Hello LoCAR Members and Friends --
2025 has been a very busy and productive year at LoCAR!
One of the year’s major highlights was completing our first full year in the office condo we purchased for the Association. By the end of November, the condo was fully paid off, and all renovation expenses were also covered—an important milestone for LoCAR.
Additional operational updates included the installation of a new phone system and internet service, both of which will result in lower monthly costs than our previous plans.
From July through October, the office condo underwent a complete renovation to better accommodate meetings, workspaces, and storage needs. Walls were moved and work areas reconfigured; new flooring was installed; cabinets were relocated; and the entire office received a fresh coat of paint. The result is a more functional and welcoming space for our members.
Committee Highlights
LoCAR’s committees were very active throughout the year:
Affiliate Committee
The Affiliate Committee planned and hosted the Chili Cook-Off and Trivia Night. LoCAR values its Affiliate members as true business partners. Their generous support—through event sponsorships and contributions of time and resources—makes a meaningful impact throughout the year, and we sincerely appreciate it.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee oversaw member recognition and awards programs. Awards for 2024 were distributed at the Spring General Membership Meeting and Awards Breakfast.
Bylaws/Policy Committee
The Bylaws/Policy Committee met throughout the year and meticulously reviewed the entire LoCAR Policy, making appropriate recommendations for updates where necessary.
Community Outreach Committee
The Community Outreach Committee experienced a tremendous loss this year with the passing of REALTOR® Mary Shoemaker, who chaired the committee for many years and was wholeheartedly committed to its mission.
The committee assists local programs in meeting community needs and spearheaded activities such as:
- Volunteering at Good Knights to make beds for children in need
- Collecting donations for the Lorain County Dog Kennel
- Volunteering at Neighborhood Alliance and Oberlin Community Services
- Delivering Thanksgiving meals
- Supporting the “Adopt a Military Family” Christmas program
They also hosted a Cornhole Fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Neighborhood Alliance’s Meals on Wheels program.
Community Outreach Committee
In June, LoCAR held its annual Charity Golf Outing, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Neighborhood Alliance Haven Center Emergency Shelter—the area’s only 24-hour, 365-day emergency shelter serving men, women, and children.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee organized and facilitated New Member Orientations and helped plan the Spring and Fall General Membership Meetings.
Networking Committee
In May, the Networking Committee hosted its second fundraiser for the LoCAR Scholarship benefiting the Lorain County Community College Foundation. The event—a Designer Bag Bingo—supported scholarships for students pursuing careers related to the housing and building industry.
Professional Development Committee
The Professional Development Committee delivered another successful year of education. Classes included:
- Social Media: A Tool, Not a Distraction
- Fanatical Prospecting
- Meet ChatGPT
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee met throughout the year to identify priorities aimed at strengthening engagement, efficiency, and overall impact. And will continue to do so moving forward.
RPAC Committee
The RPAC Committee hosted the “Shake Your Shamrocks” event. LoCAR’s RPAC goal for 2025 was $9,000, and thanks to our members’ generosity, $11,789 was raised.
A total of 273 members contributed, up from 110 the previous year.
Social Media Committee
The Social Media Committee continues to do outstanding work maintaining LoCAR’s Facebook and Instagram presence. Their efforts included:
- Refreshing social media platforms
- Event sponsor recognition
- Promotional videos for events and classes
- Spotlight features on new Affiliate members
- Sharing road closures, holiday reminders, and voting information
YPN Committee
LoCAR’s YPN Committee focused on empowering real estate professionals through involvement in REALTOR® associations, industry engagement, peer relationships, and community service. Their activities included Brew Crews, Speed Networking, a Kickball Tournament and Scavenger Hunt, a Bowling Fall Mixer, and volunteering alongside the Community Outreach Committee at Good Knights.
In Memoriam
I would also like to acknowledge the passing of REALTOR® members Geoff Lloyd and Mary Shoemaker.
Geoff served the Lorain County Association of REALTORS® for 23 years, holding positions including president, vice president, director, and committee chair. Mary served as Community Outreach Committee Chair and as a director. Both are deeply missed.
It has been an honor to serve as LoCAR’s 2025 President. This year has been both enlightening and rewarding, allowing me to forge new collaborative relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Wishing you all a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year!
