More than 200 Alabama REALTORS® from across the state gathered in Montgomery last week to attend 2025 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. This annual event provided an opportunity for industry professionals to engage with public officials and emphasize real estate’s vital role in job creation, economic growth, and community development.

Held at The Renaissance Montgomery, the event began with a  welcome from AAR President Margie Beth Shaw. The morning featured a series of insightful panel discussions with state leaders and experts, a luncheon featuring Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John Driscoll, and a legislative briefing from AAR CEO Jeremy Walker. Attendees also celebrated achievements of local REALTOR® boards during the presentation of the 2024 ARPAC Awards.

The morning event kicked off with a legislative panel moderated by Todd Stacy, the host of the Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television. Featured panelists, Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Senator Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery), provided an inside look at this year’s legislative session, and discussed several issues that are important to REALTORS® and communities across Alabama, including state economic projections and the current status of the CHOOSE Act (school choice program).

A significant discussion on tort reform, moderated by Alabama Trucking Association CEO Mark Colson, featured insights from National Federation of Independent Business State Director Rosemary Elebash and Alfa Insurance Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Angie Bradwell. The panel examined the impact of lawsuit abuse, why it matters to Alabama, and the efforts underway to address it in the state.

Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John Driscoll keynoted the luncheon and provided an in-depth look at the state’s port operations and their economic impact, highlighting growth initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s transportation and logistics industries.

The afternoon sessions continued with a Cybersecurity in Real Estate panel moderated by Alabama Daily News Editor and Reporter Mary Sell. Alabama Securities Commission Director Amana Senn, Attorney Saxon Main, and Montgomery Probate Judge JC Love discussed increasing real estate scams, fraudulent listings, and strategies for REALTORS® to safeguard themselves and their clients.

Sell wrapped up the session by moderating a panel on real estate construction and banking that included insights from Home Builders Association of Alabama Executive Vice President Russell Davis and Alabama Bankers Association CEO and President Scott Latham. The discussion covered current market trends and their implications for the future of real estate.

2024 Alabama REALTORS® Political Action Committee (ARPAC) Chair Timothy Mills and 2025 ARPAC Chair Sherri McCollum recognized local boards that met and exceeded their established fundraising goals. 

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

Athens-Limestone Association of REALTORS®

Covington Association of REALTORS®

East Alabama REALTORS®

Lee County Association of REALTORS®

Morgan County Association of REALTORS®

Southeast Association of REALTORS®

St. Clair Association of REALTORS®

Tuscaloosa 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 Winner – St. Clair Association of REALTORS®

Medium Board Winner – Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS®

Large Board Winner - Baldwin REALTORS®

The third annual Day in the Life of a REALTOR photo contest highlighted the everyday dedication of Alabama RELTORS®. Congratulations to Milan Portis, this year’s winner. Thank you to all who participated and helped capture the spirit of the industry! You can find a few entries below.

Participants spent the afternoon at the Alabama State House, engaging with their senators and representatives on issues important to the home buying, home selling, and commercial real estate sectors.

The day concluded with the annual legislative reception at the AAR building, bringing together REALTORS®, state officials, and legislators for an evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. This was an opportunity for further discussions on key industry issues.

AAR extends its thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol! Your commitment ensures that our voices are heard, allowing us to remain an advocate for Alabama’s real estate industry. We look forward to continuing this important work together.