FCAR Committees
FCAR Committees
Advocacy
The Frederick County Association of REALTORS® (FCAR) represents residential REALTORS® and commercial practitioners involved in all facets of the industry. As the largest professional trade association in Frederick County, FCAR advocates policy initiatives that promote and protect a fundamentally sound and dynamic Frederick County real estate market. FCAR is the voice of real estate in Frederick County. Advocacy achieves FCAR's advocacy goals and objectives:
Affordable Housing: The goal is to find ways to help the community by addressing Affordable Housing issues. May participate in fundraising, outreach, and other special projects.
Fair Housing: Deals with local housing issues, particularly those affecting minorities, low and moderate-income families, and the disabled. May sponsor community awareness events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
Legislative: FCAR's voice in local and state politics. Members may attend county and state meetings. A liaison is appointed to attend Maryland REALTORS® meetings. Monitor and notify membership of local, state, and national issues affecting the industry.
RPAC: REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Helps educate members about supporting RPAC and coordinating RPAC fundraisers to meet/exceed the annual goals.
Advocacy Meets the third Friday of each month at 11:30 AM
Advocacy Chair: Isis Tepper; Vice Chair: Stephanie Vincent
RPAC Subcommittee Chair: Carolyn McCarthy; Vice Chair: Darren Ahearn
Budget & Finance**
Formulates annual budget in conjunction with business and strategic plans. Reviews committee budget requests, monthly financial statements and makes recommendations for budget revision as needed. *
Meets the third Monday of each month at 9:00 AM
Budget and Finance Chair & Board Liaison: Garrett Gillespie
Commercial Council
Looks for ways to offer services to REALTORS® members whose business focuses on commercial real estate. May plan special events and/or seminars and offer suggestions on new professional benefits for commercial REALTORS®.
Meets the second Thursday bi-monthly at 10:00 AM
Commercial Chair: Tom Mitchell
Communications
This committee aids FCAR Communications staff in planning special social content, new member orientation items, and bringing topics and news items to the members' attention that staff members may not already be aware of.
Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM
Communications Chair: Joe Weyman, FCAR Communications Director
Community Service
This committee is the community service arm of the Association. Coordinates fundraising projects and special community service events. Members volunteer and/or organize regular volunteer hours at the Soup Kitchen and other community locations.
Community Service Chair: Lori Reeder; Vice Chair: Frederick Genau
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within FCAR and the communities we serve by promoting equal opportunity and cultural diversity within the association's membership engagement and leadership recruitment. The committee will create initiatives and make recommendations to the Board of Directors to encourage an association culture that embraces and celebrates our differences.
DEI Chair: Brandon Thompson; Vice Chair: Nita Young
Meets the second Monday of each month at 10:00 AM
Education
The Education Committee is a dynamic and proactive group within our organization, dedicated to advancing the knowledge and skills of REALTORS® through comprehensive and engaging continuing education initiatives and professional development.
Mission Statement: The Mission of the Education Committee is devoted to advancing the knowledge and skills of REALTORS® in our community. We meticulously plan and implement continuing education classes that exceed regulatory requirements, providing comprehensive training for all licensees. Our commitment extends beyond mandatory courses to include non-CE classes and seminars covering diverse topics, from personal to business skills. With a passion for excellence, we strive to empower our members with the latest industry insights, fostering their continuous growth and success in the dynamic real estate landscape. Through our efforts, we aim to not only meet but exceed the educational needs of our REALTORS®, contributing to their professional development and enhancing the overall service they provide to our community.
Qualifications & Expectations: Must be an FCAR member in good standing. It is a one-year term with the opportunity to apply again each year.
As members of the Education Committee, your active participation is vital and your commitment contributes to the success of the committee's mission to elevate professional development within FCAR. Here are key expectations:
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Regular Attendance: Attend monthly meetings, no more than two absences to remain on the committee.
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Ideation and Contribution: Share ideas for seminars and training sessions to enrich our offerings.
- New Member Orientations: Attend at least one annually to welcome and inform new members.
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Assist as Needed: Be willing to help as a monitor for CE classes.
- Recruitment: Help to recruit new members by sharing positive experiences and benefits.
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Commitment to Growth: Lead by example in embracing continuous professional development.
Education Chair: Marie Lagos; Vice Chair: Meg Gawler
Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM
Events
Plans and conducts monthly membership meetings. Coordinates annual trade show, election, installation of officers, holiday party, and membership appreciation week. Chooses the recipients of the FCAR Awards and coordinates the awards ceremony. Design programs to focus on member recruitment and retention.
Events Chair: Kelly Malagari; Vice Chair: Jennifer Lewis
Meets the first Monday of each month at 3:00 PM
Forms
The Forms Committee supports our members by providing up to date contracts and addenda that address changes and challenges we face as Realtors every day. Suggestions are received from FCAR members and members of the Committee for new forms, changes to existing forms and deletion of current forms. We work closely with the Maryland Realtors Forms Committee. Participation from all members is encouraged.
Forms Chair: Marie Lagos
Meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM
Professional Standards
Enforces the Code of Ethics by following the established hearing process. This committee is now handled at the state level by Maryland REALTORS®. Learn more.
YPN Advisory
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) helps new real estate professionals excel in their
careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in four core areas:
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REALTOR® Associations
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Real Estate Industry
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Peers
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Community
Meets the first Monday of each month at 9:00 AM
YPN Chair: Houston Darling; Vice Chair: Kelly Vita
Any FCAR member can join the Young Professionals Network Facebook page by clicking on:
https://www.facebook.com/FCARYoungProfessionalNetwork/