More than 225 Alabama REALTORS® from across the state gathered in Montgomery last week to attend 2024 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol and remind public officials of the important role our industry plays in job creation, economic recruitment, and community development.

AAR members advocated for REALTOR® issues with political leaders representing all three branches of government, and Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation officially declaring February 13, 2024 as “REALTOR® Day” in Alabama.

The opening session was held at The Embassy Suites and included a warm welcome from AAR President Senia Johnson, panel discussions with state officials, a luncheon featuring Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer, a legislative briefing from CEO Jeremy Walker, and the presentation of the 2023 ARPAC Awards.

The morning event kicked off with a political panel moderated by Todd Stacy, the host of the Capitol Journal public affairs show on Alabama Public Television, and featured Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R - Rainsville) and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D - Huntsville). The panel discussed several issues that are important to REALTORS® and communities across Alabama, including school choice, economic development, and tax cuts. 

Stacy also moderated a discussion on residential and commercial utilities that included Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh and Taylor Williams, the director of external affairs for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, as panelists. The participants outlined ongoing challenges in providing utility services in the public and private sectors, and highlighted Alabama’s strategies to ensure families and businesses have the dependable and affordable energy they need.

State Treasurer Young Boozer keynoted the luncheon and spoke on Alabama’s economy while sharing his fiscal predictions for the upcoming year.

An Alabama Supreme Court discussion moderated by Alabama Trucking Association President and CEO Mark Colson featured Justices Greg Cook, Jay Mitchell, and Will Sellers discussing the role of the court system in government and the long-term ramifications when rulings and opinions set legal precedent.

Business Council of Alabama CEO Helena Duncan wrapped up the session by moderating a panel on real estate construction and development that included insight from Home Builders Association of Alabama Executive Vice President Russell Davis and Alabama Bankers Association CEO and President Scott Latham, who discussed how economic trends and challenges have affected the industry over the past year and offered their predictions for what 2024 holds in store for the market.

President-Elect Margie Beth Shaw and Alabama REALTORS® Political Action Committee Chair Timothy Mills also presented the 2023 APRAC Awards to the local boards that met - and exceeded - established fundraising goals. 

The Governor’s Cup highlights successes in three major ARPAC indexes – Major Investors, Participation, and Overall Fundraising — and the ten local associations that were recognized for achieving the goal were:

Athens-Limestone Association of REALTORS®

Covington Association of REALTORS®

East Alabama REALTORS®

Lake Martin Association of REALTORS®

Marshall County Association of REALTORS®

Morgan County Association of REALTORS®

Southeast Association of REALTORS®

St. Clair Association of REALTORS®

Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS®

Wiregrass Association of REALTORS®

The Meeks Award recognizes the local boards that aggressively defend and promote the legislative interests of Alabama REALTORS®, maintain positive communications with elected officials, and surpass all other boards in ARPAC support, and the three recipients were:

Small Board Winer – St. Clair Association of REALTORS®

Medium Board Winner – Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS®

Large Board Winner - Baldwin REALTORS®

Rusty Glines, a member of Marshall County Board of REALTORS®, was the winner of the second annual AAR "Day in the Life” photo contest. Members were asked to submit snapshots that depicted a typical day in the Alabama real estate industry. Thank you to all who participated! 

REALTOR® Day participants spent the afternoon at the Alabama State House to meet with their senators and representatives on issues important to the home buying, home selling, and commercial real estate sectors. REALTORS® were also recognized by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth while watching floor action from the Senate Gallery.

The day concluded with REALTORS®, state constitutional officers, and members of the Legislature gathering in the AAR building for the annual legislative reception. Attendees enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres, live music, and the opportunity to further discuss issues facing the real estate industry. As the reception fell on Fat Tuesday of Mardi Gras, members adorned themselves with purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras beads, face masks, and hats to add a festive flair to the reception.

AAR offers its thanks to everyone who made the 2024 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol such a success and ensured that our presence was felt in the committee rooms, corridors, and chambers of the Alabama State House and Capitol Building. Your ongoing support, commitment, and efforts allow AAR to serve as the strong and effective voice of real estate throughout Alabama.