I arrived in Raleigh today to be the guest speaker to the Women's Council of REALTORS General membership meeting. As I entered the Sheraton I felt like I was entering a great convention for REALTORS as I saw tons of great billboards and professional agents proudly wearing NAR badges...

Before the presentation we were all asked to introduce who we were and where we were from, as well as if we were a guest or a member or if we held any significant titles with WCR. I noticed as the room was full and everyone quickly went across each aisle the answers all had one thing in common...There was no mention of what company or firm anyone represented...

It was obvious that I was amongst a group of the elite, most highly trained and the most professional men and women! You see...We all had one thing that linked us together and it was a powerful connection.

WE WERE ALL REALTORS and we all live to see our business help others for the good of all!

As the name announcements came closer to where I was sitting I had heard titles of all sorts from Governor to current and past Presidents and Secretaries of chapters. The titles were really all new to me as this is my 1st year as a WCR member at large. (I joined in January and yes I have already had two referrals just from attending one meeting!) Then, finally as the call outs were closer to me I turned to see who was next and I heard - "I am Brenda Ballard - NO TITLES"... I am NO ONE!"  - Everyone laughed...and I knew why!

This was sorta like a joke because I think if Brenda were to list all of her titles we would have been there all afternoon and I would not have been able to talk! She has had LOTS of titles and has even been a past WCR National President and has done so much for this organization. Honestly, I feel almost guilty for being a REALTOR for 15 years and JUST NOW joining this powerful networking group! So, I felt today since Brenda really had not titles I would give her the spotlight she so well deserves!

I dedicate this little blog to

 Brenda Ballard!

FOUR KEY REASONS WHY:

1) When I think of WCR I think of Brenda Ballard and everything I heard about her when I was not a member...

2) Because Brenda you WILL NEVER be a NO ONE!

3) Because she is subscribed to my blogs and I want to test to see if she gets this!

4) Because I know that this blog would make her day if you read it and if you would think twice possibly on why you have not joined the WCR...National Dues are only 86.00 a year and you get a free business listing on the www.wcr.org site. The reasons to join are priceless...The networking is powerful and the group is there to serve you and to help you as a REALTOR!

So - AR friends I would like to pour a few showers on Brenda Ballard! Please visit her site and add her as an associate! http://activerain.com/ballard51

She will be a great connection for you to have as she has lots to GIVE and SHARE with all of us!

WHO IS BRENDA BALLARD?

Currently a broker with ERA Tetterton Management Group in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, Brenda Ballard has been licensed since 1989 and is a consistent multi-million dollar producer. 

 In 1995, Brenda was elected as President of the Carteret County Association of REALTORS, and has been named REALTOR of the Year. 

In December 2008, Brenda was honored as the Crystal Coast Chapter Women's Council of REALTORS Member of the Year.  She has also served as Local Chapter President, State Chapter President, and Governor for the North Carolina Women's Council of REALTORS, and has been distinguished as the NC Member of the Year. Brenda is the 2000 WCR National President and continues her involvement at the national level.

 Brenda Ballard has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for North Carolina Association of REALTORS, and many other state committees. Additionally, she was appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Association of REALTORS. 

 Receiving unique appointments to the NAR International Operations Committee for the last three years, in 2004 Brenda represented WCR and NAR in Lima, Peru at the 1^st Andean Housing Conference.  This year, she has received a presidential appointment to the International Operations Committee .  An  instructor for the NAR Cultural Diversity program,  Brenda has also been certified as a real estate licensing instructor in North Carolina.  In addition to being an educator and trainer, she is a much sought-after public speaker for various professional and civic organizations.  Brenda has served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross in North Carolina, supports Habitat for Humanity, & the Carteret County Domestic Violence Programs. Currently serving her third term as president of the Swansboro United Methodist Women, Brenda is also active in the administrative activities of her church and chairs the Administrative Board of her church.

Thank you!

Liz