of classes for certification as an International Property Specialist. A monthly Speaker Series educating agents on such topics as Tax & Asset Protection for Foreign Nationals, Immigration Policies, and other related topics. B.E.A.R. Global Committee is a member of the Florida International Global Council as well as the National Association of REALTORS®.

 

• Finance Committee: Assists the Treasurer in reviewing and developing the Board’s annual budget and brings all financial recommendations to the Board of Directors.

 

• Golf Committee: To plan, organize and run the Annual B.E.A.R. Golf Classic, which builds camaraderie between REALTORS® and the Affiliate Members. No golf experience necessary, but a love of the outdoors and parties would be helpful.

 

• Grievance Committee: Reviews signed written complaints and determines if the facts support a violation of any of the Articles of the Code of Ethics and if there are grounds for arbitration. The Committee may amend the complaint, dismiss the complaint or send it to the Professional Standards Committee for a hearing. Requires an annual training class.

 

• Legislative / RPAC Committee: Monitors legislation on local, state and national levels. Promotes the “voice” of B.E.A.R. on real estate issues and encourages members to be involved in “Calls to Action”. Raises voluntary funds from Members of B.E.A.R. and its Affiliates for use in political campaigns. Encourages involvement in political education and issues at all levels of government consistent with local, state and federal laws.

 

• Leadership Academy Committee: Plans the schedule and schedules the speakers for the annual Leadership Academy. One of the members of this committee acts as the moderator of the Leadership sessions.

 

• MLS / Technology Committee: Reviews the best possible MLS services for our members. Explores and examines the various systems and tools that have direct impact on the ability to access the best and most reliable information. Works with the MLS committees at the surrounding Boards. Reviews all the technology involving the Board; including, but not limited to: the website, needed equipment for the MLS, staff computers, etc. and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. Hardware, software and systems experience is very helpful.

 

• Nominations,Elections and Awards Committee: Publishes the requirements for all elected positions and awards. Interviews all qualified persons and creates a slate of Nominees for Annual Board of Directors elections. Makes a recommendation for the Platinum B.E.A.R. Award and the Pat Lord Memorial Award to the Board of Directors. Assists in the election process, counts the ballots and announces the results of the Elected Officers. The Awards will be announced at the Installation Banquet. Also oversees REALTOR® of the Year and Affiliate of the Year (Person and Company).

 

• Professional Standards Committee: Conducts Hearings in accordance with NAR procedures for Ethics Complaints and Arbitration matters. Requires an annual training class.

 

• Young Professionals Network Advisory Committee: A network of up-and-coming REALTORS® and Affiliates involved with B.E.A.R. and the real estate industry for the purpose of giving back to the community and growing professionally. YPN Events are open to all REALTORS® and Affiliates, both young and young-at-heart.