PRESIDENT’S CORNER: Merger Vote

What began as the Westchester County Board of Realtors in 1916 has, over time, transformed itself into what we now know as the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Apart from the natural growth of the industry that has been the main driver of our membership, we have also had multiple opportunities to join forces with other associations. These mergers have made us stronger and better, blending the resources and talents found in each entity to create the robust association we have today.

In 1947, the Westchester County Board of Realtors merged with the Pelham Realty Board. In 2009, we merged with the Putnam County Board of Realtors and, most recently, in 2011, the Rockland County Board of Realtors and the Orange County Association of Realtors joined the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors to become the present-day Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Although we are all keenly aware of the varied issues that confront each of these geographic areas and recognize that our members from different parts of our region face distinct issues, we are united by HGAR with one overall purpose—to help our members grow their business and thrive.

Because of the progressive and forward-looking approach unique to our association, joining forces with us was and still is an attractive alternative for other smaller associations. This year, we again find ourselves in the fortunate position of forming another strong alliance, one that expands our territory even further and will be sure to enrich our membership even more. The Manhattan Association of Realtors, otherwise known as MANAR, the only New York City-based association with NAR/NYSAR status and Realtor members, has proposed a merger citing the need to align themselves with a larger entity that upholds and promotes the same high standards of conduct. Not only would this extend our physical footprint beyond our current borders, but our members would benefit from many New York City initiatives such as MANAR’s annual Global Forum, their vigorous schedule of YPN events, and a vast network of affiliate participants, all sure to promise a more dynamic and valuable experience for all our members.

On October 17th, the annual meeting of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, also known as Members Day, we will be asked to vote on this merger that was recommended by our Board of Directors. We should all be proud and thankful for the efforts made by many of our members who have devoted countless hours to helping our association flourish so that we may be given these, and many other, opportunities. With more than 10,000 members and growing, amazing things are possible and I look forward to being a part of this vibrant association.

Marcene Hedayati
Marcene Hedayati is 2016 President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc.