MSAR Takes Home the Gold at the Georgia REALTORS® Inaugural & Legislative Conference
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February 16-20 was a monumental week - for Georgia REALTORS, for the industry, for legislation, and for MSAR - all culminating around the Georgia REALTORS Inaugural & Legislative Conference and Legislative Day at the Dome.
- President Al Hooker brought home the gold by being chosen as one of 2 Georgia REALTORS YPN Young Achievers for 2025. Al was honored along with his friend, Mindy McBroom of the Fayette County Board for his leadership, business insights, and determined pursuit of excellence for the REALTOR organization. We are so proud!
- Member, Debbie Donaldson, was selected as GAR's Good Neighbor of the Year for her remarkable volunteer commitment as the Service Projects Chair of the Henry County Rotary Club. Under her direction, the club recruited 180 volunteers who contributed 567 service hours. Those efforts helped to raise $434,417 in donations, benefiting 48,377 Henry County residents. You've left us all big shoes to fill, Debbie!
- VP of Member Services, Raquel Lavender, was recognized for having graduated the GAR Leadership Academy, a rigorous leadership development program designed to prepare leaders to take the next step along their journeys. Something Raquel consistently does is take those next steps confidently to each level, inspiring others to follow.
- Several of our Members were recognized as top RPAC Investors as follows:
- Kim Freshwater, Immediate Past President:
- Golden R Investment Level
- President's Circle
- GAR Top Investor - Bronze Level (10K)
- Barbara Dyer, Past President - 2012
- Crystal R Investment Level
- GAR Top Investor - Bronze Level (10K)
- Rep. Clint Crowe, Past President - 2017
- Crystal R Investment Level
- GAR Top Investor - Bronze Level (10K)
- Rhonda Ross, MSAR State Director
- Crystal R Investment Level
Leaders and conference goers also shared in GAR President Brianne's Drake's historic and moving inauguration as GAR's first Black President. We jammed out at Club Drake (karaoke), took several classes, listened to an inspiring keynote, and networked with 1300+ REALTORS from all across the state.
Day at the Dome:
On Wednesday, 2/18, 40+ MSAR members climbed aboard our charter bus and rode to the People's House (State Capitol) to begin our early morning meetings with legislators. In many ways, these meetings were the most important part of the entire conference. Our members had the opportunity to share their REALTOR perspectives with 8 different legislators within our association's geographic area, many of whom were actively working on real estate-related legislation. We made connections with State Senator Rick Williams and State Representatives Clint Crowe, Eric Bell, Rhonda Burnough, Houston Gaines, Demetrius Douglas, Regina Lewis-Ward, and El-Mahdi Holly.
This conference was fun, but it was also work! Work we often don't talk enough about but supports our association's core mission of empowering RELATORS and protecting private property rights. The positive momentum and connections made were some of the best yet! Please take a look at the photo album, linked below, to revisit conference, or experience it for the first time. If you couldn't make it, don't hesitate to join us next year!
1% Better Every Day!
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A Mighty March: Come to these events to Power Up your Real Estate Business!
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Hello MSAR Members:
My name is Melanie Butler, and I am one of your Affiliate Business Partners. I work with United Bank and help your buyers get the financing they need. Give this video a watch and take a look at all the events upcoming in March. They even added some after I shot this video! I can't wait to see you there!
Melanie Butler
United Bank
770-504-7022
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Upcoming Classes & Events
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Click on any of the linked events below to see full information and register:
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Celebrating Women's History Month!
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MSAR is blessed to have had some amazing Women guide our association as President, and many more in various leadership roles. Kim Freshwater led us into a season of enhanced efficiency, a refined strategic plan, and an increase in legislative efforts and RPAC contributions. Cynthia Brown heralded connection and creativity to enhance the member experience. Cynthia Crawford stepped up through a season of change and cared for the prosperity of all our members. Deasha Bond led us through the pandemic with grace and kept our organization relevant and thriving. Many, many women came before them, each with their own story, their presidential legacy, and a sacrifice. Take some time to learn from them and ask them about the experience. When you bump into them, please thank them for their dedication to our collective success. As GAR President Brianne Drake said, we stand on the shoulders of giants who paved the way to today. We are proud to say thank you to every woman who stepped up and said yes MSAR.
- Kim Freshwater - 2025
- Cynthia Brown - 2024
- Cynthia Crawford - 2022
- Deasha Bond - 2021
- Brande Smith - 2020
- Carla Haight - 2018
- Michelle Griffin - 2015
- Brianne Drake - 2013
- Barbara Dyer - 2012
- Earlene Garnder - 2011
- Charlene Faucette - 2008
- Amy Huber - 2007
- Tammy Carlisle - 2006
- Susan Clowdus - 2004
- Sandra McCrary - 2003
- Sharon Patterson - 2002
- Dotte Wise - 1997
- Paulette Bunn - 1996
- Lynda R. Dunn - 1993 & 1995
- Barbara Woodall - 1990
- Mary Perkins - 1987
- Belle Ramsey - 1986
- Louise Bennett - 1982
- Patricia Templeton - 1980
- Gladys Bradley - 1978
- Francine Walker - 1973
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General Membership Luncheon
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Join MSAR at our Quarter 1 General Membership Meeting & Luncheon. Enjoy complimentary lunch, professional networking opportunities, MSAR business updates, special presentations, and a tour from our host, Creekside Christian Academy.
- Location: Creekside Christian Academy, 245 Mt. Carmel Road, Hampton, GA 30228
- Complimentary for MSAR Members / $25 for Non-Members
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Join us for a fun night of networking on St. Patrick's Day!
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It's not a date... but sparks WILL fly! Affiliate Speed Dating Games & Prizes Drinks & Refreshments All designed to spark connections that actually grow your business. Mix, mingle, and make matches that matter!
- MSAR Affiliates: Complimentary - Dress festive, bring food, snacks, giveaways, and a good time.
- REALTORS®: Complimentary - Come ready to mingle and swipe right on your future.
Reach out with any questions!
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Tickets Still Available
Circle of Excellence 2026
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Applications for production awards have closed, but tickets are still open for all MSAR members and their guests. The Circle of Excellence is a unique opportunity to rub elbows with MSAR's top producers, network, and throw a regency party like never before. Hello!?! It's BRIDGERTON! We hope to see you there!
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Will you help us reach 100%? Click the links below to learn more about why investing in the future of your industry is more important now than ever.
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If you would like to discuss making your contribution another way or want to inquire about past giving, please email david@msarboard.com or call 770-477-7579.
Members who have made their investments for 2026:
- Major Investors: $1000+
- Barbara Dyer
- Karen Devonshire
- Ambassador Club: $500+
- Kim Freshwater
- Brian O'Neal
- Capitol Club: $200+
- Raquel Lavender
- Rhonda Ross
- Shannon Watkins
- Al Hooker
- Cynthia Crawford
- $99 Club: $99+
- Jasholyn Rambeau
- Mysti Knox
- Robin Brake
- Kent Miller
- Brandy Gomes
- Phillp Stewart
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Introducing: Member Feedback Form
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- The MSAR Board of Directors wants to hear from you! Member feedback is delivered to the Board of Directors at all regularly scheduled meetings. Please use this form to submit any feedback to the Board of Directors regarding any aspect of your experience with MSAR. The form is available at any time on the msarboard.com menu link at the top of the page (desktop) and in the side menu (mobile). You may submit feedback anonymously or with the intention to be contacted.
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Special Awards Extension!
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Updated Deadline: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 9:00am
It's Special Awards Season at Metro South Association of REALTORS®! Do you know a Broker, Affiliate, Rookie, Administrator, or Humanitarian in our membership who has really shown out in 2025? Is it YOU?! Click the links below to learn more about and nominate any MSAR member (or yourself) for one of the following awards.
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2027 MSAR Leadership Applications are Open!
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Good Referrals Start With Great Partners
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Do you need a professional you can trust your clients with in any of the following industries?
GREAT NEWS! We have trusted professionals for each. Click any category above to see a list of MSAR's Affiliate Business Partners. These partners consistently look for new ways to show up for MSAR, provided value to members, and offer the best products and services. Please consider returning the favor and recommending their services to your next client, or even for yourself!
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Visit us on Social Media!
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