ORA PRESIDENT—BIRT HAMP TON

WYNDHAM CLEVELAND AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

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Dear Attendees:

We’re proud to be hosting you in Cleveland for the Ohio Realtist Association’s (ORA) 66th Annual Empowerment Conference!

You’re visiting our city during an unprecedented time of growth when passionate people with a hearty entrepreneurial spirit are

getting things done and changing how the world views Cleveland.

Currently, our region is welcoming nearly $3 billion of visitor-related infrastructure development, which includes the new

Cleveland Convention Center and recently announced 600-room Hilton Cleveland Downtown.

Attending a convention should be a memorable experience and a great way to discover a new destination. That said, you’ve come to

the right place.

During your downtime, I encourage you and your fellow attendees to enjoy a night out on East Fourth Street, play your hand at the

Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, get that “bucket list” experience at the Rock Hall or chat it up with our locals in one our diverse

neighborhoods like Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle or Little Italy.

If you need anything during your stay, stop by our Visitors Center located at 334 Euclid Avenue, visit us online at

www.thisiscleveland.com, call us at 800.321.1001 or connect with us on Twitter at @TheCLE.

And, if you’re having a great time and want to share your experience, make sure to use the hashtag #thisisCLE.

Thank you,

David Gilbert

President/CEO

Positively Cleveland

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*David Wynee, Cleveland

*Sam Ruffin, Cleveland

James Haynes, Cleveland

Henry Stoudermire, Sr., Cleveland

Olive Hogue, Cincinnati

*William Culpepper, Columbus

Aldon A. McLeon, Cincinnati

Charles E. Frances, Dayton

*Selmer Prewitt, Cleveland

Donald O’Terry, Columbus

Bert Rosemond , Columbus

William Lies, Columbus

William Porter, Columbus

Sheila Kelly, Cleveland

*Robert Dillingham, Dayton

Lou Burroughs, Cleveland

R.P. Thompkins, Cleveland

Raymond Garner, Sr., Dayton

David Beard, Cincinnati

*Russel C. Neal, Sr., Akron

Vanessa B. Sutton, Columbus

Julius Cartwright, Cleveland

Lionel Lewis, Cleveland

Henry Stoudermire, Jr., Cleveland

Roland Somerville, Cleveland

Darryl Isabel, Cleveland

Martin Rutland, Cincinnati

Birt Hampton, Dayton

*Deceased

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Chairman, Martin Rutland

President, Bir t Hampton

1st Vice President, Philicia Pegram

Recording Secretary, Yolanda Ear ley

Corresponding Secretary, Rubye Wright

Treasurer, Jennifer Rodgers

Assistant Treasurer, Vanessa Sutton

Chaplain, Lionel Lewis

Parliamentarian, Wade Hampton

DIRECTORS

Henry Stoudermire, Jr.

Rolan Somerville

Robert Raglin, Jr,

Allie Wims, Jr.

Fred Digsg

AKRON REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President—Lenda Smith

CLEVELAND REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President——Akil Hameed

CINCINNATI REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President—Shareef Sharrod

COLUMBUS REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President —Gail Tate Johnson

GREATER DAYTON REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President—Veronica Nevels

YOUNGSTOWN WARREN REALTIST ASSOCIATION

President —Truman Green

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After World War II, the nation found itself facing a mood of

deep seated social segregation it could no longer tolerate or

afford. Yet the South, confidently proclaimed itself to be the

new plus ultra (uppermost limits ) of Southern tolerance. Thus,

was born the Civil Rights movement- a period of the most

difficult but necessary struggle to topple the crumbling walls

segregation had erected between Americans who had fought-

and died together.

The postwar years indeed gave African-Americans inspiration,

confidence, strength and hope for a better America. The United

Nations had been formed, and Ralph J. Bunche had become the

United Nations Division Trustee. African Americans were gaining

better paying jobs, and the Supreme Court had finally passed a

ruling that restrictive covenants and private agreement to exclude

persons of designated race from the ownership of real property

were not enforceable under the law.

Although the lives of African Americans were now changing for

the good, and a few victories had been won, schools were still

segregated under the “separate but equal” theory- and equal

housing had yet to become a reality. This is what drove the men

and women who met in Tampa, Florida, on the sweltering night of

July 29, 1947, to form the National Association of Real Estate

Brokers- NAREB.

These twelve pioneers, one woman and eleven men hailing from

seven states across the country, are NAREB'S recognized

founders:

Nannie Black, Detroit, MI

Macco Crutcher, Detroit, MI

Carleton Gains, Detroit, MI

W. D. Morrison, Jr., Detroit MI

O. B. Cobbins, Jackson, MS

W.H. Hollins, Birmingham, AL

George W. Powell, Jacksonville, FL

J. R. Taylor, Miami, FL

F. Henry Williams, Jacksonville, FL

Horace Sudduth, Cincinnati, OH

J. W. Sanford, Oklahoma City, OK

A. Maceo Smith, Dallas, TX

On this night, these people dedicated themselves to fair housing for

all. They began by electing temporary officers as follows:

W.D. Morrison, President

Horace Sudduth, Vice President

W. H. Hollins, Treasurer

F. Henry Williams, Secretary

Word soon spread, and NAREB's first convention was held at the

Convention Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, on July 19-20, 1948. It was a

resounding success- a moment of synergy when men and women

across the country were able to come together to voice their

opinions as one- and to take a stand against inequity and injustice.

Since then, NAREB and its REALTISTS® have gone on to win

victory after victory in support of equal housing opportunities for

all. We are an association proud of our past, relentless in our

struggle, and 100% dedicated to the REALTIST® creed-

Democracy in Housing.

By Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA (Fair housing protest, 1964 Uploaded by Jmabel) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is an African-American trade group that brings together real

estate professionals to promote sustainable homeownership for all Americans, as well as to identify and secure business op-

portunities for our member Realtists.

NAREB works on behalf of real estate professionals and homebuyers to:

√ Promote the highest standards of professional integr ity;

√ Follow a str ict code of real estate industry ethics;

√ Require professional cer tifications and accreditations;

√ Advocate for public policies that protect and expand sustainable homeownership;

√ Partner with other real estate trade groups, civil r ights organizations, fair and equal housing advocates, and fi-

nancial services institutions to make sustainable homeownership for African Americans and other minorities realizable.

NAREB has a special charge to make sure that predominantly African-American and other minority communities are treat-

ed fairly as land use and urban planning policies are developed. More often than not, NAREB’s Realtists live in the commu-

nities we serve. We see it as our special obligation to preserve, and now, to restore communities where African-American

homebuyers and homeowners can count on their home being their greatest asset – now and into the future.

Realtists service the home buying needs of African-Americans and others through our 88 chapter network located in 36

states. Network with appraisers, developers, finance services professionals, asset managers, housing counselors, mortgage

brokers, real estate agents and brokers all working together to make homeownership affordable, sustainable and attainable

for our nation’s home buyers.

JOIN US. Help restore hope and confidence in homeownership as a way to rebuild wealth in our communities!

Visit www.nareb.com today to find a Realtist in your community, or to join our network of proud and proven real estate

professionals.

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Coming from humble beginnings and having left school at an early age, she found herself

in the position of the single parent raising two young daughters. Vivian worked hard as a

nurse’ assistant at South Side Hospital and then General Motors, Lordtown, retiring in

1993 after 20 years of service.

Vivian continuously set educational goals. She re-enter the halls of education as a

nontraditional student and over the years, successfully earned a high school diploma, an

Associate in Labor Studies from Youngstown University, graduating Magna Cum Laude

with a Bachelor of Science from Wilberforce University, and finally, a Master of

Science in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College. It was not at all unusual to learn that Vivian was

taking a course in one discipline or another to sharpen her skills or create another opportunity. A prime example is

when she set her sights on becoming a real estate agent. She took the required coursework and exam, and after a

few years of actively selling. Vivian took additional courses and the state exam to become a broker, enabling her

to operate her own Essence Realty.

Vivian was a long time member of St. Andrews AME Church, where she served on the Board of Stewards. Until

her illness, she served on the boards of A. Phillip Randolph included the Youngstown-Warren Realtist Association

and the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors.

This journey was not without roadblocks and pitfalls. Vivian, who in recent years was twice diagnosed with

cancer, stayed in the struggle, surviving major surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. She was steadfast

in her determination to rise above the affliction, often working from her laptop while receiving treatment.

While the events surrounding Vivian’s death were tragic, it is her life that hold the greatest significance; a life of

commitment to her profession, service to her community, and a passion for personal development.

IN HONOR OF FALLEN REALTIST MEMBER VIVIAN MARTIN, PLEASE JOIN US FOR

Session IC: “Real Estate Safety & Crime Prevention Strategies”

June 12, 2015, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Embassy Room, 3rd Floor

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8:00am - 9:00am Palace West Ballroom

Opening Ceremonies - Power Network

“The One Degree Difference” by Ron Finklestein, Business Growth Experience

The One Degree Difference simply stated is that it does not require a massive

change to get massive results. It only takes a small change in our thinking,

aone degree change, to get massive results. Change your thinking change

your business. Join us to learn more about “The One Degree Difference”.

Sponsored by OPTIMA Lender Services and Fifth Third Bank.

9:15am - 12:15pm Palace West Ballroom

Session IA: “Ethics In The Real World”

It’s a fun look at ethical situations we confront in our daily business.

Presented by Nancy Leirer - Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Southeast.

9:15am - 10:15am Allen Room, 3rd Floor

Session IB: “Construction to Permanent Loans”

Overview of construction to permanent lending-the advantages of this type of

loan product including, calculating LTV, application documentation and

closing documentation. Presented by Dominic Lorenzo - First Federal Lake-

wood.

10:30am - 12:30pm Embassy Room, 3rd Floor

Session IC: “Real Estate Safety & Crime Prevention Strategies”

In Honor of fallen Realtist member Vivian Martin

You will learn the characteristics of violent offenders, including the methods

they use to select their victims. Presented by Larry Pope, Denise Scolaro,

Naso Karas, Joe Rondon – NorthCoast Defense Academy.

12:45pm - 2:00pm Palace East Ballroom

Networking Lunch & Learn “Industry Update”

What you need to know about mandatory CFPB (Consumer Financial Protec-

tion Bureau). Sponsored by Thom Rankin - CRA Officer for First Federal

Lakewood

2:15pm - 4:15pm Allen Room,, 3rd Floor

Session IIA: “Revamping Your Marketing Strategy & Growing

Your Sphere”

Offering insight on how to structure a marketing strategy, what real estate

pros need to focus on and how to generate new leads. Bonus: Ways to or-

ganize, grow and reach your sphere. Presented by Alexandra Krause - Your

Biz Tank. 2:15pm - 5:15pm State Room, 3rd Floor

Session IIB: “Core Law: CFPB, Real Estate and You”

Presented by Theodore Bush, ESQ. - First American Title Co.

4:30pm - 5:30pm Embassy Room, 3rd Floor

Session IIC: “Influencing Techniques to Grow Your Sales”

Learn how to communicate to possible sales leads effectively & how to

avoid pitfalls in communication Presented by Ron Finkelstein - Business

Growth Experience.

5:45pm - 7:30pm State Room, 3rd Floor

ORA General Meeting and Elections (paid members only)

Presiding: Birt Hampton, Martin Rutland – Ohio Realtist Association.

Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.

8:00pm - until Outdoor Terrance/Allen, 3rd Floor

ORA Installation -Wine and Cheese Cocktail Reception

Special Guests: NAREB President, Donnell Spivey and Regional VP

(Region VIII), LaSchelle Steward. Sponsored by Third Federal Savings &

Loan.

*Ohio Realtist Conference Concludes*

Please note that this agenda is subject to change without notice.

11:00am - 2:00pm Palace West Ballroom

“Blood, Sweat & Heels” Women in Business Empowerment

Luncheon - Tickets $35 (not included in your conference registration)

Hear successful women in business discuss how they found their purpose and

the challenges, mistakes and how-to's of being successful in work and in life.

Presented by Cleveland Realtist Association. Sponsored by First Federal Lake-

wood.

4:00pm - 6:00pm State Room, 3rdFloor

ORA Board of Directors Meeting

Presiding: Martin Rutland, Chairman

6:00pm - 7:30pm Palace West Ballroom

The Journey of Diversity in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) &

The NEW Cleveland

Learn how to apply for the 2015 Real Estate Associate Program (REAP)

Cleveland class. Hear minority panelists working in CRE in many sectors

and learn about their journey and how they have developed a successful

career. Bonus: Industry Update: The “New” Cleveland. Sponsored by

REAP and Forest City Enterprises.

7:30pm - 10:30pm Off-site (see below)

Welcome Reception

Join us at the Azure Sun Lounge at Metropolitan at The 9 (2017 E 9th St,

Cleveland, OH 44115) for a FREE Welcome Reception for the 66th

Annual Ohio Realtist Association Empowerment Conference hosted by

Cleveland Realtist Association. Sponsored by Forest City and OPTIMA

Lender Services.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH

FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH

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1. RON FINKLESTEIN

Business Growth Experience

Consultant, international author, sales

trainer and speaker.

2. NANCY LERIER

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SE

Licensed real estate agent, trainer,

productivity coach.

3. DOMINIC LORENZO

First Federal Lakewood

Loan Officer

4. ALEXANDRA KRAUSE

Your Biz Tank

Co-owner of Your Biz Tank,

marketing strategist, trainer.

5. THEODORE BUSH, ESQ.

First American Title Co.

Northeast Ohio Area Manager and

Counsel for First American Title

Insurance Company.

6. THOM RANKIN

First Federal Lakewood

Area Sales Manager, Residential

Lending for First Federal Lakewood.

7. NORTHCOAST DEFENSE ACADEMY—A-D

Larry Pope, Joe Rondon, Naso Karas,

Denise Scolaro.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS:

Ron Finklestein, called the “Real Deal” by his clients, is the creator of the Business

Growth Experience and owner of RPF GROUP INC. Finklestein is a consultant,

international author, sales trainer and speaker. His six business books include:

management and leadership, personal development, operations, marketing, and sales.

His sales book: The Definitive Sales Playbook, was endorsed by Brian Tracy and

coauthored by Dr. Tony Alessandra. His latest work: Make a Difference: From Success

to Significance was a 12 year study of 1000 successful small business owners and what

they did to be successful. Find out more at www.businessgrowthexperience.com.

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Nancy Leirer is currently a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Greater Cleveland

Southeast where she is Director of Compliance and Training. She also serves as a Productivity

Coach and co-owner of Property Professionals of Northeast Ohio, a real estate and appraisal

continuing education company. Trained as a journalist, Nancy started her career as a reporter for a

daily local newspaper in Northeastern Ohio before joining Scripps Howard Newspapers covering

state government. She then spent several years working in government and health care

communications and public relations. Nancy has managed Andrew Leirer and Associates Real

Estate Appraisal Services, a full service appraisal company, since 1991. She has been a licensed

real estate sales agent in Ohio since 1997, first with Realty One and then Keller Williams Realty.

Nancy is past president of her local chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors and is active in

several Realtor® organizations.

Dominic Lorenzo is a Loan Officer at First Federal Lakewood and has been originating loans

since 1992, working for several major lenders throughout his career in the greater Cleveland area.

 Prior to that, Lorenzo was a licensed Realtor for 7 years. Lorenzo originates 1-4 family residential

home mortgages utilizing a wide variety of loan products from first time buyer loans, to new con-

struction Jumbo home loans. Let Dominic Lorenzo introduce you to construction loans & OHFA

first time buyer loans.

Alexandra Krause is the Co-Owner of Your Biz Tank, a real estate marketing company. Alex

started her career as a full time real estate agent in 2007 while finishing her Bachelor’s Degree at

The Ohio State University. In 2010 Alex relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where instead of selling real

estate she found herself helping other agents with their marketing and their business. In 2012 she

helped start Your Biz Tank, a real estate marketing company which strives to help real estate pros

connect the dots of their real estate marketing strategy and get more referral based business. Since

then Alex has helped many agents across the country by teaching CE, hosting webinars, online

workshops, and coaching. "I want to help real estate pros save money, save time and get better

results by connecting the dots and being intentional with their marketing strategy. It's not rocket

science, it's just choosing the right strategy!

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Theodore (Ted) J. Bush, ESQ. serves as Nor theast Ohio Area Manager and Counsel for Fir st Amer ican Title Insurance Company. Ted began his

career in title insurance in 1996 as Agency Counsel for a regional office of a national underwriter and later became State Agency Manager and eventually a

Senior Vice President and Midwest Agency Manager for another national title underwriter. More recently, Ted has worked for title agencies handling

commercial transactions and default related title and closings. Ted has written on and provided continuing education courses on various areas of the real estate

and title insurance industries, including Title Insurance, Structuring Purchase Agreements, Real Estate Law, Condominiums, the Real Estate Settlement

Procedures Act, and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Ted is a graduate of Boston College, where he received a B.A. in History and Political Science,

and a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he received his J.D. Ted is licensed to practice law in Ohio and is a licensed title

agent.

Naso Karas r eceived Instructor -ships in Knife/Counter-Knife Combatives and Personal Defense Readiness, to include fear management and con-

frontation psychology from The Scientific Fighting Congress and Blauer Tactical Confrontation Management Systems. Currently teaching defensive

tactics at North Coast Defense Academy, he is a strong advocate for the personal protection. Mr. Karas also believes that everyone has a divine right of

self protection. He involves his students in scenario based training which helps them permanently imprint the tools, targets and tactics required in a

confrontation, be it physical or otherwise. His professional interests focus on converting natural human responses to sudden stimuli into efficacious,

defensive and offensive maneuvers. His current projects include training individuals to effectively defend themselves, whether physically or not. He

recently attained an Expert Level 9 Knife/Counter-Knife Instructor-ship from the Scientific Fighting Congress. Naso has been teaching combatives

since 1999. Naso obtained his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve

University.

Thom Rankin is a seasoned financial services executive with more than 40 years of mortgage lending exper ience. As Area Sales Manager ,

Residential Lending for First Federal Lakewood, he leads a team of mortgage loan originators serving the Northeast Ohio marketplace, while also

maintaining an active portfolio of clients. In partnership with the bank’s Community Development team and as a board member serving outreach

centers, Thom is focused on helping Ohio residents and businesses achieve their financial goals. As a Certified FHA Underwriter and Certified

Mortgage Banker, Thom specializes in government loan programs and serves as the bank’s CRA lending specialist. With his extensive experience in

the mortgage lending industry, Thom can provide expert insight into a vast array of mortgage lending programs including: conventional, jumbo,

government and community loans, as well as investment property mortgages and construction to permanent loans.

Larry Pope is the President and Founder of North Coast Defense Academy. Larry honorably served in the United States Marine Corps and is a strong

supporter of personal protection. Larry oversees the company's operations in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Larry is Training Counselor, Regional

Counselor, Master Instructor and Regional Director for several national organizations. Larry completed the Executive Program and holds a M.B.A.

from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management.

Joe Rondon is currently on his second year with North Coast Defense Academy. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. In 1994, he

traveled to Japan where he immersed himself into the study of Karate and Aikido, along many forms of Japanese warrior philosophy and culture. Joe is

an NRA certified instructor and self-defense trainer; in addition, he also holds professional degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and Georgetown

University.

Denise Scolaro is a native of Ohio and advocate for regional economic growth. She is passionate about teaching and is eager to share her experience

and knowledge of self defense. Denise’s background is in martial arts and she supports the individual's right to self defense. Denise is a certified Active

Shooter Response Instructor through the national ALICE program (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate), Range Safety Officer, and Certified

Firearms Instructor. Denise is currently employed with a local title company and serves on the Board of Directors for the regional Realtor association.

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Qualifications: Must be licensed as a Real Estate Broker with the state of Ohio. Must have strong leadership skills and

committed to the REALTISTS. A minimum of five years of service with the REALTIST organization, achievements in the

real estate profession and must be an active/paid REALTIST member.

Qualifications: Must be licensed as a real estate professional with the state of Ohio. Must have coordinated and/or

chaired local REALTIST events. Must exemplify leadership skills and dedication to the REALTIST organization. Must

have a minimum two year’s membership and must be an active/paid member.

Qualifications: Must be an Allied member, dedicated to the REALTIST. Must have a minimum two year’s membership,

proven contributions to the REALTIST organization and achievements in the real estate profession and must be an active/

paid member.

Qualifications: Must be an active/financial local board. Must have demonstrated the philosophy of “Democracy in

Housing” through strong leadership. Must have proven documentation of promoting housing issues through events or

educating through media.

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Vanessa B. Sutton has been in the real estate industry for 31 years; 20 of those years as a Broker. A

skilled decision maker, negotiator and communicator with a successful career in real estate sales and

marketing. Vanessa is a truly dedicated full-time professional with a drive and passion for the real

estate business—who never gives up until the job is done. She is a strategic thinker who analyzes

information and evaluates the results needed to get the best solution and solve problems and a strong

communicator, with excellent time management skills, who is self-motivated and compassionate.

Throughout her career, Vanessa has earned the following certifications and advanced designations: GRI – Graduate,

Realtors Institute, Floyd Wickman Institute (SWEATHOGS), MREC – Master Real Estate Consultant, ABR – Accredited

Buyers Representative, GE Certified Housing Counselor, LMC – Titanium Solutions, Loss Mitigation Consultant, HVCP –

House Values Certified Professional, Competent Toastmaster (CTM), Advanced Toastmaster – Bronze (ATM-B),

Toastmasters Competent Leader (CL), CREOS – Certified Real Estate Owned Specialist, NID-HCA Certified Housing

Counselor (2007-2010), NID-HCA Loss Mitigation Counselor (2008-2010), SFR – Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource,

Zillow Premier Agent and Trulia Pro.

She is also an award-winning Real Estate Broker, having received the Ohio Realtist Association – Broker of the Year

Award in 1996, Columbus Realtist Association – Hall of Fame Award in 2004, Who’s Who in Black Columbus in 1998 and

the Ohio Department of Development, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Division – Keys to Success Award in 2010.

“When I think about the dedication, determination and commitment of the 11 men and 1 woman that

trudged on before me, I feel the urge, and urgency to stay in the battle. In my presidency, I have tried to

lead, wholeheartedly, by example, with compassion yet consistency.” Gail Tate-Johnson initiated a

number of events, in an attempt to engage the existing membership, and entice others to join the

Columbus Realtist Association. Her initiatives have helped membership grow by 50% with past

members re-joining and approximately, 30% of those being new members.

For the past four years, Gail has been the Chairperson of the annual Columbus Realtist Black History, Scholarship and

Installation Luncheon. In 2014, the luncheon grew to the point of having to relocate to a larger venue. As President, Gail

reestablished, and chaired, the Buyers & Sellers Home Expo, in conjunction with NAREB's Operation R.E.D. initiative,

during Realtist week partnering with one of the local counseling organizations and created, initiated and chaired a Wine &

Line-Party with a purpose social/event, in an effort to generate funds for their annual scholarship award. Gail’s real estate

background includes Residential (new and existing, FHA/VA, HUD Homes/Bids, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Commercial

and experience as a Diversity Specialist.

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Sarah Minneman is a dedicated member and very strong supporter of the Cleveland Realtist Association

(CRA). Currently she serves as the Continuing Education & Professional Development Committee

Chair. Sarah is a fixture at CRA events and meetings and gives both time and support—whether

monetarily or in-kind—to the organization and spearheads a continuous flow of training and

professional development opportunities to help fellow CRA members continue to improve and grow

their business. She has been at the forefront of helping CRA develop many key partnerships.

Sarah brings with her over twenty years of industry experience, and her responsibilities include developing residential

business in the eastern area of Cuyahoga and neighboring counties. Sarah is a member of the Business Accelerator’s

Chapter of BNI and is also licensed by the Superintendent of Insurance for the State of Ohio. Prior to joining the Sales

Team, Sarah handled the marketing efforts for NorthStar Title Services since the company's inception in 2001.

Greater Dayton Realtist Association began the year with about 15 members.

Their strategy was to invite anyone and everyone who had attended any or all

of their events in the past and tell them who the guest speaker would be. They

changed the format of their meetings and have included a lender partner spending 10 minutes introducing

everyone to their product (s). At meetings, they have everyone introduce themselves and say how long they have

been a member of NAREB and the Greater Dayton Realtist Association. That always excites and seems to inspire

other people to join. They discuss future plans, ex: Operation R.E.D., Leila Frances Luncheon, State Conference,

National Conference, etc., and have a guest speaker who is relevant to their lenders, Realtists and other members.

They have had exciting meetings where they, for instance, did a Fair Housing computerized survey that showed

members own prejudices and expectations as a group. They spent the first two months learning and having

questions answered about Fair Housing Laws and have since implemented a Fair Housing Question of the Day on

their agenda. This keeps all of their members enhancing best practices. The administration’s goal is to help every

member become a better professional and grow their business.

Their membership has continued to grow every meeting. They had the Mayor of Trotwood and her City Manager

speak and answer some pertinent questions regarding their City, and had the Montgomery County Auditor and his

assistant speak and help people understand the relationship between tax valuation and market value.

Greater Dayton Realtist Association now has 37 members from 15 members at the beginning of the year—about a

41% increase. Every meeting they have one or two people join.

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Maria Thompson has been actively engaged in community and economic development for as

long as she can remember. Her work in such areas started in her youth, seeing her mother

and others take time to be engaged in community interests and help others in need on an

individual basis. So throughout Ms. Thompson’s financial services career, her professional

focus has been centered on helping individuals and neighborhoods achieve success in areas

from financial stability to community- and economic-development.

Thompson feels fortunate to have her passion grow into her present role as CRA Officer and

manager of Community Development Services for Third Federal. Additionally, she

previously served as a Senior Advisor in the Community Affairs Office at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, led the

Georgia State Trade Association for Nonprofit Developers as Executive Director, and served as Vice President for a

statewide community development financial institution in Georgia. Ms. Thompson has also taught as an adjunct instructor

for mortgage finance and community related course at two local colleges.

Ms. Thompson received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University. And her work in

community and economic development resulted in her being awarded a national merit scholarship to obtain her Master’s

Degree in Community Development and Management from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School.

As a native of Cleveland, Ms. Thompson continues to actively serve on local boards and committees to make a difference in

the community. Several of her community engagements include: The Center for Community Solutions, MidTown

Cleveland, Cleveland Housing Network’s Development Council, the Visiting Committee at the Mandel School at Case

Western Reserve University, Neighborhood Housing Services of Cleveland’s Lender Advisory Committee – and she

actively volunteers in her community to study with youth.

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#ora2015

#thisisCLE

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First Federal Lakewood

OPTIMA Lender Services

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Fifth Third Bank

Bronze

Forest City

Advocates

Miami Valley Fair Housing Center

PNC

KeyBank

Lauden Title

Committee Members

Jennifer Rodgers Akil Hameed ORA Conference Coordinator CRA Local Coordinator

Lydia Pope

Roland Somerville

Philicia Pegram

Sarah Minneman

Rubye Wright

Henry Stoudermire, Jr.

Brenda York

Deborah Bonner

Loretta Jones

Rod Hirsch

Vanessa Sutton

Yolanda Earley

Lenda Smith

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6100 CHANNINGWAY BLVD., #606, COLUMBUS, OH 43232 • FAX 614-635-3443 • ORACONFERENCEINFO@GMAIL.COM