FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO: Committed to Exceeding Expectations in 2024

From reinventing Real Estate In-Depth to our new strategic plan, we are building a culture of individual engagement and inclusion, so you can get the most out of your HGAR membership.

Lynda Fernandez, CEO, HGAR
Lynda Fernandez, CEO, HGAR

 As we approach the end of 2023, I would like to thank Editor John Jordan and everyone who made the print version of Real Estate In-Depth (REID) a valuable HGAR member benefit for decades.

As you have heard, we are very excited to be transitioning REID to a fully digital publication. When we launch the new REID platform at (realestateindepth.com) in January 2024, it will continue to be the only real estate news source for the Hudson Valley and New York City. Our new REID platform will be more robust, intuitive, versatile, and cost effective. Most importantly, it will allow our members and subscribers the ability to better access and leverage the content and information to use with contacts and clients.

We are excited about the future of REID and about the future of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR). While recognizing the challenges facing our industry and remaining hypervigilant to better serve you, we are encouraged by the strength and resiliency of our Realtor members and the exceptional legacy of HGAR. This year was one of uncertainty, adversity, and transition for many of us. I find excitement in challenges because they always bring great opportunity even when it’s difficult to imagine or envision.

As we prepare to enter 2024, we look forward to really exceeding your expectations. As we have done with REID, we will meet your evolving needs, striving to bring you value in ways that will empower your success.

Our leadership is currently working on our new strategic plan, which will launch in the first quarter of next year. I want to thank you for taking the time to participate in the recent member survey that is helping shape the work of the Strategic Planning Committee. Your input and feedback are invaluable resources as we embark on a new era for HGAR. We cannot drive member engagement if we do not listen to you.

Consistent with association management trends, our members view engagement differently. Not everyone wants to engage, participate, or volunteer in the same manner. Therefore, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion that allows you to engage on your terms.

Member Engagement Profiles

We recently sent you an e-mail announcing our new Member Engagement Profiles, which will replace our committee sign-ups. This is the first step in engaging with you on your terms.

The profiles will launch in early 2024 and will help us gain insight into your skills, experience and interests. Members will be able to complete their profiles at any point in time, allowing even new members to get involved. The profiles will also define how you wish to participate (surveys, events, forums, committees, workgroups, virtually, in-person, etc.).

Leadership and staff will be able to notify you of engagement or volunteer opportunities based on your specific profile. Creating an environment that caters to your interests and needs will ensure our collective success.

Please look for the announcement in January and be sure to complete your Member Engagement Profile!

Following the completion of our new strategic plan and implementation of the Member Engagement Profiles, 2024 HGAR President Carmen Bauman and our leadership will be finalizing engagement opportunities, including committees, workgroups and Presidential Advisory Groups.

As a result of our strategic plan, we will also be assessing our governance framework, innovative strategies, and technology to be certain we are nimble, future-proof, and able to withstand challenges and embrace opportunities.

We are working for you and are thrilled to be elevating HGAR and your member experience.

I want to take this opportunity to again express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you as your CEO and to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and immense happiness, health, and success in the new year!

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