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Take advantage of the discounted rate and discover the benefits of National REIA membership
By Leah Templeton
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| Elmer Diaz of National REIA introduced a new strategic alliance with HVA including a special membership rate during the Annual Convention. |
The National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA) and HVA used the Annual Convention to announce a strategic alliance designed to leverage the influence of each on legislative efforts.
National REIA is currently offering HVA franchisees a special rate of $750 to join the organization and gain additional benefits. Approximately 30 franchisees joined at the convention. Troy Miller, National REIA membership liaison, said additional memberships are expected.
“National REIA has created a sponsorship plan for franchisees that benefits both organizations,” said Miller. “With that sponsorship, franchisees receive free attendance at the 2009 Day on the Hill and membership in their local REIA. We had about 30 franchisees sign up at convention. We thought that was very successful.”
In introducing National REIA to the convention, HVA President and CEO John Hayes said that the organization recently strategized a plan to mount lobbying programs at both state and national levels. “What I appreciate about National REIA is first, they have the numbers—some 40,000 members,” Hayes explained.
“Second, they have infrastructure. They collect dues, they communicate with their members, they sponsor numerous meetings where people can get involved. They’re a real association that provides obvious benefits to the membership. We need to be aligned with a professional group that can marshal forces on short notice and achieve results without worrying about the infrastructure and the mechanics. We’ll need money to accomplish these goals, and HVA can’t do it all alone, but I believe we’re on the right track and we’ll be able to raise funds successfully.”
Miller added, “We are creating state organizations legislatively to work together for a state voice on local real estate issues. The strategic alliance between HVA and National REIA will support those legislative efforts. We are working on a state-by-state update for franchisees that are joining our efforts and are staying up on all the trends to help prevent negative legislation. That momentum is leading up to Day on the Hill.”
Day on the Hill offers a focused two-day opportunity for franchisees and National REIA members to meet directly with congressional and senate leaders. Day one is spent at bootcamp preparing to meet with legislators. Day two the group meets with congressional and senate leaders. Day on the Hill, which HomeVestors sponsors, will occur April 22-23 in Washington, D.C. Hayes said he expects to see 500 investors at this year’s event.
“Franchisees shouldn’t wait until legislation directly affects their business,” said Miller. “It’s about power in numbers and trying to bring change now. That’s why it’s so important to band together and for HVA to join.”
Additionally, the $750 membership fee will be used to help develop a legislative committee for each member’s state. It also provides franchisees the opportunity to receive a bottom line discount for the National REIA winter cruise February 7 -14.
Rebecca McLean, National REIA executive director, said the partnership between HVA and REIA is a natural one.
“We’ve aligned because we operate for similar reasons and touch similar people,” she said. “HVA is a business opportunity that gives people support and National REIA is a trade association that supports those same people. Both groups have specifically targeted issues we agree on and need to come together to promote. That includes being proactive within legislation.”
McLean added that HVA’s strong national presence coupled with National REIA’s grassroots efforts makes the two groups an ideal match for the continuing fight for legislation on Capitol Hill.
“Many of our people are legislative-focused because unfortunately they have already been hit with legislation and know how it can negatively affect business,” she said. “So we’re partnering with HVA to make people aware, be proactive and better benefit the real estate community. Our members are investors who are in the trenches selling properties day-to-day, just like HVA franchisees. Joining National REIA and your local chapter provides the opportunity to network with vendors and investors on economic topics, what areas are thriving or dying and really discuss what is impacting the community on a local level. Franchisees are not alone on the local level, we’re there to help.”
McLean said National REIA is gearing up to launch a subscription-only legislative Web site that members can access. But there are many advantages for franchisees right now.
“When HVA franchisees join National REIA they gain more than just the opportunity to participate in our meetings,” said McLean. “On the local level there are many membership benefits,” including discounts on products and services needed by investors.
Franchisees are encouraged to join National REIA for the special $750 rate by contacting Troy Miller at troy@nationalreia.com or 888.762.7342.
Franchisees may pay the membership fee in one installment or an initial $150 and $50 each month for one year.
. . .Leah Templeton is an account executive at BizCom Associates, HVA’s public relations agency.
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