Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association

My office is a member of the Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association (SEABIA) and the Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® is an affiliate member as well. That means I'm a member twice.

Most offices spring for membership because it allows for a significan discount on a Home Show booth.

I am a member because I believe in their mission of working together to look for solutions to the problems we all face. It is good networking. We talk about the market, we talk about their issues, and we look for solutions.

Tonight was their Affiliate Member Appreciation night. Every member of our MLS was invited. They had great food, a no-host bar, and great conversation for about two hours this evening. The event was heavily promoted and I believe I received at least four different email invitations, along with everyone else in my office, and everyone else in my industry.

No other REALTORS® bothered to show up. That is so sad. Granted, there were other affiliate members there, but what message was sent to all of our builders?

I will be the first to admit there's not a single deal I can attribute to participating in SEABIA events, other than the Home Show. But when "their" agents drop the ball... who do you think they are going to call?