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 TIM
KENT
Executive Director
N.C. Association of Realtors
By: Suzanne Bledsoe
Mike Rash introduced our speaker today by first redefining the
activities that normally occur on February 2, Ground Hog Day. He
described it as the day two of our well known local real estate
moguls survey the landscape and decide what properties they need to
buy next. Tim Kent, Executive Director of the North Carolina
Association of Realtors (NCAR) would probably agree that there are
still plenty of opportunities in Charlotte and the rest of North
Carolina for them to pursue!
Tim has served in his present role since October of 2000 and prior
to that was in a similar role at the American Institute of
Architects for 10 years. Tim also spent many years as a TV
journalist, following his graduation from USC (as in Southern
California).
As head of NCAR, Tim suggests that he is the #1 Boogie Man of the
Bush administration…as a lobbyist for a special interest group. The
mission of the NCAR is to promote free enterprise, provide
affordable home ownership and protect the property rights of
homeowners. His cause is aided by the fact that housing has had a
decidedly positive impact on the economy over the past three years
both nationally and in North Carolina. In 2003, over 6.1 million
homes were sold in the United States, representing a 9% increase
over previous years, and setting a new record for home ownership. In
North Carolina alone, we saw a 16% increase in the number of homes
sold over the previous highest year. While volume was high, prices
remained flat, except in the second home arena, which saw increases
as high as 17%.
Tim cited several reasons why the housing market was so strong:
historically low interest rates, what he called the “cocooning
effect” (post 9/11 desire to stay closer to home and be with family
and friends), and weak financial markets. North Carolina
participated in this phenomenon, particularly in coastal and
mountain areas, where good values continue to abound.
More of the same is expected for 2004 and it is projected that over
5.8 million homes will change hands, slightly lower than 2003 but
still high compared to previous years. Low interest rates will fuel
this volume as well as continuing effects from social and economic
changes triggered by the events of 9/11. In fact, Tim projects the
market will remain strong for several years due to the beginning of
the retirement years for the Baby Boomers combined with continuing
low interest rates and low inflation. All of this bodes well for
those in the real estate business, although Tim cited a current
concern that there is a glut of residential real estate
professionals in the market currently. As always, the best will
succeed and the smart ones will figure out how to use technology
(the Internet, specifically) and economic conditions to their
benefit.
In spite of very positive indicators for the industry in general and
our area in particular, Tim cited some obstacles to continued growth
of our region. High corporate and individual income taxes and
mediocre economic incentives for relocating companies lead the list
of reasons why companies looking to relocate don’t choose North
Carolina.
In closing, Tim reiterated that the top priority of the NCAR is to
promote and support affordable housing, particularly in urban areas.
He described what he called the “Californization of North Carolina”
whereby areas like the Triad are becoming commuter communities to
larger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, because housing in those
areas is more affordable and family friendly. This trend could
result in “the American dream of home ownership becoming an empty
mirage.”
Head Table:
Gregg Walker, John Shell, Mike Rash, Tom
Robertson, Joey Godbold, Jody Billiard
Visitors and Guests:
Invocation: Jeff Triplette; Music: Gregg Walker; Visitors &
Guests: Pete deWitt; Health & Happiness: Randall Groves and Herb
Harriss
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Attendance
Record |
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2/10/04 |
2/11/03 |
| visitors &
guests |
14 |
22 |
| club
members |
187 |
183 |
| total
attendance |
201 |
205 |
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Wedding
Anniversaries |
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20 Jocelyn and Louis Rose |
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New
Members | Resignations |
Joey Godbold
Todd Stevens |
Tim Saunders |
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| Roaming
Rotarians |
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Susan Patterson, Columbus, GA | |
| Birthdays and
Birthplaces |
17 Ken Poe, Charlotte, NC
18 Duke Ison, Charlotte, NC
18 Tom Norwood, Durham, NC
19 Warren Kean, Baton Rouge, LA
20 Mary Ciminelli
20 Brian Gibson, Alexandria, VA |
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2003-04
RI
Theme
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z Ralston
Pound is recuperating nicely from knee replacement
surgery on Monday. He has already been up on a walker and has
started therapy. He’ll be at Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital
for the next several days.
z
REMINDER –
if you are interested in being a host family for
the student exchange
program, contact
Don Millen at 704-342-3491, ext 100.
He is looking for three or four families to host a student in
their home for two to three months between September 2004 and
June 2005.
z
Reservations are
required
for the February 24th Joint
Rotary Meeting
that will be held at the Adams Mark Hotel. Contact the
Rotary office if you have not yet done so.
z
The Rotary Club of Charlotte has
committed to having five or six volunteers EACH MONTH at
Classroom Central.
Do project coordinator John
Johnson
a favor and call him to volunteer so he won’t have to call
for help each month. These are the dates – February 19, March
18, April 28, and May 20.
z
The Habitat for Humanity
project starts February 12th. Check
the website (www.charlotterotary.org) for the schedule, list of
items needed each day, and directions to the site. Those able to
provide food should contact Edwin Peacock at 704-347-1080, ext
13 or
epeacockiii@juno.com.
z
Katie Tyler
has been named Treasurer of WFAE’s board of
directors, University Radio Foundation, Inc.
z
From Charlotte Business Journal:
David Erdman has been on the campaign
trail for his friend, Sen. John Edwards;
Tom O’Brien is assisting
Historic Charlotte in its site search for new office space; Exit
Realty has appointed Mike Rash
broker in charge of the firm’s local corporate office;
Ray Killian’s son Ray has been
installed president of the Home Builders Association of
Charlotte; Ron Kimble
has been working on the merger plan
with Visit Charlotte, the coliseum authority, the Charlotte Area
Hotel Association and the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and
Tourism Alliance. Mike
Crum has expressed interest in the new
CEO role; and Jerry Orr
talks about challenges and recruiting
competition at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. |
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NEW MEMBER
BALLOT |
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The Classification and Membership Committee
recommend and the Directors approve for consideration for all
members, the following NEW MEMBER. Should you question the
eligibility of any nominee, please call the Rotary Office by
February 17th. You will be contacted by a member of the Board.
Otherwise, no reply is necessary and election will proceed
according to our bylaws. |
Michele Fish
Integra Staffing & Executive Search
Classification: Staffing Services
Proposed: David Zimmerman
Endorsers: Ronnie Pruett & Dave Guilford
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Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
(Ken)
Providence United Methodist Church
Classification: Religion, Methodist Pastorate
Proposed: Ken Poe
Endorsers: Harley Dickson & John Rogers |
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CARTS
(Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) |
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The CART Fund is dedicated to helping find a cure
for Alzheimer’s disease by providing significant funds for
research. Alzheimer’s research institutions across the country
have discovered the strength of Rotary through the grants made
possible by the CART Fund. There will be a blue bucket at the
check in table each week and your participation will ensure the
District reaches its goal of raising $33,000 during 2003-2004.
To date, the Charlotte club has collected $61.52. |
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