Greetings to all Colorado RLI members!  This is my first President’s Message since assuming the office and there are many things to discuss! 

This message comes to you as we enjoy a holiday season of thanks and reflection.  Much has changed around us in a very short period of time and the effects ripple through our lives, businesses, and communities.  In uncertain times and markets, it is all the more important to be as educated, competent, ethical, and professional as you can, and to nurture and maintain the contacts, networks, and opportunities that are out there.  Your membership in RLI provides the means to all of these benefits.  Your officers and board are continually working on your behalf to provide true, tangible member benefits of being part of the institute.  As you all are doing in your businesses and homes, we in RLI are looking closely at budget matters, and I would anticipate some belt tightening in our operations, also.  Any changes will be made only as necessary or beneficial and always with the member’s benefits foremost in mind.

We have enjoyed some wonderful success in recruiting new members who deal with or are interested in the land business.  We have a large enough tent and offer a wide variety of programs and benefits to attract other land professionals, from the farm brokers to trophy (and cocktail) ranches, to transitional land, water, and development brokers.

With new members coming in and the core membership bringing in good listings, our marketing sessions have become more popular and successful.  The use of PowerPoint and the marketing forms have made for professional presentations and good basic information to be distributed, and deals to be made.  We will be working to improve the flow of the session and the quality of the packages to be presented.  The have/want session and the Buyer’s Board are getting good response, also.  Get the forms and templates off the website www.coloradorli.com , counsel, counsel, counsel your clients and bring your best!

Education is our other main focus and we will strive to continue to offer top quality education geared to the needs of the land professional and to help you meet the requirements to obtain the ALC, Accredited Land Consultant designation.

You can anticipate other positive changes, including additional member benefits, and a formal, fun membership meeting at each of our four quarterly gatherings.

I welcome your input, constructive suggestions, and participation.  Thanks!

Also, please keep our friend Michael Landreth in your thoughts and prayers.  As you know, he lost his beloved wife Joanie suddenly in October, just prior to the National RLI Conference in Orlando.  I can report that Michael is doing OK and was heartened to see many good RLI friends at Joanie’s memorial service.  Thank you all for your kind words and messages of condolence to Michael – I know they mean a lot to him.