Inventory for all property types declined in almost all areas, except for Rockland’s condo and co-op markets, the latter with an 84.6% gain. The Bronx led the region for new listings, with a 31.9% increase.
PrimeSource, which is a leading manufacturer of proprietary brands and a distributor of premier third-party brands, will utilize the location to service New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
FROM THE CEO’S DESK: HGAR: A Leader in Diversity Equity and Inclusion
HGAR is a leader in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to diversifying our membership, creating a deeply diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for our members, and embedding inclusive practices in the ways we work and learn.
This month we celebrate Black History Month and the many contributions that Black Americans have made to our great country. On Feb. 10, we also celebrated the Chinese New Year after installing the first Chinese American president of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors—Carmen Bauman.
I am proud to be a part of one of the most diverse Realtor associations in the entire nation. HGAR is a leader in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to diversifying our membership, creating a deeply diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for our members, and embedding inclusive practices in the ways we work and learn.
As the first woman and first Hispanic CEO of HGAR, I can personally attest to the spirit of inclusivity that characterizes our HGAR Professionals, our membership, our volunteer leadership, and our communities and am honored to be part of the continuing commitment to advance DEI.
Undoubtedly, HGAR’s Board of Directors reflects the diversity of its membership and of the greater New York City metropolitan area, where a vast representation of religions, countries of origin, cultures, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicities coexist and thrive.
I commend the work of 2023 DEI Committee Chair Anthony Ruperto and Vice Chair Cheryl Williams and those before them who work diligently to ensure that all HGAR members are heard and included and look forward to working with Chair Williams and Vice Chair Tiffany French Goffe in 2024.
In 2020, HGAR was one of the first Realtor associations to address DEI with a Presidential Advisory Group. As a result of this PAG, the DEI Committee officially launched in 2021. HGAR was also one of the first to hire a DEI Officer—Freddimir Garcia—a dedicated staff professional and expert who has been instrumental in helping HGAR achieve DEI progress and success by creating an even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive professional community in which all members are empowered to learn, thrive, and work as agents for change.
DEI Accomplishments Over the Last Three Years
Administered a DEI Member Survey to understand the make-up of our members and their experiences at the association.
Created an online DEI presence on HGAR.com with resources, survey results, and an interfaith/holiday calendar.
DEI Committee was restructured to include a succession plan and the launch of an At-Large Committee for member engagement.
Established the DEI Champion Award to highlight members across the association who exemplify excellence in DEI values and behaviors locally and regionally.
Created and established marketing logo for DEI to enhance awareness and presence among the association.
Held the first DEI event in partnership with NAREB Bronx/Westchester Chapter at Misto in the Bronx.
Launched the DEI Committee article in Real Estate In-Depth.
Launched an annual DEI Summit in partnership with NAR, NYSAR, NJR, NCJAR, GRAR, & GBR in Mahwah, NJ.
Celebrated holiday and heritage months through partnerships that include: Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month, the Americans with Disability Act, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Engaged members at the 107th Member Day event through DEI & Fair Housing trivia.
Engaged staff liaisons in an inclusive practice exercise to help foster a wider perspective and a stronger focus on all association initiatives and activities.
Our DEI work and our diversity make us, in the words of HGAR President Bauman, “Stronger Together.” Every member has a place a HGAR.
We have now completed our new strategic plan, which includes DEI as part of our near-term focus. After approval by the Board of Directors, we will share the plan with you and we believe you will be as excited as we are about the implementation. We continue to encourage you to get involved, helping drive our mission to remain one of the leading and most diverse Realtor associations in the nation.
Complete Your Member Engagement Profile Today!
If you haven’t already, please visit your member portal and complete your Member Engagement Profile. We will soon be finalizing committees and work groups and need your involvement.
I look forward to continuing to connect with many more HGAR Members as the year progresses. Thank you for being a HGAR Member!
Fernandez, who has served as HGAR’s CEO since September 2023, was among three award winners. She joined HGAR after having served as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors.
As we enter a new era, HGAR remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and support you—through advocacy, professional development, and programs that empower your business.
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