Formed as the result of a merger in January 2000, the association comprises a geographical area that once was the territory of three former REALTOR associations – specifically – the Holland, North Ottawa and Muskegon Association of REALTORS.
Simply stated, WMLAR is a trade organization providing services to its members, who then deal directly with the public. The Mission Statement states we are “A Lakeshore Association dedicated to the growth of real estate professionals and the future of their communities.”
WMLAR is a member of Michigan REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest organization of its kind in the United States, comprising a membership of nearly 1.5 million. As a ‘member governed’ organization, salaries and employee benefits are paid for via member fees. It is imperative to remember that staff are engaged to serve the members and carry out the policies of the governing body, in
our case, an elected Board of Directors. It is this volunteer Board that sets policy and oversees the finances and services of the association. The Board also hires a full time CEO to direct staff and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. The CEO is directly responsible to the Board of Directors and is liaison between them and the rest of the staff. All other paid employees are responsible to the CEO who makes decisions relative hiring, training and termination of employees.
A separate, ‘for profit’ corporation also governed by the Board of Directors, is the MLS part of the overall operation. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a shareholder in what is known as MichRIC, the Michigan Regional Information Center, a database of listings contributed to by member Associations in Michigan.
Originally incorporated July 2, 1992, REALTORS® Who Care is the charitable (501(c)(3)) arm of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® who raise funds through various ways to help people in our community with specific needs. Throughout the year, non-dues revenue is generated through various fundraising events and contributions are made to worthy causes throughout West Michigan. (We are one of the very few local REALTOR® Associations in the country to have a nonprofit! That’s definitely something to be proud of!)
WMLAR operates to protect the interests of REALTORS, buyers, sellers, and others interested in private property rights. As such, it is actively involved in political affairs. An association such as ours serves its members through many programs and services which tend to enhance a member’s ability to conduct business successfully with fairness, integrity, and freedom. Our REALTOR organization strives to protect industry rights and promote the extension and preservation of the right to own, transfer and use real property.
WMLAR provides its members with Educational Opportunities, Political Affairs Lobbying, Public Relations, Professional Standards, Social Functions, and ongoing communications.
