Hello to all ASFMRA Members, Staff and Others.
How quickly things can change. In my last message dated February 25th, I wrote about my travels across the country each week attending Chapter meetings. Since that date, I have not traveled for obvious reasons. A lot of folks struggle with change, and certainly I do sometimes as well. However, I have found comfort and even excitement in what this adversity might direct us to do better for the organization as a whole, for ourselves and, importantly, for others.
Let’s think past the obvious negative things that we are dealing with due to COVID-19 for a moment. The ASFMRA is truly an organization of members who care and support each other. In my last message, I stated, “We are members of an awesome organization, with our second-to-none education and networking opportunities that build new relationships while growing existing friendships.” I consider our organization to be an extended family. In tune with this, I would like to share with you some things that we can and should be doing now as a Society:
- Call members in your area and ask how they are doing and if there is anything you can do to assist them. Some ASFMRA members, their friends or family may be sick, struggling with societal adjustments, or just need personal connection in this time. We can help make those connections in a meaningful and powerful way. You can find contact information for ASFMRA members using the printed Member Directory that was sent to you earlier this year or by using the Find a Land Expert Tool on our website.
- On a professional level, each of us may benefit from tips and best practices on handling today’s challenges, including interacting with elderly clients, working and managing employees remotely, and more. The Ag Open Forum portion of AgProLink (pictured) serves as a great forum to ask questions and share advice with like-minded Society members. Remember, you will need to sign in at the top of the screen in order to see the conversations.
- During my travels to the many ASFMRA Chapters, I found that many of our members had questions or terrific ideas for our Society’s leaders. You can find contact information for your own Chapter’s leaders here. Additionally, I continue to encourage you to contact me anytime by email paulemoore@windstream.net or phone at (859) 806-7311. I don’t always have the answers, but most of the time I know where to get them. Your comments, issues, and discussions are helpful in moving forward.
- Just a simple email, text, phone call or a note to your friends, members of your church, co-workers, and family can go a long way to not only hearten others, but to build and strengthen relationships.
From the ASFMRA’s standpoint, we have postponed our remaining appraisal education courses in Denver, but are working very hard on providing education for those who need it to keep on schedule with licensing or accreditation.
Meanwhile, the Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB) of The Appraisal Foundation is working with the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) to ease facilitation of online continuing education.
I truly feel we will learn much from this adversity despite the many struggles we may be facing today. This is a setback for many people in many ways, but it is only temporary, and there is great opportunity for growth.
I close, as always, with a wish to all of you to make the best out of what you do and to be an active member in our organization. You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain by doing so.
Paul E. Moore, ARA, RPRA
2019-20 ASFMRA President